Senior Master Sergeant Harold Colbert Scholarship Fund
Unity For Equality is a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated in uplifting communities in need. With the support of the generous contributors & volunteers we aspire in aiding the poorest communities that are affected by poverty, disasters or other misfortunes. Together we can make the impact that the world needs.
Mission and Vision
Unity For Equality is a non-for-profit community based organization. Our mission is to empower and integrate underserved communities and other immigrants into the civic and economic life.
We assist individuals and families in the areas of advocating for social justice, boosting civic engagement, educational opportunities, healthcare access for all, and senior support services.
The purpose of the Senior Master Sergeant Harold Colbert Scholarship Fund is to empower and support outstanding individuals who demonstrate exceptional potential, dedication, and a strong commitment to their academic and personal growth. This scholarship seeks to provide financial assistance to those who have exhibited a genuine passion for higher education, while also embodying the values of Unity For Equality. By investing in the education of promising students, we aim to foster a community of future leaders and innovators who will contribute positively to their fields and make a lasting impact on society.
Who Should Apply?
Class Year Eligibility
This scholarship opportunity is open to students who have graduated high school during or before summer of 2023 and will be entering college in the upcoming academic year 2023. Eligible applicants should be enrolling as students during the specified academic term. Students from all majors and disciplines are encouraged to apply.
Accomplishments
This scholarship opportunity is open to applicants regardless of citizenship, emphasizing our commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Regardless of your country of citizenship, you are encouraged to apply for this scholarship. We believe that a global community of scholars enriches the learning environment and fosters cross-cultural understanding.
Academic Achievement
We seek students who have demonstrated a level of academic excellence. The following serves as a guideline to applying but are not strict cut-offs:
Academic Criteria
Grades and Rigor of High School Curriculum
Primarily A’s in the most challenging courses available (usually including Honors, AP, and/or IB level courses)
Class Rank
Top 15% of graduating class.
Standardized Test Scores (If Taken)
- SAT score >1260
- ACT composite score >27
- We encourage students to report any SAT, ACT, AP, IB, TOEFL, or SAT Subject Test scores available.
Please note: Test scores are not required to apply. All applications are reviewed holistically, so students who have not taken standardized tests can still be selected as Finalists;
however, they should ensure they meet the standardized testing requirements for each college they’re interested in.
Additional Criteria
Evidence of strong writing ability, intellectual spark, and
determination.
Financial Qualifications
Finalists come from households earning less than $65,000 annually for a typical household of four and have minimal assets. This is not a strict cut-off and we encourage students who feel they have faced significant financial hardship to review these financial criteria carefully to see if they may qualify. The Awards Selection Committee will thoroughly review the financial information in each student’s application. Students who are selected as finalists will need to submit official documentation verifying their financial situation.
Financial Criteria
Household Income
All sources of household income are taken into account, including, but not limited to:
● Salaries, wages, and tips
● Business and farm income
● Rental income
● Interest and dividend income
● Retirement distributions
● Alimony
● Child support received
Assets
All assets held by the household are taken into consideration, including:
● Home ownership
● Business or farm ownership
● Cash and savings
● Investments
● Additional properties
Non-custodial parent income and assets
Students with divorced or separated parents must report the income and assets of their non-custodial parent, as this information is taken into consideration by our college partners when determining financial need. The only exception is when the student has not had contact with the non-custodial parent for an extended period of time.
Household circumstances
Individual household circumstances are taken into consideration, including:
● The number of people supported by the household income
● The number of students in college (undergraduate only)
● Unemployment or other changes to the household income
● Eligibility for free or reduced-price lunch
● Having been in foster care
● Other non-discretionary financial commitments, such as high medical bills
Personal Circumstances
Personal Circumstances
Parents' level of education
Preference may be given to first generation in their family to attend a four-year college in the U.S.
Activities, including home or family responsibilities
Personal traits
Strength in character and motivation to succeed.
How to Apply
● Information on your academics, activities, household, and financial background
● A resume (highly recommended)
● Two essays
o 1 essay – 500 words – Describe a time you demonstrated leadership.
o 1 essay – 500 words – Discuss a community service project you have participated in and the impact it had on the community.
● Three teacher recommendations
● Proof of community service – 20 hours minimum
● School Report from your current high school counselor
● Current high school transcript and additional transcripts (unofficial transcripts are accepted)
● Any available standardized test score reports (if taken). We accept SAT, ACT, Subject Tests, IB, AP, or TOEFL test scores (unofficial test score reports are accepted)
* Access to previous year tax returns and other financial documents is are required and will help you complete the application accurately. Please have all documentation ready prior to starting the application.