Scholarship Program

Scholarship Program

Academic year 2026-2027 is now Open!

For over 20 years, our Foundation has proudly supported higher education, awarding nearly $800,000 USD in scholarships to over 700 college and university students. We're excited to announce our scholarship program for this year, building on our commitment to academic excellence!

Scholarship Awards

This year, we are offering a limited number of scholarships across various levels to recognize outstanding students.

  • Platinum Level Scholarship:
    • One (1) award of $2,500
    • Awarded to the applicant with the highest combined score from their personal and academic summary and GPA.
  • Gold Level Scholarship:
    • One (1) award of $2,000
    • Awarded to the applicant with the second-highest combined score from their personal and academic summary and GPA.
  • Silver Level Scholarship:
    • One (1) award of $1,500
    • For the applicant (sophomore, junior, or senior) with the top college GPA.
    • One (1) award of $1,500
    • For the applicant (freshman) with the top high school GPA.
  • Bronze Level Scholarships:
    • Twelve (12) awards up to $1,250 each
    • Awarded to applicants with the top combined scores from their personal and academic summary and GPA (high school GPA for freshmen, college GPA for sophomores, juniors, and seniors).
    • Note: More Bronze scholarships may be awarded if additional funds are secured.
  • Top University Scholarship:
    • One (1) award of $3,000
    • Awarded once per year to an applicant enrolled in a Top 20 university in the United States.
    • If multiple eligible applicants apply, the student with the highest GPA will receive this award. Other eligible applicants will be considered for general scholarships.

Program Purpose

Our scholarship program aims to incentivize academic excellence and support Circassian students in their pursuit of higher education.

Target Population

This program is specifically for Circassian college students pursuing higher education.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for a scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Circassian heritage.
  • Full-time enrollment as a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior during the 2026-2027 academic year.
  • Enrollment in an accredited college or university within the USA.
  • US Citizens, permanent residents, or international students residing in the USA with a valid visa.
  • Demonstrating financial need. Applicants may not be receiving full financial aid or a full scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year from other sources that fully cover their costs. The Foundation reserves the right to request official documentation from your college/university clarifying your financial status.

Important Dates & Deadlines

  • Mandatory Online Orientation Meeting:
    • Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
    • Time: 12:00 Noon EST
    • Requirement: ALL applicants are REQUIRED TO ATTEND. Failure to attend will result in disqualification. No exceptions will be made.
      • Register Here: https://forms.gle/vYPjH4FvmcTDxssg6
      • Registration deadline for Orientation Meeting: Saturday, September 12, 2026
  • Application and Supporting Documents Deadline:
    • Date: Midnight of Monday, October 11, 2026
    • No extensions or exceptions will be made for any reason, including technical difficulties. We strongly advise you to submit your application and all supporting documents as early as possible to avoid disqualification.

Application Procedure

Follow these steps to complete your scholarship application:

  1. Complete the Online Scholarship Application Form.
  2. Submit an Online Personal & Academic Summary

    Please upload a comprehensive breakdown of your achievements, over the last four (4) years, that demonstrates your dedication as a well-rounded student. Include brief descriptions for each of the following (no more than 200 words for each of the 5 following categories):

    • Extracurricular Activities: Organizations, clubs, sports, or creative pursuits, and arts.
    • Leadership positions held
    • Community Service: Volunteer work and local civic engagement (include hours and key outcomes).
    • Work Experience: Part-time/full-time jobs, seasonal work, or internships (include primary responsibilities).
    • Honors & Awards: Notable academic, civic, or personal recognitions received.
  3. Submit Official GPA Scores.
    • High school transcripts for freshmen
    • College/university transcripts for sophomores, juniors, and seniors
    • Important: Transcripts must be official and mailed or emailed directly from your institution to the CEF. Unofficial documents will not be accepted.
    • Email to: submissions@circassianfoundation.org
    • Mail to: Circassian Education Foundation P.O. Box 2276, Wayne, NJ 07470
  4. Submit Proof of Full-Time Enrollment.
    • Provide official transcripts from your accredited college or university in the USA for the 2026-2027 academic year.
    • Important: Transcripts must be official and mailed or emailed directly from your institution to the CEF. Unofficial documents will not be accepted.
    • Email to: submissions@circassianfoundation.org
    • Mail to: Circassian Education Foundation P.O. Box 2276, Wayne, NJ 07470
  5. Understand Application Limits:
    • County/2-year college students: Limited to three (3) scholarship attempts.
    • Four-year college students: Limited to five (5) scholarship attempts

Incomplete Applications

Incomplete applications will be ineligible. Ensure all required items are submitted by the deadline. Applications generally cannot be revised, amended, or supplemented past the Monday, October 11, 2026, deadline, except for the submission of required supporting documents.

PLEASE BE SURE TO COMPLETE YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION WITH ALL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE TO AVOID DISQUALIFICATION.

Scholarship Awards Gala

Join us to celebrate and announce our scholarship recipients!

  • Time: 6:00 PM
  • Date: Wednesday, November 25, 2026
  • Location: The Tides Estates at 1245 Belmont Ave, North Haledon, NJ 07508

Requirements for Recipients

  • Each scholarship recipient is required to sell at least two (2) admission tickets for the gala. Tickets can be obtained from Board members.
  • Scholarship recipients must attend the Scholarship Award Gala and ceremony. Failure to participate will result in forfeiture of the scholarship award.
  • Awards will be announced at the event. Each recipient will receive an acknowledgment certificate and a check payable directly to their college or university.

Fundraising

The CEF is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization. Your donations help us continue supporting students! Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated and may be tax-deductible.

Important Timeline & Document Submission Reminders

  • The online scholarship application deadline is Sunday, October 11, 2026.
  • All required original and official supporting documents (proof of enrollment, transcripts, and any other requested materials) must be received by the CEF via email (submissions@circassianfoundation.org), OR mail (P.O. Box 2276, Wayne, NJ 07470), or hand delivery to a Director no later than Sunday, October 11, 2026.
  • NO EXCEPTIONS will be made for documents submitted after the deadline, regardless of the cause (e.g., delays from your college/university or third-party services).
  • We strongly recommend you regularly check with your college/university and monitor your emails for updates from CEF to ensure all documents are submitted correctly and on time.

The submission must be your own original writing. Copying and plagiarizing will result in disqualification from the scholarship.

Pledge by scholarship applicant

First pledge: Hereby I pledge to give my full support, to the best of my ability, now and in the future, to cause of education of all Circassians. I also pledge to give my full support, to the best of my ability, now and in the future, to the Circassian Education Foundation in its mission and activities to promote education, culture, knowledge and acquisition of modern life skills to all Circassians in the USA and the world. I specifically emphasize the inspiration of children and youth toward higher education. I shall make supporting and participating in charitable work a very important part of my life.

Second pledge: Hereby I pledge that I shall write the requirements with my own writing ability without help from anyone else or anything else. I shall not commit plagiarizing from any source. I shall not use the help of artificial intelligence (AI). If I am found to have committed plagiarizing and/or usage of AI, I understand that I will be disqualified from the scholarship.