ATHENA Scholarship

What Is the ATHENA Scholarship?

The ATHENA Scholarship is a competitive, meritbased award that aims to empower bright, motivated students who demonstrate academic prowess, leadership potential, and a commitment to service. Established by the Athena Foundation in 2010, the program has grown to support more than 2,000 scholars across undergraduate and graduate studies worldwide.

Named after the Greek goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare, the scholarship embodies the ideals of intellect, courage, and civic responsibility. Recipients join a vibrant community of alumni who are making a difference in fields such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics, public policy, arts, and education.

Eligibility Criteria

While the scholarship is open to a broad range of students, applicants must meet the following baseline requirements:

• Be enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program.
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
• Demonstrate leadership experience through clubs, student government, research projects, or community initiatives.
• Show evidence of community involvement or volunteer service.
• Submit a personal essay (max 1,000 words) describing academic goals, leadership philosophy, and how the scholarship will help achieve future ambitions.
• U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and international students studying in the United States are eligible. Some partner institutions also accept applications from their homecountry students.

What the Scholarship Provides

Each ATHENA Scholar receives a package designed to reduce financial barriers and enhance professional development:

• Financial award: $10,000$25,000 per academic year, renewable for up to four years (undergraduate) or two years (graduate) based on academic standing.
• Mentorship: Oneonone mentorship with an ATHENA alumna/us or industry leader in the scholars field of interest.
• Professional workshops: Access to exclusive webinars on research methods, entrepreneurship, public speaking, and career planning.
• Networking events: Invitations to annual ATHENA conferences, regional meetups, and online community forums.
• Internship pipeline: Preference for internships with partner corporations, NGOs, and government agencies.

How to Apply

The application cycle runs annually from early October to late January. Follow these steps to submit a complete application:

1. Create an account on the ATHENA portal.
2. Upload official transcripts and a copy of your current enrollment verification.
3. Provide two letters of recommendationone academic and one from a leadership or service supervisor.
4. Write a personal essay (max 1,000 words) that answers the prompts provided on the portal.
5. Complete the online questionnaire covering demographic data, extracurricular activities, and career aspirations.
6. Review all materials for accuracy and submit before the deadline.

After submission, applications are reviewed by a panel of faculty members and industry experts. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to a virtual interview.

Contact & Further Information

For questions about eligibility, application requirements, or the selection process, please reach out to the scholarship office:

• Email: scholarships@athenascholarship.org
• Phone: +1 (800) 5550123 (MonFri, 9am5pm EST)
• Address: 123 Athena Way, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20001

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