Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program

Program Overview

The Thomas Jefferson Scholarship (TJS) is a prestigious, meritbased award that supports undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to public service. Established to honor the legacy of Thomas Jeffersonan advocate for education, liberty, and civic responsibilitythe program seeks to nurture the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and community leaders.

Each year, a select group of scholars receives a renewable scholarship covering tuition, fees, and a stipend for books and personal expenses. In addition, scholars gain access to a network of mentors, internships, studyabroad opportunities, and a suite of professionaldevelopment workshops.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or eligible noncitizen.
• Enroll as a firstyear undergraduate at a participating institution.
• Maintain a minimum highschool GPA of 3.8 (unweighted) or its equivalent.
• Demonstrate strong leadership through extracurricular activities, community service, or work experience.
• Submit two letters of recommendationone academic and one from a community leader or employer.
• Write a personal essay (maximum 650 words) describing how Jeffersons ideals influence your goals.

Students who have already earned a bachelors degree, are enrolled in a graduate program, or have previously received a TJS award are ineligible.

Application Process

The application cycle runs annually from early August to early November. Follow these steps to submit a complete application:

1. Create an account on the TJS portal.
2. Complete the personal information form, including academic transcripts and standardized test scores.
3. Upload the personal essay and a concise rsum (one page).
4. Enter details for recommenders and send automated requests.
5. Submit the application fee ($50 nonrefundable) or request a fee waiver.
6. Review and confirm that all sections are complete before the deadline.

All materials are reviewed by a committee of faculty, alumni, and education professionals. Shortlisted candidates are invited to a virtual interview.

What Scholars Receive

Recipients are awarded a comprehensive package that includes:

• Full tuition and mandatory fees for up to four years (renewable each year upon meeting GPA requirements).
• Annual stipend of $4,000 for books, supplies, and personal expenses.
• Leadership Development through workshops on public policy, ethics, and entrepreneurship.
• Mentorship Program pairing each scholar with a distinguished alum or professional in their field of interest.
• StudyAbroad Grant of up to $3,500 for approved international experiences.
• Internship Placement Assistance via partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and privatesector firms.

Key Dates (20262027 Cycle)

Contact & Additional Resources

For questions about eligibility, application procedures, or scholarship specifics, please reach out to the TJS office:

• Email: scholarships@tjs.org
• Phone: (202) 5550198 (MonFri, 9AM5PM ET)
• Live chat: Available on the official website during business hours.
• Frequently Asked Questions: tjs.org/faq

Follow the program on social media for updates, alumni stories, and upcoming events:

• Twitter: @TJScholarship
• Facebook: Thomas Jefferson Scholarship
• Instagram: #TJScholarship