Thomas PayitForward Scholarship

What Is the Thomas PayitForward Scholarship?

The Thomas PayitForward Scholarship is a meritbased award created to support students who demonstrate academic excellence, a commitment to community service, and a genuine desire to pay it forward by helping others. Established by philanthropist and entrepreneur Thomas R. Greene in 2015, the scholarship aims to empower emerging leaders who will use their education to create positive change in their communities and beyond.

Key Features

• Amount: $10,000 renewable for up to four years (subject to maintaining a 3.0 GPA).
• Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students in the United States who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
• Focus Areas: Business, STEM, education, health sciences, arts, and social justice.
• Service Requirement: Recipients must complete at least 40 hours of community service each academic year.
• PayitForward Component: Each scholar mentors a highschool student or a peer who is applying for college or a scholarship.

Who Should Apply?

The scholarship is designed for students who:

• Maintain a strong academic record (minimum 3.0 GPA).
• Show evidence of leadership through clubs, sports, or volunteer work.
• Demonstrate a clear plan for using their education to benefit others.
• Are passionate about mentorship and community involvement.

Application Process

Applications are accepted annually from January1 to March31. The process consists of four steps:

1. Online Application Form: Provide personal information, academic transcript, and a short essay.
2. Essay Prompt: Describe a time you helped someone achieve a goal and how that experience shaped your own aspirations. (maximum 800 words).
3. Two Recommendations: One academic reference and one communityservice reference.
4. Interview: Qualified candidates are invited to a virtual interview with the scholarship committee.

All materials must be submitted through the official scholarship portal. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Selection Criteria

The selection committee evaluates candidates based on:

• Academic Achievement: GPA, course rigor, and honors.
• Community Impact: Quality and consistency of service.
• Leadership & Initiative: Demonstrated ability to lead projects or organizations.
• Essay Quality: Clarity, originality, and reflection on the payitforward concept.
• Mentorship Potential: Ability and willingness to guide a mentee.

Benefits for Scholars

Alumni Success Stories

Since its inception, the scholarship has supported over 150 students. Below are brief snapshots of three alumni:

• Maria Alvarez Class of 2022: Graduated with a B.S. in Computer Science, founded a nonprofit that teaches coding to middleschool girls, and secured a position at a leading tech firm.
• Jamal Reed Class of 2021: Earned a degree in Public Health, launched a community health outreach program in his hometown, and now works as a policy analyst for a state health agency.
• Emily Chen Class of 2020: Completed a B.A. in Visual Arts, curated a traveling exhibition highlighting immigrant experiences, and received a Fulbright grant for further research.

How to Get Involved

Even if you are not eligible for the award, you can support the scholarships mission:

• Donate: Contributions help increase the scholarship fund and offer additional programming.
• Volunteer as a Mentor: Former scholars or community leaders can mentor current recipients.
• Spread the Word: Share the scholarship information with eligible students, highschool counselors, and university advisors.

Visit the donation page for more details on how to contribute.

Important Dates

Contact Information

For questions about eligibility, application procedures, or the scholarships mission, please contact the program office:

• Email: scholarships@thomaspayitforward.org
• Phone: (555) 1234567 (MonFri, 9am 5pm EST)
• Mailing Address: 2500 Oak Grove Lane, Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60614