SCHOLARSHIP opportunities

The Freemantown Historical Foundation is proud to announce the Freemantown Historical Foundation Academic Scholarship, a $1,000 helping scholarship for eligible Spring 2026 high school graduates who will attend an accredited Historically Black College or University during the 2026–2027 academic year.

This scholarship was created to support students as they begin their college journey and to help offset the cost of tuition, books, and fees. In alignment with our mission to preserve family history, honor legacy, and invest in future generations, we are proud to support students pursuing higher education at HBCUs.

The scholarship is administered by the Shelton Descendants Historical Society.

The Freemantown Historical Foundation Academic Scholarship provides a total award of $1,000.

The award will be paid directly to the recipient’s HBCU in two installments:

First payment: $500 by September 1, 2026

Second payment: $500 by January 6, 2027

Scholarship funds must be used to help cover tuition, books, and fees during the 2026–2027 academic year.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Must be a Spring 2026 high school graduate.

Must have a 3.0 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale.

Must register as a Fall 2026 freshman at an accredited Historically Black College or University.

Must continue enrollment at the HBCU for the Winter/Spring 2027 semester.

Students who will receive full tuition scholarships from other sources should not apply.

Students related at second degree or less consanguinity/affinity to Freemantown Historical Foundation Board Members or Officers should not apply.

Applicants must complete the Google Form application and submit all required documents by the deadline.

The application includes:

Academic honors

Extracurricular activities

Community and volunteer service

A “Getting to Know You” response, 150-word minimum and 200-word maximum

An essay response to one of the provided questions or topics, 500-word minimum

One letter of recommendation from a person of the applicant’s choice, such as a teacher, pastor, counselor, employer, coach, or mentor

An official e-transcript showing a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale

Letters of recommendation must be emailed on official letterhead. Official e-transcripts must be endorsed by the designated high school official and emailed directly from the high school.

All required documents should be emailed to:

scholarship@sheltondescendants.org

Please include the applicant’s name in the subject line of each email submitted on their behalf.

Applications and all required documents must be submitted no later than:

11:59 PM on July 15, 2026

Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.

Scholarship recipients must provide the following before receiving the financial award:

HBCU student ID number

Official verification of Fall 2026 enrollment at the accredited HBCU

Current class schedule

Recipients will also be required to submit a photo and short bio and sign a photo, video, and audio release form for the Freemantown Historical Foundation.

All applicants will be notified by email on or before August 15, 2026 regarding scholarship award results.

The use of AI, including Artificial Intelligence tools, to complete this application or any accompanying documents is strictly prohibited.

Eligible students are encouraged to complete the application by the deadline.need to ensure your property stands the test of time.

For questions or concerns, please contact:

scholarship@sheltondescendants.org