The NAACP Media Area Branch is proud to announce two scholarships for graduating high school seniors:

Presidential Award – $1,000

Youth Impact Award – $500

These awards will be presented to two deserving students from one of the following school districts in our service area: Chadds Ford, Garnet Valley, Penn Delco, Rose Tree Media, Springfield, Unionville, and Wallingford-Swarthmore.

The purpose of these financial awards is to help offset costs related to preparing for post-secondary education in Fall 2026.

 

Eligibility & Requirements

Presidential Award ($1,000):
Applicants must:

• Be accepted to and plan to enroll in a post-secondary program (2- or 4-year college/university, trade school, certificate program, or military)
• Submit a completed application
• Provide the following attachments:
  • Community Service Record (covering the past year)
  • Post-Secondary Institution Acceptance Letter
  • 500-word essay on community service and commitment to social justice
     

Youth Impact Award ($500):
Applicants must:

• Be accepted to and plan to enroll in a post-secondary program (2- or 4-year college/university, trade school, certificate program, or military)
• Submit a completed application
• Provide the following attachments:
  • Community Service Record (covering the past year)
  • Post-Secondary Institution Acceptance Letter
  • 500-word essay on community service and commitment to social justice

 

Expectations of Recipients
Scholarship recipients are expected to use their resources wisely and uphold a high standard of conduct. While recipients are under no obligation to make repayment, it is the hope of the NAACP Media Area Branch that once graduated and engaged in a productive career, they will give back through volunteerism and community service with their local NAACP branch.

 

How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official online application form.

Important:

• All required attachments must be submitted at the same time as the application.
• Do not send materials separately.
• Only online applications will be considered.
  
  

Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
Incomplete or late applications will not be reviewed.

 

Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by members of the NAACP Media Area Branch Scholarship Committee. Selection will be based on:

• Strength and originality of essay
• Commitment to community service and social justice
• Academic performance
• Involvement in extracurricular activities

Finalists may be contacted for an interview. Students will be notified by email of any scholarship award or denial on or before April 2, 2026.

Application Requirements:

• Completed application – with required attachments by March 31, 2026
• Post-Secondary Institution Program Acceptance Letter
• Community Service Record(from past year)
• An essay must accompany your application. It must be typed, double spaced using 12 point

Times New Roman font and should be no more two pages long.

Essay Question Prompts: 

Protecting Voting Rights: In light of the NAACP’s legal action against Texas for racial gerrymandering, describe why fair political representation matters to young people today. How would you advocate for voting equity in your own community?

Defending Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI): With the NAACP suing the U.S. Department of Education over funding cuts to DEI programs, write about why inclusive education is vital. How have you personally benefited from—or seen the impact of—DEI in your school?

Environmental & Climate Justice:The NAACP continues to emphasize environmental equity, especially for communities burdened by environmental hazards. Describe a local environmental justice issue you’ve observed or where you’d like to see change—and how you, as a student, could contribute to a cleaner, fairer future.

Remember! Keep a copy of your application for your records.
Questions? Email medianaacp@gmail.com.
Submit your completed online application and attachments by March 31, 2026.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Completion of this essay is a required component for consideration of your scholarship application.

Essay Question Prompts: 

Protecting Voting Rights: In light of the NAACP’s legal action against Texas for racial gerrymandering, describe why fair political representation matters to young people today. How would you advocate for voting equity in your own community?

Defending Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI): With the NAACP suing the U.S. Department of Education over funding cuts to DEI programs, write about why inclusive education is vital. How have you personally benefited from—or seen the impact of—DEI in your school?

Environmental & Climate Justice:The NAACP continues to emphasize environmental equity, especially for communities burdened by environmental hazards. Describe a local environmental justice issue you’ve observed or where you’d like to see change—and how you, as a student, could contribute to a cleaner, fairer future.

Get Involved with the NAACP

The NAACP Media Area Branch is committed to empowering the next generation of leaders. We encourage all applicants to consider joining the NAACP as student or young adult members. Membership provides opportunities for leadership development, community service, mentorship, and advocacy.

By becoming a member, you can continue the legacy of advancing civil rights and social justice while making a positive impact in your community.

Learn more and join at: www.naacp.org

I hereby affirm that the information contained herein is true and correct. I hereby grant permission to the NAACP Media Area Branch to verify such information.

Falsification of any information or failure to meet these requirements will result in the termination of my scholarship and I will be obligated to return any monies received.

I hereby grant and assign the NAACP Media Area Branch the right to use my biographical information, essay response, and my image to publicize my nomination and/or receipt of this scholarship award, and to promote the goals of the scholarship, for editorial, trade, advertising or any other purpose and in any manner and medium, including website and internet promotion.

I also consent to have a copy of my application and all supporting materials retained indefinitely by the NAACP Media Area Branch.