2026 Scholarship Information

The Junior League of Knoxville is pleased to announce this year’s opportunity for students to apply for a scholarship to support achievement of their post-secondary educational goals. 

Junior League of Knoxville scholarships are available to any female high school senior seeking to pursue an undergraduate degree at an institution of higher learning and is intended to provide financial assistance for college. Scholarships are awarded up to a combined total of $20,000 based on the number and strength of applicants.

Applications are due by March 15, 2026. 

Through its scholarship program, the Junior League of Knoxville endeavors to reward the efforts of young women in the Knoxville community who likewise show a commitment to bettering themselves, their peers, and the community as a whole through educational achievement and community involvement.

 

Who is eligible?

To qualify for a Junior League of Knoxville scholarship, you must:

  • Possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Be a female student expecting to graduate this year from a Knox County, Tennessee, high school and enroll in a full-time undergraduate degree-granting program or a two-year college program.
How are awardees selected?
  1.  The Scholarship Program Committee evaluates applicant eligibility based on academic achievement, community involvement, and JLK’s community focus.
  2. The Scholarship Program Committee convenes and makes final award recommendations.

Scholarships are not renewable and are only applicable to one school year.

What is the application process?

To be considered for a Junior League of Knoxville scholarship award, you must provide the following items:

  • Completed scholarship application
  • One (1) essay response not to exceed two (2) pages (see prompts below and on application page)
  • One letter of recommendation (school counselor/teacher/community leader–non-family)
  • Certification by school official (print a blank form here)
  • Acceptance and/or affirmation of application to a college/university (if available)
  • An official transcript will be required prior to scholarship disbursement
What is the application and selection timeline?

The following are tentative dates for the Junior League of Knoxville Scholarship Program:

March 15, 2026: Deadline for all application materials

April 10, 2026:  Awards Notification

Awards will be presented at the Junior League of Knoxville’s General Membership Meeting on May 5, 2026 (6:00 p.m. – location TBD).

Award recipients will be notified with award disbursement details.

How will I be notified about whether or not I am selected to receive an award?

All applicants will be notified about the Junior League of Knoxville’s decision regarding a scholarship award in writing no later than April 10, 2026.

Applications have moved online this year.

Please complete your application via Wufoo HERE.  You must complete your online application and upload all of the following documents prior to March 15, 2026 to complete your application:

  • Essay – Respond to one of the following questions.
    1. Junior League empowers women to lead positive change, how do you plan to use your education to make a positive impact on your community?
    2. Junior League values lifelong learning, what’s something you’ve learned outside of school that’s changed your perspective or direction?
  • Certification by School Official – Download the form HERE.  This form must be completed and signed by a school official, and you must upload the completed form to submit your application.
  •  Grades/Unofficial Transcript – (Please note that if you are chosen to receive a scholarship, you will be required to mail in an official high school transcript before funds may be disbursed.)

 

No applications or documents will be accepted by mail.  If you or a school official have any issues or concerns regarding this requirement or any other questions, please email us at  scholarship@jlknoxville.org.