The Shirley Louise Scholarship Foundation
The Shirley Louise Memorial Scholarship
Recognizing individuals who demonstrate a strong, sustained history of community involvement and selfless service, the ideal candidate embodies the "Service-First" principle of the Shirley Louise Foundation and shows clear moral character in their academic and community work. This scholarship honors those dedicated to making a positive, tangible difference beyond their professional field. This award is renewable for up to two (2) school years, pending active enrollment and satisfactory academic progress from the award winner.
Award Amount: $5,000 annually, $10,000 if successfully renewed for the maximum time allotted.
Recipients: 20 graduate students annually, as nominated by peers or volunteered through self-application.
Eligibility: Open to graduate students across the United States. Must be an active student at an accredited college or university. Preference given to those enrolled in the fields of social services, business, law, psychology, or veterinary medicine. Applicants should be prepared to submit letters of recommendation, references, transcripts, and statements of good faith if service or attendance is unable to be verified through the college or university.
NOTE: For the 2025-26 scholarship cycle, the Shirley Louise Memorial Scholarship will give preference to applicants who meet one of the Foundation’s three pre-determined priority populations: current social service employees, past recipients of social support programs, or current volunteers who dedicate their time to youth financial literacy, mentorship, or drug prevention initiatives.
Award winners will be contacted through email and scholarships will be mailed directly to their academic institution.
The 2025-26 Shirley Louise Memorial Scholarship is now closed for applications. Please subscribe to our newsletter for updates on our 2026-27 scholarship cycle. Questions? Email our Scholarship Team at scholarships@shirleylouisefoundation.org.
The Community Change Award
Recognizing the challenges and barriers faced by first-generation college students, the Shirley Louise Foundation believes lack of funds should not be a barrier to higher education and seeks to alleviate such needs with the Community Change Award. The Community Change Award is a renewable scholarship for up to four (4) calendar school years and is granted to those seeking to bring positive change to their community.
Award Amount: $10,000 annually, $40,000 if successfully renewed for the maximum time allotted.
Recipients: 5 students annually, as nominated by peers or volunteered through self-application.
Eligibility: This award supports first-generation college students who are actively working to better their communities, aligning with our belief that everyone has value and deserves the opportunity to achieve their dreams. The recipients will demonstrate the hard work, character, and vision needed to become future leaders who champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in their communities. Nominees will be invited to a panel interview and decisions will be made based on presentation, qualification, and areas of need. Preference given to those planning to enroll in the fields of social services, business, law, psychology, or veterinary medicine.
NOTE: For the 2025-26 scholarship cycle, the Shirley Louise Memorial Scholarship will give preference to applicants who meet one of the Foundation’s three pre-determined priority populations: current social service employees, past recipients of social support programs, or current volunteers who dedicate their time to youth financial literacy, mentorship, or drug prevention initiatives.
Award winners will be contacted through email and scholarships will be mailed directly to their academic institution.
The 2025-26 Community Change Award is now closed for applications. Please subscribe to our newsletter for updates on our 2026-27 scholarship cycle. Questions? Email our Scholarship Team at scholarships@shirleylouisefoundation.org.