Scholarship Application
The Goodwill Scholarship is made possible by the generosity of our donors and shoppers who round-up at the register. It is designed to bridge the gap that often exists between a student’s financial aid package and the total cost of tuition, books, etc.
All applicants must reside within the GoodwillSR territory*, be enrolled in a program of study at an accredited technical/community college or university for Spring 2025, write a 300-to-500-word personal essay, and agree & sign a media release consent form to include the willingness to share their success story.
The application submission will begin on October 18, 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is eligible?
Applicants who reside within the Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers (GoodwillSR) territory, are currently enrolled in a program of study at an accredited technical/community college or university and have not received a GoodwillSR Scholarship or GoodwillSR Round Up Scholarship within one full year.
** Please note: Dual enrolled high school students are ineligible to apply **
2. What are the requirements?
A completed online application which includes:
o Proof of enrollment verification for Spring 2025 (see detailed information below)
o A personal essay*****Please note: Essays that are generated by AI will be ineligible for consideration. *****
o A signed Media Consent & Release form
o Willingness to attend the Cufflinks & Pearls Networking Event on November 7, 2024 for scholarship presentation
3. What information does my enrollment verification need to include:
· Your name
· Spring 2025 enrollment
· The start and end dates of the required term
· Your enrollment status: full-time, part-time, or less than part-time
· Enrollment verification documents
· An acceptance letter AND a class itinerary (detailed schedule)
· A current unofficial transcript
· An Academic Certification letter from your school’s registrar's office
4. When is the deadline for application submission?
October 18, 2024 (No Exception!)
5. I am a new student who has not yet registered for classes. Can I submit my application packet without proof of enrollment?
No, not yet. Once you are enrolled in courses, you may request an enrollment verification.
6. May I apply if I applied and did not receive a Goodwill Scholarship or GoodwillSR Round Up Scholarship last year?
Yes, you are eligible to apply. Please submit a new application packet with current enrollment verification.
7. If I was awarded a Goodwill Scholarship or Round Up Scholarship in December of 2023, can I apply for the GoodwillSR Scholarship?
No, you are ineligible for the GoodwillSR Scholarship. You can only receive a scholarship once in a full year.
8. Does my local Goodwill support this scholarship?
Only GoodwillSR supports this scholarship. GoodwillSR is one of 156 Goodwill organizations, serving western Georgia and eastern Alabama. RoundUp at GoodwillSR registers is funding this scholarship; therefore, only residents of its territory are eligible.
GoodwillSR 50 Counties Territory:
GEORGIA – Atkinson, Baker, Berrien, Ben Hill, Brooks, Calhoun, Carroll, Chattahoochee, Clay, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Coweta, Crisp, Dougherty, Early, Echols, Harris, Heard, Irwin, Lanier, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marion, Meriwether, Miller, Mitchell, Muscogee, Quitman, Randolph, Schley, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taylor, Terrell, Tift, Troup, Turner, Webster, Wilcox, Worth
ALABAMA – Barbour, Chambers, Henry, Lee, Randolph, Russell
9. What field of study qualifies?
All fields of study from an accredited technical/community college or university.
10. What can the funds be used for?
This scholarship is designed to bridge the gap that often exists between a student’s financial aid package and the total cost of tuition, books, room & board, transportation, technology, food, and supplies.
11. Why do I need to submit a GoodwillSR Consent and Release Form?
It is critical that our donors understand how their funds are supporting their community and the impact it is having. GoodwillSR endeavors to support the preparation, connection, and retention of work. Sharing the stories of those impacted by our services will bring awareness to those who may need help.
12. Why is an essay required?
GoodwillSR takes the responsibility of being a good financial steward seriously. An essay including information about applicants, an explanation of their future goals, and how these funds will impact their ability to reach these goals allow us to determine how to responsibly award these scholarships.
13. When will I know if I am selected for a scholarship award?
Awardees can expect to be notified about the scholarship selection results shortly following the application due date.
14. Does my college/university need to be within GoodwillSR territory?
No, your permanent residence need only be within GoodwillSR’s territory.
15. How can I scan my documents if I don’t have a scanner?
Your cellphone can act as a scanner. Please review the steps in this video (see the link below). You may also visit one of GoodwillSR’s career centers or your local public library.
A. iPhone: https://youtu.be/Oomupvlcmq8
B. Android: https://youtu.be/WUz7R3luoes
16. What if I do not have access to a computer to complete the application packet?
Please visit one of GoodwillSR’s career centers for free computer access. Centers may be located via this link: https://www.goodwillsr.org/career-centers
A public library also provides free access to computers. Find your nearest library:
GEORGIA https://georgialibraries.org/find-a-library/
ALABAMA https://publiclibraries.com/state/alabama
For questions, please email us at scholarship@gwisr.org