Gail Clay Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by East Tennessee Foundation
Purpose and background
Friends of Gail Clay created this scholarship to honor her long service as Director of the Carolyn P. Brown University Center at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The award supports the spouse or child of a full‑time, non‑exempt employee of the University of Tennessee or another state‑supported public higher education institution located within the East Tennessee Foundation’s 25‑county service area. The scholarship is awarded on a four‑year cycle; the next granting year is 2027.
Who is eligible
- Applicants must be graduating high school seniors or current college students who live in the East Tennessee Foundation’s 25‑county region.
- Their spouse or parent must be a full‑time, non‑exempt staff member (not faculty) at a public college or university in Tennessee.
- Applicants must demonstrate financial need and intend to enroll full‑time at a public college in Tennessee.
Application timing and how to apply
- The East Tennessee Foundation Common Application must be completed between December 15 and March 15 to determine eligibility for this and other scholarships.
- For funding for the 2026–2027 academic year, the application window opens December 15, 2025 and closes March 15, 2026.
- Note: this scholarship is awarded every four years; the next award cycle is 2027.
Helpful tips for applicants
- Work deliberately—don’t rush. You may log out and return, but remember to save your progress before exiting.
- Proofread every answer before submitting. Check for typos, incomplete sentences, correct uploads, and any responses that exceed character limits.
- Consult the Scholarship FAQs page for guidance and additional resources while preparing your application.
When your application is ready to submit
Your submission will be considered complete when:
- All required questions are answered.
- All requested attachments have been uploaded.
- Contact information for your letter writer has been entered and an invitation email has been sent. (You may submit your application before the letter of recommendation arrives, but the file will not be complete until the recommendation is received.)
Other notes
Award amounts shown on the website may change. If you have questions, please contact the East Tennessee Foundation for assistance.