Reverend Dr. A.W. Watkins High School Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Reverend Dr. A.W. Watkins Scholarship Foundation
About the Reverend Dr. A.W. Watkins Foundation
The Reverend Dr. A.W. Watkins Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in December 2003. Its mission is to provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors who live in the Central Alabama area. The foundation also offers scholarships for sophomores and juniors enrolled in the Bible and Pastoral Ministry program at Selma University. Activities focus on supporting local students’ access to higher education through merit- and need-based awards.
Description: The foundation awards scholarships to eligible Central Alabama high school seniors and supports students at Selma University pursuing Bible and pastoral ministry studies.
History of the Award: The foundation was established in December 2003 to formalize scholarship support for students in the Central Alabama region.
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit formed in December 2003
- Primary mission: scholarships for Central Alabama high school seniors
- Also funds Selma University Bible and Pastoral Ministry students
Scholarship Eligibility
This section describes eligibility criteria for the Rev. Dr. A.W. Watkins and Ethel Watkins High School Scholarship. Applicants must reside within the Central Alabama area, defined as all counties and cities within a 50-mile radius of Montgomery. Candidates must be graduating high school seniors and meet minimum academic and standardized-test thresholds. Additional civic and documentation requirements apply to applicants who are 18 or older.
Eligibility: Must be a Central Alabama resident (within a 50-mile radius of Montgomery), a graduating senior, have a minimum SAT score of 830 or ACT score of 17, and maintain a 2.5 or higher GPA; applicants age 18+ must provide proof of voter registration.
- Geographic requirement: within 50 miles of Montgomery
- Academic minimums: SAT ≥ 830 or ACT ≥ 17 and GPA ≥ 2.5
- Registered-voter proof required if applicant is 18 or older
Application Requirements and Submission
Completed application packets must include prescribed documents and be mailed to the foundation by the stated deadline. Required items include two letters of recommendation, a typed essay following MLA format, and a photo for the foundation website. All documentation must be postmarked by the February due date, and only complete applications will be considered. For questions or further instructions, applicants should contact the foundation representatives listed below.
Application Requirements: Submit two one-page letters of recommendation (from a guidance counselor, pastor, deacon, or community leader), a 500-word double-spaced MLA-formatted essay on the topic “Why diversity is important and how it benefits college students,” and a photo for use on the foundation website.
Submission: Mail all documents directly to: P.O. BOX 8045, MONTGOMERY, AL 36110. For inquiries contact Yolanda Watkins-Bailey by email at [email protected] or [email protected].
- Two recommendation letters and a 500-word MLA essay are required
- Include a photo; all materials must be mailed to the P.O. Box
- All documents must be postmarked by the February due date; only complete applications considered