William L. Clay Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by William L. Clay Scholarship & Research Fund

Introduction The William L. Clay Scholarship & Research Fund (WLCSRF) awards scholarships that cover up to four years of undergraduate study. The Fund’s mission is to reduce or eliminate the need for student loans by providing grants that fill the gap between college costs and other financial aid. WLCSRF was established from the vision of retired Congressman William L. “Bill” Clay, Sr., the first African American elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Missouri. Congressman Clay is a 1953 alumnus of Saint Louis University. Eligibility Applicants must meet all of the following requirements: - Be a graduating high school senior. - Reside in Missouri’s 1st Congressional District and maintain residency in that district for the duration of the scholarship. (Confirm your congressional district at house.gov by entering your zip code.) - Be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant. - If you are age 17 years, 6 months or older, you must be a registered voter. - Plan to enroll full time (minimum 12 credit hours) at a four-year college or university. Selection & Award Information - Candidates may be asked to meet with the scholarship review committee for an interview. - Award amounts vary and will be set based on the WLCSRF funds available for the award year. - The scholarship is renewable for up to four years provided the recipient maintains at least a 3.0 GPA and remains enrolled full time (minimum 12 credit hours). - Recipients must submit official, certified transcripts at the close of each semester to verify continued eligibility. - No scholarship payments will be issued to a college or university until the recipient’s continuing eligibility has been confirmed. Required Documents & Application Items Applicants are asked to provide or respond to the following: 1. Confirmation that you are 17 years, 6 months of age or older. 2. If age 17 years, 6 months or older: confirmation that you are a registered voter. 3. Upload a photo, scan, or copy of your voter registration card. 4. Upload your most recent OFFICIAL high school transcript. 5. If taken, upload your ACT or SAT score report. 6. Upload your 2024–2025 FAFSA Submission Summary. 7. Parent/guardian name(s). 8. Parent/guardian mailing address(es). 9. Parent/guardian email address(es). 10. Parent/guardian phone number(s). 11. Parent/guardian employer(s) and occupation(s). 12. Parent/guardian highest level of education completed. 13. Parent status (indicate: Mother, Father). 14. College application status: - College you plan to attend - Have you applied? - Have you been accepted? 15. List honors, awards, and special talents. 16. List elected positions and/or leadership roles in school or community organizations. 17. List extracurricular activities (sports, clubs, community, or religious activities). 18. Employment or internship history. 19. Community service activities. 20. Autobiographical statement (300–500 words): Describe yourself, your interests, and your career goals to help the committee get to know you. Recommendations 21–23. Scholarship Central Recommendations: Provide the name and email address of three individuals (instructors, counselors, advisors, supervisors, or comparable professionals) who will submit letters of recommendation on your behalf. Note: It is the applicant’s responsibility to notify each recommender to expect an email from Scholarship Central with instructions for completing the recommendation. Additional Questions 24. How did you learn about the William L. Clay Scholarship & Research Fund? Applicant Authorization By entering your full name in the signature field, you authorize the William L. Clay Scholarship & Research Fund and its authorized agents to access, verify, and discuss your academic and financial records and any other information relevant to this application. You certify that the information you provide is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge, that your essays are your own work, and that WLCSRF may rely on the accuracy of your statements in making decisions about your participation in the program.