Application | The Next Light Schol

Applicants for The Next Light Scholarship Must Be:

Junior and senior high school students who are legal residents of the United States.
Having a family income at or below the federal poverty line. Please refer to the 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines for details on income eligibility.
Students from all backgrounds are welcome to apply. All applicants who meet the eligibility criteria above will receive full consideration.
Motivated High School Students with Strong Academic Performance.

We strongly encourage applications from students from groups traditionally underrepresented in STEM, including but not limited to Hispanic, Black, Asian, and Middle Eastern communities.

Application Requirements

Essay (300–400 words)

Applicants must submit a personal essay addressing the following prompt:

Describe one way in which you have made a meaningful impact on another individual, your community, or your school. What did you accomplish, and what did you learn from this experience? Additionally, discuss one goal or aspiration you have always wanted to pursue, and explain how it aligns with your future ambitions.

High School Transcript

An unofficial transcript will be accepted for the purpose of the application review.

Standardized Test Scores (Optional)

Applicants may choose to submit SAT or ACT scores as supplemental information. Submission of test scores is not required and will not disadvantage students who do not include them.

Activities List (Optional)

Applicants are invited to provide a list of three to five extracurricular activities, leadership roles, community service experiences, or other engagements that highlight their interests and accomplishments.

Financial Documentation (Upon Acceptance)

If accepted into the program, students will be required to submit official family income documentation in order to verify eligibility for the scholarship.