Equal Chance for Education Scholarship Opening Soon
Offered by Equal Chance for Education
About This Scholarship
Equal Chance for Education (ECE) exists for one group of students: Tennessee Dreamers who are shut out of FAFSA, in-state tuition, and the state's lottery scholarships because of their immigration status. Founded by Nashville surgeon Dr. Mike Spalding, the nonprofit has sent hundreds of undocumented students to college by pairing its own scholarship dollars with tuition discounts from partner universities.
The award is substantial and structured for completion: $25,000 paid directly to the university at $3,125 per semester across eight semesters, with partner universities often adding financial aid on top. ECE aims to award roughly 40 to 60 scholarships each year. It is not a full ride - scholars are expected to contribute at least $2,000 per semester toward tuition plus fees - but combined with partner-university aid it turns private colleges like Lipscomb, Rhodes, and Trevecca Nazarene into realistic options for students who would otherwise pay out-of-state or international rates.
Eligibility is built around FAFSA ineligibility rather than any specific country of origin: applicants must be unable to receive federal aid, have graduated (or be graduating) from a Tennessee high school, have lived in Tennessee for at least a year, and plan to enroll at one of ECE's ten partner universities in fall 2027. Once selected, scholars keep the award by staying enrolled full time, holding a 3.0 GPA, joining quarterly mentorship programming, and submitting regular progress reports.
Eligibility
- Ineligible for FAFSA/federal student aid due to immigration status (Dreamers, undocumented students)
- Graduated or graduating from a Tennessee high school (home school and online Tennessee diplomas count)
- Lived in Tennessee for at least one year by February 15, 2027
- Planning to attend one of ECE's ten partner universities in Fall 2027 (including Lipscomb, Rhodes, Carson-Newman, Christian Brothers, Cumberland, Maryville, Southern Adventist, Tennessee Wesleyan, Trevecca Nazarene, and Union)
- Selected on academic record, career goals, and demonstrated financial need
- To renew: full-time enrollment (12+ credit hours), 3.0 cumulative GPA, quarterly mentorship participation, and regular reporting
How To Apply
- Apply for admission to one or more ECE partner universities before starting the scholarship application
- Complete the online ECE application when it opens November 1, 2026
- Record an introductory video of 1-3 minutes and write two essays of 500-650 words each
- Provide contact information for a school official to send your official transcript and for a recommender
- Submit everything by February 12, 2027 at 12:00 pm Noon Central Time; interviews follow in March 2027 and decisions arrive by April 15, 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the ECE scholarship worth?
Scholars receive $25,000 paid directly to their university at $3,125 per semester over eight semesters. Partner universities may add their own aid, but scholars should plan to contribute at least $2,000 per semester toward tuition plus fees.
Do I have to be a DACA recipient to apply?
No. The core requirement is being ineligible for FAFSA funding because of immigration status - undocumented students without DACA are eligible if they meet the Tennessee high school, residency, and partner-university requirements.
Can I use the scholarship at any Tennessee college?
No. The award only works at ECE's partner universities - ten private Tennessee institutions listed on the requirements page. The list can change before applications open, so check it before applying for admission.