Equitable Excellence Scholarship Opening Soon
Offered by Equitable Foundation (administered by Scholarship America)
About This Scholarship
The Equitable Excellence Scholarship — formerly the AXA Achievement Scholarship — is the Equitable Foundation's flagship award, administered by Scholarship America. Up to 100 high school seniors each year receive $5,000, renewable for up to three additional years (or until the bachelor's degree, whichever comes first) for a potential $20,000 total. Winners also direct a $500 gift card to a teacher of their choice for professional development.
The program looks for students with the drive to give back — the personal statement asks how you'll "pay it forward" and inspire others in your community toward a degree. Selection weighs financial need, leadership and community participation, work experience, and personal circumstances alongside that statement. The bar to apply is unusually low for an award this size: a 2.5 GPA, residence in the 50 states, D.C., or Puerto Rico, and plans to enroll full time at an accredited two- or four-year school.
Renewal isn't automatic charity, either — recipients keep the money flowing through satisfactory academic performance and must attend four professional development workshops during college. Applications typically run in the fall of senior year; this cycle opens September 1 with a December 18 deadline.
Eligibility
- Current high school senior in the 50 states, D.C., or Puerto Rico
- Minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Demonstrated ambition and drive through community involvement
- Plan to enroll full-time at an accredited two- or four-year U.S. college
How To Apply
- Watch for the application to open on the Scholarship America hub in the fall (last cycle opened in October)
- Complete the online application describing your community achievement and impact
- Winners are notified in early spring, with funds paid out in August
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Equitable Excellence Scholarship renewable?
Yes. The $5,000 award renews annually for up to three additional years (or until you finish a bachelor's degree), for a potential total of $20,000.
Do I need a top GPA to be competitive?
No — the minimum is 2.5, and selection leans heavily on the depth and durability of your community involvement rather than pure academics.