Investing in Alabama's Future: Introducing the Community Scholars Program

$2,500 Per scholarship award

59 Scholarships available

59 Eligible counties

April 30 Application deadline

By: Staff

Every student deserves the chance to pursue higher education regardless of zip code or circumstance. That belief is at the heart of a significant new initiative from the Alabama Power Foundation: the Community Scholars Program, launching April 2026.

The program offers 59, one-time scholarships of $2,500 each — one per county within Alabama Power's service territory — to high school seniors who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to their communities. Applications open April 1, 2026 and close April 30, 2026.

"One scholarship for every county. A commitment to every corner of Alabama we serve."

Who can apply?

To be eligible, students must be high school seniors graduating from a high school in a county served by Alabama Power. Students attending public, private, or charter schools and those attending homeschool programs, are all welcome to apply. The program requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and plans to enroll full-time at an accredited two-year college, four-year university, or vocational-technical school for the upcoming academic year.

Please note: children of Alabama Power employees are not eligible. Alabama Power does not serve the following counties, and students residing there are not eligible for this program: Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Jackson, Lauderdale, Limestone, Madison, and Morgan.

What do reviewers look for?

Selections are made by Scholarship America — a trusted 501(c)(3) nonprofit with over 60 years of experience administering scholarships and educational grants. Reviewers consider the full picture of each applicant:

• Academic performance
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA; overall academic record reviewed
• Leadership & activities
  • School clubs, community roles, and extracurriculars
• Work experience
  • Part-time jobs or meaningful volunteer roles
• Goals statement
  • Career aspirations and educational objectives
• Personal circumstances
  • Unusual family or personal factors considered
• Financial need
  • Demonstrated financial need is required

Key dates at a glance

• April 1, 2026
  • Application portal opens via Scholarship America
• April 30, 2026
  • Application deadline — all materials must be submitted
• Mid-July 2026
  • Recipients notified by Scholarship America

How The Alabama Power Foundation Helps

The Community Scholarship Program reflects the Alabama Power Foundation's long-standing belief: thriving communities begin with educated, empowered young people. By awarding one scholarship in each eligible county, the program ensures students across Alabama — from urban centers to rural communities — can receive recognition and support.

Whether a student's path leads to a four-year university, a community college, or a vocational program, this scholarship honors the full range of ways Alabamians choose to build their futures.

Ready to apply?

Applications are accepted April 1–30, 2026 through Scholarship America.

Apply via Scholarship America

Deadline: April 30, 2026