Investing in Alabama's Future: Applications Open for Community Scholars Program

By: Staff

The Alabama Power Foundation is excited to announce the return of the Community Scholars Program scholarship for high school seniors.

The Community Scholars 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 October 12, 2026, and close December 7, 2026.

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 employees of Alabama Power Company or Alabama Power Foundation are ineligible. Alabama Power does not serve the following counties, and students residing there are not eligible for this program: Colbert, DeKalb, Jackson, Lauderdale, Limestone, Madison, Morgan and Pike.

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

• October 12, 2026
• Application portal opens via Scholarship America
• December 7, 2026, at 3 p.m. CT
• Application deadline — all materials must be submitted
• Mid-February 2027
• 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 October 12, to December 7, 2026, through Scholarship America.

Apply via Scholarship America