Dallas YMCA Scholarship 2026
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Welcome!
We’re excited you’re considering applying for the YMCA College Scholarship Program. At the YMCA, we believe in empowering young people like you to reach their fullest potential. These scholarships provide financial support to help you continue your education and achieve your dreams.

What we’re looking for
We want to learn about you—your story, your passions, and the impact you hope to make in your community and beyond. Our selection process considers:

  • High school grades
  • Financial circumstances
  • Community service
  • Personal motivation and desire to continue learning

Scholarship awards
Through the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas Foundation, we offer scholarships to graduating high school seniors who live in or attend school in our service area*. Students may receive:

1 scholarship of $40,000 ($5,000 per semester for 4 years)

1 scholarship of $20,000 ($2,500 per semester for 4 years)

18 scholarships of $12,000 ($1,500 per semester for 4 years)

Confidentiality
All applications, scores, and interview evaluations remain confidential and are the sole property of the YMCA. Please note that we are unable to provide feedback about why an applicant was or was not selected.

Questions?
Email us at collegescholarship@YMCADALLAS.org — we’re here to help!

*Eligible counties: Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Hopkins, Kaufman, Palo Pinto, and Rockwall.

 

Eligibility
To apply, you must:

  • Be a graduating high school senior living in the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas service area*
  • Be available for an in-person interview on Saturday, February 28, 2026
    • Makeup date (if needed due to weather): Saturday, March 7, 2026
  • Be able to attend the Scholarship Reception on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 (6:00–8:00 pm)
  • No YMCA membership or involvement is required to apply

Application Deadlines

  • Student application due: Sunday, January 18, 2026
  • Supporting documents due: Friday, January 23, 2026
    • Transcript (school counselor or registrar)
    • Two letters of recommendation

Interview Process

  • After applications close (Jan 23), YMCA volunteers will review submissions.
  • The top 40 applicants will be invited to interviews.
  • Notification emails sent: Wednesday, February 10, 2026
  • Interview date: Saturday, February 28, 2026
    • Morning session: 8:00 am – Noon
    • Afternoon session: 12:30 – 4:30 pm
    • Makeup date (weather only): Saturday, March 7, 2026
    • Each session is limited to 20 spots. We do our best to honor your preferred time, but due to limited space, we may not always be able to accommodate your first choice.

Scholarship Reception

  • Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2026
  • Time: 6:00 – 8:00 pm
  • Location: Maggiano’s Little Italy, NorthPark Mall

Requirements After Award
To keep your scholarship, you must each semester:

  • Enroll in 12+ credit hours
  • Maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher
  • Submit:
    • Renewal form
    • Previous semester transcript
    • Upcoming semester schedule
    • A short progress letter (activities, challenges, and future goals)

Service Area Counties: Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Hopkins, Kaufman, Palo Pinto, and Rockwall.