Dallas YMCA Scholarship 2026
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Welcome!

We’re excited you're considering applying for the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas Foundation Scholarship Program! At the YMCA, we believe in empowering young people to reach their fullest potential. These scholarships provide financial support to help you pursue higher education and achieve your dreams.

We want to get to know you—your story, your passions, and the impact you hope to make in your community and beyond. Our selection process considers:

  • High school academic performance
  • Financial need
  • Community service involvement
  • 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 within our service area*.

Available awards include:

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 are confidential and remain the sole property of the YMCA. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide feedback regarding why an applicant was or was not selected.

Questions?

We're here to help! Email us at collegescholarship@ymcadallas.org 

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

 

Rules & Eligibility

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas Foundation Scholarship Program, you must:

  • Be a graduating high school senior living in or attending school in the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas service area*
  • Be available for an in-person interview on Saturday, March 7, 2026
  • Makeup date (weather-related only): Saturday, March 14, 2026
  • Be able to attend the Scholarship Reception on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 (6:00–8:00 PM)
  • Note: YMCA membership or prior involvement is not 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, March 7, 2026
    • Morning session: 8:00 am – Noon
    • Afternoon session: 12:30 – 4:30 pm
    • Makeup date (weather only): Saturday, March 14, 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 31, 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.