APPLICATION DEADLINE - MARCH 31, 2026

PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIP HISTORY

In 1983, with the support of generous donors and our Board of Directors, Big Brothers Big Sisters established a scholarship program to encourage and support the educational aspirations of youth in our program as they work toward reaching their full potential through education.

The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga (BBBSGC) Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to qualified youth in our program who demonstrate both financial need and a strong commitment to continuing their education. To ensure these funds can support as many youth as possible, applicants are expected to apply for all scholarships and grants for which they may be eligible.

ELIGIBILITY

• Applicants must complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) and submit a copy of SAR (Student Aid Report) to the BBBS Scholarship Committee. 
• Applicant must have obtained (or will finish this Spring) a high school diploma with a GPA of 2.5 or have obtained their GED. Exceptions to this GPA may be made for technical education.  
• Applicant must have applied and been accepted to a 2- or 4-year accredited college or university program, accredited technical college or trade school.
• Applicant must enroll in 12 semester hours and continue to maintain 12 semester hours for scholarship renewal.
• Applicant must be a current or past Little Brother/Sister or High School Big Brother/Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga for a minimum period of 24 months/2 school years.
• Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend a College Preparation Event hosted by BBBSGC.

AWARDS

• If selected as a recipient, the applicant will receive:
• A maximum of $1500/semester for 4-year colleges/institutions
• A maximum of $900/semester for 2-year colleges/institutions
• All tuition payments are paid directly to the education institution after proper billing showing tuition balance due and other awards credited.
• Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of financial need to the extent of funding available. 

RENEWAL

• Applicant must continue to maintain 12 semester hours for scholarship renewal.
• Recipients must maintain a 2.5 GPA each semester.
• If a student's cumulative GPA falls between 2.0-2.5, they are placed on academic probation. During this time, they are required to participate in Big Futures programming or other academic coaching. In addition, the scholarship award amount will be reduced. 
• If a student's cumulative GPA falls below a 2.0, the scholarship will be withdrawn completely and there will not be a probation semester. 
• Those who successfully raise their cumulative GPA to or above 2.5 by the end of the probationary semester will be reinstated with full scholarship funding for the subsequent semester if funds allow. 
• If a recipient fails to achieve the minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 after the probationary semester, the scholarship will be withdrawn completely. 
• Scholarships are evaluated and awarded for Fall and Spring semesters, excluding summer or special sessions.
• Recipients must submit grade reports at the end of each semester. Grades are due no later than June 1 for Fall Scholarship Renewal and December 15 for Spring Semester Renewal.
• Recipients are expected to make satisfactory progress toward degree/completion. Scholarships will be rescinded if recipient withdraws for more than one semester.
• If funding for scholarships is no longer available, recipients will be notified by July 1 or December 1 for the following semester.
• Applicants must keep up to date contact information with BBBSGC and stay in communication with the BBBSGC Staff.

NOTIFICATION

Applicants will be notified by May 1^st. Applicants will be required ensure that email addresses are up to date as this is the format in which communication will be sent.

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

☐ Completed Scholarship Application Including Essay

☐ High School Transcript or GED Certificate

☐ SAT/ACT Scores

☐ Acceptance Letter from College/University/Vocational School

☐ Copy of Financial Aid Award (FAFSA)/Student Aid Report

☐ 2 Letters of Recommendation (If you are still in touch with your Big or in an active match one must be from your Big)