Hearts for Community Service Scholarship 2025/2026

Discover everything about the Hearts for Community Service Scholarship 2025/2026—including award amounts, eligibility criteria, required materials, and step-by-step instructions to help you submit a winning application.

Volunteering and giving back through community service can be powerful—that’s the mission behind the Hearts for Community Service Scholarship. Offered nationwide by the Hearts Foundation, this scholarship recognizes students in grades 9–12 and college who demonstrate exceptional dedication to service causes. With cash awards ranging from $500–$3,000, you’ll be empowered to continue making a difference—while gaining recognition and support for your education.

In this comprehensive guide, we walk through scholarship details, qualifying criteria, helpful tips, and step-by-step application instructions to help you maximize your chances—whether you’re a high school or college student with a passion for service.

📝 Key Highlights

• Award Range: $500 – $3,000 per recipient
• Eligible Applicants: U.S. high school (grades 9–12) and current college students
• Community Service Requirement: At least 100+ volunteer hours in the past year
• Minimum GPA: 3.0 unweighted (high school) or 2.5 (college)
• Application Open: December 1, 2024 – February 15, 2025
• Decision Timeline: Winners announced April–May 2025
• Application Includes: Service summary, personal statement, transcripts, resume, optional letter of recommendation

What Is the Hearts for Community Service Scholarship?

The Hearts Foundation empowers youth and college-age students across the U.S. who have shown sustained involvement in charitable causes. With multiple award tiers—typically $500, $1,000, $2,000, and a few $3,000 awards—the foundation aims to invest in individuals who actively work toward social justice, environmental stewardship, education equity, and poverty alleviation.

Recognizing that service shouldn’t be overlooked due to financial need, the scholarship awards funding based on effort and dedication—not income. It’s merit- and service-based, gender-neutral, and open to all U.S. students who meet the criteria.

Scholarship Award Structure

Award Levels

1. $3,000 “Hearts of Gold” Awards – 3 winners
2. $2,000 “Hearts of Service” Awards – 10 winners
3. $1,000 “Hearts of Hope” Awards – 25 winners
4. $500 “Hearts of Giving” Awards – 60+ winners

Awards are disbursed in spring/summer 2025 and must be used for educational expenses or service-related costs like travel and project materials.

Who Is Eligible?

Student Status

• U.S. citizens or permanent residents
• High school students (grades 9–12) or current college undergraduates (certificates or degree programs)
• Must enroll full-time in the 2025–2026 school year

Academic Requirements

• High school GPA: minimum 3.0 unweighted
• College GPA: minimum 2.5 cumulative

Community Service Involvement

• At least 100 hours of volunteer service in the past 12 months
• Verified through signed logs, letters, photos where applicable
• Service activities cannot include religious proselytizing role, unpaid family work, or partisan politics

Qualifying Community Service Activities

Eligible activities are broad and include:

• Environmental projects: cleaning up parks, river guardianship, native planting
• Social outreach: tutoring, elder care, food banks, homeless shelters
• Advocacy & awareness: organizing protests, equity campaigns, voter education
• Health & wellness: hospital volunteering, mental health awareness events
• Youth & education: scouting, tutoring, coaching, library outreach
• Disaster response: Red Cross, rescue missions, community rebuilding

Provide documentation where possible: letters from supervisors, before/after photos, community acknowledgments.

Required Documentation

Applicants must submit:

1. Online Application Form – personal info, demographics, school info
2. Volunteer Log Summary – details of service hours, roles, dates, verification
3. Personal Statement (750 words) – reflection on your service journey, impact, challenges
4. Resume/CV – academic history, extracurriculars, honors
5. Academic Transcript – unofficial copy from high school or college
6. Letter of Recommendation (optional) – from program supervisor or educator

Application Timeline

Date	Action Required
December 1, 2024	Application portal opens
February 15, 2025	Application deadline (11:59 PM ET)
March 15 – April 15	Scholarship committee reviews submissions
May 1, 2025	Award notifications emailed
June 30, 2025	Check issued or direct deposit processed

How to Apply for Hearts for Community Service Scholarship: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Plan Ahead

• Log your volunteer hours using a consistent method (spreadsheet, app, paper log)
• Gather impact documentation as you go
• Track upcoming deadlines and required files

Step 2: Prepare Personal Statement

• Focus on a meaningful service experience
• Highlight challenges, growth, impact, and future commitment
• Aim to connect your service to personal values or future goals

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

• Create an account on the Hearts Foundation portal
• Fill in accurate personal and academic info
• Enter volunteer log data, carefully detailing each entry

Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents

• Volunteer log – PDF or JPG
• Academic transcript – unofficial copy
• Resume/CV – include service, skills, and leadership
• Optional recommendation letter

Step 5: Proofread & Submit

• Review for typos and consistency
• Submit before the portal closes on February 15, 2025

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

• Be specific: Describe your role, team, and measurable outcomes
• Show leadership: Include examples where you initiated or led initiatives
• Use impactful language: Emphasize problem-solving and community transformation
• Include multimedia: Photos or media links to showcase events
• Get visual support: Attach media if you have press coverage or feature stories

Selection & Award Process

• Initial Screen: Matching minimum eligibility requirements
• Committee Review: Judging based on service depth, impact, reflection, alignment
• Finalist Review: Finalists receive calls and may be asked to submit more materials
• Official Selection: Winners notified via email by May 1

FAQs About Hearts for Community Service Scholarship.

1. Can I apply with just school-based volunteer hours?
Yes—as long as they’re documented, supervised, and exceed 100 hours within 12 months.

2. Do college students commit after graduation?
Yes—winners must continue their educational or service path during 2025–2026.

3. Can I receive more than one Hearts scholarship?
No. Each applicant may receive only one award per academic year.

4. Is the income required to be low?
No—this scholarship is solely based on community service, not financial need.

5. What if my volunteer role was virtual?
Yes, remote service like tutoring or helpline work counts—with proper verification.

Long-Term Benefits & Impact

• Funding your next steps: Offset college costs, supplies, or service trips
• Scholar recognition: Resume and application awards list
• Networking: Connect with other awardees and alumni
• Community standing: Strong honor to highlight to scholarship boards and admission offices

Sample Personal Statement Structure

1. Experience Intro: Describe the volunteer setting
2. Motivation: Why this cause matters to you
3. Role & Responsibility: Your specific actions and team effort
4. Impact: Outcomes and measurable benefits
5. Learning & Growth: How this shaped your character
6. Future Goals: How you plan to continue serving

Final Thoughts

The Hearts for Community Service Scholarship celebrates students who serve others—with heart, dedication, and vision. Whether you’re tutoring, cleaning parks, or advocating for change, your hard work deserves recognition and support. Apply before February 15, 2025, and earn both the scholarship and the honor you deserve.

For complete program details or to begin your application, visit the Hearts Foundation Scholarship Portal at www.heartsfoundation.org/scholarship.