Gates Millennium Scholarship offers opportunities for minorities to apply for Bill Gates scholarships in 2025, aimed at funding a 4-year scholarship beginning in 2026. The Gates Scholarship (TGS) 2025 to 2026 is designed to fund 300 top students yearly for their college education. This program has replaced the Gates Millennium Scholarship starting in the year 2018.
The student is free to select any field for their bachelor’s degree. The Gates Scholarship is an extremely discerning scholarship for minorities who are high school seniors. To be eligible, applicants must be qualified for a Pell Grant. The family is required to pay the Expected Family Contribution determined by the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
GMS Program Structure
The perfect applicant is typically in the top 10% of their high school class and has demonstrated leadership ability and personal success. Additionally, the program covers costs beyond other scholarships and the expected family contribution. This includes tuition, fees, books, room and board, and transportation. UNCF, the United Negro College Fund, administers the GMS initiative in partnership with the following organizations:
- American Indian Graduate Center Scholars.
- Hispanic Scholarship Fund.
- Asian and Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund.
Application Process
Some personal expenses may also be covered. The scholarship will be funded for 5 years, through which time it is expected the student will complete their bachelor’s degree. However, the scholarship does not cover graduate programs, only undergraduate. If you are interested in applying, there are only five (5) steps for you to complete the application process, and they are as follows:
Familiarize yourself with the entire application process
There are just three (3) components to the application, which are
- The student application (nominee form).
- The evaluation of the student’s academic record (Nominator Form).
- The evaluation of a student’s community service and leadership activities (Recommender Form).
All three forms listed above must be completed before the given deadline.
Understanding the evaluation criteria
When evaluating applications, academic rigor, community service, and leadership activities are considered. The academic record of the student should reveal their commitment to academics and their determination to succeed in challenging coursework.
Community service and leadership activities should also be elevated to gain insight into the student’s potential for leadership and their devotion to serving their community through extracurricular activities. It is very important that these three areas are well-represented in the application to offer a comprehensive view of the student’s abilities and potential.
Choose the appropriate nominator and recommender
Moreover, to suggest a student for a community service and leadership award, the nominator must be an educator. This includes a teacher, counselor, or principal. The recommender must have data on the student’s community service and leadership activities. While the nominator can likewise act as the recommender, it can’t be vice versa. It is critical to note that neither the nominator nor the recommender can be a relative of the student.
Tell your story
It is important to share your story and bring your experiences to life (reality). You can ask your supporters to help you see how far you’ve come and what you’ve done in high school. They can also review your essays and give feedback. Be sure to give your nominator and recommender a resume or personal profile.
Create a timeline to make sure your application is complete before the given deadline
It is vital to complete exact sections of the application on a weekly basis. It is likewise important to stay in touch with your recommender and nominator to make sure they have submitted their forms before the deadline. Follow up with them often to ensure they are making progress and will be able to submit their forms before the deadline. Don’t forget to submit your form before the deadline.
Gates Millennium Scholars (GSM) Eligibility Criteria
There are some criteria you must have to qualify for the Gat Millennium Scholars, and some of them are as follows:
- You must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
- Students who matriculated full-time as degree-seeking freshmen at accredited colleges or universities in fall 2021 are eligible, with the exception of those who were jointly enrolled in high school and college or received GEDs.
- Demonstrated leadership over community service, extracurriculars, and other activities.
- African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Hispanic American, or Asian Pacific American.
The lists above are just some of the criteria you must have to qualify for the Gat Millennium Scholars.
Final Thought
In conclusion, scholars are qualified to get funding for the entire cost of attendance that is not covered by any other financial aid or the expected family contribution. The amount of funding will be determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the methodology used by the college or university where the scholar is enrolled.
