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Thurgood Marshall College Fund

SOAR HBCU Scholarship Program

Points of Contact

Carolyn Dees

Director of Faculty Services

Trenholm State Community College

Patina Moss

Operations Coordinator

Alabama State University

For questions or inquiries, please email TMCFSOARSouthAlabama@gmail.com

Thurgood Marshall College Fund - SOAR

Applications Are NOW OPEN
June 22 - 27, 2025

Submission Deadline:

May 15, 2025

APPLY HERE

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) HBCU Scholars Program known as SOAR is a one-week residential summer program designed for high-achieving high school juniors (rising seniors). Hosted in collaboration with Trenholm State Community College and Alabama State University, this program provides students with a unique opportunity to explore Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Historically Black Community Colleges (HBCCs). Participants will gain valuable insights into college admissions, financial aid, and scholarship resources while also exploring academic majors and career pathways. This program is offered at no cost to participants.

Eligibility:
Current high school juniors (Class of 2026). Eligible students must participate in the program during the summer before their senior year.

Program Dates: June 22 – 27, 2025

To Apply – applicants must provide the following

  • Completed Application
  • Official high school transcript
  • Resume listing extracurricular activities, including school and community involvement, clubs, organizations and work experience
  • Write a personal statement (250-300 words) responding to one of the following prompts:
    • Option 1: What are your short-term and long-term goals after high school? How can your participation in the TMCF SOAR Program assist you in achieving these goals?
    • Option 2: Describe what motivates you to pursue higher education or a career after high school. How have your experiences shaped your aspirations?
For questions or inquiries, please email TMCFSOARSouthAlabama@gmail.com
Click here to view photos from 2024 SOAR Program
Trenholm State Community College

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Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility
  • Must be a member of the graduating class of 2026
  • Must have a minimum of 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale (preferred)
  • Must have an academic transcript (official or unofficial)
  • Write a personal statement (250-300 words) responding to one of the following prompts:
    • Option 1: What are your short-term and long-term goals after high school? How can your participation in the TMCF SOAR Program assist you in achieving these goals?
    • Option 2: Describe what motivates you to pursue higher education or a career after high school. How have your experiences shaped your aspirations?
Who may apply?

The TMCF HBCU Scholars Program is open to students during the summer of their junior year in high school (class of 2026).  

What are the program dates?

The program dates are June 22 – June 27, 2025. 

What is the cost of the program?

The cost of the program is FREE to all participants.  The program will cover most expenses associated with the program, including housing, meals, materials, supplies, and activities.  Travel expenses are not covered by the program. 

Where will students reside while in the program?

During the week-long program, 100 participants will reside on the campus of Alabama State University.    

What activities will students be involved in during the program?

During the week-long program, 100 participants will reside in one of the residence halls.  Students will participate in seminars, develop team presentations, network with business professionals and HBCU alumni, interact with college students, and participate in workshops on college admissions, financial aid, scholarships, HBCUs, and more.

Is this program only for students interested in attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)?

No, the program is open to all students interested in various types of colleges and universities, including HBCUs or community colleges. 

Can students participate virtually?

Students are unable to participate virtually since it is a residential program.

Who will supervise the students?

All participants will be supervised by qualified and trained staff from multiple disciplines and at various levels of the university. Additionally, professional staff members will also live in the residence hall.

How can students apply?

Students must complete the online application and submit all documents for consideration for the program at SOAR Application. 

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is May 15, 2025.  All supporting documents must be received by May 15, 2025.   

Where can I get more information?

Anyone interested in learning more about the TMCF HBCU Scholars Program should email TMCFSOARSouthAlabama@gmail.com