November 1, 2026

Welcome!

We're so glad you’re here. This is our very first edition of our very first year, and we are thrilled to walk alongside you as you take this step toward your future. Over the next six newsletters, we’ll be sharing practical advice, application tips, and plenty of encouragement.

Our goal at the GIPS Foundation is simple: we want to help you reach your goals after high school. We offer over 200 different scholarships, created by generous community members who believe in you and your future.

One Application = Endless Possibilities

We get it—senior year is busy, and applying for college or trade school can quickly feel overwhelming. That’s why we made applying for our scholarships as stress-free as possible:

One Single Application: You only fill out one application to be considered for all 200+ scholarships.

Automatic Matching: As you answer the questions, our system automatically connects you with every single scholarship you qualify for. You don't have to spend hours guessing which ones to pick!

Save Time: Instead of typing the same information over and over, you only enter your details once.

Important Dates to Remember

Mark your calendar with these two important dates:

Application Opens: December 1, 2026

Application Closes: February 3, 2027

You Belong Here

No matter what your plans look like after graduation—a four-year university, community college, or a trade program—these scholarships are built for you. Every student’s path is different, and you definitely don't have to navigate it alone.

Keep an eye out for our next edition on December 1, where we’ll give you a tour of the application layout and walk you through starting your three required essays!

We are cheering for you!

The GIPS Foundation Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Take Action Today:
Build Your Activities Worksheet

While you wait for the GIPS Foundation scholarship application to open on December 1, there is one thing you can do right now to set yourself up for success.

High school moves fast. Can you remember every club, job, sport, and project since 9th grade?

Scholarship reviewers want your full story. Logging your dates, roles, and achievements now saves you stress—and guesswork—later. Do future-you a favor: check out our example, grab the free customizable Activities Worksheet, and start logging your wins today so you're ready when applications open!

Click for more info

"My advice to students who are nervous about applying is that you do not have to be the perfect student to deserve an opportunity. It is not just about grades it is about your hard work, dedication and how you overcome challenges. I believe everyone brings something special and your unique experiences and hard work can make you stand out just as much as a high GPA or awards."

Brisa Sanchez Dominguez, 2026 scholarship recipient

How to Read a Scholarship Guideline (and Know If You're Eligible!)

Every GIPS Foundation scholarship comes with a Scholarship Guideline—think of it as an instruction manual for that award. The most important section to check first is the Eligibility, which outlines the specific rules you must meet to qualify. This can be anything from your high school, GPA, intended major, or the college you plan to attend (though some scholarships look at different criteria!).

Here are two key things to keep in mind while reading:

"Required" vs "Preference": If an eligibility says preference, you can still qualify even if you don't fit that exact description! Preferences—like attending a specific elementary school or demonstrating financial need—give certain applicants an edge, but they don't automatically disqualify you if you don't match them.

Special Essays: A few scholarships require a special essay in addition to the main application. If you meet all the eligibility rules for one of these awards, you must complete that specific essay to be considered.

Taking a look at the guidelines gives you a jump start on knowing exactly which scholarships fit you best before application day!

Explore the Scholarship Guidelines