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Bridging the Dream Scholarship for Graduate School Students

Last updated Jul 2, 2026

Deadline

2026-07-17

Country

United States

Level

masters, phd

Organization

The Sallie Mae Fund, Thurgood Marshall College Fund

Funding

partial

Overview

The Bridging the Dream Scholarship for Graduate School Students is a financial aid program offered by The Sallie Mae Fund in partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. It aims to support outstanding students pursuing graduate-level education. Twenty students will be selected to receive this scholarship.

Coverage

Selected scholars will receive a scholarship of up to $10,000 for the 2026-2027 academic year. The total scholarship amount will be disbursed in two installments: one during the Fall 2026 semester and the second during the Spring 2027 semester. These funds are specifically designated to cover verifiable costs associated with average tuition and usual fees.

Eligibility

Applicants must be enrolled at least part-time in an accredited post-secondary graduate-level program during the 2026-2027 academic year. The scholarship does not explicitly state nationality restrictions, making it potentially open to international students attending accredited institutions, including those from Ethiopia.

Requirements

All applicants are required to create and submit a two-minute video responding to a specific prompt. The exact prompt for the video is not provided in the current information.

How to apply

The application period for this scholarship opens on June 1, 2026, and closes on July 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST (Eastern Standard Time). Further detailed application steps, beyond the video requirement, should be sought on the official Sallie Mae Fund website.

Notes

The scholarship funds are contingent on conditions outlined in the scholar’s contract and will be allocated in two disbursements for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Source & Verification

Host organization: The Sallie Mae Fund, Thurgood Marshall College Fund

Original source: JLV College Counseling

Official application page: https://www.salliemae.com/about/scholarship-opportunities/

Verify the deadline, eligibility, and document list on the official website before applying.

How to Apply

1

Read the full requirements

Visit the official application page and read all eligibility criteria carefully before investing time in the application.
2

Gather your documents

Collect transcripts, certificates, and references. Official copies may require apostille — start this process early.
3

Request recommendation letters

Contact your referees at least 4–6 weeks before the deadline. Brief them on the scholarship and your goals.
4

Write your motivation letter

Be specific about your goals, why you chose this program, and your plan to contribute to Ethiopia after completing your studies.
5

Proofread and submit early

Submit at least 3–5 days before the deadline. Technical issues are common — never submit on the last day.