NFL Foundation Inspire Change Scholarship

# NFL Foundation Inspire Change Scholarship The NFL Foundation's Inspire Change Scholarship Program supports high school seniors who are actively engaged in creating social change in their communities—particularly around the core pillars of the NFL's Inspire Change initiative: education and economic advancement, criminal justice reform, and police-community relations. The scholarship recognizes young people who are not just talking about change, but actively making it happen. ## About NFL Inspire Change Inspire Change is the NFL's social justice initiative, launched in 2018 as a commitment to addressing systemic racism and inequality in the United States. The initiative represents a partnership between NFL players, owners, and the league to invest in community programs, policy reform, and economic opportunity. The scholarship program extends this commitment to the next generation—identifying and supporting young leaders who are already driving change in their communities. ## Scholarship Details **Award Amount**: Up to $10,000 per recipient **Recipients**: Approximately 10–20 scholars selected per cycle, representing different NFL team markets and regions **Eligibility**: - High school seniors graduating in the year of application - Minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) - Documented involvement in community service or social justice activities aligned with Inspire Change pillars: - **Education and Economic Advancement**: Tutoring, mentorship, college access work, community economic development - **Criminal Justice Reform**: Advocacy, legal aid volunteering, policy research, restorative justice programs - **Police-Community Relations**: Bridge-building initiatives, community policing partnerships, dialogue facilitation - Planning to enroll in an accredited 2- or 4-year college or university - U.S. citizen or permanent resident ## Application Components The scholarship application is holistic and requires: - Academic transcript - Two personal essays: 1. Describe a specific community issue you have taken action on—what you did and what changed 2. Explain how you plan to continue your social justice work in college and beyond - One letter of recommendation from a community leader, teacher, or supervisor who can speak to your impact - Documentation of community involvement (hours, leadership positions, outcomes) ## What Makes a Strong Application The NFL Foundation scholarship is explicitly outcome-focused. The strongest applications describe specific, measurable community impact—not just "I volunteered" but "I organized a voter registration drive that registered 120 people, and here's what happened next." Scholarship readers are looking for students who have caused change, not just participated in programs. Students who have founded or led community organizations, initiated school policy changes, organized community events, or built partnerships between groups will be strongest candidates. ## Connection to Professional Mentorship Scholars may be invited to attend NFL Inspire Change events, meet with NFL players and executives who are active in social justice work, and connect with a network of fellow young change-makers. Some past scholars have had opportunities to present their work at NFL-hosted forums. ## How to Apply Applications are typically released through the NFL Foundation website and the Scholarship America platform in **September**, with a deadline in **November**. Students can also learn about the scholarship through their school counselors and local NFL team community relations offices. For students whose identity is deeply connected to community activism and social justice, this scholarship is both meaningful financial support and recognition of work they're already doing.