Navigating Gwinnett County Scholarship Opportunities

Gwinnett County, recognized for its rapid growth and diversity, offers a multitude of scholarship opportunities for students pursuing higher education. These scholarships cater to various academic interests, backgrounds, and financial needs. This guide provides an overview of some prominent scholarships available to Gwinnett County students.

Scholarships for Gwinnett County College Students

Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) Scholarships

GGC provides several scholarship opportunities for incoming students.

First-Year Students: New first-year students accepted to GGC prior to December 1st may be eligible for a $1,000 per year scholarship, awarded for the fall semester only. No application is required, and scholarships are awarded by a committee. To qualify, students must be accepted to GGC by December 1.
Transfer Students: New transfer students accepted to GGC before December 1st can also receive a $1,000 per year scholarship, awarded in the fall semester. Eligibility requires a minimum 3.5 transfer GPA and a minimum of 30 (maximum of 60) college transfer credits. No separate application is needed, with the committee making the awards.
Out-of-State Students: New first-year out-of-state students may qualify for in-state tuition rates through a scholarship. This scholarship is awarded upon acceptance to GGC, without a separate application. Minimum qualifications include a 3.0 core high school or transfer GPA, admission to GGC as an out-of-state student, and completion of the admission application by May 1 (for Fall) or December 1 (for Spring). A transfer GPA of 3.0 based on all attempted college credit is also required.

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Gwinnett County Police Foundation Scholarships

The Gwinnett County Police Foundation, a non-profit organization supporting the Gwinnett County Police Department (GCPD), offers scholarships to the dependent children of active GCPD employees. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, volunteer service, and financial need. The funds are intended for tuition, books, supplies, or fees associated with a course.

Scholarships for Graduating High School Seniors

General Scholarships

The Aqua Divas Scholarship: The 48 AQUA Divas, Gwinnett County Alumnae Chapter’s 2007 Inaugural line, offers a $500 scholarship to a deserving local, graduating high school senior in the Gwinnett County area. The scholarship is awarded to students who have displayed hard work, determination, and perseverance in deciding to attend a college or university.
Upsilon Alpha Omega Scholarship: Upsilon Alpha Omega is offering a scholarship to high school seniors to further their educational opportunities. The scholarship focuses on marginalized or disadvantaged communities (male or female). It is the chapter’s goal to promote post-secondary education endeavors. The Scholarship process will open in January 2025 with additional directions provided at that time.
FFI Thelona Manning-Steele Scholarship: FFI offers a scholarship in honor of its founder, Mrs. Thelona Manning-Steele.
Beyond the Spectrum Scholarship: The Beyond the Spectrum Scholarship provides support for deserving high school senior students with an autism spectrum disorder who are bound for postsecondary education. Applicants must submit a completed application and required documents by January 16, 2026.
Rho Beta Sigma Alumni Chapter Scholarship: Rho Beta Sigma Alumni Chapter provides support and serves the needs of Gwinnett County through the pillars of our organization: Bigger and Better Business, Education, and Social Action. Complete a 500-word essay answering the following prompt: In your opinion, what is the most important aspect of education? Reflect on a teacher or mentor who has significantly influenced your education. The recipients of the scholarships will be notified on Monday, March 2, 2026.

Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) Foundation Scholarships

The GCPS Foundation offers a variety of scholarships to graduating seniors.

Alton C. Crews Educator Scholarship: This one-time award of $1,000 is sponsored by the GCPS Foundation and will be presented to a graduating senior who has met the specified requirements.
GCPS Foundation Louise Radloff Scholarship: A one-time $5,000 scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior from GCPS who has overcome a significant challenge to become a high school graduate.
GCPS Foundation Mathematics Scholarship: A one-time award of $1,500 will be presented to a GCPS graduating senior with plans to enroll full-time in an undergraduate course of study in science, technology, engineering, or math.
GCPS Foundation Multicultural Scholarship: This one-time award of $1,000, sponsored by the Gwinnett Multicultural Advisory Committee, is presented to a college-bound GCPS senior of Hispanic, African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, or other minority origin.
GCPS Foundation STEM Scholarship: A one-time award of $1,500 will be presented to a GCPS graduating senior with plans to enroll full-time in an undergraduate course of study in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Applicant must have a minimum 2.7 GPA on a 4.0.
GCPS Foundation Science, Engineering, and Innovation Scholarship: A $1,000 will be presented in recognition of outstanding performance at the regional level to a one-time to a GCPS senior with plans to enroll full-time at the post-secondary level in a course of study in science, technology, engineering, or math. One or more recipients may be named. No application necessary.

School-Specific Scholarships

Several scholarships are specific to certain high schools within Gwinnett County.

Geri Flanary Memorial Scholarship (Duluth HS): This annual $1,000 award is presented to a GCPS Duluth HS graduating senior with plans to enroll full-time in an undergraduate course of study at an accredited college, university, technical, or trade school. The ideal candidate will demonstrate financial need and will plan on serving the community.
GIVE Center West “I DARE YOU” Scholarship (GIVE West HS): This one-time $500 scholarship is awarded to a current GIVE West graduating senior who has positively improved their school record through empathy, equity, and excellence while enrolled at GIVE Center West. All completed applications will be reviewed and scored by the Scholarship Committee of the Gwinnett County Alumnae Chapter. The top-scoring applicants will be granted an interview in March 2025, to determine the scholarship recipients.
Heidi Facultad Mulzac Scholarship (Grayson HS): This merit-based scholarship for graduating seniors enrolled in Gwinnett County Public Schools provides financial assistance to students who plan to enter the teaching profession.
Hope McKenzie Scholarship (Grayson HS): A one-time award of $1,000 will be presented to a student excelling in the arts at Grayson High School.
Jason Appling Technical Education Service Scholarship (Collins Hill HS): This scholarship honors Mr. Appling's commitment to service and to students desiring a career in a technical field.
Susan D. Sweetwater Scholarship (Berkmar HS): The purpose of the Sweetwater Middle School Scholarship is to raise college awareness at Sweetwater MS, affect the graduation rate at Berkmar High School, increase the vertical work between our schools, rally community support, and assist deserving students with financial need.
Spirit of Phoenix High School Scholarship (Phoenix HS): This is a one-time award of $1,000. The faculty of Phoenix High School will select the winner.

Other Scholarships

Clara Barton Aspiring Nurse Scholarship: This annual one-time award of $500 - $1,000 scholarship was established by Shelli-Ann McKenzie. In an effort to further motivate and incentivize high school students, the Clara Barton Aspiring Nurse Award & Scholarship will be presented annually. HHCP will recognize two outstanding High School seniors who have been accepted into a 2-year or 4-year nursing program.
Courtney S. Blair Student Leadership Scholarship: A one-time award of $1000 to a senior who is in the top 5% of his or her class and a member of the Gwinnett Student Leadership Team.
Gwinnett County Retired Educators Assoc. Student Teaching Scholarship: The purpose of this $1,500 scholarship award is to honor high school seniors from the Gwinnett County Public School system and/or those from City of Buford HS who are planning to enter teaching as a career. Academic ability and financial need will be reviewed, but the overriding criteria will be the applicant’s sincere intention of becoming a teacher.
Jim Maran STEM Scholarship: A one-time award of $1,000 will be presented to a GCPS graduating senior in honor of James J. Maran, Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce past president.
Jody Reeves Career & Technology Education Scholarship: The Career and Technical Education Student of the Year is a competition held every year. Each GCPS high school has their own requirements for choosing its respective school’s CTE Student of the Year. Applicant must have a minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4-pt.
Joseph Abraham Memorial Scholarship: This is awarded in memory of Joe Abraham, who passed away in 2017 at the young age of 19 due to fentanyl poisoning. Eligible recipients can include high school seniors who have had issues with substance abuse and have turned their life around.
Mark A. Maxxis Awards - Valedictorian & Salutatorian Scholarships: Begun in 2003, corporate partner Maxxis continues its longstanding practice of awarding scholarships to outstanding local students from Gwinnett, with $500 prizes going to the valedictorian and salutatorian of each high school in Gwinnett County Public Schools.
Reid Mullins Scholarship (Snellville MS & South Gwinnett HS): This scholarship, in the amount of $1,000, was established in memory of Gwinnett’s first middle school principal, Mr. Reid Mullins who served with distinction at Snellville Middle School.
Rev. In Soo Jung Scholarship IA one-time award: of $1,000 will be presented to GCPS graduating senior with plans to enroll full-time in an undergraduate course of study at an accredited college or university. One or more recipient may be named. Applicant must have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4-pt.
Rev. In Soo Jung Scholarship IIA one-time award: of $1,000 will be presented to a GCPS graduating senior with plans to enroll full-time in an undergraduate course of study at an accredited college or university.
Richardson Housing Group (RHG) Workforce Scholarship: This is a one-time award of $1,000 given to 1-2 recipients each year. Richardson Housing Group (RHG) established the RGH Workforce Scholarship to promote trade and technical education related to the construction/development industry. Celebrating 50 years as a small family business in Gwinnett County RHG recognizes the impact of trade and technical careers on our community. Applications will be disseminated via school counselors and social media beginning January. An application is considered complete once application, essay, and acceptance letter are received.
The Sowers Scholarship (Community-Based Mentoring participants only): This scholarship is a one-time award of $2,500 to a GCPS high school graduating senior in the Community-Based Mentoring Program who plans to continue his education at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).
United Ebony Society of Gwinnett Robbie Susan Moore: A one-time award of $2,000 for one or more college-bound GCPS seniors who are planning to attend a 2-year or 4-year college/university.

Military-Affiliated Scholarships

Georgia Army National Guard GMC State Service Scholarship: There are 85 slots per year for current serving and prior service National Guard/Reserves soldier. Soldiers admitted through the Soldiers Admissions Program receive a fully funded four-year education valued at $450,000. These are very competitive and to be eligible the applicant must be a National Guard Soldier in good status.
Georgia Army National Guard GMC State Service Scholarship #2: The State of Georgia offers 42 scholarships per year to GMC for awarding to Georgia high school seniors who attend GMC and agree to serve two years in the Army upon graduation.
Georgia Army National Guard Minuteman Scholarship: The Minuteman Scholarships are two-to-four-year scholarships. Offers either full tuition and mandatory fees or a room and board flat rate of $12,000 per year, covering up to 4-years (8 semesters) of benefits, as well as a $1,200 per yearbook stipend. You will also receive monthly National Guard drill pay, GI Bill, training pay, and Army ROTC contract pay. The amount of scholarship awarded each year vary.
Georgia Army National Guard UNG Georgia Military Service Scholarship: The State of Georgia offers 42 scholarships per year to UNG for awarding to Georgia high school seniors who attend the University of North Georgia and agree to commission as officers in the Georgia Army National Guard after graduating with a bachelor’s degree.
Captain Hugh N. Mulzac Scholarship: (open to students with a strong commitment to the maritime industry and a desire to serve their country through the merchant marines)The Capt. Hugh N. Maritime college. It is open to students of all backgrounds and academic levels who have a strong commitment to the maritime industry and a desire to serve their country through the Merchant Marines.
Mark A. Mulzac Scholarship: (open to students with a strong commitment to the Air Force Academy or an Air Force university. It is open to students of all backgrounds and academic levels who have a strong commitment to the military and a desire to serve their country through the Air Force.

Program-Specific Scholarships

Teaching as a Profession Scholarship: Four $500 scholarships will be awarded to seniors enrolled in the Early Childhood Education Program or the Teaching as a Profession Program with plans to pursue a teaching degree in college. There will be one overall winner that will receive a $1,000 scholarship award.

Additional Opportunities

United States Senate Youth Program: This program offers high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of the American political process. Each year, two students from each state are selected to attend Washington Week in Washington D.C.
Georgia Scholar Program: Through the Georgia Scholar program, GaDOE identifies and honors high school seniors who have achieved excellence in school and community life. Each Georgia Scholar receives a graduation cord and an honorary diploma seal.
Willis H. Carrier Scholarship: Applicant must be a full-time student enrolled in a program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), or a substantially equivalent program outside the United States, leading to a Bachelor of Science or Engineering degree. Selection is based upon financial need, minimum 3.0 college GPA, faculty recommendations, leadership ability, and potential service to the HVAC and/or refrigeration profession. Applicant must be a resident of Troup County, GA for at least two years.
Dwight D. Gardner Scholarship: Applicant must be an active IIE member, be enrolled full time, and have a minimum 3.4 GPA.
Lisa J. Mauer Zonta International Scholarship: Applicant must be a female student who is enrolled in, or accepted to, a regionally- or ACICS-accredited school. Applicant must be 35 years of age or older by March 1 and considered low income. post-secondary institution.
Kappa Epsilon Foundation Scholarship: Applicant must have completed one term of advanced studies in the pharmaceutical sciences, be a member in good financial standing of Kappa Epsilon, and be working toward a pharmacy M.S., a Ph.D., or a Pharm.D. (having previously earned a pharmacy B.S.).
Gilbreth Memorial Scholarship: Applicant must be an active IIE member, be enrolled full time, and have a minimum 3.4 GPA.
Linda and Mike Abney Scholarship: Applicant must be a woman, an active IIE member, be enrolled full time, and have a minimum 3.4 GPA.

Overcoming Adversity Scholarships

Brenden and Alex Elbaz Memorial Scholarship: Write a one-page essay explaining how you faced adversity in your life and exhibited strength in the face of personal challenges. Your essay must include how you were able to overcome the hardship and how it changed you; please share your dreams and aspirations as well.

Gwinnett Parks Foundation

The Gwinnett Parks Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to assist the needs, whether volunteer labor, or monetary, of Gwinnett Parks & Recreation. The foundation was organized in 2001 to improve the quality of life for all of its citizens by working in cooperation with Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation, private citizens, businesses, foundations, and the Gwinnett County government.

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