The Samuel A. Green Scholarship: Empowering Future Leaders
Honoring the legacy of Samuel A. Green, a staunch believer in the power of education, the Samuel A. Green Scholarship Program supports young leaders in the Greater Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley areas. This scholarship provides financial assistance to graduating high school seniors and rising college freshmen who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to making a substantial impact on their communities.
A Legacy of Supporting Education
The Samuel A. Green Scholarship Program, presented by the Green Family Foundation and Firstrust Bank, commemorates Samuel A. Green, the founder of Firstrust Bank. Born in a small Hungarian farming town, Samuel A. Green immigrated to Philadelphia and established a savings and loan that evolved into a third-generation, family-owned bank. The scholarship program embodies his dedication to helping others by supporting the educational aspirations of young people. The Green Family Foundation was established in 2005 by Samuel A. Green’s son and daughter-in-love, Daniel and Florence (“Flo”). Daniel was the Chairman and CEO of Firstrust Bank from 1970-2005 and Chairman Emeritus until his death in 2020. Richard J. Green, their son, serves as Trustee for the Foundation.
The program continues a long-standing tradition of supporting students, with the 2026 awards marking the 57th year of this commitment.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Samuel A. Green Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a high school graduating senior or rising college freshman.
- Attend a public, private, parochial, or charter school, or be a home-schooled student, technical school graduate, or GED recipient.
- Plan to enroll as a full-time student at a community or four-year, not-for-profit, accredited college or university.
- Be a legal resident of the United States.
- Reside or attend school within the Greater Philadelphia or Lehigh Valley areas.
- Applicants already attending college or who are at least 30 years old as of March 1, 2026, will not be considered.
Furthermore, employees, officers, or directors of the Green Family Foundation or Firstrust Bank, their subsidiaries, affiliates, donors, distributors, advertising and promotion agencies, family members (defined as spouses, children, parents, siblings, and in-laws), or persons living in the household of any of the above, or anyone who may become an employee of the Green Family Foundation or Firstrust Bank or such subsidiaries, affiliates, donors, distributors, and advertising and promotion agencies after submitting their application are not eligible to apply.
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Scholarship Award Details
The Samuel A. Green Scholarship Program offers significant financial support to its recipients. The 2026 program will award $360,000 in multiyear support. Scholars will receive up to $20,000 in multiyear support towards college.
Checks will be payable to the accredited, not-for-profit college or university that the student will be attending. Scholarship awards will be paid during the academic years 2026-2029. If the student accepting a Samuel A. Green Scholarship is also receiving financial aid, accepting the scholarship may reduce the aid. Please contact your financial advisor for details. Scholarship awards cannot be deferred without expressed written permission by the Foundation.
Application Process
The application process for the Samuel A. Green Scholarship involves several key steps:
- Online Application: Applicants must complete the online application form available on the Green Family Foundation website.
- Essay Submission: A crucial part of the application is a concise essay. Applicants must explain, in 300 words or fewer, how they will use their college education to make a substantial impact in their community.
- Semi-Finalist Selection: From the pool of applicants, 100 will be chosen as semi-finalists.
- Reference Letter and Transcript: Semi-finalists are required to submit a letter of reference attesting to their demonstrated leadership, along with a copy of their high school transcript.
Each student may only submit one application. Awards are intended for the student only; no provision is made for spouses or dependents. No substitution of the award is permitted.
Important Dates for 2026
Applicants should be aware of the following critical dates for the 2026 Samuel A. Green Scholarship Program:
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- Application Opens: November 3, 2025
- Application Deadline: March 1, 2026
- Letters of Reference and Transcript Deadline: April 10, 2026
- Scholars Notified: May 5, 2026
- Scholarship Awards Ceremony: May 27, 2026
Why Apply?
The Samuel A. Green Scholarship Program offers more than just financial assistance. It recognizes and supports young individuals who are dedicated to using their education to create positive change. By applying, students gain the opportunity to:
- Receive up to $20,000 in multiyear support for their college education.
- Be recognized for their leadership potential and commitment to community impact.
- Join a network of Samuel A. Green Scholars.
- Uphold the legacy of Samuel A. Green and his commitment to helping others.
Firstrust Bank's Commitment
Firstrust Bank actively supports the Samuel A. Green Scholarship Program. The bank recognizes the importance of investing in the education of young people and empowering them to become future leaders.
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