Bridging the Dream Scholarship for Graduate Students

The Sallie Mae Fund, in partnership with Thurgood Marshall College Fund, is proud to offer financial assistance to outstanding students attending an accredited postsecondary graduate level institution. Twenty (20) students enrolled at least part-time in an accredited graduate level program will be selected to receive a scholarship up to $10,000 for the 2026-2027 academic year. The total eligible scholarship amount will be allocated in two installments: one during the fall 2026 semester and the second during the spring 2027 semester (which can only be applied to verifiable costs associated with average tuition and usual fees).

Scholarship applications for AY 2026-2027 are being accepted now through July 17, 2026.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Enrolled full-time or part-time at an accredited post-secondary institution in a graduate level program during the 2026-2027 academic year
• Current cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher
• Must be able to demonstrate a financial need
• Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident with a valid permanent resident card or passport stamped I-551
• Able to demonstrate good moral character in all aspects of your life, including personal, professional, educational, in your community and online presence

How to Apply:
All applicants must create a two-minute video responding to the following:

What core principles or values do you believe are most essential to creating positive change in your community and future career field? How do you plan to embody them in both your educational pursuits and interactions with others?

Application Dates:
This application opens June 1, 2026, and closes July 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST (Eastern Standard Time).