Dell Scholars Program
Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
A scholarship plus wraparound support for low-income, motivated high school seniors who have shown grit, combining flexible funding with mentoring, a laptop, and emergency resources to help students finish college.
Who should apply
Pell Grant-eligible high school seniors who've participated in an approved college readiness program in grades 11–12 and plan to enroll full-time at a four-year college immediately after high school, with the determination to overcome obstacles and earn a bachelor's degree.
Eligibility
- High school senior participating in an approved college readiness program (grades 11 and 12)
- Plan to enroll full-time at an accredited four-year college right after high school
- Pell Grant eligible
- At least a 2.4 GPA
- Strong candidates show goal-setting, a career-driven mindset, ability to overcome obstacles, and self-motivation
What you get
- $20,000 flexible scholarship (covers tuition/housing; can also go to grad school, loan repayment, study abroad, internships)
- A laptop, textbook credits, and emergency funds
- Free teletherapy; discounted legal, financial, health, and personal services
- Academic advising and career coaching; professional development and networking
- Renewable support drawn down across multiple years while maintaining eligibility
What the application involves
- Online application through the applicant portal (apply.dellscholars.org)
- Finalists: current high school transcript
- Finalists: FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS)
- Finalists: an online recommendation letter
- No specific essay prompts or test-score requirement stated
Application tips
- Apply early once the application opens, and confirm your college readiness program qualifies.
- Complete your FAFSA early so your FAFSA Submission Summary is ready for the finalist stage.
- Use written responses to show how you've overcome obstacles and how a degree connects to a specific career goal.
- Choose a recommender who knows your story and can speak to your determination.
- Keep transcripts and documents organized for the finalist deadline.
Good to know
500 students nationwide become Dell Scholars each year. Maintain eligibility via full-time enrollment, good standing, and yearly FAFSA, with an annual online check-in. 2025–2026 timeline: opens Dec 15, 2025; deadline Feb 15, 2026; finalists Mar 1; finalist docs May 15; Scholars announced June 1, 2026.