The Gates Scholarship provides funding for the full cost of attendance (full ride) for 300 students who plan to attend accredited, not-for-profit, private or public universities. The first phase screening application is available July 15, 2024, and closes September 15, 2024. 
To qualify, you must be:
- A high school senior
- From one of the following ethnic groups: African American, Indian/Alaska Native, Asia & Pacific Islander or Hispanic
- Pell Grant Eligible
- U.S. Citizen, National, or Permanent Resident
- GPA of 3.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale
They are looking for students who possess the following:
- Top 10% of class
- Strong leadership skills demonstrated through involvement in community service and extracurricular activities
- Outstanding personal qualities (maturity, leadership, motivation, perseverance)
I have had the pleasure of assisting several students who have received this scholarship including Darion Wiggs who recently graduated from grad school. He was the recipient of the Gates Millennium Scholarship which allowed him to graduate undergrad from the University of Illinois debt free and he received a fellowship to attend graduate school at the University of Illinois debt free.
The program provides additional support services for students during and after college through networking and internship opportunities. If you meet the criteria, you should definitely apply. This is a life-changing program. Good luck!