Ryan Nicole Falconer Scholarship Scholarship 2026

The Ryan Nicole Falconer Scholarship was established in 2020 to honor the memory of Ryan Nicole Falconer (May 11, 2002 – October 27, 2020), a proud graduate of Woodward Academy and the Atlanta Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Ryan was a freshman at Howard University who dreamed of experiencing full campus life before her passing. This scholarship fund provides support for other bright stars to attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) and carry forward her legacy.

If you are a high school senior planning to enroll as a freshman at an HBCU in the Fall 2026 semester, this scholarship could provide substantial housing support. For students exploring additional funding opportunities across the United States, you can browse fully funded scholarships in USA for international students to discover other awards that match your academic goals.

Scholarship Parameters

The Ryan Nicole Falconer Scholarship consists of a housing stipend to be used by any student attending an HBCU. The stipend amount is $500 per month for four years, totaling $24,000. This funding is specifically designed to ease the financial burden of housing costs, allowing recipients to focus on their studies and fully experience campus life – exactly what Ryan hoped to do.

Academic Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum GPA: 3.0 at the time of application

• Maintenance: Scholarship recipients must maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout the scholarship period

• Enrollment: Must intend to be enrolled as a freshman at an HBCU in the Fall 2026 semester

• Continuous Enrollment: Recipients must maintain enrollment at an HBCU throughout the scholarship period (four years)

For students also considering scholarship options in Canada, you can explore latest scholarships in Canada for all nationalities to compare opportunities north of the border.

Application Requirements

The scholarship application primarily consists of two components:

1. A copy of the applicant's high school transcript (official or unofficial, showing GPA)

2. A short video of less than 2 minutes – likely showcasing your story, your connection to Ryan's legacy, your reasons for attending an HBCU, and your aspirations

Video essays allow the selection committee to see your personality, passion, and authenticity in a way written essays cannot capture.

Application Deadlines

• Applications open: April 1st at 12:01 AM (local time)

• Application deadline: April 30th at 11:59 PM

• Recipients announced: May 11th (Ryan's birthday)

For the 2026 cycle, applications will open on April 1, 2026 and must be submitted by April 30, 2026. Winners will be announced on May 11, 2026.

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying for the Ryan Nicole Falconer Scholarship, complete the application through the official portal. Be sure to prepare your high school transcript and film your short video (under 2 minutes) before the April 30th deadline. Since the application window is only 30 days long, early preparation is strongly recommended.

For students seeking other scholarship opportunities across the United States, you can review financial aids for students in North America to discover additional funding sources for your college education.

Why Choose This Scholarship

The Ryan Nicole Falconer Scholarship stands out for several reasons:

• Substantial Support: $24,000 over four years ($500 monthly) significantly reduces housing costs

• HBCU Focus: Specifically supports students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities

• Renewable for Four Years: Unlike one-time awards, this scholarship continues throughout your undergraduate journey

• Personal Legacy: Named in memory of a young woman who valued education, community, and the HBCU experience

• Simple Application: Only a transcript and a short video are required – no lengthy written essays or multiple recommendation letters

Final Thoughts

The Ryan Nicole Falconer Scholarship is a beautiful way to honor Ryan's memory while helping another bright student live out their dream of attending an HBCU. If you are a high school senior with a 3.0 GPA or higher, planning to enroll as a freshman at an HBCU in Fall 2026, this scholarship could provide the housing support you need to focus on your education and campus experience.

Mark your calendar for April 1st, prepare your transcript and video, and submit your application before April 30th. Winners will be announced on Ryan's birthday, May 11th – a fitting tribute to a young woman who believed in the power of education and community.

Apply Now for Ryan Nicole Falconer Scholarship