The Burroughs Foundation is pleased to announce the Emerging Leaders Award for graduating high school seniors who will attend a public or private Historically Black College or University (HBCU). Three students will be selected based on the criteria below to receive a one-time award of $5,000 to use towards college expenses. Applications will be open February 15 – April 1, 2023.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Graduating high school senior
  • Minimum 3.25 GPA on a 4.0 scale
  • Minimum 25 hours of community service
  • Two letters of recommendation (teacher/professor/guidance counselor/academic advisor/pastor/community organization, etc.); *Must have at least one academic reference
  • Official high school transcript
  • Personal essay of 500-600 words addressing: “Why is leadership and community involvement important to you?”
  • Signed and completed application submitted by April 1, 2023

Application Submission

Your application is considered complete when the following information is received:

  1. Two letters of recommendation
  2. Official high school transcript
  3. Personal essay

Applications that are missing any of the required items will not be reviewed.

Applications may be submitted electronically or mailed to:

The Burroughs Foundation
3380 Pearson Rd.
Memphis, TN 38118