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Scholarship Overview

Each recipient can receive a scholarship up to $10,000/year, for up to four consecutive years of an undergraduate degree, if receiving the scholarship as a freshman. 

  • The amount granted is contingent on the funds raised each year and student financial need, not to exceed the bill from the college or university, after other scholarships and financial aid are applied.

  • Funding will only be sent directly to the college or university the student is attending and can only be used on tuition, books, fees, room and board managed by the university. Unused funds may not be given back to the student.

  • To maximize the number of recipients, if a student is granted a scholarship after their freshman (first) year, they will receive a scholarship the remainder of their consecutive undergraduate years. i.e. a sophomore awarded the scholarship is eligible for 3 consecutive years of assistance.

  • For full scholarship details, please review the Scholarship Application and Requirements Overview.

Each applicant will have the option of being paired with a mentor in their field of study.

Scholarship Criteria Overview

Applicants must meet the following criteria for consideration:

  • GRADE POINT AVERAGE

    Proof of a minimum of a 2.5 GPA in high school or college or GED equivalent

  • COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE

    Proof of acceptance to an accredited college or university (prior to funds being dispersed) for their first undergraduate degree.

  • DIRECT DESCENDANT

    Proof of being a direct descendant (e.g., great-grandchild, great-great-grandchild, etc…) of an African American family that fled Forsyth County, Georgia, as a result of the violence in 1912 (family tree diagram, birth certificates, 1910 census, etc.).

    *If you believe you are a descendant and need some help determining your family tree, there may be some assistance we can provide in your search. Please reach out to us prior to the application process to share the information you have and we will contact you.

  • FAMILY JOURNEY ESSAY

    Submit an essay on "Your family’s connection to Forsyth County and your ancestors’ journey in the decades after their expulsion in 1912.” The scholarship committee may, if granted your permission, publish such essays on this site.

  • CAREER PATH ESSAY

    Description of your major and the career path you are planning to pursue, why you have chosen it, and how this scholarship will help you reach your career goals.

  • ADDITIONAL SUPPORT ESSAY

    Description of additional support you have in place to assist you in the successful completion of a college degree.

  • EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ESSAY

    Description of activities that demonstrate your ability to be successful in college (through multi-tasking, perseverance, etc...).

  • FINANCIAL NEED

    Proof of financial need (including FAFSA form, other scholarships, and financial aid award letters).

    Students are required to share the final financial statement where they are registered for the 2026-2027 school year with The Forsyth Descendants Scholarship Committee prior to funds being dispersed. Funds dispersed will not exceed the amount of the college or university final financial statement up to $10,000.

Scholarship Criteria (Subsequent Years)

Recipients must meet the following criteria to continue receiving the scholarship after the first year:

  • GRADE POINT AVERAGE

    Proof of a minimum of a 2.5 GPA at an accredited college or university and “good standing” status.

 

Application Timeline

  • Applications will be accepted January 1–April 1, 2026.

  • Awards will be made by June 15, 2026, for the fall 2026 and spring 2027 semesters.

  • Awards will be sent to the student’s college or university account by July 15, 2026.

  • As long as funds are available, the scholarship will be awarded annually.

Scholarship Application

Questions

Please reach out if you have questions, we are here to help.