The George Mason University Alumni Association Student Scholarships:

The George Mason University Alumni Association sponsors eight (8) student scholarships each year. Scholarship applications open during the fall semester and are selected in the spring semester each year. The scholarship award is applied to tuition for the following fall semester. Seven of the scholarship awards are for $2,500 and one is for $1000 (please read through each scholarship carefully). The available scholarships and requirements are listed below. Students who are eligible may apply for all scholarships through the Mason Scholarship Application.
The Peter C. Forame Student Leader Scholarship was established by the friends and classmates of First Lieutenant Peter C. Forame after he died in action during the Vietnam War. Mr. Forame was a past president of student government at George Mason University who possessed outstanding academic and leadership skills. His involvement exemplified that of a well-rounded student who balanced the demands of academic life with those of extracurricular activities. The George Mason University Alumni Association endowed the scholarship in 1995 so it could be awarded to deserving student leaders who demonstrate the ability to excel academically and still participate actively in university life. 


Applicant requirements:
Undergraduate or graduate student (full or part-time)
Must have student leader experience
Demonstrated financial need
 
Established in 2006, the George Mason Alumni Association Service Scholarship recognizes the importance of the volunteer role in the university community. It is awarded annually to a full-time undergraduate or graduate student who demonstrates a commitment to service within the university community while maintaining an exemplary academic record. 


Applicant requirements:
Full-time undergraduate student (taking at least 12 credits) or graduate student (taking at least 9 credits)
A GPA of 3.0 or higher
Demonstrated record of exceptional community service at George Mason University
Demonstrated financial need and academic merit
The Black Scholars Endowed Scholarship was established by the Black Alumni Chapter of George Mason University in 2011 to provide funding for undergraduate students from an underrepresented student population with first preference to Black/African Heritage students. The scholarship is awarded annually to a full-time undergraduate student who has completed at least one course within the African-American Studies minor; or has been an active or contributing member of a George Mason University student organization that promotes the advocacy and support of Black/African Heritage students.


Applicant requirements:
Full-time undergraduate student (taking at least 12 credits) 
First preference given to Black/African Heritage students who have displayed academic excellence, community service, and a commitment to diversity
A GPA of 3.0 or higher
Has completed one course within the African American studies minor, or
Active or contributing member of a George Mason University student organization that promotes the advocacy and support of Black/African Heritage students
The John C. and Louise P. Wood Undergraduate Scholarship was established in 1975 by the late John C. Wood. Mr. Wood overcame the challenges of blindness to serve as the mayor of the City of Fairfax from 1952 to 1963 and to become the first rector of the George Mason University Board of Visitors. Mr. Wood was instrumental in the development of George Mason University as an institution of higher learning in Northern Virginia and in the acquisition of the land for the Fairfax Campus and the School of Law. The Wood Undergraduate Scholarship is awarded annually to a student that demonstrates unusual motivation and ability in the pursuit of education and who has contributed to the development and welfare of George Mason University and/or the greater community. 


Applicant requirements:
Full-time undergraduate student (taking at least 12 credits)
GPA of 3.0 or higher
Demonstrated ability to overcome obstacles in pursuit of education
Demonstrated financial need and academic merit
The John C. and Louise P. Wood Graduate Scholarship was established in 1975 by the late John C. Wood. Mr. Wood overcame the challenges of blindness to serve as the mayor of the City of Fairfax from 1952 to 1963 and to become the first rector of the George Mason University Board of Visitors. Mr. Wood was instrumental in the development of George Mason University as an institution of higher learning in Northern Virginia and in the acquisition of the land for the Fairfax Campus and the School of Law. The Wood Graduate Scholarship is awarded annually to a student that demonstrates unusual motivation and ability in the pursuit of education and who has contributed to the development and welfare of George Mason University and/or the greater community. 

Applicant requirements:
Full-time graduate student (taking at least 9 credits)
GPA of 3.0 or higher
Demonstrated ability to overcome obstacles in pursuit of education
Demonstrated financial need and academic merit
In 1968, the graduating students of George Mason College had the foresight to create an organization designed to support and advocate for the University as a lifelong commitment.  In 2018, in recognition of this milestone, the 50th Anniversary Scholarship was established to honor and recognize the contributions that alumni leaders have given the University and community.

This scholarship will award essential funds to a student each year who embodies the ideal of dedicated alumni leaders:  Service, Diversity, and Philanthropy. 


Applicant requirements:
Full-time Undergraduate student (taking at least 12 credits): must have 30 credit hours completed at the time of application at George Mason University
Graduate student (full and/or part-time):  must have 6 credit hours completed at the time of application at George Mason University
Transfer students must have 12 credits completed at George Mason University
GPA of 3.0 or higher
Demonstrated financial need and academic merit
Demonstrated impact in the classroom, community and/or the university
Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion
Established by the Hine Family, this scholarship will provide support to a fulltime, undergraduate student who encourages and furthers the relationship between students and alumni.

Applicant requirements:
Recipients must submit a 250-word essay detailing their involvement with initiatives and/or programs that connect students and alumni. Examples of involvement include, but are not limited to, volunteering for alumni events, fostering relationships between students and alumni, having a mentor/mentee relationship with an alumnus and participating in alumni chapter meetings and events.
Undergraduate full-time
Good Academic standing
Demonstrated financial need
The Rachel Sleichter Scholarship for Teaching Excellence was established in 2022. Rachel graduated in the spring of 2022 with her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Elementary Education from the College of Education and Human Development. This scholarship honors Rachel's dedication and persistence, and supports aspiring teachers. This scholarship is awarded annually to a undergraduate or graduate student who is pursuing a degree in teaching, specific to K-12 education.

Applicant requirements:
Undergraduate or graduate student (full or part-time)
GPA of 2.75 or higher
Must be pursuing a degree in teaching, specific to K-12 Education
Demonstrated financial need and academic merit

Important Dates and Other Information:

  • Application Dates: Current application cycle is closed.  Application will reopen Fall 2024.
  • Awards Notifications - all finalists will receive a confirmation of their award selection or denial by March 29, 2024.
  • Scholarship Recognition - all selected scholarship recipients will be invited to the annual Scholarship Recognition Event. Additional RSVP is required upon receipt of invitation.
  • Thank You Letters - all selected scholarship recipients will be required to write a formal letter of appreciation to the donor(s) responsible for endowing the scholarship that they have received.
  • Photo/Press Release - all selected scholarship recipients will take a group photo and be featured in various Mason news publications, such as, The Scroll, Mason Spirit magazine, Mason website, social media accounts, etc.

For inquiries, please email Fermina Mejia-Green.