George Mason University Alumni Association Student Scholarships
The George Mason University Alumni Association (GMUAA) sponsors 10 student scholarships each year. Scholarship applications open during the fall semester and are selected in the spring semester each year. The scholarship award applies to tuition for the following fall semester.
Important Dates and Details
- Application Dates: September 1, 2026, through January 11, 2027
- Awards Notifications: All finalists will receive a confirmation of their award selection or denial by March 31, 2027
- Scholarship Recognition: All selected scholarship recipients will be invited to the annual Scholarship Celebration event. Scholarship recipients are encouraged to attend this event.
- “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.
Explore Scholarships
The available scholarships and requirements are listed below. Students who are eligible may apply for all scholarships through the George Mason Scholarship Application.
The Peter C. Forame Student Leader Scholarship: $2,500
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. First Lieutenant 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
- GPA 3.0 or higher
GMUAA Service Scholarship: $2,500
Established in 2006, the GMUAA Service Scholarship recognizes the importance of volunteer roles 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 Alumni Chapter Endowed Scholarship: $2,500
The Black Alumni Chapter 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. 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)
- 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
- Highlight or demonstrate your contributions to the university community, especially as it relates to improving the student experience for students of Black/African Heritage.
- Demonstrate how your involvement and leadership in student organizations have supported Black/African Heritage students.
The John C. and Louise P. Wood Undergraduate Scholarship: $2,500
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 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: $2,500
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 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
The 50th Anniversary Scholarship: $2,500
In 1968, the graduating students at 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 to the university and community.
This scholarship will award essential funds to a student each year 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): 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
Hine Family Scholarship: $2,500
Established by the Hine Family, this scholarship will provide support to a full-time, 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
Ryan M. Jones Memorial Endowed Scholarship: $2,500
The Ryan M. Jones Memorial Endowed Scholarship was established by Christopher K. Jones, in memory of his late son. This scholarship is to provide support for a service-disabled veteran, their dependent(s), or active-duty students with Virginia residency.
Applicant requirements:
- Undergraduate or graduate student (full or part-time)
- Virginia Resident
- Disabled veteran or their dependent, and/or active duty-student
- Applicants will need to answer the following question: How will this scholarship aid you in pursuing your education?
Rachel Sleichter Scholarship for Teaching Excellence Endowment: $2,500
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 an undergraduate or graduate student who is pursuing a degree in teaching, specifically 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, specifically K-12 education
- Demonstrated financial need and academic merit
Amy Takayama-Perez Book Fund: $250
The Amy Takayama-Perez Book Fund was established in 2024 in memory of Amy Takayama Perez, BA ’96, MED ’02, former Alumni Association Board member and former dean of admissions, who lost her battle with breast cancer. Amy was a supporter and advocate for the Early Identification Program and first-generation students. This scholarship will provide support to 10 undergraduate students with $250 towards the purchase of their textbooks.
Applicant requirements:
- Undergraduate (full time)
- Preference will be given to graduates of the Early Identification Program
- Demonstrated financial need and academic merit
- Applicants will need to answer the question: “What does it mean to be the first in your family to attend college?