$2,130,000 in scholarships awarded for the 2025–26 academic year
Since 2005, Smith has funded over $22.3 million in educational aid for 549 Alabama students — awards from $500 to $120,000 for undergraduate, graduate, and professional post-graduate study.
Who Can Apply
To be considered, applicants must meet all of the following:
Alabama resident graduating from an Alabama high school (homeschool also accepted)
Minimum GPA of 2.5
Planning to attend an in-state Alabama college or university
2026–27 Application
The 2026–27 application opens in October 2026. Applications will require:
New for 2027
The J. Craig and Page T. Smith Scholarship Foundation is pleased to announce a new scholarship for graduates of Alabama community colleges. Applications open in January 2027.
Beginning in spring 2027, the Foundation will offer a scholarship for accomplished community college graduates who plan to continue their studies at a four-year institution.
As with the undergraduate award, the Transfer Scholarship carries obligations and accountability. Recipients must uphold the Foundation’s guidelines and satisfy its continuing eligibility requirements in order to retain their funding.
Many students attend community college after high school to explore career paths and reduce the cost of their education. The Smith Scholarship Foundation believes these students merit recognition for the diligence, perseverance, and maturity with which they have pursued these opportunities.
The application will be available in January 2027.
About the Foundation
Mignon C. Smith established the Smith Scholarship Foundation in honor of her late parents, J. Craig and Page T. Smith.
Mr. Smith observed that female valedictorians from Sylacauga-area high schools were routinely denied scholarships because of their gender, while their male peers received full scholarships to the University of Alabama. In response, he personally financed these young women’s educations. Mignon and her mother affectionately called them “Daddy’s Girls.” Mr. Smith took great pride in their accomplishments, attended their commencement ceremonies, and offered the encouragement and recognition their achievements had earned.
The Foundation continues his legacy. Since awarding its first scholarship in 2005, it has supported Alabama students for more than two decades.
The Foundation seeks students who demonstrate genuine perseverance. Smith Scholars have excelled academically while facing financial hardship, physical disabilities, or significant outside obligations, such as full-time employment to support their families or caregiving for relatives.
Such students are frequently overlooked. Many attend under-resourced schools and balance responsibilities that limit the time available for their studies, and their test scores and grades may not fully reflect their abilities. They are, nonetheless, exceptional individuals who serve their communities through volunteerism and remain devoted to their families.
The Smith Scholarship was first offered as a full scholarship for graduates of Alabama high schools enrolling at Alabama public colleges and universities. Awards range from $500 partial and book scholarships to $30,000.
A Smith Scholarship is both an award and a commitment. Recipients are expected to uphold the guidelines established by the Foundation and to satisfy its continuing eligibility requirements in order to retain their funding.
The undergraduate application opens each October, and the deadline falls in early January.
The Foundation also offers graduate scholarships to Smith Scholars who have distinguished themselves through academic excellence, professional accomplishment, and dedication to the Foundation’s mission. Awards range from $500 to more than $120,000, depending on the graduate or professional program.
Graduate scholarships are available exclusively to current Smith Scholars who are completing their undergraduate degrees.
Events
Relive the celebration — scholars, alumni, and staff marked two decades of the Foundation "1920's style."
Our annual scholar bootcamp — details and highlights from this year's session.
Resources
Current scholars: find every form you need — payments, re-applications, and program guidelines — in one place.
News You Can Use
Seniors applying this year should file the 2027–28 FAFSA® form (for college starting in fall 2027). Complete it early to strengthen your scholarship application and maximize your financial aid — don't miss this opportunity to support your educational journey.
Explore how our foundation is making a difference — promoting academic success and a culture of support for economically disadvantaged students in Alabama.
Photo Gallery
Photo Gallery
Scenes from this year's scholar bootcamp.
