2026 Empowering a Better Tomorrow Scholarship
We are awarding 12 scholarships at $2,000 each to students who demonstrate leadership, civic engagement, and commitment to community change in Las Vegas.
About the Scholarship
The NAACP Las Vegas Branch will award 12 scholarships totaling $24,000 during the 2026 scholarship season. Awards will be presented at the May 16, 2026 General Membership Meeting.
This scholarship supports students committed to expanding freedom, dignity, and power in our community. Those reentering society are highly encouraged to apply.
Who is eligible to apply?
If you meet the requirements below, you are eligible to apply for the 2026 Empowering a Better Tomorrow Scholarship.
Eligibility Criteria
- ✓ Resident of Las Vegas, NV
- ✓ Junior or Senior in high school or any level of college, university, or trade school
- ✓ Minimum GPA: 2.5
- ✓ Students in an internship, fellowship, or entrepreneurship program may apply
- ✓ High school applicants may submit SAT/ACT scores (if applicable)
Not sure if you qualify?
If you live in Las Vegas and you’re currently a student with a 2.5 GPA or higher — apply.
Why we ask this
This scholarship is designed to support local students committed to community involvement and educational success.
What You Must Submit
All materials must be submitted before the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Most Recent School Transcript
Upload your latest official or unofficial transcript.
Resume, Cover Letter, or Biography (500 words or less)
Include your full name, address, phone number, and contact information.
One Letter of Recommendation
From a teacher, employer, mentor, counselor, or community leader. Must include their contact information.
One Essay (500–1200 Words)
MLA format, double spaced, 12pt Times New Roman, less than 3 pages. Remove your name and any identifying information.
Choose one topic for your essay
Select one of the three topics below. Your essay should explain what you’ve done, what you plan to do next, and how this connects to community change in Las Vegas.
Removing Barriers to Opportunity
Freedom means real access to opportunity. Identify a barrier in Las Vegas and show how you are working to remove it.
- ✓The barrier you see and who it impacts
- ✓What you’ve already done to address it (service, advocacy, organizing, leadership)
- ✓Your concrete plan to expand freedom moving forward
- ✓How the NAACP can support or amplify your work
Defending Human Worth and Justice
Dignity means everyone is treated with respect and fairness. Choose an issue in Las Vegas where dignity is being denied.
- ✓Why this issue threatens dignity in your community
- ✓A real example of how you’ve stood up or supported those affected
- ✓The social change you want to lead to ensure dignity for all
- ✓How accountability, education, or policy can create lasting impact
Building Community Voice & Accountability
Power is the ability to influence decisions that affect your life. Identify where your community needs stronger voice or accountability.
- ✓Where power is lacking and why it matters
- ✓How you’ve helped build community power (civic engagement, organizing, mentoring)
- ✓Your plan to increase civic engagement or accountability in Las Vegas
- ✓How this work advances the NAACP mission
Apply for the 2026 Scholarship
Follow the steps below to complete your application before the deadline.
Download the Packet
Review all eligibility, essay instructions, and formatting requirements carefully.
Prepare Your Materials
Complete your essay in MLA format and gather your transcript, resume, and recommendation letter.
Submit Your Application
Upload all required materials using the official application form.