We appreciate and encourage your interest in applying for our annual Scholarship. Please review the criteria below. Be prepared to submit your application and supporting documents to Scholarships@rotarywilmington.org
Any graduating senior and City of Wilmington resident from a New Castle County high school is eligible if he/she has been accepted to a post-secondary education program at a two- or four-year school, including trade and vocational schools and meets our additional requirements:
Qualifications for Eligibility:
- City of Wilmington resident
- Financial need
- Strong Academics
- Extracurricular & Community Service activities
Application for 2025-2026 academic year is now open!
If you have any question regarding the application or the process, you may contact: Club Executive Ashley Cloud, 302-388-7176 or send your inquiry by email to: Scholarships@rotarywilmington.org.
Next steps in the Rotary Scholarship Process:
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Application Section A Deadline: January 31st, 2026
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Chosen applicants will be given additional sections to complete & interviews at the end of March 2026/beginning of April 2026
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Announcement of Scholarships Winners: April 15th, 2026
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Winners will be invited to attend a celebratory May Rotary meeting
Background
For many years the Rotary Club of Wilmington has provided various forms of loans to deserving students. In 1975, the Student Loan Fund Committee developed the necessary procedures and secured approval from club leadership to begin a scholarship program. In the 1976 – 1977 academic year, the Club granted the first scholarship of $500 to Miss Martha Berry.
In 1989, as the Club’s 75th anniversary approached, a Strategic Planning Committee assessed opportunities for community service and recommended that the Club add $200,000 to the education fund. This increase allowed the Club to provide “more meaningful” scholarships.
Today
Thanks to the generosity of Club members over the years, the Fund maintains a strong financial position, enabling the Club to provide multiple scholarships to each year’s group of qualified and accepted candidates. Each scholarship award provides approximately $3,500 per year for each of the two to four years that the student attends a post-secondary 2-year, 4-year, or vocational program.
Our Scholarship Committee is seeking students who exhibit solid academic achievement, contribute generously to their community, and who have a financial need. We encourage you to apply and to ask for assistance if you have any questions during the process.
