The Cameron Impact Scholarship: Full Ride for High-Impact Leaders
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A 4-year, full-ride (tuition + more) scholarship for students with strong academics and a public-service mindset — awarded to those already making a difference in their communities or schools. Funded by the Bryan Cameron Education Foundation and awarded to 10–15 high school seniors annually.
⚠️ Highly selective and interview-based.
Page Shortcuts: What They’re Looking For | Academic Profile | Ideal Student | Parent Tools | Sample Winner | How to Apply | Limitations
🎯 What the Cameron Scholarship Is Actually Looking For
The Cameron Impact Scholarship seeks students who pair academic excellence with meaningful public impact — whether through service, advocacy, or civic leadership. This award isn’t just for the ambitious — it’s for the already-active.
- Leadership: Demonstrated leadership in clubs, service, advocacy, or entrepreneurship
- Academic Strength: High GPA, test scores, and course rigor
- Impact: A clear track record of meaningful change or contribution
- Character: Integrity, humility, and long-term vision
📊 Academic Profile
| Category | Typical Winner |
|---|---|
| ACT | 32–36 |
| SAT | 1450–1580 |
| GPA | Unweighted 3.9–4.0 |
| Course Load | Mostly AP/IB/Honors |
🧭 Ideal Cameron Candidate
This isn’t about potential — it’s about proof. Cameron winners are already out there making an impact. Think students who:
- Run civic projects or lead meaningful nonprofit efforts
- Launch social justice campaigns or STEM outreach initiatives
- Lead statewide advocacy, public health work, or education reform
- Combine academic grit with grounded service, often outside of school hours
If your kid’s résumé already reads like they’ve been running a nonprofit — this is their lane.
🧰 Parent Tools
Create a profile your recommender can actually use 📬 Recommendation Toolkit
Ask for a letter the right way — and make it easier to say yes ✍️ Essay Toolkit
Every prompt, every trick, every tip we’ve got
🌟 Could This Be Your Kid?
Show Sample Winner Profile
Name: Leila — Public school student from Illinois
Stats: SAT 1520, GPA 3.95 unweighted, top 2%
Story: Leila founded a mental health peer mentorship program at her school and partnered with a local clinic to expand it. She led school board presentations, wrote grant proposals, and trained new student mentors. Her essays showed grit and clarity — not just ambition, but measurable outcomes. She was one of 15 chosen nationwide.
🔗 Related Scholarships
If your child is a strong candidate for the Cameron Scholarship, they may also be competitive for:
- Ron Brown Scholar Program — leadership and civic impact for high-achieving seniors
- Coca-Cola Scholars — 150 awarded for exceptional initiative and service
- Equitable Excellence — merit + leadership-based, with a broader eligibility pool
📎 How to Apply
- Open to U.S. high school seniors (citizens or permanent residents)
- Online application includes personal info, extracurriculars, two short essays, and two recommendations
- Finalists are invited to a virtual or in-person interview
Applications typically open in early summer and close by mid-September.
Apply here: Cameron Impact Scholarship Website
⚠️ Limitations & Considerations
- Not need-based: This is awarded based on merit and leadership
- Only 10–15 awarded nationwide each year
- Focused on public service, civic impact, and measurable contribution