Scholarships
Empowering Futures: Scholarships for Perth Amboy High School Seniors
For over 50 years, PRAHD has been dedicated to education and community empowerment. Our mission is to help individuals reach their full potential and inspire meaningful participation in their communities. We are proud to offer scholarships that align with our values, supporting students as they pursue higher education and create brighter futures.
PRAHD Scholarships
We are excited to offer two annual scholarships designed to recognize and support outstanding Perth Amboy High School students:
Eligibility Requirements:
- Perth Amboy High School Seniors
- Participation in community service and extracurricular activities
- Commitment to attending college
- Completion of the application form
- Submission of an essay answering the scholarship prompt
Escalar Scholarship
Porque todos merecen una oportunidad para subir—y escalar—hacia su futuro.
The Escalar Scholarship is designed for students whose potential, ambition, and resilience aren’t always reflected in a traditional transcript. Unlike merit‑based awards that primarily recognize high academic achievers, Escalar supports students who have faced obstacles, navigated personal challenges, or experienced barriers that made academic excellence difficult—but who are still determined to climb toward their goals.
This scholarship welcomes students pursuing:
- 2–4 year colleges or universities
- Trade schools
- Technical training programs
- Cosmetology school
- Vocational certifications
It is meant to celebrate the climb, not just the peak.
Application Requirements:
Minimum GPA: 2.5. Students below 2.5 are still encouraged to apply if they provide a brief explanation of the circumstances impacting their GPA.”
Essay Prompt:
"Tell Us About Your Climb"
The Escalar Scholarship recognizes that success is not always measured by grades, but by the courage it takes to keep moving forward. In a written essay or a creative piece, share a story about your personal climb—your challenges, your growth, and what keeps you striving toward your goals.
Choose ONE of the following formats:
- Written Essay (500–750 words)
- Creative Writing (short story, poem, spoken word piece, etc.)
- Artwork (drawing, painting, collage, digital art, etc.) with a written explanation (250–350 words)
Deadline: April 15, 2026
Director’s Scholarship
Honoring Leadership Through Service & Commitment to Community
This scholarship honors students who have demonstrated a deep commitment to their community through service. Applicants are invited to share their experiences of making a meaningful impact and how these efforts have shaped their lives.
Application Requirements:
- Must be attending a 2–4-year college/university
- Minimum GPA: 3.5. Students below 3.5 are still encouraged to apply if they provide a brief explanation of the circumstances impacting their GPA.
Essay Prompt:
"Service as Leadership: How Has Contributing to Your Community Shaped Your Path?"
Using one or more of your community service experiences listed above, reflect on the role that service has played in your life. In your response, address the following:
- What motivated you to get involved in this service work?
- How did your actions contribute to the well‑being or growth of your community?
- What did you learn about yourself through serving others?
- How has this experience influenced your goals, your character, or the type of leader you hope to become?
We invite you to be honest, thoughtful, and reflective. We’re not simply looking for a list of activities—we want to understand how these experiences have shaped who you are today and who you aspire to be.
Deadline: April 15, 2026
Arturo Alfonso Schomburg Scholarship
Honoring Legacy, Identity, and the Power of Historical Truth
Named in honor of Afro‑Puerto Rican historian, writer, curator, and activist Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, this scholarship celebrates students who embrace the importance of Black history and the African diaspora in the story of the United States. Schomburg dedicated his life to uncovering the achievements, brilliance, and resilience of African-descended people—challenging the world to recognize that Black history is American history.This award recognizes students who reflect deeply on the power of representation, historical truth, and the impact of Black contributions in the United States.
Application Requirements:
- Must be attending a 2–4-year college/university
- Minimum GPA: 3.5. Students below 3.5 are still encouraged to apply if they provide a brief explanation of the circumstances impacting their GPA.
Essay Prompt:
Option A - NEW & More Reflective: “The History We Inherit, The History We Create”
Arturo Schomburg once said that Black history had been “buried,” and he dedicated his life to bringing that history to light.
Reflect on a moment when learning about a historical figure, movement, or cultural contribution from the African diaspora changed the way you see the world.
In your response, explore:
- What story or figure you uncovered
- Why this history mattered to you personally
- How this knowledge shapes the kind of citizen, leader, or change maker you want to become
(750 words max)
Option B - NEW & Most Thought‑Provoking: “If Schomburg Asked You What Story Still Needs to Be Told…”
Imagine Arturo Alfonso Schomburg sat down with you today and asked:
“What story from Black history—or what voice in your own community—do you believe the world still needs to hear?”
Write an essay that answers his question. You may choose to highlight:
- A lesser‑known African American historical figure
- A movement or cultural contribution that deserves more recognition
- A personal or community story connected to Black identity, history, or resilience
Explain why this story matters and how it contributes to a fuller picture of American history.
(750 words max)
Deadline: April 15, 2026
Why Apply?
Higher education is a powerful tool for creating change, both in your life and in your community. PRAHD’s scholarships aim to:
- Recognize students’ hard work and dedication to service.
- Provide financial assistance to support your educational goals.
- Celebrate the values of empowerment, leadership, cultural celebration, and community involvement.
Join Our Legacy of Empowerment
Since 1974, PRAHD has been committed to nurturing future leaders. Through programs like these scholarships, we continue to invest in education and celebrate the power of individuals to transform their communities.
Start your journey today. Apply now and take the next step toward your dreams!
Need more information?
Perth Amboy Contact
For more information on Scholarships, contact PRAHD today!