Posse Foundation Scholarship

What Is the Posse Scholarship?

The Posse Foundation Scholarship is a prestigious, full-tuition leadership scholarship awarded to high school seniors with strong leadership skills and academic potential. 

Students cannot apply directly; they must be nominated by their high school or a community-based organization. Selected students, known as Posse Scholars, attend college in a supportive, multicultural group (or “Posse”) of 10 students, receiving mentorship and leadership training throughout their education.

Who Is Eligible for the Posse Scholarship?

The Posse Foundation Scholarship is open to high school seniors who demonstrate exceptional leadership ability, academic potential, and a desire to make a difference. 

Key Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Posse Foundation Scholarship, students must:

• Be a high school senior currently enrolled in a public, private, or charter school in one of Posse’s partner cities (including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, and others)
• Demonstrate strong leadership skills through extracurricular activities, community involvement, or other initiatives
• Show academic promise with a solid GPA and a commitment to higher education
• Plan to attend a four-year college or university and be open to enrolling in one of Posse’s partner schools
• Be nominated by a teacher, counselor, or community-based organization—students cannot self-nominate or apply independently

Importance of Financial Need and Community Involvement

While Posse Scholars come from a wide range of backgrounds, financial need is not the primary selection factor. Instead, the scholarship prioritizes leadership, motivation, and the ability to succeed in a college environment with the support of a cohort. 

However, many Posse Scholars come from historically underrepresented communities and benefit from additional financial aid to cover living expenses, books, and other costs.

Are There Any GPA or Test Score Requirements?

The Posse Scholarship does not have a minimum GPA or standardized test score requirement. Instead, academic potential is evaluated holistically through interviews, leadership experiences, and overall performance in school. 

Students who have demonstrated perseverance, intellectual curiosity, and a strong commitment to personal and academic growth are encouraged to be nominated.

Posse Scholarship Requirements

Unlike traditional scholarships, the Posse Foundation Scholarship does not require essays, standardized test scores, or letters of recommendation. 

Instead, the selection process focuses on leadership skills, academic potential, and the ability to thrive in a diverse cohort.

Necessary Documents for the Application

Although students cannot apply independently, nominated students will need to submit certain documents throughout the selection process, including:

• High School Transcript: Required to verify academic performance and coursework.
• School Counselor/Administrator Information: Used to confirm student enrollment and qualifications.
• Financial Aid Documents (if applicable): While Posse is a merit-based scholarship, additional financial aid forms may be needed for students seeking extra funding from their Posse partner college.

Additional Materials Required

• Participation in the Dynamic Assessment Process (DAP): This multi-stage interview process is the most critical part of the selection. Candidates participate in group activities, discussions, and one-on-one interviews to showcase their leadership abilities, teamwork skills, and motivation.
• Commitment to a Posse Partner School: Students must be open to attending one of the Posse Foundation’s partner colleges or universities, as the scholarship is awarded in partnership with these institutions.

How to Apply for the Posse Scholarship

Students cannot apply directly for the Posse Scholarship. Instead, they must be nominated by a high school counselor, a community leader, or another official representative. 

Once nominated, students go through Posse’s Dynamic Assessment Process (DAP), which evaluates leadership potential, academic promise, and teamwork skills.

Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Application Process

Step 1: Get Nominated

• Students must be nominated by their high school counselor, principal, or a community-based organization.
• Self-nominations are not accepted.

Step 2: Participate in the Dynamic Assessment Process (DAP)

• The DAP is a three-stage selection process designed to evaluate students based on leadership ability, critical thinking, and communication skills.
• It includes group interviews, interactive activities, and one-on-one interviews with Posse staff and partner colleges.

Step 3: Finalist Selection and College Match

• Students who advance through all stages of DAP become Posse Finalists.
• Finalists are then matched with one of Posse’s partner colleges or universities, where they will receive a full-tuition scholarship if selected.

Step 4: Acceptance and Commitment

• If selected, recipients commit to attending their assigned Posse partner school and participating in pre-collegiate training to prepare for college success.

Where to Find the Application Form

There is no standard Posse Scholarship application form. Instead, interested students should speak with their school counselor or visit the Posse Foundation website to learn more about the nomination process.

How to Submit Required Materials

Once nominated, students must provide:

• High school transcript (submitted directly to Posse)
• Financial aid forms (if applicable, for additional funding)
• Participation in DAP interviews (required for selection)

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying

• Not getting nominated early enough: Nomination deadlines vary by city, so students should express interest to their counselors as soon as possible.
• Failing to prepare for the DAP process: The selection process is highly competitive, so students should practice leadership and teamwork skills before participating.
• Not committing to a Posse partner school: If awarded, students must attend their assigned Posse college or university to receive the financial award.

Posse Scholarship Deadline & Important Dates

The Posse Scholarship operates on a nomination-based system, and deadlines vary by city depending on the Posse Foundation’s regional offices. 

The 2025 cycle is currently closed, but students interested in the next round should work with their school counselors early to secure a nomination.

Current Application Deadlines (2024-2025 Cycle)

• Nominations Open: Spring 2024
• Nomination Deadlines: Varies by region
• Dynamic Assessment Process (DAP) Begins: Fall 2024
• Finalists Selected & Matched to Colleges: December 2024–January 2025
• Pre-Collegiate Training for New Scholars: Spring 2025

Key Timeline for Students to Follow

• Spring–Summer 2025
  • High school juniors should speak with their counselors or community leaders to express interest in a nomination.
  • Research Posse partner schools to understand potential college options.
• Fall 2025
  • Nominated students participate in Posse’s Dynamic Assessment Process (DAP), which includes group and individual interviews.
  • Students advancing through the process should prepare to demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and academic promise.
• Winter 2025–2026
  • Posse Finalists are selected and matched with a Posse partner school.
  • If selected, students must accept their Posse scholarship and commit to attending their assigned college.
• Spring–Summer 2026
  • Scholars begin pre-collegiate training to develop leadership and teamwork skills before starting college.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning

The Posse Scholarship selection process is highly competitive, focusing on leadership potential, communication skills, and ability to work in a team environment rather than traditional academic metrics like GPA and test scores. 

Since the selection process follows the Dynamic Assessment Process (DAP), students should prepare accordingly.

What Posse Scholarship Judges Look For

• Leadership Ability: Candidates should demonstrate initiative, problem-solving skills, and the ability to inspire others. Highlight leadership roles in school clubs, sports, work, or community projects.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: The Posse model is built around group support, so showing an ability to work well in a team is crucial.
• Strong Communication Skills: The DAP process emphasizes group discussions and interviews, so confident and articulate communication is key.
• Commitment to Higher Education: Posse scholars must commit to attending their assigned college. Judges look for students who are motivated, goal-oriented, and open to mentorship.

How to Stand Out During the Dynamic Assessment Process (DAP)

• Engage Actively in Group Interviews: The first stage of the process includes interactive activities with other nominees. Be an active listener, contribute meaningful ideas, and show strong interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrate Leadership in Group Settings: Be assertive but collaborative—Posse looks for candidates who can take charge while also valuing others’ input.
• Showcase Resilience & Determination: Use personal experiences to highlight how you’ve overcome challenges and why you’re committed to succeeding in college.

How to Prepare for the Final Interview

• Research your assigned Posse partner college: If selected as a finalist, demonstrate a genuine interest in the school and how you’d contribute to campus life.
• Practice answering behavioral questions: Posse interviews often ask about team experiences, leadership challenges, and personal growth. Use real-life examples.
• Be authentic: Posse values students for who they are, so focus on being confident, reflective, and engaged rather than giving rehearsed responses.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Posse Scholarship

How competitive is the Posse Scholarship?

The Posse Scholarship is highly competitive, with thousands of students nominated each year, but only about 10 Posse Scholars per partner college or university are selected.

Can I apply if I’m already in college?

No, the Posse Scholarship is only available to high school seniors who are nominated by their schools or community organizations and go through the Dynamic Assessment Process (DAP) before enrolling in college.

How will I receive the scholarship money?

The scholarship is awarded directly by the partner colleges and universities, covering full tuition costs for all four years of undergraduate study. It does not provide direct cash awards to students.