Promoting Intelligent Financial Choices

Investing in America’s Future Leaders

Across rural America, high-achieving students are succeeding despite limited resources. Many rank in the top 10% of their class while navigating fewer advanced courses, reduced extracurricular opportunities, and limited access to college preparation.

The Leaders of the 21st Century Scholarship exists to close that gap. 

By removing financial barriers, this scholarship helps exceptional rural students pursue higher education—and return to their communities as educators, healthcare professionals, innovators, entrepreneurs, technologists, and civic leaders.

When we invest in these students today, we invest in strong families, stronger communities, and stronger America.

Who We Are

American Hope Charities (AHC) is a 501 (c) (3) public benefit tax-exempt nonprofit corporation established in California in 2005, and authorized to operate in Missouri, Kentucky and Florida. 

AHC—and its division AHC Films—supports promising students from underserved rural communities by expanding access to education and opportunity.  

Scholarships Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all the following criteria:

• High School senior.
• Resident of a rural area in Missouri, Kentucky or Florida.
• Ranked in the top 10% of their graduating class.
• From a low-income household.

Recipients must remain in the top 10% academic standing to remain eligible.

Why This Scholarship Matters

Talent is evenly distributed, opportunity is not.

Students in rural areas often excel academically despite:

• Fewer AP and advanced courses.
• Limited extracurricular options.
• Reduced access to college counseling and preparation.

These students have already proven their ambition and discipline. This scholarship ensures that financial barriers do not erase their hard-earned success.

Application Requirements

To apply for, students must :

• Submit a brief biography (200-600 words) telling us about yourself and where you see yourself as a student/scholar moving forward.
• Submit an essay (750-1,200 words) responding to the prompt below.
• Upload a recent headshot.

Essay Prompt

How are current events affecting your life and the lives of family members?
Provide three specific examples and explain how these experiences are shaping your goals, values, and vision for the future.

Selection Criteria

Scholarship recipients will be selected on:

• Ambition,
• Drive,
• Potential for impact.

How to Submit an Application

Students must email application submissions to: jrb@americanhopecharities with the subject line: ScholarshipApplication_Lastname_Firstname.

Be sure to attach three documents:

• Brief biography. (Name your file: Biography_Lastname_Firstname. Formatted in .doc, .docx, .pdf, or .rtf only please)
• Essay (Name your file: Essay_Lastname_Firstname. Formatted in .doc, .docx, .pdf, or .rtf only please)
• Recent headshot. (Name your file: Headshot_Lastname_Firstname. Formatted in .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .tif, webp, .heic, or .pdf, only please)
• Optional: You may also include a short (300 words or less) email cover letter message with your application materials. 

COMPLETED APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BEFORE THE SUBMISSION DEADLINE May 30, 2026, 11:59:59 PM EDT, TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP.