Scholarships Overview

The NSLF attempts to assist as many students as possible. The majority of scholarships are granted in the range of $500-$1,000. All applicants must be able to demonstrate financial need.

While the scholarship committee takes into consideration extenuating circumstances such as recent job loss, illness, and injury, the average scholarship recipient demonstrates financial hardship or is from a low income household, has an excellent academic record, and is highly involved in their school and community.

Maximum scholarship awards will not exceed the cost of tuition less the deposit. The vast majority of scholarships awarded will be $500-$1,000.

Students must be enrolled in a Summer 2025 program with a deposit placed in order to begin a scholarship application. If a student is denied a scholarship, or if the scholarship award is insufficient, the deposit will be fully refunded upon cancellation.

The NSLC does not expect scholarship applicants to continue making monthly tuition payments as they await award notifications. After completing the first step of the scholarship application, monthly payment dates will be automatically frozen until after the award notification date. Students are only required to place an initial refundable deposit before knowing if they have received a scholarship.

To be considered for a scholarship, students must be enrolled in a current NSLC program and have submitted a tuition deposit.

Students who would like to prepare materials in advance should have the following items ready to complete the NSLF Scholarship Application. All items must be submitted via the online scholarship application (see exception below):

• NSLC ID, received after submitting the NSLC Enrollment Application.
• A digital copy of the student’s most recent academic transcript. This transcript may be “unofficial” or a scanned copy.
• One Teacher or Counselor willing to write and submit a letter of recommendation by the application deadlines listed below. Educators will receive submission instructions via email.
• Total household income (in US Dollars) and fundraising goal.
• List of extracurricular and community activities with accurate Club or Activity Sponsor contact information.
• Responses to the following questions. Each essay should be no more than 500 words:
  • Why do you deserve a scholarship to the NSLC? Feel free to include your experiences, achievements and goals.
  • Please write a letter of explanation of your current financial situation. (May be completed by a Parent/Guardian)

Paper Application Exception:

Applicants without reliable access to the internet may request a paper application by emailing summerscholarships@nslcleaders.org.

• Paper applications must be requested by February 3, 2025.
• Once your paper application request has been accepted, we will automatically adjust your next payment due date to May 2, 2025.
• All paper applications must be postmarked by March 1, 2025.
• Submission instructions will be sent with the paper application.

All components of the Scholarship Application, including the educator recommendation must be completed and uploaded no later than 11:59 PM CT, Wednesday, March 12, 2025 – no exceptions.