Freshmen & First-Year Scholarship Program

Investing in the Future of Clark Atlanta University Students

The Panther Alumni Club of the Carolinas (PACC) is committed to supporting the academic success of students attending Clark Atlanta University. Each academic year, PACC awards one-time scholarships to deserving incoming freshmen and first-year students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to service.

Scholarship Timeline

Application Opens: June 5, 2026

Application Deadline: July 6, 2026

Scholarship Committee Review: July 2026

Award Notifications Sent: July 2026

Recipient Thank You Videos Due: Prior to Scholarship Brunch

Scholarship Funds Distributed: Directly to recipient student accounts through Clark Atlanta University

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the PACC Freshmen & First-Year Scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Currently reside in North Carolina or South Carolina

  • Be a recent high school graduate or current first-year student at Clark Atlanta University

  • Have a cumulative unweighted high school GPA of 3.0 or higher

  • Be enrolled as an incoming freshman for the upcoming Fall or Spring semester at Clark Atlanta University

  • Submit a complete scholarship application package by July 6, 2026

Required Application Materials

Applicants must submit all of the following materials electronically. Incomplete applications may be disqualified from consideration.

1. Letter of Recommendation

Submit one letter of recommendation from a:

  • Teacher or school faculty member

  • Employer

  • Community leader

The letter should not exceed one page and must include:

  • Name and title of the person writing the recommendation

  • Length of time they have known the applicant and in what capacity

  • Description of the applicant's personal characteristics

  • Explanation of why the applicant deserves the scholarship

  • Information regarding the applicant's community service and volunteer involvement

2. Clark Atlanta University Acceptance Letter

Provide a copy of your official acceptance letter from Clark Atlanta University.

3. Resume

Submit a typed resume that includes:

  • Work experience

  • Community service activities

  • Volunteer experience

  • Extracurricular activities

  • Leadership positions and achievements

4. Official Transcript

Submit a copy of your high school transcript.

If applicable, first-year college students should also provide any previous college transcripts.

5. Scholarship Essay

Submit a typed essay of 300–500 words addressing one of the following topics:

Option 1: Why did you choose to attend Clark Atlanta University?

Option 2: What is the importance of the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) legacy?

Submission Requirements

  • All application materials must be submitted electronically through the online application form.

  • Applicants must use a Google account (Gmail) to access and complete the application.

  • Applications that are incomplete or missing required documents may be automatically rejected.

Recipient Expectations

Scholarship recipients will be asked to:

  • Submit a brief thank-you video message

  • Allow their name and photo to be recognized during the PACC Scholarship Brunch and related scholarship announcements

Apply Today

PACC is proud to support the next generation of Clark Atlanta University scholars. We encourage all eligible students to apply and share this opportunity with fellow Panthers.

Application Deadline: July 6, 2026