NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

-

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS -

LIGHTHOUSE Scholarship

The Foundation for Leadership Education was founded by local leaders of Beaufort County to promote the development of leadership in the Lowcountry. One of the components of the Foundation’s mission is to provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors that have demonstrated a propensity toward leadership. The annual scholarship grant is applicable to post- secondary institutions and renewable for up to four consecutive academic years.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Graduating high school students that display strong leadership skills as demonstrated through academics, community involvement, leadership activities, positive character and/or extra-curricular activities.

WHEN TO APPLY

The 2027 Lighthouse Scholarship application is open from September 1st - November 1, 2026.

The 2027 Lighthouse Scholarship recipient will be announced at the Lowcountry Lifetime Achievement Awards ceremony on January 23, 2027 at Dataw Island Club.

High school seniors meeting the following criteria are eligible to apply:

You must be a graduating high school senior.
You must have a 3.0 or greater GPA on the SC Uniform Grading Scale.
You must score a 21 or greater on the ACT or a 1080 or greater on the SAT.
You must be a legal U.S. citizen.
You must be a legal resident of Beaufort County.
You must present two letters of recommendation.
You must complete the required leadership essay, which should include:
- An explanation of what leadership means to you
- How you have been involved as a leader in your school and community
- Your college plans and career goals
- How your plans relate to your aspirations for leadership in the future

SCHOLARSHIP VALUE

The recipient will be awarded $2,000 per year, for four consecutive academic years, as long as the student remains in good academic standing (minimum 3.0 GPA). The scholarship amount will be applicable to the post- secondary institution of their choice and will total $8,000 towards their undergraduate degree.

HOW APPLICATIONS ARE REVIEWED

The FLE Scholarship Selection Committee reviews each application to ensure the requirements outlined above are met. Applicants’ essays and (2) Letters of Recommendation are reviewed (anonymously) and finalists are selected. Finalists are then invited to participate in an in-person interview.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested students may apply online only. If you believe you meet the criteria as outlined above, please use the link below to apply. Once you have completed the online application below, you must also submit two letters of recommendation supporting your potential as a leader. Please email letters of recommendation to contact@lowcountryleaders.com.

All applications and letters of recommendation must be submitted by November 1, 2026.
Electronic notifications will be sent to students affirming or denying eligibility.
Finalists will be notified by Friday, November 20th if they have been selected to schedule an in person interview.

If you have any questions, please email contact@lowcountryleaders.com