Smith Scholarship Foundation

Become a Smith Scholar

The 2026–27 application opens in October 2026. Applications will require:

Essays

Filed 2027–28 FAFSA

Transcript

Two letters of recommendation

Volunteer & community service

Leadership & activities

Statement of future goals

New for 2027

Announcing the Smith Community College Transfer Scholarship

The J. Craig and Page T. Smith Scholarship Foundation is pleased to announce a new scholarship for graduates of Alabama community colleges. Applications open in January 2027.

Beginning in spring 2027, the Foundation will offer a scholarship for accomplished community college graduates who plan to continue their studies at a four-year institution.

Eligibility requirements

A two-year degree from an accredited Alabama community college, with a minimum GPA of 3.0
Demonstrated commitment to volunteer service or to supporting one’s family
Nomination by a designated representative of the applicant’s community college, such as an academic advisor, transfer counselor, or dean
Letters of recommendation
Official transcripts, a completed FAFSA, and all other required documents

As with the undergraduate award, the Transfer Scholarship carries obligations and accountability. Recipients must uphold the Foundation’s guidelines and satisfy its continuing eligibility requirements in order to retain their funding.

The application will be available in January 2027.

Many students attend community college after high school to explore career paths and reduce the cost of their education. The Smith Scholarship Foundation believes these students merit recognition for the diligence, perseverance, and maturity with which they have pursued these opportunities.

Our History & Mission

Our History

Mignon C. Smith established the Smith Scholarship Foundation in honor of her late parents, J. Craig and Page T. Smith.

Mr. Smith observed that female valedictorians from Sylacauga-area high schools were routinely denied scholarships because of their gender, while their male peers received full scholarships to the University of Alabama. In response, he personally financed these young women’s educations. Mignon and her mother affectionately called them “Daddy’s Girls.” Mr. Smith took great pride in their accomplishments, attended their commencement ceremonies, and offered the encouragement and recognition their achievements had earned.

The Foundation continues his legacy. Since awarding its first scholarship in 2005, it has supported Alabama students for more than two decades.

Our Mission

The Foundation seeks students who demonstrate genuine perseverance. Smith Scholars have excelled academically while facing financial hardship, physical disabilities, or significant outside obligations, such as full-time employment to support their families or caregiving for relatives.

Such students are frequently overlooked. Many attend under-resourced schools and balance responsibilities that limit the time available for their studies, and their test scores and grades may not fully reflect their abilities. They are, nonetheless, exceptional individuals who serve their communities through volunteerism and remain devoted to their families.

Undergraduate Scholarships

The Smith Scholarship was first offered as a full scholarship for graduates of Alabama high schools enrolling at Alabama public colleges and universities. Awards range from $500 partial and book scholarships to $30,000.

A Smith Scholarship is both an award and a commitment. Recipients are expected to uphold the guidelines established by the Foundation and to satisfy its continuing eligibility requirements in order to retain their funding.

The undergraduate application opens each October, and the deadline falls in early January.

Graduate Scholarships

The Foundation also offers graduate scholarships to Smith Scholars who have distinguished themselves through academic excellence, professional accomplishment, and dedication to the Foundation’s mission. Awards range from $500 to more than $120,000, depending on the graduate or professional program.

Graduate scholarships are available exclusively to current Smith Scholars who are completing their undergraduate degrees.

Here's to 20 Years — Come Celebrate!

Anniversary

20th SSF Anniversary

Relive the celebration — scholars, alumni, and staff marked two decades of the Foundation "1920's style."

Read the recap →

Bootcamp

Bootcamp 2025

Our annual scholar bootcamp — details and highlights from this year's session.

See photos →

Did You Apply for FAFSA?

Seniors applying this year should file the 2027–28 FAFSA® form (for college starting in fall 2027). Completing it early strengthens your scholarship application and helps you make the most of your financial aid, so it’s a great step toward your educational goals.

Explore how our foundation is making a difference — promoting academic success and a culture of support for economically disadvantaged students in Alabama.