The 2026-27 Episcopal Colleges William Randolph Hearst Service Learning Scholarship Application
Association of Episcopal Colleges
The Rev. Richard A. Burnett, General Secretary of the Colleges and Universities of the Anglican Communion (CUAC) and the Association of Episcopal Colleges (AEC), announces the 2026-27 Episcopal Colleges William Randolph Hearst Service Learning Scholarships, sponsored by AEC in collaboration with the National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES). Up to two $20,000 scholarships will be awarded to Episcopal high school seniors graduating in 2026 and matriculating at an Episcopal college.
To qualify, applicants must be outstanding Episcopal students at an NAES-member high school, with a demonstrated experience in Service Learning and community service, and must be planning to apply to one of these seven institutions:
- Bard College (Annandale-on-Hudson, NY)
- Hobart and William Smith Colleges (Geneva, NY)
- Kenyon College (Gambier, OH)
- St. Augustine’s University (Raleigh, NC)
- The University of the South (Sewanee, TN)
- Voorhees University (Denmark, SC)
- Université d’Haiti (Port-au-Prince, Haiti, WI)
Background and Criteria
The Episcopal Church has a rich, vigorous tradition of supporting educational institutions, with its Episcopal colleges complemented by over 1,200 Episcopal elementary and high schools nationwide. Established in 1997 by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation, these awards emphasize learning through service supported by Episcopal schools and colleges and seek to recognize students who have been active Episcopalians in their high school and/or home parish.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate a strong record of Service Learning and community service, along with academic achievement in their junior and senior years, outstanding leadership, and a commitment to worship and community life in their school and home parish.
Scholarship Applications
Applications are to be submitted to the CUAC office and must include:
- an application cover letter
- a completed application form
- three letters of recommendation – each letter must be given to the applicant in a sealed envelope, signed by the submitter over the flap.
- from the head of the Episcopal high school the applicant attends;
- from a faculty member who has taught the applicant or from the school chaplain;
- from the Rector or Priest-in-Charge of the applicant’s home parish
- a current transcript
The completed applications should be sent to:
Episcopal Colleges Scholarship Committee
Colleges & Universities of the Anglican Communion (CUAC)
815 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10017-4594
Application Deadline
Applications must be postmarked by February 9th, 2026, for students entering college in fall 2026. Award decisions will be announced in late March 2026.
Scholarship Award Process
Applications will be reviewed by a committee appointed by the AEC. The General Secretary of CUAC/AEC will inform each recipient of the scholarship and the school. Each scholarship recipient must be accepted by and matriculate at the Episcopal college listed in her or his application. Upon matriculation, a scholarship award will be prepared by the CUAC/AEC office and made payable to the college for tuition or residence fees. In order to receive payment in subsequent years, the college will be asked to send a letter each year to CUAC/AEC confirming that the student remains enrolled, has made satisfactory academic progress, and is in good standing.