Rising Scholars Application

2026-27 RISING SCHOLARS APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION

The application opens Monday. Oct. 6, 2025, for students who attend one of our partner schools:

• Alliance 
• Canton South
• Fairless
• GlenOak
• McKinley

Deadline to apply: Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, at 5 p.m.

IMPORTANT - STUDENTS, PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING

Before completing the application, you will need to have the following ready:

1. Personal Email for You and a Parent or Guardian

You will need to provide a personal email address, one that you check regularly. This email needs to be different than your school email (if you have one). If you don't have a personal email, please create one (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.). A parent or guardian email is also needed.

2. Upload two Essay Responses

You will be asked to upload your responses to the application essay questions below. 

• Your essays should be no more than two double-spaced, one-sided pages.
• Make sure your responses do not contain any spelling or punctuation errors.
• Include an introduction, body and conclusion. Answer all parts of the question and make sure your name is on your essay.
• Acceptable document formats: .pdf (preferred), .doc, .docx. 

Essay 1: Explain how your participation in the Rising Scholars Program will help you achieve your college and career goals and, at the same time, help you grow as a person.

Essay 2: Describe a hobby or interest that you're passionate about. Please note that this interest does not have to be academic, it can be anything that you sincerely enjoy. When did you first become interested in this subject? What is your favorite part about it? What kind of careers could be connected to this interest?  

3. School Transcript

Have your school counselor send you a scanned .pdf copy of your transcript to upload with your application.

4. Teacher Recommendations (2)

You are required to have two different academic teachers submit recommendations for you. Direct your teachers to this website to complete the online Teacher Recommendation form below.

2026-27 RISING SCHOLARS STUDENT APPLICATION

Students need to submit a complete application by Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, at 5 p.m.

Application will open on Monday, Oct. 6.

2026-27 RISING SCHOLARS TEACHER RECOMMENDATION

Teachers need to submit recommendation forms by Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, at 5 p.m.

Recommendation form will open on Monday, Oct. 6.