Deadline: September 7, 2026
Apply Here: https://www.knoxvillecriminaldefenselaw.com/scholarship
Our scholarship program provides financial assistance to students who have been able to significantly improve their grade point averages since beginning their college education. Each semester, we award a $1,000 scholarship to a student who can demonstrate that their GPA has increased by at least one point from semester to semester or year to year. By supporting students who have overcome academic and personal struggles, we aim to help them ensure that they can achieve their educational goals.
Winners of the Rising Stars Scholarship can use the award to pay tuition or address other costs related to their college education, including housing, books, or supplies. The deadline to apply for the Fall 2026 scholarship is September 7, 2026. To apply for the scholarship, please see the instructions below and fill out the application form on this page.
Eligibility for the Rising Stars Scholarship
Students can apply for our scholarship if they:
- Have been attending an undergraduate program for at least one year
- Have improved their GPA by at least one point at any time while attending college
- Are a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States
- Are at least 17 years old
Submitting Your Scholarship Application
To apply for the Rising Stars Scholarship, you must submit a 2-minute video on the following topic: What steps did you take to increase your grade point average? Describe the challenges you faced and the efforts you made to improve your academic performance. What lessons did you learn during this time, and how do you expect to use the skills you have gained in your future career?
Your application must also include a copy of your academic transcript demonstrating that your GPA has increased.