The Akerson Family Foundation focuses on first-generation students making the transition from high school into college and its actual costs. For fall 2027, it lists up to 25 renewable awards of up to $12,500 per academic year, capped at $50,000 over four years. Funds go directly to the institution and are limited by documented net cost of attendance; this is neither unrestricted cash nor a guaranteed amount.
The scholarship is limited to seniors graduating in spring 2027 from public school systems in Alexandria City, Arlington, Washington, D.C., Fairfax County, Falls Church City, or Prince William County. Requirements include first-generation status as defined by the Foundation, a weighted GPA of at least 3.25, a Student Aid Index no higher than $30,000, and eligibility for FAFSA or VASA. The committee also considers achievement, financial need, and community engagement.
The official deadline is March 1, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time. Applicants must also seek fall 2027 enrollment at an accredited nonprofit college or university and complete the application and review process, which may include an interview. The Foundation expects to notify selected students by the end of April. Families should read the renewal agreement because each yearly payment depends on net cost and continued compliance.
Before applying, confirm that the cycle and academic program match your circumstances and that the window is still open. Start at the administrator’s link, save the rules, and prepare transcripts, FAFSA information, essays, and recommendations in the requested format. Track the application and reference deadlines separately: some portals close different components on different days. After submitting, monitor email and your dashboard until the file is marked complete. Ask your campus financial-aid office how the award will coordinate with FAFSA, other scholarships, and benefits, and request a written estimate of remaining charges. Do not budget funds that have not been awarded.
Before applying, confirm that the school and program participate, check cycle requirements and dates, keep a copy and submission receipt, and ask how the award coordinates with FAFSA and other benefits. Do not budget funds that have not been awarded.
When comparing options, identify whether the benefit is a scholarship, grant, tuition exemption, or loan: not all aid must be repaid or applies to the same charges. Ask the college for a written estimate after FAFSA and other awards, check renewal and academic-progress rules, and do not accept a loan thinking it is a scholarship.
Read the program profile and the federal FAFSA guide; confirm with the administrator how the aid coordinates.
How to Apply — Akerson Family Foundation.
What We Do — Akerson Family Foundation.
Guide checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Each program has its own funding, eligibility, and calendar; confirm the current terms before applying. An open cycle or advertised award does not guarantee funding.
Confirm eligibility, current terms, and application steps with the official source before relying on aid for college costs.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Akerson Family Foundation Scholarship
The Akerson Family Foundation focuses on first-generation students making the transition from high school into college and its actual costs. For fall 2027, it lists up to 25 renewable awards of up to $12,500 per academic year, capped at $50,000 over four years. Funds go directly to the institution and are limited by documented net cost of attendance; this is neither unrestricted cash nor a guaranteed amount.
College scholarship and financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Akerson Family Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Akerson Family Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official program information and application ↗
Primary source
Akerson Family Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Akerson Family Foundation Scholarship ↗
Primary source
Akerson Family Foundation · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.