The Sunflower Initiative’s Harriet Fitzgerald Scholarship provides $10,000 for the 2027–28 academic year to a student beginning her first full college term in fall 2027 at a women’s college in the United States or Canada. Eligible paths can include graduating seniors, gap-year graduates, and some dual-enrollment students; people who have completed a college semester are ineligible under the published rules.
Applications are accepted from November 1, 2026, through February 1, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. In addition to the form and essay, the organization requires two confidential teacher recommendations and transcripts submitted directly by the high school; students must not send these records themselves. For 2027, standardized test scores are optional, while academic and leadership expectations still apply.
The scholarship is paid directly to the college each term after enrollment is verified. It is awarded for one year and may renew if the recipient maintains strong academic performance, so it should not be counted as a guaranteed four-year award. The organization urges applicants to request recommendations weeks in advance and check the materials-status page because the file depends on the student, recommenders, and school counselor.
The initiative grew from a community of alumnae and supporters of women’s colleges and uses the award to help a student attend an institution that fits her goals. Confirm that the chosen school meets the program’s definition of a women’s college and that fall 2027 is the first full college term. Before accepting, ask the campus how the outside award combines with other scholarships and cost of attendance.
Before submitting, confirm whether the deadline is national, state, school, or campus-based, who must send each document, and the time zone. Keep receipts and check application status. Ask the financial-aid office how the award combines with FAFSA, other scholarships, and the full cost of attendance.
Read the aid-program profile and the FAFSA guide; confirm how funding is coordinated.
Apply — The Sunflower Initiative.
Scholarship — The Sunflower Initiative.
Information verified against official sources on October 13, 2026. Amounts, dates, and rules can change; confirm the cycle and terms with the administering organization before submitting documents or accepting an award.
Confirm eligibility and the deadline on the official cycle page before submitting.
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The Sunflower Initiative Harriet Fitzgerald Scholarship
The Sunflower Initiative’s Harriet Fitzgerald Scholarship provides $10,000 for the 2027–28 academic year to a student beginning her first full college term in fall 2027 at a women’s college in the United States or Canada. Eligible paths can include graduating seniors, gap-year graduates, and some dual-enrollment students; people who have completed a college semester are ineligible under the published rules. Applications are accepted from November 1, 2026, through February 1,
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
The Sunflower Initiative · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
The Sunflower Initiative · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official program information and application ↗
Primary source
The Sunflower Initiative · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of The Sunflower Initiative Harriet Fitzgerald Scholarship ↗
Primary source
The Sunflower Initiative · 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.