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, 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.

Official program information and application