National Catholic Committee on Scouting Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by National Catholic Committee on Scouting

Overview
The National Catholic Committee on Scouting (NCCS) annually awards fourteen undergraduate scholarships totaling $38,000 through its Scholarship Program. A single application automatically places the candidate in consideration for any of the fourteen awards. These scholarships support Catholic, service-minded high school seniors who are active in a Scouting America program and plan to pursue college studies.

In addition, NCCS grants one $2,000 continuing education scholarship for a prior NCCS scholarship recipient who is currently enrolled in college or graduate school and who continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to service. See the eligibility rules below.

Since 2005, NCCS has distributed $308,000 in scholarship aid to 131 service-oriented Scouts around the country.

How to apply
- Apply online using the NCCS Scholarship Application 2026. Applications must be submitted electronically.
- The application requires two digitally signed letters of recommendation:
- One from a representative of a religious institution.
- One from either your community, your school, or your Scouting unit.
- The online application will provide instructions about who may write recommendations and how recommenders submit their letters.

Eligibility (applies to all scholarships except the St. Katharine Drexel award)
Applicants must meet all of the following to be eligible:
- Be a practicing Catholic.
- Be a full-time high school senior at the time of application.
- Be a registered youth member actively participating in a Scout Troop, Venturing Crew, or Sea Scout Ship.
- Have earned one of the following highest Scouting recognitions: Eagle Scout, Summit Award, or Quartermaster Award.
- Have earned a Catholic religious emblem appropriate to their program: Ad Altare Dei, Pope Pius XII, or Light Is Life (Eastern Rite).
- Have demonstrated service and leadership across their parish, community, school, and Scouting activities.

Selection and award details
- The NCCS Scholarship Committee reviews all submitted applications.
- Submitting an application does not guarantee an award. Committee decisions are final and not subject to appeal.
- Applications and supporting materials become property of the Scholarship Committee and will not be returned.
- Only complete applications will be evaluated; incomplete submissions will not be considered.
- NCCS is not responsible for lost or misdirected applications.
- Recipients (fourteen scholarship winners) will be chosen no later than May 15. Winners’ names will be posted on the NCCS website by June 1.
- The scholarship is intended for the award year but may be deferred for up to two years if the Scholarship Committee approves the request.
- Scholarship funds will be sent directly to an accredited institution of higher education at the start of the recipient’s enrollment period.
- Award money may be applied toward tuition, room and board, books, and/or mandatory fees.