Apply to the Ubuntu Scholarship
The Ubuntu Scholarship Program currently supports graduating seniors from Menlo-Atherton High School as they continue their education after high school. Our application process is designed to uplift student's identity and center their stories, educational journey, life goals, and community impact.
We encourage students and families to review the information below together before filling out an application.
Who Should Apply?
The Ubuntu Scholarship is open to graduating seniors from Menlo-Atherton High School who plan to continue their education at a 4-year university, 2-year institution, or an accredited technical school.
We encourage you to apply if you:
Demonstrate academic commitment and effort.
Live out the values of community, care, and shared responsibility.
Are motivated to pursue higher education despite financial or personal challenges.
Important Dates & Timeline for 2026
Application
Opens
Early Spring
Application
Deadline
Friday, May 1st
Finalist
Notifications
Week of May 4th
Interviews
Week of May 11th
Award
Announcements
May 31st
Exact dates are shared during the application period.
Scholarship Awards & Disbursement
Ubuntu awards are structured to support students based on their educational pathway.
Awards may include:
Multi-year scholarships for students attending
4-year universities
Scholarships for students attending
2-year institutions or accredited technical schools
Continued funding for students who transfer from a
2-year to a
4-year institution
Awards are disbursed directly to students’ college accounts and are subject to continued progress toward graduation.
What the Application Includes
Students will be asked to submit:
A completed online application
Short-answer responses sharing their Ubuntu story, goals, and motivations
An academic transcript
One letter of recommendation from an educator, coach, mentor, or advisor
A senior portrait or school photo
All materials are submitted electronically.
Short-Answer Questions
The short-answer section is an important part of the application. Students are encouraged to answer thoughtfully and authentically.
Questions focus on:
How students live out the principles of Ubuntu
Motivations for pursuing
higher education
Academic, career, and
personal goals
Responses do not need to be perfect. We are looking for honesty, reflection, and effort.
What It Means to Represent Ubuntu
When scholars apply, they are asked how they represent Ubuntu. The examples below are drawn from those responses and highlight the real ways students have shown leadership, service, and responsibility beyond the classroom.
Participating in the California Coastal Cleanup.
Organizing food distributions to elderly neighbors during COVID.
Distributing backpacks of school supplies at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Coaching youth basketball and mentoring younger students.
Providing food and clothing to people facing housing insecurity.
Taking on leadership roles in school and community organizations.
How Applications Are Reviewed
Applications are reviewed by the Ubuntu Scholarship Committee, made up of alumni, educators, and community members.
Finalists are selected based on:
Commitment
to the Values
of Ubuntu
Life
& Academic
Goals
Special Achievements
& Involvement
Academic
Achievement & Growth
Finalists are invited to an interview designed to help students show their best selves.
Staying Connected & Ongoing Support
Ubuntu Scholars remain connected to the program throughout their college journey.
Awardees are asked to:
Provide enrollment information & updates on their academic progress yearly
Share reflections on their college experience through a yearly video journal submission
Remain engaged with the Ubuntu community after graduation to help future scholars
This ongoing connection helps ensure students feel supported beyond the award itself.
Ready to Apply?
When the application is open, students can apply using the online application link.
If you have questions about eligibility, application materials, or the process, please contact us through the Contact page.