Are you a high-achieving high school student in the United States looking for a life-changing opportunity to fund your college education? The Cameron Impact Scholarship 2026 is one of the most prestigious and sought-after merit-based scholarships in the country. In this detailed, SEO-optimized guide, you’ll learn everything about the Cameron Impact Scholarship—its benefits, eligibility, application process, and tips for success—tailored with the best keywords for visibility and impact.
Basic Information about the Cameron Impact Scholarship 2026
The Cameron Impact Scholarship is a four-year, full-tuition, merit-based undergraduate scholarship awarded annually by the Bryan Cameron Education Foundation. Each year, only 10–15 exceptional high school students are selected from across the nation to receive this highly competitive award, which covers tuition, fees, and books at any accredited U.S. college or university of the recipient’s choice.
Application Deadlines for Class of 2026:
- Early Application Deadline: May 21, 2025, 12:00 PM PT (Pacific Time)
- Regular Application Deadline: September 3, 2025, 12:00 PM PT (Pacific Time)
Note: The foundation caps applications at 3,000. Once this limit is reached, no further applications are accepted, even before the deadline.
University/Institution Details
The Cameron Impact Scholarship is unique in that it is not tied to any specific university. Recipients can choose to attend any accredited four-year undergraduate institution in the United States. This flexibility allows students to select the college or university that best fits their academic and personal aspirations.
The Bryan Cameron Education Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2015 with the mission of investing in the next generation of leaders and changemakers. The foundation is committed to equity, inclusion, and supporting students who demonstrate a strong commitment to making a positive impact in their communities and the world at large.
Study Areas (Available Program Names)
The Cameron Impact Scholarship is open to students pursuing any undergraduate major at an accredited U.S. institution. There is no restriction on the field of study. However, the foundation encourages applications from students who aspire to careers in public service, including education, nonprofits, government, and the military. Approximately 25% of scholarships are allocated to students with a stated professional goal in these areas.
Popular Fields of Study Among Recipients:
- Business Administration
- Engineering Sciences
- Natural and Life Sciences
- Arts & Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Environmental Studies
- Education
- Public Sector and Government
- Healthcare and Medicine
- Technology
Scholarship Benefits: Cameron Impact Scholarship 2026
The Cameron Impact Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support for all four years of undergraduate study:
- Full Tuition: Covers the entire cost of tuition at any accredited U.S. college or university.
- Fees: Includes all required university fees.
- Books and Study Materials: Pays for textbooks and other essential academic resources.
- Community and Networking: Recipients join an exclusive network of Cameron Impact Scholars, offering mentorship, leadership development, and networking opportunities.
- Annual Summit and Ceremony: Scholars are required to attend an annual awards ceremony and summit, where they connect with peers, mentors, and industry leaders.
Benefits Not Included
While the Cameron Impact Scholarship is highly generous, it does not cover the following:
- Room and Board: Accommodation and meal expenses are not included.
- Travel Expenses to Campus: Daily travel to and from college is not covered, though travel for the annual summit may be supported.
- Personal Expenses: Costs such as health insurance, clothing, entertainment, and other incidentals are not included.
- Visa Fees: This scholarship is only available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents, so visa fees are not relevant.
Eligibility Criteria for the Scholarship
To be eligible for the Cameron Impact Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- U.S. Citizenship: Must be a full citizen of the United States (permanent residents may be considered in some years, but the primary requirement is citizenship).
- High School Graduation: Must be in the high school graduating class of 2026, planning to enroll full-time at an accredited four-year U.S. college or university for the 2026–2027 academic year.
- Academic Excellence: Must maintain a minimum cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.7/4.0 or equivalent.
- Leadership and Community Service: Must demonstrate proven excellence in extracurricular activities, strong leadership skills, and active participation in community service or civic-minded arenas.
- No Conflict of Interest: Applicants may not be related to any member of the Bryan Cameron Education Foundation staff, board, or selection committee.
Required Documents for the Application
Applicants must submit the following documents to complete their application:
- Online Application Form: Available on the Bryan Cameron Education Foundation website.
- Two Letters of Recommendation: One must come from current school-affiliated personnel (e.g., teacher, counselor).
- Academic Transcript: Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
- Personal Essays: As part of the application, students must submit essays detailing their impact goals, leadership experiences, and community service.
- Resume or CV: Highlighting leadership roles and community service activities.
Scholarship Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Visit the Official Website: Go to the Bryan Cameron Education Foundation’s Cameron Impact Scholarship page.
- Create an Account: Register with your email and create a username and password.
- Complete the Online Application: Fill out the applicant profile and required sections, including essays.
- Upload Documents: Submit your academic transcript and two letters of recommendation (one from a school official).
- Review and Submit: Double-check your application for completeness and accuracy before submitting.
- Interview (if selected): Finalists will be invited for face-to-face interviews in the fall.
- Notification: Scholarship recipients will be announced in December 2025.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start Early: Submit your application as soon as possible, as the foundation caps applications at 3,000 and may close the portal early.
- Highlight Leadership and Service: Emphasize your impact on your community and your leadership roles in your essays and resume.
- Showcase Academic Excellence: Ensure your GPA and academic achievements are clearly documented.
- Choose Strong Recommenders: Select recommenders who know you well and can speak to your character, leadership, and community involvement.
- Be Authentic: Write genuine, reflective essays that demonstrate your passion for making a positive difference.
- Proofread: Carefully review your application for errors before submission.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (USD)
While the Cameron Impact Scholarship is only available to U.S. citizens, it’s useful to note the cost of living for international students in the U.S. for comparative purposes:
- Accommodation (on-campus): $800–$1,200/month
- Food: $200–$400/month
- Transportation: $50–$150/month
- Utilities and Internet: $100–$200/month
- Health Insurance: $100–$200/month
- Miscellaneous (clothing, entertainment): $100–$200/month
Total Estimated Monthly Living Expenses: $1,350–$2,350/month
Note: These costs vary by location and lifestyle.
Why Choose the Cameron Impact Scholarship? (Top 5 Reasons)
- Full Tuition Coverage: The scholarship covers all tuition, fees, and books at any accredited U.S. college or university.
- Prestige and Recognition: Being a Cameron Impact Scholar is a mark of distinction and opens doors to future opportunities.
- Leadership and Networking: Recipients join a vibrant community of like-minded peers and mentors, offering ongoing support and development.
- Flexibility: You can choose any undergraduate major and any accredited U.S. institution.
- Impact-Driven: The scholarship supports students who are committed to making a positive difference in their communities and the world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Cameron Impact Scholarship
Q: Who can apply for the Cameron Impact Scholarship?
A: U.S. citizens in the high school graduating class of 2026 who plan to enroll full-time at an accredited four-year U.S. college or university.
Q: What does the scholarship cover?
A: Full tuition, fees, and books at any accredited U.S. college or university.
Q: What is the application deadline?
A: Early deadline: May 21, 2025; Regular deadline: September 3, 2025 (or when 3,000 applications are received, whichever comes first).
Q: What are the eligibility requirements?
A: U.S. citizenship, minimum 3.7 unweighted GPA, proven leadership and community service, and plan to enroll full-time at a four-year U.S. institution.
Q: What is not covered by the scholarship?
A: Room and board, travel to campus, personal expenses, and health insurance are not covered
Q: How many students receive the scholarship each year?
A: 10–15 students are selected annually.
Q: What documents are required for the application?
A: Online application, two letters of recommendation (one from a school official), academic transcript, personal essays, and resume/CV.
Q: Is there an interview process?
A: Yes, finalists are invited for face-to-face interviews in the fall.
Q: When are scholarship recipients announced?
A: Recipients are announced in December 2025.
Conclusion
The Cameron Impact Scholarship 2026 is a transformative opportunity for high-achieving, impact-driven students in the United States. With its generous financial support, prestigious network, and focus on leadership and service, this scholarship is a gateway to academic and professional success. If you meet the eligibility criteria, start your application early and put your best foot forward to join the next class of Cameron Impact Scholars.