• Must be a member of the graduating class of 2026
• Must have a minimum of 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Must have an academic transcript (official or unofficial)
• Write a personal statement (250-300 words) responding to one of the following prompts:
• • Option 1: What are your short-term and long-term goals after high school? How can your participation in the TMCF SOAR Program assist you in achieving these goals?
  • Option 2: Describe what motivates you to pursue higher education or a career after high school. How have your experiences shaped your aspirations?

Current high school juniors (Class of 2026). Eligible students must participate in the program during the summer before their senior year.

The program dates are July 13 – 18, 2025.

The program is FREE to all participants. The program will cover most expenses associated with the program, including housing, meals, materials, supplies, and activities. Travel expenses are not covered by the program.

During the week-long program, 100 participants will reside on the campus of The University of Alabama.

During the one-week program, 100 participants will reside in one of the dorms at The University of Alabama. Students will participate in seminars, develop team presentations, network with business professionals and HBCU alumni, interact with college students, and participate in workshops on college admissions, financial aid, scholarships, HBCUs, Historically Black Community Colleges (HBCCs), and more.

No, the program is open to all students interested in various types of colleges and universities, including HBCUs or community colleges.

Students are unable to participate virtually since it is a residential program.

All participants will be supervised by qualified and trained staff from multiple disciplines and at various levels of the university. Additionally, professional staff members will also live in the residence hall.

Students must complete the online application and submit all documents for consideration for the program at TMCF SOAR Application.

The application deadline is April 15, 2025 (Priority Deadline).  All supporting documents must be received by April 15, 2025.

Anyone interested in learning more about the TMCF HBCU Scholars Program should email tmcfsoar@sheltonstate.edu.