Private scholarships often use age‑based eligibility rules that unintentionally exclude academically advanced students. There is a significant group of students that accelerate through high school by taking dual‑enrollment courses, advancing grades, or homeschooling at a faster pace. These students reach the same academic level as their older peers—but are blocked from applying simply because of their age.

This creates an unfair barrier. A 12‑year‑old sophomore like me is doing the same work as a 16‑year‑old sophomore, yet only one is eligible. That isn’t merit‑based. It’s age‑based discrimination.

Scholarships should measure academic readiness, not birthdays. Grade‑based eligibility ensures that all students who reach the same academic level have equal access to opportunities—regardless of age.

We’re asking private scholarship providers to adopt grade‑based eligibility standards so that accelerated students are no longer excluded from the support they’ve earned.