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2026 Scholarship · Now accepting applications

Investing in
the next generation.

Annual scholarships supporting Connecticut students of Caribbean descent pursuing higher education. Awards from $1,500 to $5,000, renewable for up to four years.

Start your application →
Application opens
Feb 1
2026 application cycle begins
Deadline
Apr 15
Submissions due by 11:59pm EST
Award range
$1.5–5K
Renewable for up to four years
Awarded since 1997
$340K+
To 127 first-generation students
How to apply · Four-step process

From application
to award.

Our process is designed to be straightforward. No application fee, no proprietary platforms. Just submit through the JAC portal and our committee will review.

Step 01

Confirm eligibility

Review the eligibility criteria below. If you meet the basic requirements, you're ready to begin.

5 minutes
Step 02

Gather your materials

Most recent transcript, two letters of recommendation, a personal essay, and proof of CT residency.

Allow 1–2 weeks
Step 03

Submit your application

Complete and submit through the JAC portal. You'll receive a confirmation email within 24 hours.

Deadline April 15
Step 04

Awards announced

Recipients are notified by June 1 and recognized at the Annual Scholarship Gala in November.

Notified by June 1
Eligibility · Who qualifies

Are you
eligible?

Five criteria. Meet all five, and we encourage you to apply. Questions? Reach out to scholarship@jacnewhaven.org.

  • Caribbean descent Applicant or at least one parent must be of Caribbean descent (Jamaica, Haiti, Dominica, Trinidad, Barbados, and other Caribbean nations all qualify).
  • Connecticut residency Applicant must be a current resident of the State of Connecticut. Proof of residency is required at submission.
  • Academic standing Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA for graduating high school seniors. Minimum 2.8 for current undergraduates seeking renewal or new awards.
  • Accepted to or enrolled in higher education Applicant must be accepted to or currently enrolled in an accredited two-year, four-year, or vocational program in the United States.
  • Demonstrated community involvement Documented service, leadership, or cultural engagement within the Caribbean or broader community. JAC membership is not required.
Past recipients · Where they are now

Meet some of
our scholars.

127 students supported since 1997. Here are three of the most recent recipients, in their own words.

Class of 2025

Tianna Roberts

Yale University · Public Health
JAC believed in me before I'd done anything to earn it. That carried me through freshman year.
Class of 2025

Marcus Henry

UConn · Computer Science
The renewal made all the difference. Knowing the support continued meant I could focus on the work.
Class of 2024

Aaliyah Brown

Howard University · Pre-Law
Being recognized at the gala mattered. Seeing my community show up reminded me who I was working for.
View all 127 recipients →
Frequently asked

Questions,
answered.

Is JAC membership required to apply?
No. The scholarship is open to any eligible Connecticut student of Caribbean descent. Membership is welcomed but not a requirement for application or award.
Can I receive the JAC scholarship alongside other financial aid?
Yes. JAC scholarships are designed to supplement, not replace, other forms of aid. Recipients are responsible for reporting awards to their financial aid office as required.
How does the renewal process work?
Recipients can apply for renewal each spring by submitting an updated transcript, a brief progress report, and confirmation of continued enrollment. Renewals are competitive but most awards are renewed for the full four years.
What does a strong application look like?
The committee weighs academic standing, the personal essay, demonstrated community involvement, and the strength of recommendation letters. We are not looking for perfect grades. We are looking for clarity of purpose, evidence of growth, and a commitment to giving back.
Are graduate students eligible?
Currently the program supports undergraduate students only. We are exploring a graduate track for future cycles. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified.
Ready to apply?

Your story
starts here.

Applications open February 1. Take the next step toward a JAC scholarship and join 127 alumni who came before you.

Start your application Email scholarship committee