The Etta Gray Memorial Scholarship 2026–2027 offers eligible students up to $5,000 in need-based financial assistance to pursue technical certification in information technology and related fields.
Funded through the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) scholarship program, the award supports financially disadvantaged students who permanently reside in Upstate South Carolina and attend an eligible two-year or four-year college or university in the region. The application deadline is October 30, 2026, at 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Etta Gray Memorial Scholarship 2026–2027: Overview
| Scholarship Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship name | Etta Gray Memorial Scholarship |
| Academic year | 2026–2027 |
| Scholarship provider | UNCF |
| Maximum award | $5,000 |
| Award type | One-time, need-based scholarship |
| Application opening date | July 27, 2026 |
| Application deadline | October 30, 2026, at 11:00 p.m. EST |
| Eligible location | Upstate South Carolina, USA |
| Eligible institutions | Participating two-year and four-year colleges or universities |
| Eligible programs | Technical certification in IT and related technology fields |
| Minimum GPA | 2.50 on a 4.0 scale |
| Financial need | Required; verified through the financial aid office |
| FAFSA | Required |
| Residency requirement | Permanent residence in Upstate South Carolina |
| Citizenship/residency status | U.S. citizen, U.S. national or permanent resident |
| Application method | Online through the UNCF scholarship portal |
| Official application portal | https://opportunities.uncf.org/ |
What Is the Etta Gray Memorial Scholarship?
The Etta Gray Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Etta Gray, who served as a loving caregiver for the William Hipp family.
The scholarship aims to help financially disadvantaged students gain technical qualifications that can improve their employment opportunities and earning potential.
Technical certifications allow students to develop specialized skills in a relatively short period. These qualifications can help graduates enter the workforce, advance their careers or continue their education in technology-related disciplines.
Through this scholarship, eligible students can receive up to $5,000 in financial assistance toward their technical certification studies at an eligible institution in Upstate South Carolina.
Etta Gray Memorial Scholarship Benefits: Up to $5,000 in Financial Support
Selected applicants will receive a one-time scholarship of up to $5,000, based on demonstrated financial need.
The award is intended to help financially disadvantaged students pursue eligible technical certification programs. The exact amount awarded depends on the scholarship’s need-based assessment and the student’s eligibility.
The program supports students preparing for careers in information technology and other related technical fields.
Potential career areas include computer programming, network administration, information systems and computer technology.
Applicants should review the official scholarship terms and their college’s financial aid guidance to understand how the award will be applied to their education costs.
Who Is Eligible for the Etta Gray Memorial Scholarship 2026–2027?
Applicants must meet the scholarship’s academic, residency, study-program and financial requirements.
1. Maintain a Minimum 2.50 GPA
Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.50 on a 4.0 scale.
Students should ensure that their current academic transcript demonstrates that they meet this requirement.
2. Permanently Reside in Upstate South Carolina
Applicants must have permanent residence in Upstate South Carolina.
Living in another state or outside the eligible region may make an applicant ineligible, even if they are studying a qualifying subject.
3. Enroll in an Eligible Technology Certification Program
Applicants must be pursuing a technical certification in information technology or a related field at an eligible two-year or four-year college or university in Upstate South Carolina.
Eligible subject areas include, but are not limited to:
- Microsoft technology certifications
- Oracle
- Cisco
- Java
- Internet technologies
- PC programming
- Computer technology
- Information systems
- Information technology
- Network administration
Applicants should confirm that their specific certification program is covered by the scholarship before submitting an application.
4. Demonstrate Financial Need
The scholarship is intended for financially disadvantaged students.
Applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and demonstrate unmet financial need, as verified by their institution’s financial aid office.
Completing the FAFSA is therefore an important part of the application process.
5. Meet the Citizenship or Residency Requirement
The scholarship portal lists the following eligible statuses:
- U.S. citizens
- U.S. nationals
- U.S. permanent residents
Applicants must also meet the scholarship’s Upstate South Carolina permanent-residency requirement.
This is a location-specific U.S. scholarship and is not generally open to international students who do not meet these requirements.
Which Colleges and Universities Are Eligible?
The scholarship supports qualifying students attending eligible two-year or four-year institutions in Upstate South Carolina.
Examples of institutions listed in the scholarship description include:
| Institution | Type |
|---|---|
| Tri-County Technical College | Two-year college |
| Greenville Technical College | Technical/community college |
| Piedmont Technical College | Technical/community college |
| Northeastern Technical College | Technical/community college |
| Spartanburg Community College | Technical/community college |
Documents Required for the Etta Gray Memorial Scholarship
Applicants must complete the online application and provide the required supporting documents by the deadline.
1. Proof of Progress Toward Certification
Applicants must provide documentation showing their progress toward completing the technical certification.
Check the application instructions to determine which records the scholarship administrator accepts.
2. Current Academic Transcript
A current transcript is required to demonstrate academic progress and verify the minimum GPA requirement.
Make sure the transcript is up to date and reflects your current academic standing.
3. Personal Statement and Future Career Interest Essay
Applicants must submit an essay explaining their personal background, educational plans and future career interests.
The statement should clearly explain why the chosen technical certification matters to the applicant’s career goals and how the qualification will support their future plans.
Write the statement in your own words and follow the application portal’s instructions.
4. FAFSA and Financial Need Verification
Applicants must complete the FAFSA and demonstrate unmet financial need verified by their institution’s financial aid office.
Prepare early so that any required financial aid information can be obtained before the application closes.
Etta Gray Memorial Scholarship Deadline 2026
The application period opened on July 27, 2026, and the deadline is October 30, 2026, at 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
As of October 22, 2026, the application deadline is approaching. Eligible students should begin or complete their applications as soon as possible.
Do not wait until the final hours to register, gather documents or complete the personal statement. First-time applicants must register online before applying for scholarship opportunities.
The scholarship description states that selected students will receive their one-time, need-based awards in fall 2026.
How to Apply for the Etta Grey Memorial Scholarship 2026–2027
Follow these steps to submit your application.
Step 1: Visit the Official UNCF Scholarship Portal
Go to the official UNCF scholarship portal and search for the Etta Gray Memorial Scholarship Program for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Confirm that the program is still accepting applications before proceeding.
Step 2: Register for an Account
First-time applicants must complete the online registration process before they can apply for scholarship opportunities.
If you already have an account, sign in and follow the instructions provided on the portal.
Step 3: Review the Eligibility Requirements
Confirm that you meet the minimum GPA, permanent residency, citizenship or immigration status, eligible program, and financial need requirements.
Make sure your college and certification program qualify.
Step 4: Complete the Online Application
Fill out the scholarship application accurately and provide all requested information.
Prepare your personal statement and future career interest essay before submitting the form.
Step 5: Upload the Required Documents
Submit your current transcript, proof of progress toward certification and the other supporting materials requested by the portal.
Ensure that your FAFSA has been completed and that your financial need can be verified by your college’s financial aid office.
Step 6: Submit Before October 30, 2026
Review your application for missing information and submit it before 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time on October 30, 2026.
Keep a record of your submission and check your account or email for updates.
Apply through the official portal: https://opportunities.uncf.org/
FAQs
1. How much is the Etta Gray Memorial Scholarship worth?
Selected students can receive up to $5,000 as a one-time scholarship based on financial need.
2. What is the application deadline?
The deadline is October 30, 2026, at 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
3. What GPA is required?
Applicants must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.50 on a 4.0 scale.
4. Can international students apply?
The published eligibility requirements specify U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals or permanent residents who permanently reside in Upstate South Carolina. International students who do not meet these conditions are not eligible under the listed criteria.
5. Is FAFSA required?
Yes. Applicants must complete the FAFSA and demonstrate unmet financial need verified by their institution’s financial aid office.
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