Portsmouth Rotary Scholarship

Funder: The Charitable Division of the Rotary Club of Portsmouth, NH (501(c)(3), EIN 02-0482034)

Geographic Scope: City of Portsmouth, NH and adjoining towns of Rye, Greenland, New Castle, and Newington

Target Audience: High school seniors scheduled to graduate in spring and beginning post-secondary study (2 or 4 year programs) in fall

Eligibility

• Must reside in Portsmouth, NH or adjoining towns (Rye, Greenland, New Castle, Newington)
• Must be high school senior graduating current spring
• Must be enrolling in post-secondary institution in fall
• NOT eligible: Children and grandchildren of Portsmouth Rotary members
• Applicants with special learning circumstances encouraged to apply

Award Details

• Type: One-time, non-recurring awards
• Basis: Non-discriminatory; awarded to individuals demonstrating excellence in scholastic, extracurricular, and/or community service activities
• Additional consideration: Family financial need may be considered
• Award notification: Approximately four weeks after application deadline
• Award ceremony: Rotary meeting in May or June

What They Don't Fund

• Operational expenses
• Salaries

Additional Requirements

• Grants exceeding $1,500 require follow-up documentation of actual use of funds
• All applications subject to review, which may include verification visit or phone/virtual meeting

Application Process

Deadline: April 1 (postmarked or received)

Selection Timeline:

1. All applications received by deadline
2. Scholarship Committee selects pool of finalists
3. Finalists interviewed individually in April
4. Recipients notified approximately four weeks after deadline
5. Awards presented at Rotary meeting in May or June

Required Materials

• Completed application form (answer all questions; incomplete applications will not be considered)
• Two (2) letters of reference — submit with application or have counselor forward separately
• Official high school transcript (PHS students' transcripts provided automatically)
• Essays — use only space provided, no supplemental pages

What NOT to Submit

• Resumés (will not be reviewed)

Application Guidelines

• Answer all questions completely
• Use only space provided for essay responses
• Letters of reference can be submitted with application or forwarded by counselor
• Official transcript required
• Work with high school guidance counselor and/or college advisor when preparing application

Submission Methods

Option 1 - Online:
Apply via external website (click "Apply Now" button on scholarship page)

Option 2 - Mail:
Must be POSTMARKED no later than April 1, 2026
Address:
Portsmouth Rotary Scholarship
P.O. Box 905
Portsmouth, NH 03802-0905