The KHF & Shayla Michelle Annual Scholarship is open to high school and college students worldwide. Every August, we award deserving students not just for grades, but for heart, drive, and the courage to keep going. Funds go directly to your school. Your story matters here.
The Keturah Hamilton Foundation & Shayla Michelle Annual Scholarship was created with one belief at its center: that financial hardship should never be the reason a bright, determined student can’t pursue their education. Since our first award in 2018, we have been recognizing students who combine academic effort with personal resilience and a genuine desire to make something of their lives.
The scholarship is open to high school and college students worldwide regardless of nationality. We have awarded students in Nigeria, Jamaica, and the United States. We look at the whole person: your progress, your character, and your story. You don’t need to be a perfect student. You need to be a real one.
All award funds are paid directly to your institution to the school or university’s administration and are used for your greatest educational needs. This ensures the money reaches where it matters most, without exception. Each recipient is awarded only once, so that we can reach as many deserving students as possible.
For high school applicants in Jamaica, up to 3 scholarships per year are awarded for students aged 14-18. For all other applicants globally, one scholarship is awarded each August.
This scholarship is designed to be as accessible as possible. Here is who is eligible to apply for the 2026 award.
Currently enrolled in any accredited high school. Jamaica applicants must be aged 14–18. All other countries welcome with no upper age limit at high school level.
Currently enrolled in an accredited college, university, or vocational/professional training program anywhere in the world. Any field of study is welcome.
We have awarded students in Jamaica, Nigeria, and the USA. Any nationality is welcome. The foundation especially encourages students from underserved communities to apply.
The process is simple, free, and fully by email. Here’s exactly what you need to do — deadline is July 17.
Write a heartfelt essay explaining why you deserve the scholarship and how it would make a difference in your life. There is no minimum or maximum word count just be genuine, specific, and honest about your journey. This is your chance to tell your story.
Record a short, 2 minute video introducing yourself who you are, where you come from, and what you're working toward. You don't need special equipment. A phone video is completely fine. We want to see the real you, not a polished production.
Submit your most recent academic report card, school transcript, or progress report. This helps us understand your academic journey. We are not looking for perfection we are looking for genuine effort and growth.
Obtain a character reference letter on your school's official letterhead from your teacher, principal, or academic advisor. This letter should speak to your character, your attitude, and your potential not just your grades.
Compile all four documents and email them to us. We read every single application with care. A recipient will be announced in August and funds paid directly to their school.
Your Application Checklist
These are the real people behind the scholarship. Every winner has a story and it starts with the courage to apply.
Victoria’s story is one of pure courage. A foster child who refused to be defined by her circumstances, she stood tall, strong, and determined to become a contributor to society not a statistic. The KHF Foundation flew to San Francisco to personally award Victoria her scholarship on October 9, 2018. She went on to college to major in Graphic Design. Her story reminded us exactly why this scholarship exists.
Ibe Rose was awarded the KHF scholarship on September 21, 2019. A persistent and driven young woman, she enrolled at Macversity Consulting Limited in Lagos, Nigeria to complete a professional degree in Customer Care Management. Her determination and discipline set her apart. As the Foundation said then “Education breeds confidence.” Ibe Rose is proof of that.
We want every applicant to feel confident before they apply. Here are the questions we hear most often.
Yes 100%. The KHF & Shayla Michelle Annual Scholarship is open to high school and college students worldwide, with no restriction on nationality or country. We have previously awarded students in the USA, Nigeria, and Jamaica. If you are a student with drive and a compelling story, this scholarship is for you wherever you are.
Absolutely not. The KHF Scholarship application is completely free. There are no fees at any stage of the process applying, being selected, or receiving the award. If anyone ever asks you to pay a fee to apply for this scholarship, that is not us. Apply for free, always.
The scholarship funds are paid directly to the administration of your school or institution not to the individual recipient. This is to ensure the money is used for your greatest educational needs (tuition, materials, fees, etc.) and is handled transparently. You will need to provide your school’s contact information and bank details as part of the process.
No. We do not require perfect grades. We look at the whole person your character, your resilience, your personal story, and your commitment to your education. One of our most inspiring past winners was a foster child who had overcome significant personal challenges. We believe that effort, heart, and determination matter just as much as academic results.
Your essay should answer two things: (1) Why do you deserve this scholarship? and (2) How would receiving it make a difference in your life? Be specific and honest. Talk about where you come from, what you’re studying, what challenges you’ve faced, and where you want to go. We read every essay personally the ones that move us are always the honest ones, not the perfectly written ones.
Every year, one student’s life changes because they had the courage to write that essay and press send. Be that student this August. We are reading. We are rooting for you.
