The Scholarship
Paul Tarell Eagle Scout Scholarship
A $1,500 annual award for Eagle Scouts carrying what they learned on the trail into their education.
The award
$1,500, awarded annually as a one-time award. The funds go toward tuition, books, supplies, or other education-related expenses. This is a merit-based award decided on the quality of your essay and overall application — not on financial need.
Applications open
Open now
Award
$1,500
Deadline
September 25, 2026
Announcement
October 30, 2026
Eligibility
- Eagle Scout rank. You have earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America’s Scouts BSA program.
- U.S. student. You are a United States citizen or permanent resident.
- Enrolled in school. You are enrolled in an accredited U.S. institution — high school (grades 9–12), an undergraduate program, or a graduate program. High school seniors already accepted to college are welcome to apply.
- Any level. Open from incoming college freshmen through students pursuing advanced degrees.
There is no minimum GPA. Academic performance is considered, and applicants should be in good standing with their school.
The essay prompt
How do you think the dedication, focus, and perseverance you demonstrated in earning your Eagle Scout has shaped who you are today?
Write 600–700 words — about two typed pages. The full guide to approaching it lives on the How to Apply & Write Your Essay page.
How applications are read
- The essay. A clear, honest piece that answers the prompt and connects your Eagle Scout experience to who you are now.
- Leadership and service. The ways you have led in Scouting and your community — your Eagle project, the roles you held, the service you gave.
- Academic standing. No strict cutoff; your record gives context for your commitment to your studies.
Applications are read holistically. Even if your strength sits mostly in one area, we hope you will apply.
Originality notice
Every essay must be original and written by you. Work generated by AI, or copied from somewhere else, will be disqualified. The point of this award is to hear your story in your own words — there is no shortcut to that, and you do not need one.
Once the recipient is selected and notified, we coordinate with the school’s financial aid or bursar’s office to apply the $1,500 toward tuition, fees, or other verified educational expenses.
Paul also funds the Paul Tarell Family Scholarship.