The Barry Scholarship Program is a cohort experience providing a two or four year annually-renewable college scholarship of up to $5000 per year for graduating high school PaY seniors who demonstrate exceptional character, leadership, and commitment to serving their community.
The program provides financial support, professional development, and personal support throughout the journey of pursuing an education at any nonprofit college or university. Our goal is to not only ensure students succeed in college, but also to help students thrive after graduation. Other scholarship opportunities are available through our Philanthropy: Forward program.
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Scholarship
The Barry Scholarship Program is cohort experience providing a two or four year annually-renewable college scholarship of up to $5000 per year for graduating high school PaY seniors who demonstrate exceptional character, leadership, and commitment to serving their community.
The program provides financial support, professional development, and personal support throughout the journey of pursuing an education at any nonprofit college or university. Our goal is to not only ensure students succeed in college, but also to help students thrive after graduation. Other scholarship opportunities are available through our Philanthropy: Forward program.
Apply to Be a Scholar
Barry Scholarship applications will be open between November 15th and February 1st. Check back here for updates, application materials, and dates for application workshops.
Saturday, November 15 - Scholarship Applications Open
Monday, December 1 - Scholarship Office Hours
Monday, January 5 - Virtual Resume/Cover Letter Workshop
Tuesday, January 27 - Scholarship Office Hours
Monday, March 2 – Friday, March 5: Scholarship Interviews
Friday, May 1 - Scholarship Acceptance
Tuesday, May 12 - Scholarship + Internship Kickoff
Thursday, June 11 - Scholarship Summer Workshop
Frequently Asked Questions
Scholarship Application
Scholarship Details
Current Scholars
- The Barry Scholarship Program is far more than just financial support. It’s a cohort experience that involves 1:1 meetings with TBF Staff, Scholarship Workshops twice a year, Barry Scholar Seminars with local university presidents, and various learning/engagement opportunities. Our goal is to provide you with the resources, skills, and support to help you thrive in college and beyond.
- Renewable 2- or 4-year scholarship valued up to $20,000
- The Scholarship Covers: Tuition & Fees, On-campus room and board, and books purchased through the college/university.
- Active members in PaY that are seniors in high school with plans of attending college the following school year. It does not matter how many years you've been in PaY.
- Those in good academic standing, though this is not a scholarship program based around a certain GPA.
- Students that are able to share about their experiences in PaY - how they have shaped you, what impact PaY has made on you, and the impact you've made on your community through PaY.
- Applications are accepted between Nov. 15th - Feb. 15th.
- The application is filled out online through the Barry Portal and takes between 3-5 hours to complete on average.
- Interviews are conducted in early March.
- Scholarship recipients are announced in mid-April.
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- 2 letters of recommendation - one of which is from your PaY Advisor
- Short Essay Questions
- All seniors and applicants for the Barry Scholarship Program are invited to be a part of an active alumni program Philanthropy: Forward. Special recognition scholarships are provided for Barry Scholarship Finalists who join Forward.
- The PaY Forward Scholarship is a one-time scholarship awarded to selected applicants for their freshman year. This scholarship amount is at the discretion of the Scholarship Selection Committee during the application process. This program provides additional colligate and professional support, opportunities, and connections throughout their college experience.
- When you apply for the Barry Scholarship Program, you are automatically eligible for the PaY Forward Scholarship.
- There are other scholarship opportunities available through the Forward program once you are in college, like Problems to Possibilities (P2P). This is a program that challenges students to think differently about entrepreneurship and change-making. Hosted by North Dakota State University Center for Entrepreneurship and Family Business, P2P leverages systems-thinking and local networks to drive social, environmental, and economic progress. Along with the participation scholarship, national and international competition opportunities are available.
Starting in the Fall of 2025, NDSU will be joining UND in supporting Barry Scholars and PaY Forward Scholars through a scholarship match. The match program details are being developed and are unique to each university.
Programming staff is available during business hours. Reach out and set up a time to meet with Sam Schumacher, Scholarship & Alumni Specialist. His email is sschumacher@barryfoundation.org
If AI or ChatGPT was used in an application, it must be cited appropriately and reflective of an individual's thoughts/words.
CURRENT SCHOLARS
Resources, dates to remember, and important updates for current Barry Scholars