Community Achievement Scholarship
The Community Achievement Scholarship (CAS) is open to first-generation college-bound students from socioeconomically diverse backgrounds who have the desire to achieve a four-year degree.
Application Process
- Apply for admission and be accepted to Concordia for Fall 2026.
- Complete the online scholarship application. Application includes:
- 3-5 minute video answering this prompt: "Concordia seeks to identify service-minded leaders who want to make their college campuses and home communities better. This question has three parts: First, tell us what you appreciate about your current community. Second, describe something you would like to change about that community. Finally, explain how your college education will equip you to bring about the transformation you desire."
- 500-word short answer essay answering this prompt: "Please describe any personal hardships, unusual circumstances you have had to overcome, or other aspects of your life story that you think we should consider in reviewing your application. How have these life experiences shaped you as a person and how can they help you in the future?"
- File your FAFSA for 2026-27 and exhibit financial need. Concordia's FAFSA code: 002346
Timeline
| Deadline for Submission | Finalists Announced | Scholarship Finalist Event |
Recipients Announced |
| Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026 | Mid-February 2026 | March 14-15, 2026 (in person) |
Late March 2026 |
Ideal Candidates
A strong applicant will demonstrate:
- strong academic achievement
- leadership and/or community involvement
- internal drive to succeed at the college level
- financial need
Why Apply?
- Covers tuition, food, and housing; renewable for up to four years — full scholarship details
- Receive professional support and mentoring throughout the program
- Participate in summer leadership preparation sessions
- Join a community of students with similar interests and experiences
Rachel Huynh '27 on the Community Achievement Scholarship
CAS FAQs
No. You do not need to make your college decision before applying for the Community Achievement Scholarship.
We will use data from your FAFSA form to determine financial aid eligibility.
You can use any device from your phone to a webcam to a camera. We will not be judging video quality, but rather the content you provide and how you answer the prompt.
The best options are to either upload it to YouTube as an unlisted video or upload it to Google Drive. Tip: Make sure that your permissions are set so the scholarship committee can access it.
No. Scholarship decisions will be made based on the student’s video submission and interview.
You can choose any major to receive this scholarship!
Your parents or immediate family members have not completed a four-year college degree program.