About the Scholarship Program

Students Without Mothers is dedicated to helping high school students without mothers help themselves by empowering them to continue their education. The organization’s main purpose is to provide scholarships for college bound high school seniors who are without their mothers due to death or other unfortunate circumstances.

Each student receives a $4,000 scholarship (disbursed in annual payments of $1,000, if the student continues to meet the criteria for re-qualifying as outlined below).

Eligibility Criteria

• Students must be a current resident of Georgia, and a high school senior
• Priority is given to students attending high school in Metro Atlanta
• Must be planning to attend a two or four year institution of higher learning
• The mother is not in home; either due to death, or other unfortunate circumstances
• Priority is given to students whose legal guardian earns less than $50,000/year

Scholarship winners are encouraged to pay it forward. After successful completion of the program they are asked to give back in some way by either donating their time or providing financial support to future scholarship recipients.

Application Process/Deadlines

Applications are accepted between September 1st and December 31st annually. Applications may be submitted online or by mail. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Application must be COMPLETE and include a 250 word essay explaining the hardship and challenges the student is facing as a result of not having the mother present in the home why they deserve this scholarship.

To Apply Online:
Complete Application


To Apply By Mail:
Download Application

Supplemental Scholarship

Each year one applicant is selected to receive a supplemental scholarship for community service work. If you wish to be considered for this supplemental scholarship, please complete the Community Service Form below. The application for the supplemental scholarship is optional and not required to receive the main scholarship.

NOTE: Be sure your application is complete, including all contact information.

To Apply Online:
Complete Community Service Form (optional)

To Apply By Mail:
Download Community Service Form (optional)

The Jennifer Buckmon Scholarship Fund

The above supplemental scholarship is funded through the Jennifer Buckmon Scholarship Fund. Each year the Buckmon Family provides funding for a supplemental scholarship in memory of Jennifer Buckmon who passed away in 2005. Jennifer was a devoted SWM volunteer and the daughter of Vernon and Olivia Buckmon. Olivia is one of the Founding Board Members of SWM.

This supplemental scholarship in the amount of $1,000 is awarded to one of the winners of the SWM $4,000 scholarship. The Buckmon Family selects the winner of this scholarship based on community service performed and greatest need.

Confirmation of Receipt of Application

You will receive an email confirmation when your application is received.

Selection Process

The scholarship selection committee will meet in January to review applications and select recipients. Scholarship selections are based on the “greatest need” and the total number awarded each year vary year based on the amount of funds available. Qualified applicants may be asked to speak with a committee member to explain why he/she has the greatest need and should be awarded a scholarship.

Students selected are required to provide additional information by a designated date before scholarship certificates are issued at the annual Scholarship Awards Banquet in May.

The initial scholarship check is issued in July. Before future checks are issued, students must meet the criteria outlined in the Scholarship Renewals section.