The Valdosta Sullivan Scholars Program is an invitation only scholarship program. Principals, assistant principals, teachers, and/or counselors can nominate high school seniors who meet the scholarship criteria. 

The nomination and application window is now open for Fall 2026 through November 21, 2025.

Directions for Nominating Students

1. Identify Eligible Students

Eligible students must:

  • Be in 12th grade in a rural Georgia high school
  • Qualify for PELL (Must have FAFSA on file with VSU by November 21, 2025)
  • Be HOPE Eligible (4 rigor courses and 3.0 or higher HOPE GPA) or on track to become HOPE eligible by high school graduation
  • Be a U.S. Citizen
  • Have a passion for becoming a teacher

2. Click on Sullivan Scholar Nomination Form

  • You will need student’s email address, and phone number to complete the form.
  • Please email Mrs. Sonja Jenkins at SullivanScholars@valdosta.edu to let her know you have nominated a student(s). Limit 3 nominations per school.

Directions for Students Applying for the Sullivan Scholarship

 1. Application

Once you have been nominated, you will receive a link to the application portal. Complete the application as soon as possible. All application materials, including FASFA must be received by November 21, 2025.

2. Complete FAFSA: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

Applicants must have a completed FAFSA on file with VSU and qualify for PELL by November 21, 2025. Applicants should complete FAFSA as soon as the application process opens. The FAFSA application window is currently scheduled to open October 1, 2025.

3. Attend On-Campus Interview

All nominees who have a complete application, are PELL eligible, and on-track to meet the HOPE requirements will be invited to attend the Valdosta State University Scholarship Day and participate in the Sullivan Scholarship interview). The VSU Scholarship Day will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

  • The VSU Sullivan Scholars Program interview includes
    • Meeting and interacting with current Sullivan Scholars
    • Interview with the Sullivan Scholarship Committee
    • Engaging in written and oral discourse activities related to topics in education

*Note: Applicants must have a completed FASFA and be HOPE and PELL eligible to receive an invitation.

Scholarship Offers:

Scholarship offers will be extended by mid-March. Recipients must maintain eligibility and be accepted to Valdosta State University for Fall 2026.