Becca's Closet Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Becca's Closet

Introduction — Becca’s Story
In the spring of her freshman year at Nova High School in Davie, Florida, Rebecca “Becca” Kirtman began a dress drive to help classmates who could not afford formal attire for school events. By the end of her sophomore year she had collected and donated more than 250 dresses, enabling hundreds of students to attend homecomings and proms with confidence. Becca was a 16‑year‑old honor student, cheerleader, and devoted friend. She died in an automobile accident on August 20, 2003.

To carry forward her vision, volunteers established Becca’s Closet as a national nonprofit. For 23 years, chapters around the United States have gathered and distributed thousands of dresses. The Becca’s Closet Scholarship program was created to honor Rebecca’s legacy by recognizing high school seniors who demonstrate leadership through community service.

Overview of the Scholarships
Becca’s Closet awards several non‑renewable scholarships each year to male and female high school seniors who have completed exceptional, sustained community service during high school. The scholarships are intended to support recipients’ continued commitment to serving others and to encourage similar service among their peers.

What we value in applicants
These scholarships are nationally competitive. We seek applicants whose volunteer work is genuine, ongoing, and has produced measurable, meaningful results — projects or service that have made a real difference and inspired others.

Application basics and deadline
- Applicants may submit only one scholarship application (choose the single scholarship for which you are eligible).
- You may apply online or send a paper application by mail; a downloadable paper application is available on our website.
- Follow all instructions carefully. Applications must be complete and postmarked no later than March 15th, 2026.
- Only complete applications will be reviewed.

Scholarship Categories

1) Spirit of Community Scholarship (need‑based; open to any service project)
- Award: Varies
- Who should apply: Students with demonstrated financial need who have provided outstanding service to their community through any organization or self‑directed project.
Eligibility:
- U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Graduating high school senior in the United States
- Minimum 2.0 unweighted GPA (4.0 scale)
- Demonstrated financial need (see required documentation below)
- Documented, outstanding volunteer service that benefits the community
- Planning to enroll in a regionally accredited 2‑ or 4‑year college, university, or technical/vocational school in Summer/Fall 2026

Required financial documentation for this award: Submit the full 2026–2027 FAFSA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index (SAI).

2) Becca’s Closet Involvement Scholarship (requires verified chapter involvement)
- Minimum award: $1,000
- Who should apply: Students who have played a significant role in a Becca’s Closet chapter or a supporting affiliated organization.
Eligibility:
- U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Graduating high school senior in the United States
- Minimum 2.0 unweighted GPA (4.0 scale)
- Demonstrated, outstanding contribution to the community through creation of or participation in a Becca’s Closet chapter (or affiliated organization), with plans in place for the chapter’s continuation after graduation
- Planning to enroll in a regionally accredited 2‑ or 4‑year college, university, or technical school in Summer/Fall 2026

3) South Florida Becca’s Closet Involvement Scholarship (for students in designated counties)
- Minimum award: $1,000
- Who should apply: Students from Miami‑Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach County, Florida, who have been involved with a Becca’s Closet chapter or supporting organization.
Eligibility:
- U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Graduating high school senior in Broward, Miami‑Dade, or Palm Beach County, Florida
- Minimum 2.0 unweighted GPA (4.0 scale)
- Demonstrated, outstanding contribution to the local community through creation of or participation in a Becca’s Closet chapter (or supporting organization)
- Planning to enroll in a regionally accredited 2‑ or 4‑year college, university, or technical/vocational school in Summer/Fall 2026

Required Materials — ALL SCHOLARSHIPS (Only complete applications will be considered)
Your application packet must include:
- Completed scholarship application form
- Two (2) letters of recommendation on official letterhead:
- One from an adult sponsor or representative of the nonprofit/organization who can detail your involvement and contributions.
- One from a school staff member (teacher, counselor, administrator) describing your character, accomplishments, projects, and community involvement.
- Recommenders may not be relatives (parents/guardians).
- Note: The adult sponsor and/or faculty recommender may be contacted for confirmation and additional information.
- Official high school transcript with school seal
- Original essay (see application for essay prompt and instructions)
- If applying for the Spirit of Community Scholarship only: the full 2026–2027 FAFSA Submission Summary showing SAI (Student Aid Index)

Final notes
- Keep a copy of everything you submit for your records.
- If you have questions about which scholarship to apply for or about the application process, consult the scholarship descriptions carefully and contact the Becca’s Closet scholarship office via the contact information on our website.