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 2027 and will remain open through November 20, 2026.

Directions for Nominating Students

1. Identify Eligible Students

Eligible students must:

  • Be in 12th grade in a rural Georgia high school
  • Be Pell-eligible, with a FAFSA on file with VSU by November 20, 2026
  • Be on track to become HOPE-eligible (4 rigor courses and 3.0+ HOPE GPA) by high school graduation
  • Be a U.S. Citizen
  • Be passionate about 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 20, 2026.

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 20, 2026. Applicants should complete FAFSA as soon as the application process opens. The FAFSA application window is currently scheduled to open October 1, 2026.

3. Attend On-Campus Interview

All complete applicants meeting the criteria will be invited to Valdosta State University Scholarship Day on Saturday, February 27, 2027, to interview for the Sullivan Scholarship.

  • The VSU Sullivan Scholars Program interview includes: 
    • Meeting and interacting with current Sullivan Scholars
    • Interviewing with the Sullivan Scholarship Committee
    • Participating in written and oral discourse activities on education-related topics.

*Note: To receive an invitation, applicants must have a completed FASFA, qualify for a Federal PELL Grant, and be on track for HOPE eligibility (final HOPE status is determined upon high school graduation).

Scholarship Offers:

Scholarship offers will be extended by late March. To secure the award, selected recipients must:

  • Accept the offer by the designated deadline
  • Maintain program eligibility
  • Be admitted to Valdosta State University for Fall 2027