EmmanuelPaying for college is a challenge many students face—but what if your commitment to sustainability or entrepreneurship could help fund your education? That’s exactly what the Ted And Holly Rollins Scholarship 2025 is here to do. This annual $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a high school senior or college freshman in the U.S. who demonstrates passion for the environment or sustainable business practices.
Founded by entrepreneur and eco-conscious leader Ted Rollins, the scholarship reflects his and his family’s dedication to empowering the next generation of leaders who are committed to creating a better, greener world. Whether you’re launching a composting initiative at school, building a sustainable business plan, or advocating for environmental change, your work matters—and this scholarship recognizes it.
More than just a financial award, the Ted And Holly Rollins Scholarship 2025 celebrates creativity, initiative, and a sense of responsibility. Unlike many scholarships that focus strictly on grades or standardized test scores, this one shines a spotlight on action, passion, and purpose. With a simple application process and a powerful mission, it’s an ideal opportunity for students who want to blend academics with activism.
Ted & Holly Rollins Scholarship 2025 – $5,000 for Inspiring High School Seniors
“Work hard. Have fun. Help others.”
This motto is more than just a saying; it embodies the spirit of the Ted and Holly Rollins Scholarship 2025, a $5,000 grant intended to encourage deserving students with compelling narratives.
This scholarship was created for you if you are a senior in high school or a freshman in college in the United States and you have overcome personal obstacles, given back to your community, or found a special way to move forward.
The finest aspect? Having the highest GPA isn’t important. It all comes down to your motivation, your influence, and your 500-word narrative.
Award Amount: $5,000
Eligibility: High school seniors (U.S.) or first-year college students
Application: Short essay (500 words), submitted online
What Is the Ted & Holly Rollins Scholarship?
The Rollins family foundation annually grants the Ted and Holly Rollins Scholarship to a student who exemplifies fortitude, moral character, and purpose. In addition to helping with college expenses, the scholarship elevates the voices of young changemakers by emphasizing leadership, storytelling, and community impact.
This scholarship, which was established by successful businessman and environmentalist Ted Rollins, reflects his conviction that true success involves more than just achieving one’s own goals; it also involves uplifting others. This program was started by him and his wife, Holly, to recognize students who share their values of diligence, enjoyment, and giving back.
Students have two chances to apply because the $5,000 scholarship is given out twice a year, in the summer and the winter. There is no application fee or complicated paperwork to complete; all you need is a sincere essay outlining your goals and identity.
This is your opportunity to use your story to help finance your future, whether you have overcome hardship, produced something worthwhile, or just have a compelling tale that needs to be heard.
Who Is Eligible for the Ted & Holly Rollins Scholarship 2025?
The Ted and Holly Rollins Scholarship 2025’s accessibility and inclusivity are among its best features. This award is intended for students who have a story—students who have put in a lot of effort, overcome obstacles, or demonstrated passion and initiative in their lives—in contrast to many scholarships that mainly depend on academic performance or financial need.
Here’s who can apply:
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High school seniors or first-year college students in the United States
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No minimum GPA required
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Must submit a 500-word original essay
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Open to students in any field of study
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No application fee
Students who have shown resilience, leadership, or a strong sense of purpose are of particular interest to the scholarship committee. Your essay should demonstrate your ability to overcome obstacles, your sources of inspiration, and your plans to improve your community or chosen field. First-generation college students, student leaders, youth activists, and anybody else with an interesting life story to share will find it to be the perfect opportunity.
Scholarship Value, Deadlines & Key Dates
The Ted And Holly Rollins Scholarship 2025 is one of the most valuable essay-based scholarships available to high school students, with a generous $5,000 award given to one student each summer and winter application cycle.
Here are the critical details:
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Scholarship Value: $5,000
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Number of Awards: 1 per cycle (2 per year)
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Summer Deadline: June 15, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST
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Winner Announced: August 2025
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Winter Deadline: December 31, 2025
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Winter Winner Announced: February 2026
Three judges from the Rollins Foundation choose the winners, who are then emailed to let them know. On the foundation’s website and social media accounts, including Instagram, results are frequently made public. Students are encouraged to rewrite their essays and reapply in the following cycle since the scholarship is awarded twice a year.
How to Apply for the Ted & Holly Rollins Scholarship 2025
The Ted and Holly Rollins Scholarship 2025 application process is surprisingly simple—no lengthy questionnaires, no mountains of paperwork, and no test results needed. Your story and the way you tell it are what count most.
Step-by-Step Application Guide:
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Visit the Official Website
Go to rollinsscholarship and navigate to the “Scholarship Application” page. -
Review the Essay Prompt
You’ll be asked to write a 500-word personal essay covering:-
Who you are and what you’ve overcome
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What field of study are you passionate about
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Your long-term career or life goals
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How do you plan to positively impact the world
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Write Your Essay
Be honest, vivid, and clear. This is your chance to share not just facts, but your why—your motivation, your dreams, your turning point. -
Submit Online
Fill out your name, contact details, and upload your essay directly through the application form before the June 15, 2025, deadline. -
Wait for Notification
If selected, you’ll be notified via email in early August. Even if you don’t win the summer round, you can reapply in December for the winter cycle.
Pro Tip: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit. Early applications often get more attention, and you’ll have more time to refine your essay.
Judging Criteria & Expert Essay Tips
Three judges from the Ted and Holly Rollins Foundation are part of the selection committee, and they evaluate applications according to their impact, clarity, and genuineness. Your essay should be authentic, intimate, and memorable, but it doesn’t have to be flawless.
What the Judges Are Looking For:
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A compelling personal story – How have you overcome challenges or shown determination?
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Clear vision – What do you want to study and why does it matter?
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Commitment to impact – How will you give back to your community, society, or field?
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Writing quality – Does your essay flow well? Is it engaging and typo-free?
Winning Essay Tips:
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Hook the reader in the first paragraph—start with a moment, quote, or challenge.
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Be vulnerable but focused—balance personal hardship with future-driven goals.
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Use simple, direct language—avoid overly academic or complicated phrasing.
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Edit and proofread—read it aloud or have a teacher/friend give feedback.
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Stick to 500 words—go slightly under if needed, but don’t go over.
Remember, the goal is not to sound like someone you’re not—it’s to show who you are, and why you deserve this opportunity.
Past Winners of the Ted & Holly Rollins Scholarship
Want to know what it takes to win? Let’s meet some of the outstanding recipients who turned their life stories into $5,000 scholarships:
Ellyce Butuyan – Summer 2025 Winner
A passionate high school senior majoring in Public Policy, Ellyce led a youth civic engagement initiative in her community. Her essay focused on empowering young voices and driving local change—earning her not just the scholarship, but national recognition.
Connor Khoury – Summer 2024 Winner
A future Harvard student pursuing Government & Economics, Connor stood out for his personal story about turning a family health tragedy into a mission to advocate for cancer awareness. His commitment to policy reform and volunteerism impressed the judges.
Fernando Ramirez – Winter 2023 Winner
As a first-generation college student with dreams of becoming a doctor, Fernando’s essay highlighted his volunteer work in underserved healthcare communities and his desire to break generational barriers.
These winners didn’t just write good essays—they told powerful, genuine stories that reflected who they are, where they’ve been, and where they’re going. If they could do it, so can you.
Why the Ted & Holly Rollins Scholarship Stands Out
With thousands of scholarships available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But the Ted And Holly Rollins Scholarship 2025 stands apart for some very clear reasons:
1. It’s Personal
This scholarship isn’t awarded based on test scores or academic perfection. It’s for real students with real stories—whether you’ve faced challenges, led a project, or discovered your passion against the odds.
2. It’s Generous
Most essay-based scholarships offer $500 to $1,000. This one gives $5,000, and runs twice a year, giving you two chances to win.
3. It’s Simple
You don’t need to create a video, submit transcripts, or get a recommendation letter. All you need is a well-written 500-word essay.
4. It’s Run With Purpose
The Rollins family foundation doesn’t just fund scholarships—they care deeply about helping young people build better futures. Their “Work hard. Have fun. Help others.” motto is more than a slogan—it’s a mission.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for the Ted & Holly Rollins Scholarship 2025?
Any high school senior or first-year college student in the U.S. is eligible. No minimum GPA or financial background is required.
Do I need to demonstrate financial need?
No. Financial need is not required, though you’re welcome to mention personal financial challenges in your essay if it’s part of your story.
Is there a minimum GPA or SAT score requirement?
Nope. This scholarship is focused on your essay, not your test scores.
What if I don’t win in June? Can I apply again?
Yes! The scholarship runs twice a year—June 15 and December 31. If you don’t win in one cycle, you’re encouraged to refine your essay and try again.
How will I know if I won?
Winners are notified via email, and often featured on the foundation’s Instagram page and official website.
What makes a winning essay?
A clear voice, personal insight, strong motivation, and a demonstrated commitment to positive impact. Tell your story, and be real.
Conclusion
College is expensive—but your story is priceless.
The Ted And Holly Rollins Scholarship 2025 is more than just a financial boost. It’s a platform that recognizes and celebrates young people who have lived, learned, and led in ways that textbooks can’t capture.
Whether you’ve overcome hardships, taken on leadership roles, or found a purpose bigger than yourself, this scholarship gives you the space to tell your story and be heard. With $5,000 up for grabs, and a simple, heartfelt essay as the only requirement, there’s no reason not to apply.
And even if you don’t win, the process of writing your story, reflecting on your journey, and planning your future is a valuable step forward. You can always apply again in the next cycle.
So take a breath, grab your keyboard, and let the world hear your voice.
Enwongo
