Dunkin Scholarship 2026

Dunkin Scholarship 2026 is a program designed to support ambitious students who are pursuing their college dreams while making a positive impact in their communities. Whether you’re a high school senior preparing for your next step or a parent looking to ease the financial burden, this scholarship is worth exploring.

In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about the Dunkin’ Scholarship for 2026. From eligibility requirements to the application process and tips for success, you’ll learn how to increase your chances of securing this valuable financial aid. Let’s begin by understanding exactly what the Dunkin’ Scholarship is and who it’s meant for.

Table of Contents

What Is the Dunkin Scholarship?

The Dunkin Scholarship is an annual program funded by Dunkin and administered in partnership with scholarship management organizations such as Scholarship America or local Dunkin’ franchise networks. It was created to recognize hardworking, community-minded students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to making a difference. Over the years, the program has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars to deserving students across select regions of the United States.

In 2026, the Dunkin Scholarship continues to reflect the company’s ongoing investment in education and local communities. Although specific details can vary slightly depending on the region or franchise group sponsoring the program, the core purpose remains the same: to help students afford a college education and reduce the financial strain on their families. Whether you’re planning to attend a community college, a four-year university, or a technical school, this scholarship can provide meaningful financial support.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants to the Dunkin’ Baltimore/Metro DC Regional Scholarship Program must:

Be current undergraduate students or high school seniors who plan to enroll in part-time or full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school for the entire upcoming academic year.
High school seniors must be residents of one of the eligible municipalities listed.
Undergraduate students must attend school in one of the eligible municipalities listed.
To be eligible, students must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or the equivalent) or higher.

Dunkin’ full-time or part-time employees who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply.

Students attending or planning to attend accredited two-year colleges or vocational-technical schools are also encouraged to apply.

Franchise owners and dependents are not eligible.

*Eligible municipalities are as follows:

Washington DC-related counties: Washington, DC, Charles (MD), Frederick (MD), Montgomery (MD), Prince George’s (MD), St. Mary’s (MD), Washington (MD), Arlington (VA), Clarke (VA), Fairfax (VA), Frederick (VA), Loudoun (VA), Prince William (VA), Shenandoah (VA), Spotsylvania (VA), Stafford (VA), Warren (VA), Berkeley (WV), Jefferson (WV)
Baltimore-related counties: Anne Arundel (MD), Baltimore (MD), Calvert (MD), Carroll (MD), Cecil (MD), Harford (MD), Howard (MD), Kent (MD), Queen Anne’s (MD), Talbot (MD)
City of Baltimore (MD)

Requirements

As part of your application, you must upload the following documents:

A current, complete transcript of grades. Grade reports are not accepted. Transcripts must display:
- Student name
- School name
- Grades
- Credit hours for each course and the term in which each course was taken.

NOTE: If you are providing SAT or ACT scores, and those scores are not listed on your high school transcript, you will need to upload a copy of your test score report(s) separately. If you are uploading a college transcript, those scores are not required.

One online recommendation form must be submitted on your behalf no later than April 20, 2026, 11:59 Eastern Time (10:59 pm Central Time).

Your application is incomplete unless all required documents are submitted electronically through the Scholarship America Student Hub.

Scholarship Benefits

Up to 50 scholarships will be granted. If selected as a recipient, the student will receive:

A $2,500 award
Awards are for one year only and are not renewable.
Awards are one-time only; students may not receive an award more than once.
Awards are for undergraduate study only.

Payment of Scholarships

Scholarship America processes scholarship payments on behalf of Dunkin’. Awards will be paid in one installment in July 2026

How to Apply for the Dunkin’ Scholarship 2026

To apply for the Dunkin’ Scholarship for 2026, you’ll need to focus on the regional scholarship programs offered by Dunkin’ Donuts, as they vary by location. Based on available information, here’s a general guide to the application process, with specific details for certain regions. Note that requirements and deadlines may differ by area, and you should verify details through official channels since scholarship information can change.

Determine Your Eligibility:
- Most Dunkin’ scholarship programs are open to high school seniors or current undergraduate students planning to enroll in a part-time or full-time course of study at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school for the 2026-27 academic year.
- Eligibility often depends on your residence or college enrollment in specific counties or regions. For example:
  - Dunkin’ Philadelphia Regional Scholarship: Open to students in select counties in Delaware (Kent, New Castle), New Jersey (Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, Salem), or Pennsylvania (Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia).
  - Dunkin’ Baltimore/Metro DC Regional Scholarship: Open to students in specific counties in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., or West Virginia (e.g., Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Arlington, Fairfax, etc.).
  - Metro NY Dunkin’ Scholarship: Open to students in select New York areas, with a deadline typically around May 3, 2026.
- You don’t need to be a Dunkin’ employee to apply, but part-time or full-time Dunkin’ employees who meet eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply.
- Academic requirements often include a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, demonstrated leadership, and commitment to school and community activities.
Gather Required Materials:
- Application Form: Most programs require an online application, often accessible through Scholarship America’s portal (e.g., https://learnmore.scholarsapply.org/ for Philadelphia or Baltimore/DC programs).
- High School Transcript: To verify your academic record.
- Letter of Recommendation: Typically, one letter is required to support your leadership and character.
- Essay: Some programs require an essay showcasing your goals, leadership, or community involvement. Check specific guidelines for prompts.
- Proof of Community Service or Work Experience: Evidence of involvement in school, community, or work activities may be requested.
- Zip Code Verification: For some regions, you’ll need to enter your home zip code to confirm eligibility (e.g., for Philadelphia, New Hampshire, or Florida regions).
Submit Your Application:
- Applications are typically submitted online through Scholarship America’s website (e.g., https://learnmore.scholarsapply.org/dunkinbaltimoredc/ for Baltimore/DC or similar for other regions).
- Deadlines vary by region:
  - Philadelphia Regional Scholarship: Historically due around April 15 (e.g., April 15, 2024, for the 2024-25 cycle). Expect a similar timeline for 2026.
  - Baltimore/Metro DC Scholarship: Also typically due around April 15 (e.g., April 15, 2025, for the 2025-26 cycle).
  - Metro NY Scholarship: Deadline around May 3, 2026.
  - For other regions (e.g., New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Florida), deadlines may fall between February and April. For example, the Palm Beach-Treasure Coast and Miami-Fort Lauderdale areas had a deadline of April 29, 2022, in past cycles.
- Confirm the exact deadline and submission method by checking the official scholarship website or contacting the relevant office (e.g., dunkindonuts-at-scholarshipamerica.org for general inquiries or StudentDocs-at-nhcf.org for New Hampshire).
Check Regional Program Details:
- Since Dunkin’ scholarships are franchise-driven, each region has its own program. For example:
  - Philadelphia: Awards up to 20 scholarships of $5,000 each, non-renewable.
  - Baltimore/Metro DC: Awards up to 50 scholarships of $2,500 each, non-renewable.
  - Metro NY: Awards $5,000 scholarships, with a focus on academic and leadership qualities.
- Some regions require you to reside in or attend college in eligible counties. Check the specific program’s website for a full list of eligible areas.
Contact for Confirmation:
- Scholarship details can change yearly. Contact Dunkin’ or Scholarship America directly to confirm 2026 eligibility, requirements, and deadlines:
  - Email: dunkindonuts-at-scholarshipamerica.org (general inquiries) or region-specific contacts like StudentDocs-at-nhcf.org for New Hampshire.
  - Visit: https://learnmore.scholarsapply.org/ for regional program portals.
- You can also check platforms like Scholarships.com, Scholarships360, or CampusReel for updates, but always verify with the official source.
Additional Tips

Start Early: Application periods often open in early 2026 (e.g., February for some regions) and close by April or May. Monitor Scholarship America’s website for updates.
Tailor Your Application: Highlight leadership, community involvement, and academic achievements, as these are key selection criteria.
Financial Need: While financial need may not be a primary factor, some programs consider it. Be prepared to provide relevant information if required.
Essay Guidance: If an essay is required, focus on your educational goals, community contributions, or career aspirations. Resources like Scholarships360 offer tips on writing winning scholarship essays.

Important Notes

Non-Renewable: Most Dunkin’ scholarships are one-time awards, typically ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on the region.
Regional Variations: If you’re not in the Philadelphia, Baltimore/DC, or Metro NY areas, check for programs in your region (e.g., New Hampshire, Florida, or Connecticut) by entering your zip code on Scholarship America’s Dunkin’ scholarship page or contacting Dunkin’ directly.
Verify Deadlines: Since the 2026 application cycle details may not be fully available yet, use past deadlines (e.g., April 15 for Philadelphia and Baltimore/DC, May 3 for Metro NY) as a guide and check for updates in early 2026.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit https://learnmore.scholarsapply.org/ or contact Dunkin’ at dunkindonuts-at-scholarshipamerica.org. If you’re in a specific region like New Hampshire, use StudentDocs-at-nhcf.org. Good luck with your application!

visit https://learnmore.scholarsapply.org/dunkinbaltimoredc/.

Tips for a Successful Application

Standing out in a competitive scholarship pool requires more than just meeting the minimum requirements. To improve your chances of winning the Dunkin’ Scholarship 2026, start by crafting a thoughtful and authentic personal essay. Use this opportunity to share your story—what drives you, how you’ve contributed to your community, and what your educational goals are. Judges appreciate honesty, originality, and a clear sense of purpose.

In addition to a strong essay, be sure to highlight leadership roles, volunteer work, and any obstacles you’ve overcome. If the application requests letters of recommendation, choose people who know your character and work ethic well, such as a teacher, coach, or community leader. Lastly, submit your application early and double-check every detail for accuracy. Simple mistakes or missed documents can disqualify even the most qualified applicants.

Conclusion

The Dunkin’ Scholarship 2026 is more than just financial support—it’s an investment in your future. Whether you’re aiming for college, university, or a vocational path, this scholarship can help lighten your financial load and give you a solid foundation to pursue your goals with courage. Dunkin’s commitment to education and community shines through this program, empowering students who not only excel academically but also give back in meaningful ways.

If you’ve been wondering how to make college more affordable or how to stand out in a competitive application pool, this is your opportunity. With careful preparation, an honest application, and a little determination, you could be one of the next students to benefit from this generous initiative. Don’t wait, start preparing your materials, stay informed about deadlines, and apply with the belief that your story and potential truly matter.