The Dr. Marvin Lott Scholarship Program is designed to support students who may not have every answer yet—but who are willing to put in the work to move forward.

This is a need-based scholarship that prioritizes financial need, effort, and intent over perfect grades or polished applications.​

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Scholarship Award

• $2,500 per student

• Paid over four years ($625 per year)

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a high school senior

• Reside in Hamilton County or Bradley County

• Have a minimum GPA of 2.5

• Plan to pursue post-secondary education (college, trade, technical program, or military)

Application Period

February 16, 2026 – March 31, 2026

Required Documents

Applications must include both of the following items to be considered complete:

• FAFSA Household Income Page

  • One page showing reported household income

  • Full FAFSA submission is not required

• Official High School Transcript

  • Must be an official copy

  • Screenshots are not accepted

Applications missing either document will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.

 

How Applications Are Reviewed

The Dr. Marvin Lott Scholarship is awarded through a holistic application review. There are no interviews, and decisions are based entirely on the application materials submitted.

Reviewers focus on the areas below:

Financial Need

• FAFSA-reported household income is the primary factor

• Priority is given to students with the greatest demonstrated need

Funding Gap

• Consideration is given to whether students have received other scholarships

• Students with unmet financial need are prioritized

Educational Intent

• Clear plans are encouraged, but clarity is not required

• Students are not penalized for being undecided if they intend to continue their education

Effort, Drive & Motivation

• Reviewers look for evidence that students are taking steps forward

• This may include completing FAFSA, applying to schools, researching options, or meeting with advisors

• Effort matters more than writing style or confidence

Academic Readiness

• A 2.5 GPA minimum is required

• GPAs above 2.5 do not receive extra weight

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How Decisions Are Prioritized

When funding is limited, applications are prioritized based on:

1. Greater financial need

2. Larger funding gaps

3. Demonstrated effort toward post-secondary plans

4. Students with fewer alternative options

 

What Reviewers Do (and Do Not) Consider

Reviewers DO consider:

• FAFSA household income

• Funding gaps

• Effort and willingness to move forward

• Honest intent

Reviewers DO NOT consider:

• Writing polish or grammar

• Confidence or presentation style

• School reputation

• Number of extracurricular activities

• Interviews or recommendations

 

Our Philosophy

This scholarship exists for students who may not have everything figured out—but who are willing to take steps toward their future. Honest effort matters here.