2026 College Application Essay Awards
Your Story Can Open a Door
The Urban Bloom Project, Inc. is offering four $100 awards to help Baltimore City Public Schools seniors with eligible college application expenses.
You can enter using a personal statement or essay you are already writing for college. There is no extra contest essay, no entry fee, and no minimum GPA.
Apply by Friday, November 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern, or sooner if 50 applications are received. Only the first 50 applications received will be reviewed for award consideration.
Who can apply?
You are eligible if you:
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Are currently in grade 12 at a Baltimore City public school;
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Live in Maryland; and
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Plan to apply to an accredited two-year or four-year college for fall 2027.
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Students in special education programs and students with IEPs or 504 plans are encouraged to apply. You do not need to disclose a disability.
What do I need to submit?
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Your college application essay or personal statement and its prompt question, if there is one.
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Your final 11th-grade GPA and a report card or transcript showing it. You may cover your student ID, address, date of birth, and other unrelated personal information.
If you cannot access your academic record, a school counselor may verify your GPA. There is no minimum GPA to apply.
How will recipients be chosen?
A small advisory group will review eligible applications using the student’s essay and 11th-grade GPA. Reviewers will consider the essay’s authentic voice, reflection, purpose, clarity, and organization. Being among the first 50 applicants does not guarantee an award.
Recipients are expected to be notified by December 7, 2026. The Urban Bloom Project aims to issue awards by December 18, with payment by January 15, 2027 if an application expense cannot be processed in December.
How will the award be paid?
Award funds are intended for eligible college application costs. Recipients will be asked for a fee notice or receipt. The Urban Bloom Project can reimburse a documented expense or arrange payment when a family cannot pay the fee first. Ask your school counselor about college application fee waivers as well.
Need another way to apply?
If the Google Form is inaccessible or you need an accommodation, contact info@urbanbloomproject.org before the deadline. You may request an alternative submission format without disclosing a diagnosis.
The Urban Bloom Project, Inc. administers this award program independently. It is not sponsored or endorsed by Baltimore City Public Schools.