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 2025 through December 31, 2024.

1. Identify Eligible Students

Eligible students must:

  • Be in 12th grade in a rural Georgia high school
  • Qualify for PELL (Must have FAFSA on file with VSU)
  • Be HOPE Eligible (4 rigor courses and 3.0 or higher HOPE GPA) or on track to become HOPE eligible by high school graduation
  • Be a U.S. Citizen
  • Have a passion for 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).

If you have been nominated:

  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 February 8, 2025. Note that the fee to apply to VSU is waived.

  1. Complete FAFSA: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa       The deadline for FAFSA is February 8, 2025; however, applicants cannot be offered a scholarship without a completed FAFSA on file with VSU, as PELL eligibility is required. Applicants should complete FAFSA as soon as the application process opens.
  2. Attend On-Campus Interview
  • All nominees who have a complete application and meet HOPE and PELL eligibility requirements will be invited to attend the Sullivan Interview Day on March 1, 2025 at Valdosta State University to include:
    • Meet and Greet with current Sullivan Scholars
    • Interview with the Sullivan Scholarship Committee
    • Engage in written and oral discourse related to topics in education

*Note: Applicants must have a completed FASFA and be HOPE and PELL eligible to receive an invitation.

Scholarship Offers:

Scholarship offers will be extended by mid-March. Recipients must maintain eligibility and be accepted to Valdosta State University for Fall 2025.