Panda Cares First-Year Scholars Program

The Panda Cares First-Year Scholars Program is a one-time postsecondary scholarship and college success program for students entering their first year of college this 2025-2026 academic year. The scholarship is a non-renewable one worth up to $5,000 and will be awarded to college freshmen attending any 2-year or 4-year college or university.

Deadline: 10/30/2025 at 5:00pm EST

Eligible students must:

• Be a citizen, national or legal permanent resident of the U.S.
• Have a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA on an unweighted 4.0 scale
• Possess a demonstrated financial need as verified by the student’s college or university
• Be enrolled as a full-time freshman in Fall 2025, attending a U.S.-located, two-year or four-year, accredited college or university

Application Process:
Applicants must submit the following to have a completed application considered:

• A personal statement demonstrating their grit in the pursuit of a college education
• A copy of their financial aid award letter from the college they are attending
• A full copy of their most recent FAFSA student aid report
• Final high school transcript with graduation date
• A statement describing their extracurricular activities, honors and awards, and community service