The RMHC® U.S. Scholarship Program

Ronald McDonald House Charities® U.S. Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to eligible graduating high school seniors who face limited access to educational and career opportunities. Scholarships are awarded by local Chapters of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), with support from RMHC Global and McDonald's Corporation.  Students are selected and awards are distributed based on demonstrated academic achievement, financial need and community involvement. 

Funding for the scholarship program is provided by local McDonald's Restaurants through their donation box funds and a matching fund from RMHC Global. Since its inception in 2002, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Chattanooga has awarded more than $300,000 to local high schools' seniors; $1,000 per student.

The four types of scholarships available include:

• RMHC/HACER (Hispanic American Commitment to Educational Resources)(Download Application )
• RMHC/African American Future Achievers Scholarship Program (Download Application)
• RMHC/ASIA (Asian-Pacific Students Increasing Achievement) (Download Application) 
• RMHC Scholars (Download Application)

 Eligibility Requirements

To apply for an RMHC U.S. Scholarship, a student must:

• Live within a participating local RMHC Chapter’s geographic area
• Be a legal U.S. resident
• Be less than 21 years of age
• Carry a minimum of 2.7 GPA.
• Be eligible to enroll and attend an institution of higher education or a vocational/technical school.
• Plan to enroll at a naccredited post-secondary education institution during the academic year following their graduation.
• Complete and submit a scholarship application either by mail, or online and send required supporting documentation to International Scholarship & Tuition Services no later than February 16, 2010.
• Apply for only one of the scholarship programs offered by the local RMHC Chapter. If a student is multi-racial, they still must choose one program for which to apply.

View a complete list of participating RMHC Chapters and their respective counties. Students may only apply for one of the four scholarships. Students may download one of the applications above or apply online by clicking here.

How to apply for an RMHC U.S. Scholarship

Step 1 - Review local guidelines and requirements right here on our scholarship program website.

Step 2 – Download one of the scholarship applications above or apply online by clicking here.

Step 3 – Mail the completed application with supporting documents to the address listed below.  Please note that even when applying online, an application is not complete until you submit transcripts, a personal statement, a letter of recommendation and your parent’s/guardian’s most recent/current Form 1040 in hard copy format.

The deadline for the 2009-2010 academic year is February 16, 2010. All completed applications must be postmarked by February 16, 2010.

Mail the completed application with supporting documents to:

RMHC U.S. Scholarship Program
International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 22376
Nashville, TN 37202

Important Note: Submit application only once - do not apply online and mail in an application.

If you have any difficulty applying online, contact Emily Johnson at ejohnson@spaprog.com or by phone at 1-866-851-3994.

Required Supporting Documents for completing application process

• Online applications are NOT complete until the student submits transcripts, a personal statement, a letter of recommendation and their parent/guardian/s most recent or current Form 1040 in hard copy format to Scholarship Program Administrators.
• Apply to only one category of the RMHC U.S. Scholarships.
• We suggest that your personal statement include information about your family, your involvement in community organizations or school activities highlighting leadership responsibilities, and your career goals. Your personal essay should contain no fewer than 350 words.

For questions about the RMHC U.S. Scholarship Program or to volunteer on the RMHC of Greater Chattanooga Scholarship Committee contact:  Jane Kaylor or call (423) 778-4331.