Oaklawn’s 2025-2026 scholarship recipients. — submitted photo.
The application window for the 2026–27 Oaklawn Foundation Scholarship program opens Friday, January 2, and closes Friday, February 20, at 11:59 PM. The scholarship program provides financial support for Garland County residents pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate studies at accredited institutions. Scholarship applications are available online at arcf.org/oaklawnscholarship.
Administered by the Hot Springs Area Community Foundation, the Oaklawn Foundation Scholarship is available each spring and supports students enrolled in accredited community colleges, technical or vocational schools, trade certificate programs, or public and private four-year colleges and universities. Traditional and non-traditional students are encouraged to apply.
Applicants must complete the online application and submit all required materials by the February 20 deadline, including a personal essay outlining educational goals and challenges overcome, and an official or unofficial transcript or GED certificate. Scholarship funds may be applied toward tuition, fees, and other educational expenses for the Fall 2026, Spring 2027, and/or Summer 2027 academic terms.
As in the previous year, applicants will not upload recommendation letters themselves. Instead, students must provide the email addresses of two references through the online portal. References will receive an automated email with a secure link to submit their letters. While applications must be completed by February 20, references will have until February 27 to submit their recommendation letters.
“The revised recommendation process has improved the quality of the recommendation letters, but students are advised to start their application process sooner rather than later to avoid their letter writer being unable to meet the recommendation letter deadline,” said Joyce Whitfield, Executive Director of the Hot Springs Area Community Foundation. “Two recommendation letters must be received no later than 11:59 PM on February 27, 2026, or the student’s application will be disqualified. The student application deadline of February 20 is firm.”
Since the establishment of the Oaklawn Foundation Scholarship, more than $7 million has been awarded to support educational opportunities for local students. Scholarship recipients for the 2026–27 academic year will be notified in spring 2026. The scholarship funding will be subject to verification of the recipient’s Garland County address.
For additional information or assistance with the application process, contact Joyce Whitfield at 501-372-1007 or hotspringsarea@arcf.org.
