Eligibility

The Jefferson and Walentas Scholarship selection process is primarily based in geographic regions where endowments have been established to support the competitions. 

Currently, there are over 70 nominating regions and an additional admissions at-large competition administered by the University of Virginia’s Office of Admission. In order to nominate, a school must have a physical address located within the geographic boundaries of an established region and be registered in the Foundation’s system. 

To verify your school’s eligibility, please email the Foundation at selection@jeffersonscholars.org.

Admissions At-Large Nomination

Jefferson Scholars

A separate competition permits a review of all:

• U.Va. Early Decision or Early Action applicants attending secondary schools not eligible to participate in the regional competitions
• School of Architecture applicants
• School of Education applicants
• School of Engineering and Applied Sciences applicants
• Nursing School applicants

Students who wish to be considered for a Jefferson Scholarship nomination but do not attend an eligible school must apply using the Early Decision or Early Action admission process to the University of Virginia. Due to the volume of students in the Admissions At-Large competition, only those students receiving a nomination will be notified of their status.

Walentas Scholars

Nominees for the Walentas Scholarship will be put forward by secondary schools within the initial geographic regions (New York City; Rochester, New York; and Commonwealth of Virginia). Although some nominees may be identified via Admissions, all nominees must still be geographically bound to these regions and receive an endorsement from their school before entering the Walentas Scholars competition.