Vernardo Book Scholarship
Vernardo Book Scholarship
A $1,000 scholarship for low-income, first-generation BIPOC high school seniors from the South Side of Chicago who plan to attend a four-year university. The application includes a 400-600 word essay about why you want to attend college and the obstacles you have overcome.
Jun 2, 2026
54 days left
$1000
Award amount
24
Scholarship applicants
4
Requirements
Quick decision
AI insightsBest for
- High school seniors
- First-generation college students
- BIPOC students
Key highlights
- $1,000 award
- One award listed
- Deadline listed as 2026-06-02
Why apply
- The award can help with education costs such as books and other college expenses.
- The scholarship is targeted to a specific student group, which may make it especially relevant if you match the criteria closely.
- The essay topic gives you a chance to explain your motivation and challenges in your own words.
Who can apply
- Must be a high school senior
- Must plan to attend a four-year university
- Must be a first-generation college student
- Must be BIPOC
- Must be from the South Side of Chicago
- Must be low-income
- Essay prompt asks why you want to attend college and what obstacles you have overcome
Always verify the full eligibility rules on the official source before you apply.
Quick facts
Status
_published
Study levels
high_school_senior
Number of awards
1
Payout method
Not stated on the listing
Before you apply
AI guidanceThings to double-check on the official page.
Important checks
- Confirm how the scholarship defines 'South Side of Chicago' on the official application page.
- Check whether the listing requires attendance in the Chicago Public School system, since that appears in the raw content preview.
- Verify whether any proof of first-generation or low-income status is required.
- Review the essay length carefully: minimum 400 words, maximum 600 words.
- Confirm payout details, since payment method is not stated.
Missing or unclear on the listing
- How the winner is paid is not stated.
- Payout method is not stated.
- Application status is not stated.
- No provider URL is listed.
- The excerpt does not clearly state whether transcripts, recommendations, or other materials are required.
- The excerpt does not state how low-income status is verified.
- The excerpt does not fully clarify whether Chicago Public School enrollment is required.
Red flags
- Payment details are not stated.
- Provider website is not listed in the excerpt.
- Some eligibility wording may need clarification, especially location and possible school-system requirements.
Next steps
AI guidanceA short checklist so you know what to do after reading the listing.
- Confirm every eligibility rule on the official program page.
- Prepare the listed materials (3 document type(s) detected in the catalog).
- Add the deadline to your calendar and submit before it passes.
- Apply through the official site linked above.
Application tips
AI guidanceListing-specific ideas from our AI layer — not official rules. Skip anything that does not match the program page.
- Answer both parts of the essay prompt: your reason for attending college and the obstacles you have overcome.
- Keep your essay within the 400-600 word range.
- Use specific examples from your academic or personal journey to show resilience.
Key requirements (3)
Program rules and conditions. Uploads and file types are listed under Required documents.
- Essay prompt: Why do you want to attend college, and what obstacles have you overcome to achieve this goal? Essay requirements: min length 400, max length 600.
- Education Level: High school senior College Plans: Will attend a four-year university Background: First-generation college student Race: BIPOC Location: South Side of Chicago Financial Status: Low-income.
- Education is one of the most impactful opportunities a student can have, offering the ability to transform one’s life. ….
Required documents
Materials you may need to upload or submit; check the official application for the final list.
- Essay or written statement
- Photo or headshot
- Supporting documents (as listed in requirements)
Applying
Applicants must submit an essay answering why they want to attend college and what obstacles they have overcome. The essay must be between 400 and 600 words. Students should also verify any location or school-system details on the official application page.
Award & payment
Amount: $1000
Number of awards: 1
Payout: Not stated on the listing
About the provider
The Vernardo Book Scholarship exists to empower first-generation, underrepresented students from the South Side of Chicago by removing financial barriers to higher education. Our mission is to support students’ academic journeys and honor their sacrifices, ensuring that the pursuit of knowledge leads to transformative opportunity and lifelong impact.
Overview
The Vernardo Book Scholarship, offered by Nikea Vernardo, supports students facing financial barriers to higher education. The listing shows a $1,000 award and a deadline of 2026-06-02. It is aimed at first-generation, underrepresented students from the South Side of Chicago.
Sponsor & application
Information last verified Apr 9, 2026.
Always confirm deadlines, requirements, and application details on the official page before you apply.