Determination and hard work should be the keys to opportunity.
Golden Door Scholars provides underrepresented students with the support and financial aid necessary to invest in their education and shape their futures. More than scholarships, GDS is a vibrant and determined community that offers comprehensive support, including career readiness programs, mentorship, and intentional programming, going beyond financial assistance.
Golden Door ScholarS Community
214 Current Scholars
Golden Door Scholars are driven, talented and resilient students pursuing higher education with purpose and passion. They attend more than 100 colleges and universities nationwide, with an intense concentration in the Southeast.
415 Graduates
Since 2013, Golden Door Scholars graduates have launched successful careers in fields such as banking, engineering, technology, politics, sales, community engagement, entrepreneurship & more. Many remain connected to the GDS community, acting as volunteers, mentors, role models and career coaches to support the next generation of scholars.
22 Partner Schools
Golden Door Scholars proudly partners with 22 colleges and universities — 13 regional and nine non-regional — that share our commitment to expanding access to higher education for students with high financial need and limited opportunity, opening doors to brighter futures.
Every scholar meets monthly with a Student Career Coach to guarantee both career readiness and academic success.
GDS support doesn’t end at graduation. Alums stay connected through mentorship, volunteer opportunities and career support when needed.
We partner with other organizations, like The Dream.US, to advocate for increased access to opportunity and to elevate the contributions of students from underrepresented communities across the U.S.
Persistence & Determination
Golden Door Scholars advocates for equal educational opportunities, meaningful career pathways, and the chance for underrepresented students to make lasting contributions to their local communities.
MANY STUDENTS WITH HIGH FINANCIAL NEEDS ARE EXCLUDED FROM FEDERAL AIDS, LOANS AND WORK-STUDY PROGRAMS, MAKING THE COST OF A COLLEGE DEGREE A MAJOR BARRIER.
HIGH SCHOOLS AND POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS OFTEN LACK THE TRAINING, RESOURCES, OR POLICIES NEEDED TO SUPPORT STUDENTS FACING SYSTEMIC BARRIERS TO HIGHER EDUCATION.
LIMITED PATHWAYS TO ECONOMIC MOBILITY CAN RESTRICT ACCESS TO HIGH-EARNING CAREERS FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE READY TO THRIVE, BUT LACK STRUCTURAL SUPPORT.
“To me, Golden Door Scholars is more than just a scholarship; it’s a support system and a community where I truly belong. GDS has pushed me beyond my limits, encouraged me to dream bigger, and deepened my appreciation for my culture.”