College Scholarships

Each year, talented students like you complete their journey with Durham Public Schools and move on to achieve incredible things in college and beyond. Our scholarship program is here to help launch them into that next chapter.

Highlights include the Durham Promise Scholarship, awarded to one student from every DPS high school and eight additional scholarships, available to eligible applicants

With one easy application through our online portal, students can apply for all available awards.

Key Dates:

Applications Open: TBA - December 2025

Deadline to Apply: TBA - March 2026

Notification: April 2026

Celebration & Public Announcement: June 2026

Have questions?

Reach out to scholarships@bullcityschools.org.

We're here to help!

Scholarships We Offer

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Durham Promise Fund

All students who apply for a scholarship through DPS Foundation are automatically entered into consideration for a Durham Promise award. This $3,000 scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior in each high school in Durham Public Schools.

Eligibility: Graduating seniors in a DPS high school; minimum 2.5 GPA

Additional Scholarships

Christopher Furr Scholarship

Friends and family established the Christopher Furr Scholarship to honor his memory in 1987. Award Amount: $2,500 Qualifications: Graduating senior from Northern High School, minimum 2.5 GPA, demonstration of character and responsibility in the school and community and extracurricular activities

City of Medicine Academy Scholarship

The City of Medicine Academy Scholarship was established in 2009 from a Durham Chamber of Commerce grant. Award amount: $2,500 Qualifications: Graduating seniors at City of Medicine Academy, 2.75 GPA, acceptance into an accredited college required

First Generation Scholarship

This scholarship is for DPS students who are first generation college students. Award amount: $2,500 Qualifications: Open to all graduating first-generation DPS seniors, minimum 2.5 GPA, proof of acceptance into an accredited college or university required

John T. Smith Memorial Scholarship

Former Southern High School students established the John T. Smith Memorial Scholarship in 1988 to honor the impact that he made in the lives of his students. Award amount: $2,500 Qualifications: Graduating seniors at the Southern School of Energy and Sustainability, minimum 2.5 GPA, demonstrated academic and leadership qualities

Norma Russell Scholarship

Each year, Northern High School awards the Norma Russell Memorial Scholarship in memory of Norma, who was an Northern High School student. Norma gained the respect and admiration of her peers and teachers through her warm and friendly personality and her active involvement in the school and community. Friends and family established the scholarship in 1986 to honor her memory. Award amount: $2,500 Qualifications: Graduating seniors at Northern High School, minimum 2.5 GPA., proof of acceptance into an accredited college or university, demonstrated character and responsibility in school and community, involvement in extracurricular activities required.

Andrew Edward Crabtree Scholarship

Andrew Edward Crabtree was a Riverside student and arts enthusiast. He left a shining legacy at Riverside through his participation in the performing arts and passion for creative writing and history. His family started the scholarship in his honor after his battle with cancer. Award amount: $10,000 Qualifications: graduating seniors at Riverside High School, minimum 2.75 GPA, demonstration of strong and significant interest, proficiency, passion, and participation in drama, choral music, history, or creative writing

Hillside Class of ’66 Alumni Scholarship

The Hillside Class of ’66 Alumni Scholarship was created in 1996 in recognition of the importance that Hillside has played in the life of the African-American community in Durham. Award Amount: $1,000 Qualifications: African American student with a minimum 2.5 GPA, household income of less than $40,000, who has demonstrated leadership and responsibility and plans to pursue a college education.

Kayla P. Radack Scholarship

Pat and Amy Radack established the Kayla P. Radack Endowed Scholarship in 2004 in memory of their daughter, Kayla. Through this scholarship, they hope to help many future female students fulfill their dreams and promises. Priority is given to female graduating seniors. Award amount: $4,000 (renewable: $1,000 for four [4] years), 3 awards total Qualifications: graduating seniors at Riverside High School, 2.75 GPA, proof of acceptance into an accredited college or university, and demonstrated academic and leadership qualities

Applications will open in December 2025 and close March 2026 (exact dates TBA). Please check back at that time to apply.

I believe this scholarship is a step towards becoming the Renaissance man I've always strived to be... I want to be the kind of person who holds a conversation about business and marketing, writes something meaningful, helps a neighbor who needs a hand, and still finds time to explore the world. This scholarship lifts a financial burden to explore all of those parts of myself and my community.