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.
The 2025-26 awards have been distributed. Check back in fall 2026 for more information about the next cycle. Thank you to everyone who applied!
Have questions?
Reach out to scholarships@bullcityschools.org.
We're here to help!
Scholarships We Offer
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: $1,000 (Renewable for four years) 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), 4 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
Rachel Lawrence Scholarship
In 1993, the Rachel Lawrence Scholarship fund was established in honor of Mrs. Lawrence’s many years of service in the promotion of parent involvement. The scholarship is to be awarded to one senior from a traditional high school in the DPS System.
"Along the way, I learned that every season of life has a purpose. The setbacks, successes, trials, and tribulations have all helped shape the woman I am today. I am truly grateful for this scholarship and for everyone who believed in me. Your support encourages me to continue pursuing my goals and making a positive impact in my community."
ALISSA WHITE
Durham Promise Scholarship Recipient, School for Creative Studies ‘26
Congratulations to our 2026 Scholarship Awardees!
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