The Annexstad Family Foundation was established in 2000 by Al and Cathy Annexstad with a singular purpose of helping deserving young people realize their dreams of earning a college degree.
The Foundation strongly believes that among the ranks of America’s young people is a special group who have overcome extraordinary hardship in their young lives and who are likewise exceptionally bright and motivated. Equipping these talented scholars with world-class educations represents a significant investment in our nation’s future as they go on to lead productive and rewarding lives.
The mission of the Leaders for Tomorrow National Scholarship Program is to reach out to exceptionally bright and accomplished students from disadvantaged backgrounds who have overcome extraordinary hardship in their young lives and who have little or no means to pay for college.
The Annexstad Family Foundation and The University of Alabama have collaborated with the Honors College to provide recipients access to the full suite of the College’s academic programs and partner programs across the University. Please visit the Honors College for more information on their programs and activities.
Each spring, a cohort of first year students is selected for the Leaders for Tomorrow National Scholarship Program at The University of Alabama. Students are selected through a competitive interview process during their senior year of high school. This scholarship program is available only to incoming first year, in-state students.
The scholarship is renewable for four years, provided that recipients meet the renewal requirements set forth by UA and AFF.
Students who are nominated for the Leaders for Tomorrow Scholarship must:
- Be a first generation student, defined as a student whose parents have neither more than two years of post-secondary (after high school) education nor a post-secondary degree
- Be an Alabama resident
- Demonstrate high financial need as defined by the Student Aid Index (SAI).
- Present an inspiring story of triumph over significant personal hardship, e.g., loss of one or both parents, independent status, disability, abuse, severe illness or injury etc.
Steps for High School Seniors:
- Complete the UA Scholarship Application by January 15. Be sure to check the box that indicates you are interested the university’s first generation scholarship programs and complete the attached first generation scholarship program essay questions.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.
- Participate in an interview with the Selection Panel in the spring semester.
Students selected as Leaders for Tomorrow Scholars are expected to:
- Enroll in a designated General Studies course during the fall semester
- Attend an approved extended orientation
- Participate in all required activities, programs, and service projects
- Meet regularly with the First Generation Scholarships Program Manager