2022 Future Community Leaders Scholarship Guidelines

The B3 Foundation’s Ron & Vanessa Banner Scholars Program is dedicated to empowering student leaders to and through college. The Future Community Leaders Scholarship is the first official scholarship offered under the Scholars Program, and focuses on identifying students who are committed to further developing as local community leaders in their chosen field in college and beyond. Our primary goal is to support change-makers. Individuals who are passionate about championing positive change in their communities across the country.

Scholarship winners will not only receive an annual scholarship for tuition and expenses, but will also be paired with a professional mentor in the field of their choosing for the duration of their collegiate experience. Winners will also participate regularly in B3 Foundation Board Meetings, as an opportunity to learn more about local community engagement.

Named in honor of Zach Banner’s parents, who have both worked in education for over 25 years, the Ron & Vanessa Banner Scholarship Fund is committed to supporting college-bound students through tutoring, test preparation, college applications and tuition assistance. We believe that every student is capable of academic success when given ample resources and support.

The ​Mission of the B3 Foundation is to ​equip and empower student leaders in under-resourced communities through youth-focused programming in the form of mentorship, scholarship and community engagement. The ​Vision of the B3 Foundation is that all children grow up in communities in which they are supported by mentors, have safe spaces to learn and recognize their worth and potential. We believe that strong communities celebrate and create organic leaders.

For 2022, the Ron & Vanessa Banner Scholars Fund’s award amount is $10,000. The chosen recipient will receive $10,000 for each of their four years at their chosen institution, so long as they remain in good academic and community standing. ​NOTE: Scholarship funds will be awarded to the student upon evidence of registration in an accredited higher educational institution.

Criteria and eligibility:

1. Applicant must attend high school in the United States of America.
2. Applicant must be a graduating high school senior in the year of the award.
3. Applicant must have at least a ​3.0 grade point average​.
4. Applicant must demonstrate community involvement and a commitment to academic achievement.
5. All applicants must be involved in consistent community service.
6. Applicants may not be related to any Board of Directors or staff for this presents a conflict of interest.
7. Applicants must be willing to attend a scholarship orientation with the B3 Foundation Board of Directors (via Zoom).
8. Applicant must be willing to attend ​four ​B3 Board Meetings annually (via Zoom or phone).
9. Applicant must be willing to be paired with a professional mentor in the field of their choosing for the duration of their college program.

General Instructions

1. DEADLINE​ for scholarship applications is ​March 30, 2022, 11:59 p.m. ET​ (no exceptions).
2. Refer to the application process below for a list of the supporting documents needed (i.e. reference forms, evidence of GPA, etc.) Incomplete applications will not be considered.
3. If any question does not apply to you in this application please put N/A in the space.
4. Type and print legibly. Illegible applications will not be considered. You may also download a copy of the application by clicking here.
5. You will be notified ​by mail in May regarding the status of your application.
6. If you have any questions about the application, please email the Foundation Office at scholarship@b3foundation.org.

Application Process:

Applicant must submit the following items:

1. Completed application form (if handwritten, please print legibly)
2. Cover letter of application addressed to the Scholarship Committee. The letter should contain a brief explanation about yourself and your college plans (college/university, intended major) as well as a brief explanation of how a college scholarship would impact you and your family. Letter should not exceed one (1) page.
3. Three (3) letters of recommendation. One from a high school teacher, administrator, counselor, or staff member. One from a personal or professional contact of the individual with significant knowledge of the applicant’s character, work ethic and other strengths. And one from a supervisor or contact at the applicant’s chosen community service outlet.
4. An official and recent high school transcript with cumulative grade point average.
5. Personal Essay (see prompt below). Essay must be at least 1-2 typed pages, double-spaced, 12 pt /Times New Roman font.

The B3 Foundation does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of any applicable protected classification including, but not limited to, race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities and operations include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, selection of scholarship recipients, and the provision of related services. The B3 Foundation is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of its staff, volunteers, vendors, applicants, and scholarship recipients.

Deadline​ f​or the application is ​March 30, 2022, 11:59 p.m. ET.​ Applications postmarked after this date will not be considered.

If necessary, mail application to:
B3 Foundation
ATTN: Scholarship Committee
P.O. Box 3577
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266