Overview
Scholarship type
Merit based
Number of scholarships to award
Multiple
Grant
$1,500 (one-time, annual award)
Scholarship coverage
- tuition fee reduction
- other
Description
This scholarship is more than a financial award; it’s a recognition of perseverance, personal growth, and the courage to keep going when faced with life’s toughest challenges. Their mission is to celebrate resilience – they believe that hardships can spark strength and self-discovery, and that students who rise above obstacles become leaders and changemakers in their communities.
Founded by Paul Tarell and his family, the scholarship reflects the values of Paul’s optimism, determination, and commitment to helping others succeed.
Benefits
Every year, one student will receive a $1,500 award to support their education, whether it’s for college tuition, books, or other educational expenses.
Eligibility
To ensure the award reaches students who will benefit most, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Enrollment: Must be currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. high school, college, or graduate program. High school seniors planning to enroll in college are also eligible.
- Personal Challenge: Open to students who have faced and overcome a significant personal challenge or adversity in their life.
They encourage applications from students of all backgrounds. Adversity comes in many forms – from health and disability challenges to family hardships or overcoming socio-economic barriers. If you’ve turned a difficult experience into motivation for personal growth, you are encouraged to apply.
Scholarship requirements
Disciplines
Any
Locations
United States
Nationality
American
Study experience required
High school
Age
Unknown
Application
Application deadline
25 Nov 2026
As part of your application, you will need to write a personal essay responding to the following prompt.
“What is the most difficult challenge you have overcome, and how do you think it has shaped who you are today?”
Ready to share your story of resilience? Applying for the Paul Tarell Family Scholarship is straightforward. Please follow the steps and note the important dates below:
Application Submission: Complete the online application form on our website. You will need to fill in your personal details and education information, and upload or paste your 600–700 word essay responding to the prompt.
Deadline: Submit your application by November 25. Applications will close at 11:59 PM (local time) on that date. Late submissions cannot be considered, so we encourage you to apply early.
Financing
Interested in financing your studies? Find a student loan that works for you.
MPOWER Financing No cosigner. No collateral. No hidden fees. Get the funding you need to study in the U.S. or Canada - with a process that's fast, simple, and built for international students.
- Flexible loans from US$2,001 to US$100,000
- Fixed interest rates -- no inflation surprises
- No upfront fees or prepayment penalties
- Accepted at 500+ universities across the U.S. & Canada
- 100% online application -- instant conditional offer
- Free visa & career support through our Path2Success program