Rural Gone Urban Foundation 2026 Scholarship Application: Details, Key Dates
The Rural Gone Urban Foundation will open applications for its 2026 Scholarship Program on March 24, 2026. Applications will close on March 31, 2026.
The scholarship program supports rural female students across the United States who are pursuing post-secondary education through a traditional college or university, trade school, or professional training program. For the 2026 cycle, the Foundation will award a total of $15,000 in scholarships.
The Rural Gone Urban Foundation was awarded a $5,000 grant from South Bow Cares to assist in funding the scholarship program. That investment will allow the Foundation to award five additional $1,000 scholarships in 2026, expanding beyond the ten scholarships traditionally awarded each year.
South Bow Cares is a community investment program created to support community and Indigenous relations within the regions where South Bow operates. Each year, South Bow Cares invests in organizations whose missions focus on safety, education, environment, and caring communities. The program is rooted in the belief that strong community relationships help build better futures together.
“South Bow Cares is delighted to support this program because we share a philosophy that education is for anyone willing to put in the work to get it,” said Jill Salus, Specialist, Indigenous and Community Relations and Community Investment at South Bow.
The Rural Gone Urban Foundation was established to support strong, determined rural women pursuing education and opportunity. The scholarship program reflects that mission by investing in students who demonstrate grit, hard work, passion, and an unwavering commitment to bettering their lives and their rural communities.
“These scholarships exist for the young women who are willing to do the work,” said Brooke Clay Taylor, founder and executive director of the Rural Gone Urban Foundation. “We are grateful to partner with companies like South Bow that understand education is not reserved for a select few. When organizations align their resources with rural women who are willing to show up and work, the impact multiplies.”
Eligibility
Applicants must:
Be a woman pursuing post-secondary education through a trade school, college, or university
Be a U.S. citizen
Provide proof of acceptance into or enrollment in an eligible program
Apply on their own behalf
There is no minimum GPA requirement. Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate financial need and a proven history of strong work ethic.
Eligible applicants include high school seniors, undergraduate students, professional students, and graduate students who have been accepted to or are currently enrolled in an accredited institution.
Application Requirements
To make the one-week application window manageable, the Foundation releases application questions in advance so students may prepare thoughtfully.
Applicants will be required to submit:
Personal Information
Including hometown, high school, graduation year, and related background details.
Two Letters of Recommendation
Short Essay Responses to the Following Prompts:
Tell us your story. Share your challenges, successes, and aspirations. The committee is seeking insight into who you are and where you want to go with the help of this scholarship.
Tell us about the accomplishment you are most proud of. Accomplishments do not need to be academic in nature.
The Rural Gone Urban Foundation was created to support brave and strong women. Tell us about a brave or strong woman in your life.
What do you see as the biggest obstacles, outside of financial need, in attending an educational institution?
What are your educational and professional goals?
Third-Person Bio and Headshot
Proof of Enrollment or Acceptance
For accessibility, applicants may submit video or audio responses in place of written essays.
All scholarship committee members have signed nondisclosure agreements, and applications are reviewed with strict confidentiality.
Resources to Help You Apply
Our most-read blog posts are packed with valuable advice for applicants:
How to Apply
The application link will go live on March 24 and applicants will have one week to apply.
In the meantime, begin gathering materials, check out our blog for tips, and set a reminder so you don’t miss the deadline.
Like last year, we are inviting donors to be part of the impact. During scholarship season, every contribution goes directly toward funding scholarships for rural women pursuing education. Your investment does not disappear into overhead. It turns into tuition payments, trade certifications, and professional training. It turns into opportunity. When you give, you stand beside a rural woman who is willing to work and ready to move forward.
