The Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation stands as one of the most impactful philanthropic organizations dedicated to advancing women’s education in the United States.
Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation Scholarship Program 2026 | Apply Now
Every year, the Foundation supports more than 12,000 female Christian students with financial need across nearly 200 educational institutions in nine Southeastern states. With a long-standing legacy anchored in generosity, educational access, and faith, the Foundation continues to open doors for thousands of young women pursuing higher education.
A Legacy Rooted in Education and Service
The scholarship program is built on the vision of Mrs. Lettie Pate Whitehead, an influential advocate for women’s education. Her leadership and philanthropic spirit remain central to the Foundation’s mission.
Mrs. Whitehead was the first and only woman trustee at Emory University from 1944 to 1953 and also served as a trustee of Agnes Scott College. Over the years, she received numerous accolades, including an honorary degree from Berry College. She believed deeply in education as a transformative force, naming eight educational institutions among the beneficiaries in her will.
Her dedication has shaped a lasting legacy that continues to empower women—students like Trinity Hutchins, whose journey at Berry College was supported by Foundation funding, and Whitney Palmer, who overcame extraordinary challenges to earn her doctorate from Clark Atlanta University with the help of scholarship support.
What the Scholarship Program Offers
The Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation does not award grants directly to individuals. Instead, it provides annual need-based funding to partner institutions, which then distribute scholarships to eligible students. These scholarships support female Christian students with demonstrated financial need who live in one of the following Southeastern states:
- Alabama
- Florida
- Georgia
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Virginia
While most funding goes toward undergraduate programs, the Foundation also maintains a strong interest in health-related education, including nursing, medicine, and allied health fields.
Nearly 200 Participating Institutions
The Foundation partners with colleges, universities, and schools across the South, ensuring that women from diverse backgrounds have access to quality education. Participating institutions include major universities, liberal arts colleges, medical schools, nursing colleges, and private high schools. Some of the well-known institutions include:
- Alabama: Auburn University, Samford University, University of Alabama, Tuskegee University
- Florida: Florida State University, University of Miami, Stetson University
- Georgia: Emory University, Spelman College, University of Georgia, Clark Atlanta University
- Louisiana: Tulane University, Loyola University New Orleans, Xavier University of Louisiana
- Mississippi: Millsaps College, Mississippi College, University of Southern Mississippi
- North Carolina: Duke University, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Davidson College
- South Carolina: Clemson University, College of Charleston, Furman University
- Tennessee: Vanderbilt University, University of Memphis, Rhodes College
- Virginia: William & Mary, University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Washington and Lee University
This extensive network ensures that eligible students across multiple disciplines have access to financial support where it is needed most.
How Students Can Apply
Since the Foundation does not handle individual scholarship applications, interested students should apply directly through their institution’s financial aid office. Each participating college or university manages its own selection process and distributes funds to students who meet the Foundation’s criteria:
- Female
- Christian
- Demonstrated financial need
- Resident of one of the nine eligible Southeastern states
If a student’s school is not currently part of the program, it’s important to note that the Foundation rarely adds new institutions to its grants portfolio.
Empowering Future Leaders
The Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation continues to put education at the center of its mission. Its long-standing commitment to supporting Christian women in financial need ensures that deserving students can pursue higher education, follow their calling, and become leaders in their fields. The Foundation’s impact is seen not only in academic success but also in the generations of women whose futures are shaped through accessible education.
For more information, visit the official scholarship program page:
🔗 https://www.lpwhitehead.org/grants-program/program-areas/scholarship-program
