Sam Kiki College Access Scholarship 2026-2027

 Who is Sam Kiki? 

Sam Kiki graduated from Green Valley High School (Henderson, NV) and attended Amherst College. Following his college graduation, Sam worked in international business & finance in Australia, Singapore, and other international locations. A former hedge fund manager/owner and current owner of one of the largest online casinos, Sam has truly transformed every sector of the business & online gaming environment. A first-generation college student, Sam understands the challenges faced by students coming from under-resourced families in Southern Nevada. He hopes to share his successes with other deserving local students in our community. 

What is the Sam Kiki College Access Scholarship? 

The Sam Kiki Scholarship will be awarded to local high school & college students who exemplify academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and a willingness to succeed. This highly selective scholarship prioritizes Las Vegas’s & Southern Nevada's highest-achieving, risk-seeking, and/or first-generation students. 

Who should apply for the Sam Kiki College Access Scholarship? 

• Highly motivated and ambitious students who endeavor to be the next leaders of change.

• Students who desire to make a lasting impact in their academic career choices. 

• Currently attending high school in Southern Nevada, grades 11 & 12.

Potential Scholarship uses 

• Funding for summer courses, programs, extracurricular activities, and other experiences to enrich the college experience. 

• Cover additional expenses during the academic school year (work, transportation, academic engagement). 

• Guidance for college preparation/success, goal planning, and career planning. 

• Guidance & support with college & job applications, scholarships, essay writing. 

• Test prep courses to enhance critical thinking, reading, and test-taking skills. 

• Participation in academic programs administered by ACS Foundation. 

• Networking with other high-achieving peers from the community. 

Required Materials (Application): 

• Demographic information about the applicant & school. 

• Resume or activities list 

• Unofficial high school transcript 

• Teacher/Counselor/Educator recommendation (1-3 letters allowed; letters cannot be from immediate family members unless the candidate works at a family-owned, small business) 

Required Short-Answer Questions (max 100-300 words each): 

1. What activity or organization are you part of or passionate about, and why? 

2. What is a current global issue you find interesting or important to you and why? 

3. How have you overcome a failure or adversity? 

Required Essay (400-700 words) for seniors (12th graders) ONLY: 

• Any Common/Coalition Application or other college admissions essay of your choosing. 

Residency Requirement: Applicants (in grades 11 & 12) must be currently attending a high school in Southern Nevada (Clark, Nye, Lincoln Counties). 

Priority Consideration: Given to impacted students from under-resourced households and/or to first-generation college students. 

Family Income Limits: Preference will be given to low- or middle-income families: annual family income under $95,000 from all sources will receive highest consideration followed by families with combined incomes below $150,000.  

Academic Rigor: 

• Junior and Senior high school applicants must be currently enrolled in or have completed at least 4-6 AP/IB courses. Dual credit courses may be considered; however, AP courses will be preferred in the selection process if available at candidate’s high school. 

• Unweighted GPA of 3.75 or higher 

• Test Scores: Completed ACT, PSAT, SAT, or AP test scores must be submitted as part of the application. 

Extracurricular Involvement: 

• Applicants should demonstrate extensive community service or leadership in 1-3 extracurricular activities. Students who hold family responsibilities will NOT be penalized for limited activities. 

Interviews and Selection: 

• Certain selected applicants may be invited for an interview. Up to 15 scholarships of varying amounts ($1000-3000 minimum) will be awarded annually. Not all applicants will be interviewed as part of the selection process. 

Interview Process (for select applicants): 

If pre-selected, some applicants will be invited for an in-person or online interview. Not all scholarship awards will require an interview. Possible interview questions: 

• Reflect on how you have or will contribute to your school or community. 

• If you had the opportunity to go back in time, tell us about an action or decision of yours you would change? 

• Other relevant questions regarding candidate’s academic and activity history. 

Family financial information may be verified before any scholarship disbursement, including. 

• Household income and expenses 

• Number of dependents in household 

• Parent/guardian employment status 

• Home ownership or rental status 

• Parental relationship status, i.e. single or dual-parent/guardian household 

• First-generation college student verification, when applicable