Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Panda Cares Scholarship 2026
Introduction
Welcome to the Panda Cares Scholars Program Application Portal!
Empowering the next generation of leaders through opportunity and education.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America is proud to partner with Panda Cares Foundation (the philanthropic arm of Panda Express) for the Panda Cares Scholars Program—a national scholarship initiative that celebrates and supports outstanding high school senior Club members who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and academic rigor on their path towards a great future.
Description
This program offers two main scholarship opportunities for Club members. In 2026, in celebration of the opening of the 200th Panda Cares Center of Hope in Boys & Girls Clubs, we are introducing the Panda Cares Great Futures Scholars, this third scholarship opportunity will award 15, $25,000 scholarships to eligible Clubs members.
Scholarship Opportunities
1. Panda Scholars – Youth of the Year – $5,000
Open to any graduating seniors who have been named their Club Site or Club Organization Youth of the Year.
2. Panda Scholars – All Clubs – $2,500
Open to all graduating senior Club members who have demonstrated a strong commitment to academic achievement and leadership skills.
3. Panda Cares Great Futures Scholars - $25,000
All scholarship applicants who apply for the above two opportunities will have the opportunity to be considered for the Panda Cares Great Futures Scholarship. Finalist will be selected based on the criteria below and will be asked to provide a two-minute video along with an additional letter of recommendation from their Club leaders. Club members selected for this scholarship will also be named a regional ambassadors for the Panda’s Scholars Program and have opportunities to represent Panda Cares and Boys & Girls Clubs in future opportunities.
Qualifications
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for either scholarship, you must:
Be an active member of a Boys & Girls Club.
Be enrolled as a high school senior during the 2025–2026 school year.
Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
Be eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant in the first year of college and have a demonstrated financial need as determined by the completed student’s FAFSA or the financial aid office of their institution of enrollment.
o Submit a copy of their financial aid award letter from the college they are attending.
o Submit a full copy of their most recent FAFSA student aid report.
For Youth of the Year applicants: All graduating senior Club members must have been named their Club Site or Club Organization Youth of the Year in 2025 or 2026
For All Club applicants: All graduating senior Club members must demonstrate a strong commitment to academic achievement and leadership skills.
For Panda Cares Great Futures Scholars: All graduating senior Club members must demonstrate leadership impact within their Club, school or community, showcase a clear dedication to giving back and creating positive change, be able to communicate defined educational and future goals, have a significant financial need, and be willing and ready to serve as a Panda’s Scholars ambassador.
Selection Process
Important Information
Scholarship funds must be used within two years of receiving the award and may only be applied toward educational expenses, including:
Tuition and required fees
Books and course materials
Technology and tutoring
Career preparation resources
Internship-related expenses
Ready to apply? Start your journey today and become a Boys & Girls Club - Panda Cares Scholar!
To learn more about the partnership between Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Panda Cares Foundation, please visit https://www.bgca.org/about-us/our-partners/panda-cares/.