Eligibility

The Jefferson and Walentas Scholarship selection process is primarily based in geographic regions where endowments have been established to support the competitions. 

Currently, there are over 65 nominating regions and an additional admissions review administered by the University of Virginia’s Office of Admission. In order to nominate, a school must have a physical address located within the geographic boundaries of an established region and be registered in the Foundation’s system. 

If you are a student or a parent of a student, please contact your counselor to express interest in being nominated.

If you are a school counselor, please email the Foundation at selection@jeffersonscholars.org to verify your school’s eligibility.

Admissions Review

The Office of Undergraduate Admission conducts an additional review of Early applicants to the University of Virginia and recommends nominees for the Jefferson and Walentas Scholarships. All nominees recommended for the Walentas Scholarship must still be geographically bound to one of the 14 eligible regions (Commonwealth of Virginia; Rochester, New York; New York City; St. Louis, Missouri; and Baltimore, Maryland), in addition to receiving an endorsement from their schools, in order to participate.