Introduction
Securing a scholarship is a competitive process, and a well-crafted letter of recommendation can make a significant difference. These letters provide insight into a candidate’s qualifications, character, and potential for success. In this article, we provide 16 sample scholarship recommendation letters that you can use as templates for various academic and professional scenarios.
Each letter is designed to highlight the strengths and achievements of the applicant, ensuring that the scholarship committee takes notice. Whether you are a teacher, mentor, or employer, these examples will guide you in writing compelling recommendations that support scholarship applications effectively.
Below, you will find 16 distinct examples of scholarship recommendation letters, each tailored to different situations and industries. Use these templates to craft personalized letters that emphasize the unique qualities of your applicants.
1. Academic Excellence Scholarship Recommendation
Dr. Emily Carter
Department of Physics
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA 02138
October 15, 2023
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Sophia Martinez for the Academic Excellence Scholarship. As her professor and academic advisor, I have witnessed her exceptional dedication to her studies and her outstanding contributions to our academic community.
Sophia’s academic achievements are truly remarkable. She has consistently maintained a 4.0 GPA while actively participating in research projects and academic competitions. Her ability to balance academic rigor with extracurricular activities demonstrates her exceptional time management and commitment to excellence.
Furthermore, Sophia has shown a deep commitment to giving back to her community. She volunteers regularly at local science fairs and mentors younger students, inspiring them to pursue careers in STEM fields. Her passion for learning and her desire to make a positive impact make her an ideal candidate for this scholarship.
Please feel free to contact me at (555) 123-4567 or [email protected] if you require any additional information.
Sincerely,
Dr. Emily Carter
2. Community Service Scholarship Recommendation
Mr. David Thompson
Executive Director
Community First Foundation
Springfield, IL 62704
November 10, 2023
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am delighted to recommend Ms. Rachel Green for the Community Service Scholarship. As the Executive Director of Community First Foundation, I have had the pleasure of working with Rachel on numerous community service projects, and I can attest to her exceptional dedication to helping others.
Rachel has been an integral part of our organization for the past three years. She has volunteered over 500 hours, leading initiatives such as food drives, educational workshops, and youth mentorship programs. Her ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life and inspire them to take action is truly remarkable.
One of Rachel’s most notable contributions was her leadership in organizing a city-wide clean-up event, which brought together over 1,000 volunteers and resulted in the collection of 10 tons of trash. Her organizational skills, coupled with her passion for making a difference, have left a lasting impact on our community.
Rachel’s commitment to community service is matched only by her academic excellence. She maintains a 3.8 GPA while actively participating in extracurricular activities and volunteer work. This balance of academic rigor and community involvement makes her an outstanding candidate for this scholarship.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at (555) 456-7890 or [email protected] if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
Mr. David Thompson
3. Leadership Scholarship Recommendation
Ms. Laura Bennett
Principal
Lincoln High School
Chicago, IL 60611
September 20, 2023
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am pleased to recommend Mr. Michael Johnson for the Leadership Scholarship. As the principal of Lincoln High School, I have had the privilege of witnessing Michael’s exceptional leadership skills firsthand.
Michael has been an outstanding leader throughout his high school career. As the president of the student council, he has successfully led numerous initiatives, including the organization of school-wide events, the implementation of new policies to improve student well-being, and the creation of a mentorship program for freshmen students.
One of Michael’s most notable achievements was his role in leading the school’s debate team to a state championship. His ability to inspire and motivate his teammates, coupled with his exceptional public speaking skills, has earned him widespread recognition and respect.
Michael’s leadership extends beyond the classroom. He has also been actively involved in local community service projects, including organizing food drives and volunteering at a local homeless shelter. His commitment to making a positive impact in his community is truly commendable.
Please feel free to contact me at (555) 789-0123 or [email protected] if you require any additional information.
Sincerely,
Ms. Laura Bennett
4. Athletic Scholarship Recommendation
Coach Mark Davis
Athletic Department
University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA 90095
December 5, 2023
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Daniel Smith for the Athletic Scholarship. As Daniel’s coach and mentor, I have had the pleasure of witnessing his exceptional athletic abilities, his dedication to his sport, and his commitment to excellence both on and off the field.
Daniel is an outstanding athlete with a proven track record of success. As a star quarterback, he has led our team to two consecutive state championships and has been named MVP in both seasons. His leadership on the field has been instrumental in motivating his teammates and driving the team’s success.
Daniel’s dedication to his sport is matched only by his commitment to his studies. He maintains a 3.5 GPA while balancing the demands of being a student-athlete. His ability to excel in both areas is a testament to his discipline, hard work, and determination.
Daniel is also an active member of our school community. He volunteers regularly at local youth sports camps, where he mentors young athletes and helps them develop their skills. His passion for his sport and his desire to give back to his community make him an ideal candidate for this scholarship.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at (555) 123-4567 or [email protected] if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
Coach Mark Davis
5. Artistic Merit Scholarship Recommendation
Professor Sarah Lee
Department of Fine Arts
Yale University
New Haven, CT 06520
January 10, 2023
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am delighted to recommend Ms. Emily Wilson for the Artistic Merit Scholarship. As Emily’s professor and mentor, I have had the pleasure of witnessing her exceptional talent, creativity, and dedication to her craft.
Emily is an exceptionally gifted artist with a unique voice and vision. Her work spans a wide range of mediums, from painting and sculpture to digital art and photography. Her ability to express complex emotions and ideas through her art is truly remarkable.
One of Emily’s most notable achievements was her solo exhibition at the university’s art gallery, which showcased her series of mixed-media pieces exploring themes of identity and social justice. The exhibition received widespread acclaim and demonstrated her ability to engage and inspire audiences through her art.
Emily’s dedication to her craft is matched only by her commitment to her academic studies. She maintains a 3.7 GPA while actively participating in art exhibitions, workshops, and community art projects. Her passion for art and her desire to make a meaningful impact through her work make her an ideal candidate for this scholarship.
Please feel free to contact me at (555) 456-7890 or [email protected] if you require any additional information.
Sincerely,
Professor Sarah Lee
6. Entrepreneurship Scholarship Recommendation
Mr. James Parker
CEO
Innovation Ventures
San Francisco, CA 94105
February 20, 2023
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am pleased to recommend Ms. Olivia Brown for the Entrepreneurship Scholarship. As the CEO of Innovation Ventures, I have had the pleasure of working with Olivia on numerous projects and have witnessed her exceptional entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking.
Olivia is a visionary entrepreneur with a passion for creating innovative solutions to real-world problems. At the age of 19, she founded her first company, a sustainable fashion brand that quickly gained a loyal customer base and received recognition in the industry. Her ability to identify market opportunities and develop effective business strategies is truly impressive.
Olivia’s entrepreneurial ventures extend beyond her business. She has also been actively involved in mentoring young entrepreneurs through local startup incubators and has spoken at numerous conferences on topics such as innovation and leadership. Her commitment to fostering entrepreneurship in her community is commendable.
Olivia’s academic achievements are equally impressive. She maintains a 3.9 GPA while balancing the demands of running her business and pursuing her studies. Her ability to excel in both areas is a testament to her dedication, hard work, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at (555) 789-0123 or [email protected] if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
Mr. James Parker
7. STEM Scholarship Recommendation
Dr. Robert Mitchell
Department of Computer Science
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA 02142
March 15, 2023
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Ethan Kim for the STEM Scholarship. As Ethan’s professor and mentor, I have had the pleasure of witnessing his exceptional talent, dedication, and passion for computer science.
Ethan is an outstanding student with a proven track record of excellence in STEM fields. He has consistently maintained a 4.0 GPA while actively participating in research projects, coding competitions, and academic conferences. His ability to solve complex problems and develop innovative solutions is truly remarkable.
One of Ethan’s most notable achievements was his work on a research project focused on developing artificial intelligence algorithms for medical diagnosis. His research has the potential to revolutionize the field of healthcare and has already garnered recognition in the academic community.
Ethan’s dedication to STEM extends beyond the classroom. He has also been actively involved in mentoring younger students and organizing coding workshops for underrepresented groups in technology. His commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in STEM fields is truly commendable.
Please feel free to contact me at (555) 123-4567 or [email protected] if you require any additional information.
Sincerely,
Dr. Robert Mitchell
8. Music Scholarship Recommendation
Ms. Clara Martinez
Director of Music
Juilliard School
New York, NY 10023
April 10, 2023
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am delighted to recommend Ms. Isabella Garcia for the Music Scholarship. As Isabella’s instructor and mentor, I have had the pleasure of witnessing her exceptional musical talent, dedication, and passion for her craft.
Isabella is an exceptionally gifted musician with a deep love for music and a commitment to excellence. As a violinist, she has performed with some of the world’s most renowned orchestras and has won several prestigious competitions, including the International Violin Competition. Her ability to convey emotion and tell stories through her music is truly remarkable.
One of Isabella’s most notable achievements was her performance at Carnegie Hall, where she received a standing ovation for her rendition of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto. Her ability to connect with the audience and inspire them through her music is a rare gift.
Isabella’s dedication to music extends beyond her performances. She has also been actively involved in teaching music to underprivileged children and organizing community concerts to make classical music accessible to all. Her passion for music and her desire to share it with the world make her an ideal candidate for this scholarship.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at (555) 456-7890 or [email protected] if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
Ms. Clara Martinez
9. Nursing Scholarship Recommendation
Dr. Patricia Adams
Dean of Nursing
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD 21218
May 5, 2023
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am pleased to recommend Ms. Ava Thompson for the Nursing Scholarship. As the Dean of Nursing at Johns Hopkins University, I have had the pleasure of witnessing Ava’s exceptional dedication to her studies and her passion for the nursing profession.
Ava is an outstanding student with a strong commitment to becoming an exceptional nurse. She has consistently maintained a 3.9 GPA while actively participating in clinical rotations, volunteer work, and research projects. Her ability to balance academic rigor with hands-on experience is truly commendable.
One of Ava’s most notable achievements was her work on a research project focused on improving patient outcomes in critical care settings. Her research has the potential to make a significant impact in the field of nursing and has already been recognized in academic circles.
Ava’s dedication to nursing extends beyond the classroom. She has also been actively involved in volunteering at local hospitals and participating in medical missions abroad. Her commitment to providing high-quality patient care and her desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others make her an ideal candidate for this scholarship.
Please feel free to contact me at (555) 789-0123 or [email protected] if you require any additional information.
Sincerely,
Dr. Patricia Adams
10. Environmental Science Scholarship Recommendation
Dr. Michael Green
Department of Environmental Science
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305
June 1, 2023
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Mia Bennett for the Environmental Science Scholarship. As Mia’s professor and mentor, I have had the pleasure of witnessing her exceptional passion for environmental science and her commitment to making a positive impact on the planet.
Mia is an outstanding student with a deep commitment to environmental sustainability. She has consistently maintained a 3.8 GPA while actively participating in research projects, environmental advocacy groups, and community service initiatives. Her ability to balance academic rigor with hands-on experience is truly impressive.
One of Mia’s most notable achievements was her work on a research project focused on developing sustainable solutions for reducing carbon emissions in urban areas. Her research has the potential to make a significant impact in the fight against climate change and has already been recognized in the scientific community.
Mia’s dedication to environmental science extends beyond the classroom. She has also been actively involved in organizing environmental awareness campaigns and volunteering for local conservation organizations. Her passion for protecting the environment and her desire to inspire others to take action make her an ideal candidate for this scholarship.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at (555) 123-4567 or [email protected] if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Green
11. Business Scholarship Recommendation
Mr. William Brown
CEO
Global Enterprises
New York, NY 10001
July 10, 2023
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am delighted to recommend Ms. Sophia Patel for the Business Scholarship. As the CEO of Global Enterprises, I have had the pleasure of working with Sophia on numerous projects and have witnessed her exceptional business acumen, leadership skills, and dedication to excellence.
Sophia is an outstanding individual with a proven track record of success in business. As an intern at our company, she successfully led a team to develop a new marketing strategy that increased sales by 20%. Her ability to think strategically and make data-driven decisions is truly impressive.
One of Sophia’s most notable achievements was her role in negotiating a major partnership with a leading industry player. Her negotiation skills, coupled with her ability to build strong relationships, have earned her widespread recognition and respect within the company.
Sophia’s dedication to business extends beyond her work at Global Enterprises. She has also been actively involved in mentoring young entrepreneurs and participating in industry conferences. Her passion for business and her desire to make a meaningful impact make her an ideal candidate for this scholarship.
Please feel free to contact me at (555) 456-7890 or [email protected] if you require any additional information.
Sincerely,
Mr. William Brown
12. Engineering Scholarship Recommendation
Dr. Lisa Nguyen
Department of Mechanical Engineering
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA 94720
August 15, 2023
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Liam Chen for the Engineering Scholarship. As Liam’s professor and mentor, I have had the pleasure of witnessing his exceptional talent, creativity, and dedication to engineering.
Liam is an outstanding engineer with a passion for innovation and problem-solving. He has consistently maintained a 4.0 GPA while actively participating in research projects, engineering competitions, and academic conferences. His ability to design and develop innovative solutions to complex problems is truly remarkable.
One of Liam’s most notable achievements was his work on a research project focused on developing sustainable energy solutions. His research has the potential to make a significant impact in the field of renewable energy and has already been recognized in the academic community.
Liam’s dedication to engineering extends beyond the classroom. He has also been actively involved in mentoring younger students and organizing engineering workshops for high school students. His passion for engineering and his desire to inspire others to pursue careers in STEM fields make him an ideal candidate for this scholarship.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at (555) 789-0123 or [email protected] if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
Dr. Lisa Nguyen
13. Public Service Scholarship Recommendation
The Honorable Mayor Sarah Johnson
City Hall
Dallas, TX 75201
September 1, 2023
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am pleased to recommend Ms. Grace Martinez for the Public Service Scholarship. As the Mayor of Dallas, I have had the pleasure of working with Grace on numerous community service projects and have witnessed her exceptional dedication to public service and her commitment to making a positive impact in her community.
Grace is an outstanding individual with a strong commitment to public service. She has volunteered over 1,000 hours at local non-profits, organized community events, and actively participated in city planning initiatives. Her ability to bring people together and inspire collective action is truly remarkable.
One of Grace’s most notable achievements was her leadership in organizing a city-wide initiative to improve access to affordable housing. Her ability to work with diverse stakeholders and develop effective solutions has made a significant impact in our community.
Grace’s dedication to public service extends beyond her volunteer work. She has also been actively involved in advocating for policy changes at the local and state levels. Her commitment to creating positive change and her desire to serve others make her an ideal candidate for this scholarship.
Please feel free to contact me at (555) 123-4567 or [email protected] if you require any additional information.
Sincerely,
The Honorable Mayor Sarah Johnson
14. Creative Writing Scholarship Recommendation
Professor David Wilson
Department of English
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
October 5, 2023
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am delighted to recommend Ms. Charlotte Lewis for the Creative Writing Scholarship. As Charlotte’s professor and mentor, I have had the pleasure of witnessing her exceptional talent, creativity, and passion for writing.
Charlotte is an exceptionally gifted writer with a unique voice and perspective. Her work spans a wide range of genres, from poetry and short stories to novels and essays. Her ability to craft compelling narratives and evoke strong emotions through her writing is truly remarkable.
One of Charlotte’s most notable achievements was her publication in a prestigious literary magazine. Her short story, which explored themes of identity and social justice, received widespread acclaim and demonstrated her ability to engage and inspire readers.
Charlotte’s dedication to writing extends beyond the classroom. She has also been actively involved in organizing writing workshops and mentoring younger writers. Her passion for storytelling and her desire to make a meaningful impact through her writing make her an ideal candidate for this scholarship.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at (555) 456-7890 or [email protected] if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
Professor David Wilson
15. International Studies Scholarship Recommendation
Dr. Maria Rodriguez
Department of International Relations
Georgetown University
Washington, D.C. 20057
November 10, 2023
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Alexander Sanchez for the International Studies Scholarship. As Alexander’s professor and mentor, I have had the pleasure of witnessing his exceptional passion for international relations and his commitment to understanding global issues.
Alexander is an outstanding student with a deep interest in international studies. He has consistently maintained a 3.9 GPA while actively participating in study abroad programs, international conferences, and research projects. His ability to analyze complex global issues and develop well-rounded perspectives is truly impressive.
One of Alexander’s most notable achievements was his research on the impact of climate change on global food security. His research has the potential to inform policy decisions and make a meaningful impact in addressing this critical issue. His ability to think critically and approach problems from a global perspective is truly commendable.
Alexander’s dedication to international studies extends beyond the classroom. He has also been actively involved in organizing cultural exchange programs and volunteering for international non-profits. His passion for understanding global issues and his desire to make a positive impact on the world make him an ideal candidate for this scholarship.
Please feel free to contact me at (555) 789-0123 or [email protected] if you require any additional information.
Sincerely,
Dr. Maria Rodriguez
16. Social Justice Scholarship Recommendation
Reverend John Smith
Community Justice Center
Atlanta, GA 30303
December 1, 2023
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am pleased to recommend Ms. Brianna Jackson for the Social Justice Scholarship. As the director of the Community Justice Center, I have had the pleasure of working with Brianna on numerous social justice initiatives and have witnessed her exceptional dedication to fighting for equality and human rights.
Brianna is an outstanding individual with a strong commitment to social justice. She has been actively involved in organizing campaigns to address issues such as racial inequality, gender discrimination, and economic injustice. Her ability to inspire and mobilize others to take action is truly remarkable.
One of Brianna’s most notable achievements was her leadership in organizing a city-wide initiative to address police brutality and promote criminal justice reform. Her ability to bring together diverse groups and develop effective strategies has made a significant impact in our community.
Brianna’s dedication to social justice extends beyond her work at the Community Justice Center. She has also been actively involved in advocating for policy changes at the local, state, and national levels. Her passion for creating a more just and equitable society makes her an ideal candidate for this scholarship.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at (555) 123-4567 or [email protected] if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
Reverend John Smith
Conclusion
In conclusion, these 16 sample scholarship recommendation letters demonstrate the diversity of talent, achievement, and commitment among scholarship applicants. Each letter is tailored to highlight the unique qualities and strengths of the individual, providing a compelling case for why they deserve the scholarship. By using these examples as a guide, you can craft personalized and effective recommendation letters that help your applicants stand out in the competitive scholarship landscape.