Introduction
Scholarship recommendation letters are a critical component of any scholarship application. They provide insight into a candidate’s qualifications, character, and potential for future success. In this guide, we will explore the importance of these letters and provide 16 sample scholarship recommendation letters that you can use as templates for your own applications.
When writing a scholarship recommendation letter, it is important to highlight the applicant’s academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities. The letter should be personalized and specific, providing concrete examples of the applicant’s strengths and accomplishments. Additionally, the letter should be well-organized and professionally formatted to make a positive impression on the scholarship committee.
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. Sarah Johnson for the Academic Excellence Scholarship. As her professor of Advanced Quantum Mechanics, I have had the pleasure of witnessing her exceptional academic prowess and dedication to the field of physics.
Sarah has consistently maintained a GPA of 3.9, earning top grades in some of the most challenging courses in our department. Her ability to grasp complex theoretical concepts and apply them to practical problems is truly remarkable. She has also demonstrated outstanding leadership as the president of our university’s Physics Club, where she has organized numerous workshops and seminars to promote STEM education among high school students.
Her research project on quantum computing has shown immense promise, and she has presented her findings at several national conferences. I have no doubt that Sarah will continue to excel in her academic and professional pursuits, and I strongly believe that she is an ideal candidate for this scholarship.
Sincerely,
Dr. Emily Carter
2. Community Service Scholarship Recommendation
Rev. Michael Brown
St. Mary’s Church
123 Main Street
Springfield, IL 62704
November 2, 2023
Dear Scholarship Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend Ms. Jessica Martinez for the Community Service Scholarship. As the director of our church’s youth program, I have had the privilege of working closely with Jessica and witnessing her extraordinary commitment to serving others.
Jessica has volunteered over 500 hours in the past year alone, organizing food drives, mentoring underprivileged children, and coordinating community clean-up events. Her selflessness and compassion have made a profound impact on our community, and she has inspired countless others to get involved in volunteer work.
Her leadership skills are exceptional, and she has a unique ability to bring people together to achieve a common goal. Jessica’s dedication to community service is truly commendable, and I am confident that she will continue to make a positive difference in the world.
Sincerely,
Rev. Michael Brown
3. Athletic Scholarship Recommendation
Coach David Thompson
University of California, Los Angeles
405 Hilgard Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90024
September 20, 2023
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend Mr. Daniel Lee for the Athletic Scholarship. As Daniel’s basketball coach at UCLA, I have had the pleasure of witnessing his exceptional talent, dedication, and leadership on and off the court.
Daniel has been an integral part of our team, leading us to two consecutive conference championships. He has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, always striving to improve his skills and support his teammates. His ability to perform under pressure and make crucial decisions during critical moments of the game has been instrumental to our success.
Off the court, Daniel is an outstanding student-athlete, maintaining a GPA of 3.5 while balancing the demands of being a Division I athlete. He is also actively involved in our university’s mentoring program, where he works with at-risk youth to promote education and healthy lifestyles.
I have no doubt that Daniel will continue to excel in both academics and athletics, and I strongly believe that he is an ideal candidate for this scholarship.
Sincerely,
Coach David Thompson
4. Artistic Achievement Scholarship Recommendation
Ms. Sophia Patel
Art Director
New York Art Academy
456 Broadway
New York, NY 10013
October 10, 2023
Dear Scholarship Committee,
It is with great pleasure that I recommend Ms. Emily Chen for the Artistic Achievement Scholarship. As her art instructor at the New York Art Academy, I have had the privilege of witnessing her extraordinary talent and creativity.
Emily’s portfolio is truly impressive, showcasing her mastery of various artistic mediums, including painting, sculpture, and digital art. Her work is not only technically proficient but also emotionally compelling, often exploring themes of identity and social justice. She has a unique ability to convey complex ideas through her art, and her pieces have been well-received in local exhibitions.
In addition to her artistic talents, Emily is an outstanding student, maintaining a GPA of 3.8 while actively participating in our school’s art club. She has also volunteered her time to teach art classes to underprivileged children, demonstrating her commitment to giving back to the community.
I am confident that Emily will continue to excel in her artistic pursuits, and I strongly believe that she is an ideal candidate for this scholarship.
Sincerely,
Ms. Sophia Patel
5. Leadership Scholarship Recommendation
Dr. Margaret Davis
Dean of Students
University of Michigan
500 South State Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
November 5, 2023
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Olivia Bennett for the Leadership Scholarship. As the Dean of Students at the University of Michigan, I have had the pleasure of witnessing Olivia’s exceptional leadership skills and her commitment to creating positive change on campus.
Olivia has served as the president of our student government, where she has successfully led initiatives to improve student life, including the implementation of a new sustainability program and the expansion of mental health resources. Her ability to bring together diverse groups and facilitate collaboration has been instrumental in achieving these goals.
In addition to her leadership roles, Olivia has maintained a GPA of 3.7 while pursuing a double major in Political Science and Environmental Studies. She is also an active member of our university’s debate team and has won several awards for her public speaking skills.
I have no doubt that Olivia will continue to excel as a leader and make a positive impact in her future endeavors. She is an ideal candidate for this scholarship.
Sincerely,
Dr. Margaret Davis
6. STEM Scholarship Recommendation
Dr. James Wilson
Department of Computer Science
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
77 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
October 25, 2023
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend Mr. Ethan Kim for the STEM Scholarship. As Ethan’s professor of Artificial Intelligence, I have had the pleasure of witnessing his exceptional talent and dedication to the field of computer science.
Ethan has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of complex algorithms and their applications. His research project on machine learning has shown immense promise, and he has presented his findings at several prestigious conferences. He is also an active contributor to open-source projects, where he has developed innovative solutions to real-world problems.
In addition to his academic achievements, Ethan has maintained a GPA of 3.9 while actively participating in our university’s robotics club. He has also mentored several underclassmen, helping them to develop their programming skills and prepare for careers in technology.
I have no doubt that Ethan will continue to excel in the field of computer science and make significant contributions to the advancement of technology. He is an ideal candidate for this scholarship.
Sincerely,
Dr. James Wilson
7. Creative Writing Scholarship Recommendation
Ms. Rachel Hall
Creative Writing Program
University of Iowa
101 English Philosophy Building
Iowa City, IA 52242
September 30, 2023
Dear Scholarship Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend Ms. Ava Morales for the Creative Writing Scholarship. As her creative writing instructor at the University of Iowa, I have had the pleasure of witnessing her exceptional talent and unique voice.
Ava’s writing is both evocative and thought-provoking, often exploring themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Her short stories have been published in several literary magazines, and she has won first place in our university’s annual writing competition. She has a remarkable ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with readers on a deep level.
In addition to her writing talents, Ava is an outstanding student, maintaining a GPA of 3.6 while actively participating in our university’s literary club. She has also volunteered her time to teach creative writing workshops at a local youth center, demonstrating her commitment to sharing her passion for writing with others.
I am confident that Ava will continue to excel in her writing career, and I strongly believe that she is an ideal candidate for this scholarship.
Sincerely,
Ms. Rachel Hall
8. Music Scholarship Recommendation
Dr. Christopher Brooks
Music Department
Juilliard School
60 Lincoln Center Plaza
New York, NY 10023
November 10, 2023
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Sophia Rodriguez for the Music Scholarship. As her violin instructor at Juilliard, I have had the privilege of witnessing her exceptional musical talent and dedication to her craft.
Sophia has consistently demonstrated a mastery of the violin, performing in several prestigious orchestras and winning numerous competitions. Her ability to convey emotion through her music is truly remarkable, and she has a unique ability to connect with her audience on a deep level.
In addition to her musical achievements, Sophia has maintained a GPA of 3.8 while pursuing a degree in Music Performance. She is also actively involved in our school’s community outreach program, where she has performed at hospitals, nursing homes, and schools, bringing the joy of music to those who might not otherwise have access to it.
I have no doubt that Sophia will continue to excel in her musical career and make significant contributions to the world of classical music. She is an ideal candidate for this scholarship.
Sincerely,
Dr. Christopher Brooks
9. Entrepreneurship Scholarship Recommendation
Mr. Brian Mitchell
Entrepreneurship Program
Stanford University
450 Serra Mall
Stanford, CA 94305
October 20, 2023
Dear Scholarship Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend Mr. Alexander Garcia for the Entrepreneurship Scholarship. As his professor of Entrepreneurial Finance, I have had the pleasure of witnessing his exceptional business acumen and innovative spirit.
Alexander has developed a revolutionary app that connects local farmers directly with consumers, reducing waste and increasing access to fresh produce. His ability to identify a market need and develop a practical solution is truly impressive. He has also demonstrated outstanding leadership skills, assembling a talented team and securing seed funding for his startup.
In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Alexander has maintained a GPA of 3.7 while actively participating in our university’s entrepreneurship club. He has also mentored several students, helping them to develop their own business ideas and prepare for the challenges of starting a company.
I am confident that Alexander will continue to excel in the world of entrepreneurship and make significant contributions to the business community. He is an ideal candidate for this scholarship.
Sincerely,
Mr. Brian Mitchell
10. Nursing Scholarship Recommendation
Dr. Patricia Martinez
School of Nursing
University of Pennsylvania
418 Curie Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19104
November 15, 2023
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Mia Thompson for the Nursing Scholarship. As her clinical instructor at the University of Pennsylvania, I have had the pleasure of witnessing her exceptional compassion, dedication, and clinical skills.
Mia has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to patient care, always going above and beyond to ensure that her patients receive the highest quality of care. Her ability to remain calm and composed under pressure, coupled with her strong critical thinking skills, makes her an outstanding nurse.
In addition to her clinical excellence, Mia has maintained a GPA of 3.6 while actively participating in our school’s community health program. She has also volunteered her time to provide medical care to underserved populations, demonstrating her commitment to improving health outcomes for all.
I have no doubt that Mia will continue to excel in her nursing career and make a positive impact on the lives of her patients. She is an ideal candidate for this scholarship.
Sincerely,
Dr. Patricia Martinez
11. Environmental Science Scholarship Recommendation
Dr. Daniel Harris
Environmental Science Department
University of California, Berkeley
137 Mulford Hall
Berkeley, CA 94720
October 30, 2023
Dear Scholarship Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend Ms. Isabella Brooks for the Environmental Science Scholarship. As her professor of Environmental Policy, I have had the pleasure of witnessing her exceptional dedication to environmental conservation and her outstanding academic achievements.
Isabella’s research project on climate change mitigation has shown immense promise, and she has presented her findings at several international conferences. Her ability to analyze complex environmental issues and develop practical solutions is truly impressive. She has also demonstrated outstanding leadership as the president of our university’s environmental club, where she has organized numerous campaigns to promote sustainability and reduce waste.
In addition to her academic and extracurricular achievements, Isabella has maintained a GPA of 3.9 while actively participating in our school’s study abroad program, where she studied environmental policy in Europe. She has also volunteered her time to work with local environmental organizations, demonstrating her commitment to protecting our planet for future generations.
I am confident that Isabella will continue to excel in the field of environmental science and make significant contributions to the global effort to combat climate change. She is an ideal candidate for this scholarship.
Sincerely,
Dr. Daniel Harris
12. Business Scholarship Recommendation
Dr. Laura Bennett
Business Administration Program
University of Chicago
5807 South Woodlawn Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637
November 20, 2023
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Noah White for the Business Scholarship. As his professor of Strategic Management, I have had the pleasure of witnessing his exceptional business acumen and leadership skills.
Noah has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of business strategy and its application in real-world scenarios. His ability to analyze market trends and develop innovative solutions is truly impressive. He has also shown outstanding leadership as the president of our university’s business club, where he has organized numerous workshops and networking events to help students prepare for their future careers.
In addition to his academic achievements, Noah has maintained a GPA of 3.8 while actively participating in our school’s entrepreneurship program. He has also interned at a leading consulting firm, where he gained valuable experience in strategic planning and market analysis.
I have no doubt that Noah will continue to excel in the business world and make significant contributions to the industry. He is an ideal candidate for this scholarship.
Sincerely,
Dr. Laura Bennett
13. Engineering Scholarship Recommendation
Dr. Michael Scott
College of Engineering
Georgia Institute of Technology
225 North Avenue NW
Atlanta, GA 30332
October 25, 2023
Dear Scholarship Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend Ms. Charlotte Green for the Engineering Scholarship. As her professor of Mechanical Engineering, I have had the pleasure of witnessing her exceptional technical skills and innovative thinking.
Charlotte’s research project on renewable energy systems has shown immense promise, and she has presented her findings at several national conferences. Her ability to design and develop practical solutions to complex engineering problems is truly impressive. She has also demonstrated outstanding leadership as the president of our university’s engineering club, where she has organized numerous workshops and competitions to promote STEM education.
In addition to her academic achievements, Charlotte has maintained a GPA of 3.7 while actively participating in our school’s cooperative education program. She has also interned at a leading engineering firm, where she gained valuable hands-on experience in the design and development of mechanical systems.
I am confident that Charlotte will continue to excel in the field of engineering and make significant contributions to the advancement of technology. She is an ideal candidate for this scholarship.
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Scott
14. Social Work Scholarship Recommendation
Dr. Karen Brown
School of Social Work
University of Washington
4101 15th Avenue NE
Seattle, WA 98195
November 25, 2023
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Sophia Lewis for the Social Work Scholarship. As her professor of Clinical Social Work, I have had the pleasure of witnessing her exceptional compassion, dedication, and commitment to helping others.
Sophia has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of social work principles and their application in real-world scenarios. Her ability to connect with clients and provide them with the support they need is truly remarkable. She has also shown outstanding leadership as the president of our university’s social work club, where she has organized numerous community service projects to address issues such as homelessness and domestic violence.
In addition to her academic achievements, Sophia has maintained a GPA of 3.6 while actively participating in our school’s field education program. She has also volunteered her time to work with local non-profit organizations, demonstrating her commitment to creating positive social change.
I have no doubt that Sophia will continue to excel in the field of social work and make a positive impact on the lives of those she serves. She is an ideal candidate for this scholarship.
Sincerely,
Dr. Karen Brown
15. Education Scholarship Recommendation
Dr. David Taylor
College of Education
University of Wisconsin-Madison
1000 Bascom Mall
Madison, WI 53706
October 28, 2023
Dear Scholarship Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend Ms. Emma Wilson for the Education Scholarship. As her professor of Elementary Education, I have had the pleasure of witnessing her exceptional teaching skills and dedication to inspiring young minds.
Emma has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to providing high-quality education to her students. Her ability to create engaging and inclusive lesson plans that cater to the diverse needs of her students is truly impressive. She has also shown outstanding leadership as the president of our university’s education club, where she has organized numerous professional development workshops for future teachers.
In addition to her academic achievements, Emma has maintained a GPA of 3.8 while actively participating in our school’s student teaching program. She has also volunteered her time to tutor underprivileged children, demonstrating her commitment to ensuring that all students have access to quality education.
I am confident that Emma will continue to excel in the field of education and make a positive impact on the lives of her students. She is an ideal candidate for this scholarship.
Sincerely,
Dr. David Taylor
16. Public Health Scholarship Recommendation
Dr. Sarah Johnson
School of Public Health
Johns Hopkins University
615 North Wolfe Street
Baltimore, MD 21205
November 30, 2023
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Olivia Martinez for the Public Health Scholarship. As her professor of Epidemiology, I have had the pleasure of witnessing her exceptional analytical skills and commitment to improving public health outcomes.
Olivia’s research project on infectious disease transmission has shown immense promise, and she has presented her findings at several international conferences. Her ability to analyze complex data sets and develop practical solutions to public health challenges is truly impressive. She has also demonstrated outstanding leadership as the president of our university’s public health club, where she has organized numerous campaigns to promote health education and disease prevention.
In addition to her academic achievements, Olivia has maintained a GPA of 3.9 while actively participating in our school’s global health program. She has also volunteered her time to work with local health organizations, demonstrating her commitment to addressing health disparities and improving access to care for underserved populations.
I have no doubt that Olivia will continue to excel in the field of public health and make significant contributions to the global effort to improve health outcomes. She is an ideal candidate for this scholarship.
Sincerely,
Dr. Sarah Johnson
Conclusion
Scholarship recommendation letters play a vital role in helping students secure the financial support they need to pursue their educational and career goals. By highlighting the applicant’s strengths, achievements, and potential, these letters can make a significant difference in the scholarship selection process. The samples provided in this guide demonstrate the key elements of an effective scholarship recommendation letter and can serve as valuable templates for crafting compelling recommendations.
Remember to tailor each letter to the specific scholarship and applicant, emphasizing the qualities and experiences that align with the scholarship’s criteria. By doing so, you can help the applicant stand out as a strong candidate and increase their chances of receiving the scholarship.