Changemaker Scholarship Fund

The TPF Changemaker Scholarship Fund celebrates students whose dedication to community service sets them apart. This scholarship honors those who have made meaningful contributions through volunteer work, leadership, and civic engagement. By providing financial assistance, we empower these students to continue their education and amplify their impact. Our mission is to nurture the next generation of leaders who are committed to creating lasting, positive change in society.

DONATE

Contribute any amount to help award scholarships to deserving students.

NAME A SCHOLARSHIP

With a gift of $15,000, you can fund a Changemaker scholarship in your name, your organization’s name or in honor of someone special. Email to learn more.

INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS

TPF Changemaker Scholarship Fund grants scholarships to students with Turkish heritage who have demonstrated exceptional community service and have been accepted into accredited academic institutions in the United States with some secured funding for the pursuit of two-year postgraduate, four-year undergraduate or PhD degree programs. The scope of the scholarship encompasses all disciplines and aims to encourage ongoing community involvement and support students who are committed to making a positive impact. Each year, scholarship(s) with a maximum value of $15,000 per award will be disbursed to help cover tuition fees and/or living expenses. The scholarship is for one year only. The scholarship stipulates that the recipient’s academic institution must provide supplementary support or offer on-campus employment opportunities to the student. Scholars who would like to be considered extending the scholarship period should reapply. Applications for the 2027-2028 academic year will open in November 1, 2026.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be of Turkish origin.
• Must have already received partial funding from their accepted school (e.g., scholarships, grants).
• Must have a demonstrated history of significant community service.

Selection Criteria

• Proof of quality and impact of community service.
• A minimum GPA of 3.5
• Financial need (to cover gaps not met by the existing funding).
• At least 3 reference letters, one related to community service.

SPECIAL CATEGORIES

The TPF Changemaker Scholarship is open to students of all majors. Applicants may also be eligible for special categories in:

•⁠ ⁠Biomedical engineering
•⁠ ⁠Medicine
•⁠ ⁠Journalism & PR
•⁠ ⁠Atatürk School graduates
•⁠ ⁠Students who are from or studying in Dallas

These options are listed in the Changemaker Scholarship application form.

SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT

Each scholarship disbursement will be up to $15,000 annually, which can be applied towards tuition fees and/or living expenses. The scholarship amount is for 1 year only. Students need to apply again to be considered for ongoing funding.

SELECTION COMMITTEE

Each year, a Selection Committee composed of five members will be constituted to assess eligible candidates. The Selection Committee reviews all recommended candidates admitted to the designated universities and narrows down the pool to a maximum of five candidates for the final round of interviews. Committee members then conduct interviews with each shortlisted candidate via videoconferencing. Following the interviews, the Committee reaches a final decision, which is submitted to the Board of Directors. The chosen recipient and her university are subsequently informed of the decision.

At its discretion, the TPF Scholarship Committee may recognize exceptional candidates from the TPF Changemaker Scholarship Fund with the Scholars of Distinction Award — an honorary designation reserved for students whose achievements and financial need merit an elevated level of support. This award is not open for direct application. It is granted selectively, and only when the Committee determines that a candidate's profile warrants distinction and sufficient donor funding is available to fulfill that commitment.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The application process for the scholarship fund requires candidates to complete an online form with sections for personal information, academic records, details of existing funding, and a comprehensive community service statement. All applicants must apply online with the admission decision letter received from the university, and all applications must be submitted by March 14th, 2027 by 11.59PM EST.

Supporting Documents:

• Proof of Turkish origin.
• Confirmation of funding from the accepted school.
• Community service verification (e.g., letters from organizations, detailed service log).
• At least 3 reference letters.

Applications for the 2027-2028 academic year will open in November 1, 2026.

NAMED SCHOLARSHIPS

TPF Changemaker Banu Onaral Scholarship Fund

TPF is honored to dedicate a scholarship from the TPF Changemakers Scholarship Fund to Banu Onaral, a visionary leader in biomedical engineering whose groundbreaking contributions have shaped the field and inspired generations of scientists and engineers. The Banu Onaral Scholarship will empower and support students of Turkish origin as they pursue a degree in biomedical engineering in the United States, carrying forward a legacy of innovation and impact.

TPF Changemaker Scholarship in Honor of the Turkish Medical Doctors

Changemaker Scholarship in Honor of the Turkish Medical Doctors is established under the TPF Changemaker Scholarship Fund to honor the pioneering legacy of Turkish doctors who came to the United States from Türkiye in the 1960s.

Scholarship Amount: Up to $15,000 annually per student

Eligibility (In addition to the criteria listed above): Must be a student currently enrolled in, or planning to enroll in, a U.S. graduate medical school.

Learn More

The Gülçem and Cenk Heris Changemaker Scholarship

TPF is honored to celebrate Gülçem and Cenk Heris for their generous support of the TPF Changemakers Scholarship Fund. The Gülçem and Cenk Heris Changemaker Scholarship will empower and support students of Turkish origin as they pursue undergraduate or graduate studies in the United States in 2027 Academic Year, opening doors of opportunity and carrying forward a legacy of generosity and possibility.