A foundation for what comes next.

The Maldine C. Dowdy Scholarship

The scholarship is for graduating high school students and college students. The foundation considers financial need, academic achievement, merit, likelihood of completing a degree, the strength of the applicant’s personal statement, and progress toward an undergraduate degree.

The foundation’s published criteria require acceptance to an accredited four-year college or university. Special preference is considered for applicants attending high schools in the Newark, New Jersey area and students intending to study business management or related business education.

How to apply

1. Review the current application. The most recent published form is the 2025–2026 application. Its May 31, 2026 deadline has passed. Contact the foundation to ask about the next cycle before submitting materials.
2. Prepare supporting materials. The published scholarship page requests a completed application, academic progress reports, achievement awards, recommendation letters, and transcripts. The 2025–2026 form also asks for a 200–500 word personal statement.
3. Submit as directed by the foundation. The published mailing address is William J. Dowdy Selection Committee, Attn: Jalil Dowdy, 25 Brenner Street, Newark, NJ 07108. Confirm current requirements and timing with the foundation first.

The foundation also hosts a scholarship breakfast to honor recipients of the Maldine C. Dowdy Scholarship.