Recommendation Letter for Scholarship | Sample, Example, Template & Format

Recommendation Letter for Scholarship | Sample,

A strong recommendation letter for scholarship can make a significant difference in helping a student stand out in a competitive selection process. Whether you're a teacher, counselor, employer, or mentor, your letter can play a pivotal role in a student's academic future.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about writing a compelling scholarship recommendation letter — including tips, format guidelines, a sample letter, and a downloadable template.

⭐ What is a Scholarship Recommendation Letter?

A scholarship recommendation letter is a formal letter written by someone who knows the applicant well (typically an academic or professional reference) and can speak to their strengths, achievements, and potential. This letter supports the student’s scholarship application and highlights why they are a deserving candidate.

✅ Who Can Write a Scholarship Recommendation Letter?

Generally, the following individuals are considered ideal references:

Teachers or Professors
School Counselors
Employers or Internship Supervisors
Community Leaders or Mentors
Coaches or Advisors

The writer should know the applicant well enough to provide genuine insights into their character, achievements, and goals.

🧾 Format of a Scholarship Recommendation Letter

Follow this standard structure to keep the letter clear and professional:

Header (Your Contact Information)
Date
Recipient’s Contact Information (Optional)
Salutation (e.g., "To Whom It May Concern")
Introduction
Body Paragraph(s)
Conclusion
Signature

✍️ Tips for Writing a Strong Recommendation Letter

Be Specific: Use examples to demonstrate the student’s abilities or character traits.
Be Honest: Only write the letter if you truly believe the student is deserving.
Focus on Relevant Strengths: Emphasize academic, leadership, or community involvement depending on the scholarship criteria.
Tailor to the Scholarship: Reference the goals or values of the scholarship program if known.

📄 Sample Recommendation Letter for Scholarship

Here’s a complete example of a strong scholarship recommendation letter:

[Your Name]
English Teacher
Greenwood High School
Email: yourname@greenwoodhigh.edu
Phone: (123) 456-7890

[Date]

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Sarah Martinez for the Bright Future Scholarship Program. I have had the pleasure of teaching Sarah in my AP English class over the past two years, and I can confidently say she is one of the most dedicated and driven students I have encountered in my teaching career.

Sarah consistently demonstrates a high level of intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity. Beyond her academic excellence — she currently holds a 4.0 GPA — Sarah is also a natural leader. She founded our school’s Creative Writing Club, where she mentors younger students and encourages them to explore their voices through writing.

What truly sets Sarah apart is her commitment to making a difference. Outside the classroom, she volunteers at the local literacy center, helping children improve their reading skills. Her ability to balance academic rigor with community involvement speaks volumes about her character and time management skills.

I have no doubt that Sarah will thrive in college and beyond. She is exactly the type of student the Bright Future Scholarship aims to support — intelligent, compassionate, and determined to contribute positively to society.

Please feel free to contact me if you need any further information. I strongly support her application and believe she will exceed your expectations.

Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Your Name]
English Teacher, Greenwood High School

📌 Template for Scholarship Recommendation Letter

Here’s a simple, customizable template you can copy and fill in:

[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[School/Organization Name]
Email: [Your Email]
Phone: [Your Phone Number]

[Date]

To Whom It May Concern,

I am pleased to recommend [Student’s Full Name] for [Scholarship Name]. As [Your Relationship to the Student], I have had the opportunity to witness [his/her/their] growth and dedication first-hand.

[Student’s First Name] is an exceptional individual with a strong academic record, leadership qualities, and a commitment to community service. One example of this is [specific example or story], which demonstrates [his/her/their] character and drive.

In addition to [his/her/their] academic talents, [Student’s Name] is also [mention personality traits or extracurricular activities]. I have every confidence that [he/she/they] will thrive in a college environment and make the most of this scholarship opportunity.

Thank you for considering this outstanding student. Please feel free to contact me if you require further information.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]

🧠 Final Thoughts

A recommendation letter for scholarship is more than just a formality — it’s a powerful endorsement that can open doors for a deserving student. Whether you're writing one or requesting one, be sure to personalize it, keep it genuine, and tailor it to the opportunity at hand.

Need help drafting a custom letter? Leave a comment or reach out — we’re here to help!

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