About the Scholarship

The Edward A. Bouchet Scholarship, founded in 1987, is named in honor of the first student of African American Heritage conferred a PhD in physics in the U.S. 

The Boulé, the New Haven-based chapter of Sigma Pi Phi, a fraternity of professional leaders that embraces African American culture established The Promising Scholars Fund in 2007. The mission of the organization is to support promising Connecticut college-bound students who embody African American heritage and who have faced barriers to social, economic and educational resources. The Bouchet Scholarship has helped students attain higher education and find their career passion. The members of the fraternity continue to empower students through mentorship, service, and social action.

Eligibility

• Be a high school senior enrolling in a full-time undergraduate program or currently enrolled at an accredited 2 or 4 year college
• Be a student that embodies African American heritage
• Be a U.S. citizen attending a U.S. college or university
• Be a Connecticut resident
• Minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent

Selection of Recipients

Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of:

• Academic performance
• Leadership and participation in school and community activities
• Work experience
• A statement of educational and career goals and objectives
• An online recommendation

Awards

• Eight (8) Edward A. Bouchet awards of $6,000.
• Two (2) Anna Louise James awards of $1,000 added to the top two recipients.
• Note that awards are only for undergraduate study and are not automatically renewable, but students may reapply each year they meet the eligibility requirements.

Documents and Requirements

• Resume



• Transcript

For college students, a current and complete transcript of grades must display: student name, school name, grades, and credit hours for each course and term in which it was taken.

• Online Recommendation

Once you submit the application, the recommender will be notified of your request for a confidential letter of recommendation. Also, we encourage you to inform your recommender of your request before completing this application. Letters of recommendation must be received no later than February 12, 2026.

• SAT/ACT Scores

If you are providing SAT or ACT test scores you will need to upload a copy of your test score report(s). If you are uploading a college transcript, those scores are not required.

• Essay

In 500 words, as a student who embodies African American heritage, describe your education, career goals, and objectives. How do you envision the resources of the Promising Scholars Fund, with its mentorships, service, and social actions, supporting you in achieving those goals?

Important Dates

Disbursement

Applicants will be notified in late March via email. When setting up your account, use only an active, personal email address that you will continue to have access to.

Remember, your application is not complete unless all required materials are submitted electronically.

For questions regarding the application materials or process please contact our team at bouchetscholarshipct@gmail.com.