Our foundation is dedicated to empowering individuals and fostering opportunities for a brighter future.
The 2026 Companion Scholarship Program exemplifies our mission by combining scholarship, mentorship, and companionship to uplift students and build lasting support networks for their future.
MHG Companion Scholarships:
Scholarship
100 students*
Awards
$800-$2000
Rolling Review
5/15/2026*
*Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applicants receive priority consideration while scholarship capacity is available. Once an application is reviewed and deemed qualified, the applicant will receive a notification email confirming selection and a guaranteed minimum award of $800. Final scholarship award amounts will be determined after the application period concludes, following May 15, and will be finalized by or before June 5. The application window closes on May 15, or earlier if scholarship capacity is reached.
Scholarship Details
The MHG Companion Scholarships offer financial support to students in grades 8–12, helping them pursue academic and personal growth.
Award Range:
Scholarship awards range from $800 to $2,000, with final amounts determined after the application period concludes.
Target Students:
Open to students in grades 8–12 with a minimum GPA of 2.5, residing in Kern, Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura counties.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Financial hardship
- Educational, cultural, and social barriers
- Personal challenges
- Extraordinary circumstances
Third-Party Assistance:
Students may receive assistance from teachers, religious educators, or community leaders to submit applications on their behalf if needed.
Ceremony/Banquet:
At MHG Charitable Foundation, a Companion/Mentorship is more than just a scholarship—it is a long-term commitment to students’ growth. The ceremony marks the beginning of our Companionship/Mentorship initiative, connecting students with caring professionals and community leaders who serve as long-term mentors beyond today’s recognition.
- Recipients must attend the ceremony to receive their scholarship award. There is no exception. One parent or guardian of each scholar will also be invited.
- The event features speakers, performances, and opportunities to engage with mentors and advisors.
- Students may bring a family member, guardian, or teacher; meals will be provided.
- The ceremony will be held at a high-end hotel in Orange County.
Application Materials
The scholarship application materials include:
Parental Consent & Terms and Conditions Agreement:
This form must be completed and signed by a parent or legal guardian.
All pages must be included as part of the application for it to be considered complete.
Personal Essay
Applicants must submit a personal essay that follows MHG 2026 Companion Scholarship Essay Prompt & Guidelines – link:
- Your Context (Challenges)
- Your Response & Growth
- Your Forward Plan
Transcript
Applicants must submit an academic transcript showing current enrollment and GPA. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable unless otherwise requested.
Other Documents
- Letter of Recommendation: A letter from a teacher, counselor, or community leader to be submitted to provide additional context about the applicant’s character, effort, or circumstances.
- Supporting Documents: Applicants are required to submit documents related to financial hardship, special needs, or other circumstances relevant to their application.
- Creative Piece (optional): Applicants are encouraged to submit a creative piece (ex., artwork, writing, music, performance, etc.) that reflects their experiences. This is an opportunity to share a more personal side of themselves, while also being able to show their artistic side.
Timeline
- Program Opens: February 16, 2026
- Rolling Review: February – May 2026
- Application Closes: May 15, 2026 (or earlier if capacity is reached)
- Award Ceremony and Luncheon July 26, 2026
- Scholarship funds paid in one time are issued during the ceremony
- Recipients must attend the ceremony to receive their scholarship award. There is no exception.
Application Review & Selection Committee
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
- A diverse selection committee evaluates applicants using consistent criteria.
- Decisions are based on need, potential impact, and overall application strength.
- Phone interviews may be conducted if needed.
Guidelines
- Applications must be complete to be considered. Financial hardship related document is strongly recommended to be submitted.
- Incomplete or unsigned consent forms will not be reviewed.
- All applications must be submitted by May 15, 2026.
From 2025 Impact to 2026 Opportunity
In 2025, 100 Scholarships Awarded (up to $1,500 per recipient)
Watch highlights from our 2025 Scholarship Ceremony
FAQ
- Q: Who is eligible for the scholarship?
- A: Students in grades 8-12 with minimum GPA of 2.5 residing in Los Angeles, Orange County, and nearby counties facing financial hardship, personal challenges, or other significant barriers.
- Q: Can someone else submit the application for me?
- A: Yes, students may have a teacher or community leader submit on their behalf.
- Q: How about essay writing?
- A: You must follow MHG 2026 Companion Scholarship Essay Prompt & Guideline document which can be found here.
- Q: When will the awards be announced?
- A: Applicants will be notified of their award status during rolling review period of (Feb ~ May/2026) through email. This notification will guarantee minimum scholarship of $800 (not final actual amount). The final / actual amount will be notified through email after 5/15 and before/on 5/29/2026.
- Q: Do I need to be present in ceremony/banquet in order to receive the scholarship fund?
- Yes, and it is no cost for the student scholar and one family member/guardian/teacher.
- Q: Are scholarships taxable?
- Scholarship funds used exclusively for the payment of tuition or mandatory fees are normally not taxable. The scholarship recipient is responsible for taxes, if any, that may be assessed against his or her scholarship award. We recommend consulting a tax advisor for more guidance.
- You may also consult IRS Publication 970 for further information.
Checklists
- Before Applying:
- Review the eligibility criteria
- Prepare your personal essay
- Gather the required documents (transcript, support documents)
- Letter of recommendation
- Strongly recommended: Please prepare proof of financial need status (if applicable).
- Optional but strongly encouraged: Creative Pieces
- After Submitting:
- Wait for confirmation of receipt
- Be ready to participate in the award/luncheon ceremony if selected
Get Started
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis—apply early for priority consideration
Rolling Review • Awards $800–$2,000 • Application window: 2/16–5/15