Every year, thousands of students apply for Mensa Foundation scholarships, sharing their educational and career goals and the plans they’ve developed to achieve them. Now, the Foundation is seeking volunteers to help evaluate their essays and select this year’s scholarship recipients.
In 2026, the Mensa Foundation awarded 134 scholarships totaling more than $207,000. One of the Foundation’s longest-running initiatives, the Scholarship Program relies on dedicated volunteers who help recognize students’ ambition and determination through a fair and thoughtful review process.
Volunteer as a Scholarship Judge
What Does Being a Scholarship Judge Involve?
Volunteer judges review essays of 550 words or fewer in which applicants explain their educational and career goals and how their experiences have prepared them to achieve those goals.
Judges evaluate essays based on how effectively students communicate their goals and plans for achieving them. The Foundation provides guidance to support volunteers throughout the review process.
Judging takes place entirely online, allowing volunteers to participate remotely. No previous judging experience or specialized academic background is required.
Help Make Educational Opportunities Possible
Serving as a scholarship judge offers a unique opportunity to learn about students’ ambitions while contributing to a program that helps them pursue higher education.
The Scholarship Program depends on volunteers who generously contribute their time to reviewing applications. Their involvement helps ensure that scholarship awards reflect a thoughtful evaluation of each student’s essay.
Interested in volunteering? Complete our sign-up form to express your interest in serving as a judge.
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