Gene Henson Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Atlanta Association of Legal Administrators
Description
**Overview**
The AALA Gene Henson Scholarship is a 501(c)(3) scholarship program that supports ongoing training and continuing education for AALA members and education in the local community. It awards a competitive scholarship each year to an outstanding high school senior who plans to attend an accredited institution in Georgia. The foundation is intended to help bridge the cost of higher education for deserving students from metro Atlanta-area schools. Administration and oversight are provided by AALA volunteers and a dedicated scholarship committee.
Key takeaways:
- Sponsored by the AALA Gene Henson Scholarship Foundation (501(c)(3)).
- Annual, competitive scholarship for metro Atlanta seniors.
- Supports students who will attend Georgia-accredited colleges or universities.
Eligibility
**Who is eligible**
Eligible applicants are graduating seniors enrolled in local public or not-for-profit high schools who intend to attend a Georgia-accredited higher learning institution. Applicants must be planning to pursue postsecondary study at an accredited college or university in Georgia. The scholarship targets outstanding students from the community; specific academic thresholds are not mandated in the summary materials.
Key takeaways:
- Open to seniors at public or nonprofit high schools in the local area.
- Applicant must plan to enroll in a Georgia-accredited institution.
- Intended for outstanding, community-based candidates.
Award Value
**Amount and purpose**
The scholarship award is $5,000 and is granted to a single recipient each award cycle. The funds are intended to help cover costs associated with college attendance, such as tuition, fees, or other education-related expenses. The award is funded and administered by the Gene Henson Scholarship Foundation.
Key takeaways:
- Single award of $5,000 per cycle.
- Funds intended for higher-education expenses.
- Administered by the Gene Henson Scholarship Foundation.
History of the Award
**Origins**
The Gene Henson Scholarship Foundation was established in 2004 to create secondary educational opportunities for deserving students in metro Atlanta. The foundation is named for Gene Henson, a founding member of the AALA. The first scholarship was awarded in 2005 to Andrei Ionescu, marking the start of the program’s annual awards.
Key takeaways:
- Foundation formed in 2004.
- Named for AALA founding member Gene Henson.
- First scholarship awarded in 2005 to Andrei Ionescu.
Application Requirements
**Required materials**
Applicants must submit a high school transcript, an official SAT or ACT score notification (if available), a letter of recommendation, an essay of approximately 750 words, a financial data form, a letter of acceptance from a Georgia-accredited institution, and a guidance counselor verification form confirming GPA, class rank, and SAT/ACT score. Note: SAT/ACT scores and the guidance counselor verification form are not required for application consideration. Assemble all documents carefully and verify formatting and signature requirements before submission.
Key takeaways:
- Core required items: transcript, recommendation, essay (~750 words), financial form, acceptance letter.
- SAT/ACT and counselor verification are optional for consideration.
- Confirm document formats and signatures prior to submission.
Essay Topics
**Prompts and flexibility**
The scholarship asks for an essay of roughly 750 words. Applicants may choose one of the provided prompts or submit an essay on any topic of their choice, including an essay they have already written for another purpose. Provided prompts cover personal background, obstacles and resilience, questioning beliefs, unexpected gratitude, personal growth, and an intellectual or creative passion that captivates the applicant.
Key takeaways:
- Essay length: approximately 750 words.
- Use one of six provided prompts or submit a topic of your choice.
- Existing essays written for other applications are acceptable.
Selection Process
**How recipients are chosen**
Submissions are reviewed by members of the Gene Henson Committee, who evaluate applications, conduct interviews with finalists, and select the scholarship recipient. The process considers the full application package—academic records, essay, recommendation(s), financial information, and interview impressions. Final selection is made by committee consensus following interviews.
Key takeaways:
- Review by the Gene Henson Committee.
- Finalists are interviewed before selection.
- Decisions are based on the complete application package.
Application Timeline
**Deadlines and cycle**
The scholarship is awarded annually; applicants should confirm exact opening and deadline dates with the AALA Gene Henson Scholarship Foundation each year. For 2026, students do not need to be nominated by an advisor or counselor to apply. Because some supporting documents can take time to secure (transcripts, recommendation letters, acceptance letters), start the application process early and verify any year-specific deadlines or submission portals.
Key takeaways:
- Awarded on an annual cycle—confirm dates with the foundation.
- 2026: no advisor/counselor nomination required.
- Begin early to gather transcripts, recommendations, and acceptance letters.
How to Apply
**Submission tips**
Prepare a single, complete application packet with all required materials and follow any submission instructions provided by the foundation. If you do not yet have standardized test scores or a counselor verification, submit what you can—those items are not strictly required for consideration. Keep copies of all materials, confirm receipt if a submission confirmation is available, and contact the AALA Gene Henson Scholarship Foundation or scholarship committee with any questions about forms or deadlines.
Key takeaways:
- Assemble and submit a complete packet per the foundation’s instructions.
- Optional items (SAT/ACT, counselor verification) may be omitted initially.
- Keep copies, confirm receipt, and contact the foundation with questions.