Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest 2026 , USA
The Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest is a prestigious annual program designed to recognize, encourage, and reward students who demonstrate creativity, inspiration, and academic potential. Offering four scholarships worth $8,000 each, this contest invites students across eligible Southern and Midwestern states to submit a written or video essay highlighting a person from their community who has inspired them.
Whether you are a high school senior preparing for college or a current undergraduate student, the Regions Riding Forward Scholarship is an excellent opportunity to receive financial support toward your educational goals. This guide explains everything you need to know—eligibility requirements, award details, application steps, and more.
Degree Level
The scholarship is open to:
- Incoming freshmen entering college next semester or next academic year
- Current undergraduate students (must have at least 1 year or 18 credit hours remaining before graduation)
- Graduate students are not eligible.
Available Subjects
All majors and degree fields are eligible, including:
- Business
- Engineering
- Health Sciences
- Arts & Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice
- Education
- STEM Programs
- Communications
- All accredited undergraduate programs
There are no subject restrictions, as long as the applicant is enrolled in an eligible undergraduate program.
Benefits
The Regions Riding Forward Scholarship offers:
1. $8,000 Scholarship Award
Funds can be used for:
- Tuition
- Books
- Academic fees
- Course materials
- On-campus expenses
Funds may not be used for graduate school.
2. Quarterly Opportunities
- There are four separate contests, meaning applicants have multiple chances to win throughout the year.
3. Flexible Submission Options
Applicants can choose between:
- A written essay (under 500 words)
- A video essay (under 3 minutes, <1 GB, no music)
4. Recognition & Exposure
Winning entries are recognized by Regions Bank and often showcased to inspire future applicants.
Eligible Nationalities
Applicants must be:
- Legal U.S. residents
- Living in one of the eligible states below:
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Regions Riding Forward Scholarship, applicants must meet the following:
Academic Requirements
- Minimum 2.0 GPA
- Must be in good academic standing
Enrollment Requirements
- Must have at least one academic year or 18 semester hours remaining
- If not yet in college, must begin freshman year
- The semester after applying, or
- The following academic year
Age Requirement
- Must be 16 years or older
Contest Limit
- Cannot be a previous Regions Riding Forward Quarterly Contest winner
Essay Requirements
- Must submit your own original work
- AI-generated content is strictly prohibited
- Plagiarism results in disqualification
Application Procedure
Step 1: Visit the Official Contest Page
- Go to the Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest website and locate the current Quarterly Contest entry form.
Step 2: Prepare Your Essay
Your written or video essay must:
- Feature someone you personally know
- Focus on a community member who inspires you
- Explain how this person helped you build confidence or achieve goals
For Written Essays
- Maximum 500 words
- AI use is prohibited
- Must be original and free of plagiarism
For Video Essays
- Under 3 minutes
- Must be a digital file, no music allowed
- Maximum file size: 1 GB
- Follow Regions’ video quality and submission guidelines
Step 3: Complete the Entry Form
Include:
- Personal information
- Academic details
- GPA
- Contact details
- Essay or video upload
Step 4: Review & Submit
- Ensure everything is accurate and submitted before the Quarter 4 deadline: December 31, 2025.
Step 5: Wait for Notification
- Winners are usually announced two months after each quarter’s deadline.
Step 6: Claim Your Award
- If selected, provide all required verification documents to Regions Bank.
