George W. Jenkins Scholarship

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The George W. Jenkins Scholarship is one of the premier scholarships available to students at the University of Miami. This scholarship is awarded to high school seniors with strong academic credentials, significant financial need, and a history of overcoming adversity.

Jenkins Scholars receive the full cost of attendance for eight semesters (10 semesters for students in five-year degree programs) or the completion of the first degree, whichever is sooner. The award includes tuition and fees, on-campus housing, a meal plan, University health insurance, and a laptop allowance. Students may also receive a stipend for books, transportation, and personal expenses.

With the support of the Office of Academic Enhancement, Jenkins Scholars take part in exclusive programs, benefit from one-on-one advising, participate in group community service efforts, and are personally referred for additional prestigious academic opportunities.

Jenkins Scholars will be announced by April 1, 2025. 

Eligibility Criteria

In addition to the criteria listed below, eligible students are required to submit all First-Year Admission Requirements by the Early Decision I or Early Action deadline of November 1. 

Residency Requirement: Open only to U.S. citizens who are residents of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, or Virginia, graduating from an accredited high school within their home state. 

Academic Requirement: Minimum unweighted GPA of 3.75 on a 4.0 scale and a well-rounded college preparatory curriculum are required.

Personal History Component: Participation in school or community activities, a strong work ethic, and a history of overcoming significant adversity will be considered.

How to Apply

1 - School counselors must first nominate their student via the Counselor Nomination Form by November 10.

2- Nominated students must write and submit an additional essay in their Applicant Portal by December 1.

In 800 words or less, the essay should address the following, with significant emphasis on the third point:

  • Why they wish to attend the University of Miami.
  • How receiving the George W. Jenkins Scholarship would impact them.
  • Any special circumstances they faced, specifically any history of overcoming significant adversity.

3 - Students must submit the CSS Profile and all relevant tax information before the November 15 deadline. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should be submitted as soon as possible but no later than January 6.

If any required materials are missing, students may not be eligible for Jenkins scholarship consideration.

Counselor Nomination Form

Additional Information

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  • History of George W. Jenkins Scholarship

    The George W. Jenkins Scholarship Program was established through the generosity of Publix Super Markets Charities, Inc., and the University of Miami in honor of Publix founder George W. Jenkins. 

    George W. Jenkins came to Ybor City, Florida, in 1925 with only $9 in his pocket. At age 17, he began his career as a broom pusher and store clerk at Piggly Wiggly Grocery. Jenkins quickly earned a promotion but was distraught when an absent owner purchased the store and refused to meet with him. A true self-starter, Jenkins bought a vacant space next door and opened the first Publix Food Store in 1930. 

    As Jenkins expanded his grocery chain, he maintained the belief that Publix stores should be places where "customers find it a pleasure to shop and employees find it a pleasure to work." Today, Publix is the largest employee-owned supermarket chain in the United States, with more than 1,000 stores—a testament to Jenkins' strong work ethic and desire to achieve. It is these qualities the George W. Jenkins Scholarship Program wishes to encourage and reward in today's students.

  • Terms & Conditions

    A Jenkins Scholar must complete a full-time undergraduate program of study with no fewer than 12 credit hours during each of the fall and spring semesters for a minimum of 24 credit hours per academic year. A minimum of a 3.0 GPA for the academic year must be maintained at the University of Miami, with the initial calculation at the end of the second semester of attendance. The award is subject to revision pending receipt of any grant, scholarship, or prepaid tuition and/or housing aid not anticipated at the time the award is made. Visit our Terms & Conditions page for more information.

  • Contact Us

    Morgan Hembree
    Assistant Director, Office of Undergraduate Admission
    morgan.hembree@miami.edu | PH: 305-284-6000

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