The Big Countdown: Apply for Our 2026 Scholarships Before the June 30 Deadline!
The clock is officially ticking, and the countdown is on!
To all high school seniors, young creatives, and families in our community: the deadline to apply for the annual Dr. Barbara Seniors Harkins Foundation scholarship programs is rapidly approaching on June 30, 2026. If you or a young person you know is preparing for that next big leap into higher education or the media arts, now is the time to take action and submit those applications!
At the foundation, we believe that financial barriers should never stand in the way of big dreams. That is why we are dedicated to investing in the next generation of leaders, storytellers, and innovators.
Available Scholarships & Who Should Apply
We offer distinct scholarship opportunities tailored to support different student journeys:
- The Dr. Barbara Seniors Harkins Excellence Award: Designed for graduating high school seniors who demonstrate outstanding academic dedication, strong community leadership, and a passion for making a positive impact.
- The Joshua James Memorial Media Arts Scholarship: Dedicated specifically to young creatives pursuing photography, film, television production, or visual storytelling. This award honors the legacy of our beloved photography teacher, Joshua James, by lifting up the next wave of visual artists.
- The Carla Hairston: This scholarship was created by Rev. Carla Hairston in recognition of her appreciation for Dr. Barbara Seniors Harkins’ legacy and as an advocate for lifelong learning. She believes that communicating well with others is an act of the heart, and that the world would be a better place if we made more efforts to connect with people through effective, others-focused communication.
- Simple Eligibility Criteria
To apply, students must meet the following general requirements:
- Be a graduating high school senior or incoming college freshman.
- Demonstrate active involvement in community service, leadership, or the creative arts.
- Submit a completed application form, short personal essay, and a portfolio sample (for media arts applicants).
In Their Own Words: Inspiring the Next Generation
Don’t just take our word for it—hear from those who have walked this path before!
“Receiving a scholarship from the foundation changed everything for me. It didn’t just ease the financial burden of tuition; it gave me a community of mentors who truly believed in my creative voice and my future. If you are on the fence about applying, just do it. Your story matters, and this foundation is here to help you tell it.”
— Maya R., Past Scholarship Recipient
Don’t Miss the Deadline—Apply Today!
Opportunities like this don’t wait, and neither should you. The portal will close strictly at midnight on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
Checkout the photos from past scholarship winners: Gather your materials, polish your essays, and open the door to your next chapter. Apply Now:
Defy Gravity From Home: Recapping Our ‘Wicked: Part Two’ Online Screening
What an absolutely magical night! Our Defy Gravity From Home virtual family watch party this past May was a resounding success, bringing together a vibrant online community of youth, parents, and film enthusiasts to experience the wonder of Wicked: Beyond the sheer fun and community connection, virtual watch parties like this play a vital role in fulfilling the Dr. Barbara Seniors Harkins Foundation’s core mission.
These digital events allow us to break down physical barriers and keep the media arts completely accessible, creative, and engaging for children outside of a traditional classroom setting. By cultivating these unique, interactive viewing spaces, we are able to spark a lifelong passion for storytelling and cinematic arts in our youth—proving that with a bit of imagination and community support, we can truly defy gravity together!
Save the Date: The 3rd Annual Compton Film Festival & Legacy Appreciation Picnic
Get ready, because June is shaping up to be an absolutely massive month of celebration, creativity, and community! The Dr. Barbara Seniors Harkins Foundation is thrilled to give you an exclusive sneak peek into our highly anticipated double-feature of summer events.
First up, we are kicking things off with the 3rd Annual Compton Film Festival—also proudly known as the Hub City International Film Festival.
This year’s lineup is bigger and bolder than ever, featuring an incredible selection of independent films from brilliant visual storytellers, alongside dynamic filmmaker Q&As and exclusive industry panels designed to inspire the next generation of creators. Whether you are a die-hard cinephile or just love supporting local art, this is the cultural event of the summer you do not want to miss.
But the excitement doesn’t stop when the curtains close! We are keeping the festive momentum going by explicitly inviting our entire foundation family to the Legacy Appreciation Picnic and Basketball Game. This special gathering is our way of celebrating our incredible community, honoring a beautiful lasting legacy, and enjoying some classic summer fun. Come lace up your sneakers for an energetic game on the court, or bring a blanket to relax, connect, and enjoy great food with neighbors and friends. Spots for both the festival and the picnic are filling up fast, so don’t wait to secure your place in the celebration—click the link below or scan our official graphic to RSVP early and lock in your spot today!
Foundation: Save The Date Events:
- Film Screening: June 13, 2026
- Legacy Volunteer and Appreciation Picnic, June 27
- Scholarship Applications Deadline: June 30, 2026
- Film Camp Sign-Up, Present-July 1, 2026
Support Us
The foundation accepts donations throughout the year for all of its programs. If you would like to donate to the foundation, please visit our website at www.barbaraseniorsharkinsfoundation.org and click “Support Us” in the top right corner.
