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History Tour of the League House
January 26, 2026
History tours are a great way to learn more about the founding of The Union League of Philadelphia and its rich history.
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Library Hour: The American Revolution and the Fate of the World
February 3, 2026
Dr. Richard Bell tells the story of the American Revolution as a global struggle that remade...
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Abele scholarship test page
Abele Scholarship Application
"
*
" indicates required fields
1
Info about the Abele Scholarship Application
2
Basic Student & Family Information
3
School Information
4
Financial Aid
5
Parent/Guardian Information
6
Essays
7
Community Rec. & Parent Remarks
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SF Account ID
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SF Contact ID
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SF School ID
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2026 Scholarship Application
Program Name
All of these pieces will need to be completed for your application to be considered.
Part I: Basic Information
– completed by applicant.
Part II: Financial Aid Information
Financial Aid form
– completed by applicant and parent/guardian.
Copy of FAFSA Electronic Student Aid Report
(include all pages of the FAFSA report)
Copy of most recent Federal Income Tax filing form
(if necessary)
Copy of any Financial Aid offers from any school you are considering
(if you have them)
Copy of any scholarship awards you have already been awarded
(if you have them)
Part III: Official copy of your school transcript
(can be mailed directly if necessary)
Part IV: SAT and/or ACT scores
(if not taking, please include a note explaining that and why)
Part V: Short Essay Responses
Topic Response
– written by applicant.
About Me
– written by applicant.
Part VI: Recommendation
– completed by a teacher, coach, minister, club leader, or other adult from the community who is not a relative.
Part VII: Parent/Guardian Remarks
– completed by parent/guardian
(only if necessary).
Basic information
Completed by the Applicant
Name
*
First
Last
Preferred Name
Address
*
Street Address
Address Line 2
City
Alabama
Alaska
American Samoa
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Guam
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Northern Mariana Islands
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Puerto Rico
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
U.S. Virgin Islands
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Armed Forces Americas
Armed Forces Europe
Armed Forces Pacific
State
ZIP Code
Date of Birth
*
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Student Cell Phone
*
Personal Email Address
*
High School
*
T-Shirt Size
*
Select Shirt Size
Adult Small
Adult Medium
Adult Large
Adult XL
Adult 2XL
Adult 3XL
Youth Small
Youth Medium
Youth Large
Youth XL
Who is the Union League employee to whom you are related and what is the relationship?
*
What are your mother’s and father’s names?
*
Are you parents your legal guardian?
*
Yes
No
If no, please tell us the name(s) of your legal guardian(s) and their relationship/connection to you.
Name(s) and Age(s) of Sibling(s)
Name – Relationship – Age – Does this person live with you? (Y/N)
Sibling Name
Relationship
Age
Does this person live with you?
Yes
No
Sibling Name
Relationship
Age
Does this person live with you?
Yes
No
Sibling Name
Relationship
Age
Does this person live with you?
Yes
No
Sibling Name
Relationship
Age
Does this person live with you?
Yes
No
Please list any additional siblings here:
List the schools you have attended, and years of attendance, for kindergarten through high school.
*
List all colleges or post-secondary schools you are considering. Please note whether or not you are accepted, and if you have committed.
List the extra-curricular activities from your high school years. Please include the years you participated, and if a position was held. Resume can be attached below.
Do you have a resume?
Yes
No
If you have a resume, please attach here:
Max. file size: 50 MB.
Major/course of study you want to pursue
*
Are there any circumstances affecting your academic or participation in extra-curricular and/or community activities that you believe have a bearing upon this application?
Official copy of your school transcript
Can be mailed directly if necessary to Founding Forward at 140 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Do you have a school transcript?
Yes
No
Attach a File – School Transcript
Max. file size: 50 MB.
SAT and/or ACT Scores
Did you take the SAT or ACT test?
Yes
No
Attach a File – SAT/ACT Scores
Max. file size: 50 MB.
If not taking the SATs and/or ACTs, please let us know the reason:
Financial Aid Information
Complete with your parent/guardian
Student Employment Information
While in college, the student plans to live:
*
At Home
On Campus
Off Campus
Does the student currently have a job?
Yes
No
Who is your employer?
*
What is your hourly rate?
*
How many hours do you work per week?
*
If no, please explain:
*
Does the student plan to have a work study job if living on campus?
*
Yes
No
If no, please explain:
*
Do you plan to work while in college (including work study opportunities)?
Yes
No
If no, please explain:
If yes, do you already have an employer:
*
How many hours do you hope to work each week?
*
4) Include a copy of your FAFSA Electronic Student Aid Report. Be sure to include ALL pages.
The most critical line item in the Student Aid Report is Parent/Guardian Adjusted Gross Income. If line items says ‘Transferred from IRS,’ you need to include a copy of your latest 1040 IRS tax filing. (Please black out all social security information.) Note: Even if taxes were not filed, a FAFSA must still be completed, and a copy included with the application.
*We are aware that FAFSA forms can be delayed. In that case, in order to prove your eligibility, please submit a 2024 tax return. Please black out all social security numbers and other sensitive information.”*
Do you have a copy of your FAFSA form?
Yes
No
Please attach a copy of your FAFSA form here:
Max. file size: 50 MB.
If you have received any financial aid information from any of your potential schools, please include a copy with your application.
Financial aid includes grants, scholarship, educational loans, and work study for the academic year 2026-2027. If you have received any outside scholarships or grants, please include the details below and attach a copy of the award letter. Please note: This is not required to consider your application complete, but will be required if you are selected for an interview.
Do you have financial aid information to upload?
Yes
No
Please attach any additional forms
Max. file size: 50 MB.
Notes
If additional files are needed to be attached or the files are too large, please email
[email protected]
.
Parent/Legal Guardian(s) Information
Parent/Legal Guardian(s) 1:
Parent/Guardian Name
*
First
Last
Relationship to applicant
*
Father
Mother
Parent
Step-Parent
Aunt
Uncle
Grandparent
Marital Status
*
Single
Married
Divorced/Separated
Remarried
Widowed
Address
*
Same as Student address
Different Address
Parent/Guardian Address
*
Street Address
Address Line 2
City
Alabama
Alaska
American Samoa
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Guam
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Northern Mariana Islands
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Puerto Rico
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
U.S. Virgin Islands
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Armed Forces Americas
Armed Forces Europe
Armed Forces Pacific
State
ZIP Code
Parent Guardian Cell Phone Number
*
Parent/Guardian Personal Email
*
Parent/Guardian Employment
*
Full-Time
Part-Time
Unemployed
Retired
Parent/Guardian Employer
*
Length of Employment
*
Current Position/Title
*
Parent/Legal Guardian(s) 2:
Parent/Guardian 2 Full Name
First
Last
Relationship to applicant
Father
Mother
Parent
Step-Parent
Aunt
Uncle
Grandparent
Parent/Guardian 2 Address
Street Address
Address Line 2
City
Alabama
Alaska
American Samoa
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Guam
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Northern Mariana Islands
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Puerto Rico
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
U.S. Virgin Islands
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Armed Forces Americas
Armed Forces Europe
Armed Forces Pacific
State
ZIP Code
Parent/Guardian 2 Cell Phone Number
Parent/Guardian 2 Personal Email
Parent/Guardian 2 Employment
Please Select
Full-Time
Part-Time
Unemployed
Retired
Parent/Guardian 2 Employer
Length of Employment
Current Positions/Title
Parent/Legal Guardian(s) 3:
Parent/Guardian 3 Name
First
Last
Relationship to applicant
Father
Mother
Parent
Step-Parent
Aunt
Uncle
Grandparent
Parent/Guardian 3 Address
Street Address
Address Line 2
City
Alabama
Alaska
American Samoa
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Guam
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Northern Mariana Islands
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Puerto Rico
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
U.S. Virgin Islands
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Armed Forces Americas
Armed Forces Europe
Armed Forces Pacific
State
ZIP Code
Parent/ Guardian 3 Cell Phone Number
Parent/Guardian 3 Personal Email
Parent/Guardian 3 Employment
Please select
Full-Time
Part-Time
Unemployed
Retired
Parent/Guardian 3 Employer
Length of Employment
Current Position/Title
Parent/Legal Guardian(s) 4:
Parent/Guardian 4 Name
First
Last
Relationship to applicant
Father
Mother
Parent
Step-Parent
Aunt
Uncle
Grandparent
parent/Guardian 4 Address
Street Address
Address Line 2
City
Alabama
Alaska
American Samoa
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Guam
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Northern Mariana Islands
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Puerto Rico
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
U.S. Virgin Islands
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Armed Forces Americas
Armed Forces Europe
Armed Forces Pacific
State
ZIP Code
Parent/Guardian 4 Cell Phone Number
Parent/Guardian 4 Personal Email
Parent/Guardian 4 Employment
Full-Time
Part-Time
Unemployed
Retired
Parent/Guardian 4 Employer
Length of Employment
Current Position
Who claimed/will claim the applicant as a tax dependent for 2025?
*
Does anyone else financially support the applicant?
*
Yes
No
If yes, who?
*
Total number of exemptions claimed on parent/ guardian(s) latest tax returns:
*
Current number of people residing in the applicant's household (include the applicant):
*
Provide the information below for all household members included in the previous question, including name, relationship, age, and employer/unemployment/school:
Example: John Doe – Father – 52 – Comcast
Short Essay Responses
There are two written responses required for this application. One is an essay prompt response, and the second is a short essay about you. Please see the noted word limits for each.
Essay Information and Instructions:
a.
Type your responses on a separate sheet of paper with your name at the top of the page.
b.
Spelling and grammar count – check your work!
c.
Your essay should reflect your opinion and the research you have done on the topic.
d.
Please keep a copy of your essay responses, to review if you are selected for an interview.
e.
If you have any questions, please contact us at 215-587-5596 or
[email protected]
.
1. Topic Response – 500 words
Please choose one (1) of the below topics:
A.
Do you think that America today fulfills its promise of the natural right to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” as outlined in the Declaration of Independence? Explain your opinion.
B.
What is your definition of the American Dream? What do you believe is the best way to achieve it? Be detailed in your response.
Please let us know which topic prompt you have selected.
Topic response to upload?
Yes
No
Attach a File – Topic Response
Max. file size: 50 MB.
2. About Me – 250 words
The “About Me” essay is meant to give the Review Committee an idea of you as a person. Write a few short
sentences about yourself and your goals/aspirations. Please include anything important for the Review Committee to know.
About me essay to upload?
Yes
No
Attach a File – About Me
Max. file size: 50 MB.
Community Recommendation
This recommendation is to be completed by an adult, who is not a relative, from your community (i.e. coach, minister, teacher, club leader, etc). This recommendation can be submitted with the application packet or sent directly to Founding Forward at 140 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102. If sending directly, please let the applicant know as not to delay their entire application. Recommendations are due to the Founding Forward office by February 21, 2026. If you have any questions, please call 215-587-5596. Additional pages or separate paper may be included if more space is needed, but please include your contact information and the student’s name.
Community Recommendation to upload?
Yes
No
Attach a File – Community Recommendation
Max. file size: 50 MB.
Parent/Guardian Remarks
Completed by a parent or guardian of the applicant, only if necessary. Are there any additional information or circumstances that you believe are not reflected in the rest of the application? If so, please attach.
Important note:
Parent(s)/guardian(s); please know that this portion is
not
required.
Parent/Guardian Remarks to upload?
Yes
No
Attach a File – Parent/Guardian Remarks
Max. file size: 50 MB.
All students will be notified regardless of whether they are chosen for an interview or not.
If additional files need to be attached or the files are too large, please email
[email protected]
.
Signature
I (We) declare that the information reported is true, correct and complete. I (We) further agree to provide, if requested, any other official documentation necessary to verify the information reported.
Student: Please type name here to sign.
*
Today's Date
*
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Please be sure to review the entire application before submitting.