Abele Scholarship Application

Application Deadline: April 6, 2026

Requirements for the 2026 Abele Scholarship application

Must be a child/dependent of a Union League employee who is fully vested in the Union League’s 401k plan
Student must be a graduating senior, who plans to attend an accredited institution (college/university, community college, vocational/technical school, etc.)

How to apply:

1. Review all instructions and supplemental materials so that you understand the application requirements. If you have any questions, contact the Founding Forward office immediately, via e-mail at [email protected].

2. Make a timeline to complete each component. There are pieces that need to be completed by others:

Talk to the people who will help you complete this application to ensure they have enough time to complete the needed parts (parent/guardian(s), school, community members, etc.).
Talk to your school as soon as possible to allow plenty of time to obtain your academic records.

3. If you would like help with the essay, contact Founding Forward’s office by email at [email protected], submit your draft, on or before March 6. Volunteers will review your draft and work with you one-on-one.

4. Review everything, twice, before you submit! It would not be a bad idea to also have a teacher, mentor, and/or parent/guardian review your entire application as well.

5. All information will be kept confidential.

6. Applications should be submitted online by April 6, 2026. Supplemental materials may be mailed or emailed only if necessary.

Online application form will be updated
For mail, please notify us before you send supplemental materials – and keep back-up copies. Mail to the address below:

Founding Forward
Attn: Scholarship
140 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Abele Scholarship Application

"*" indicates required fields

1Info about the Abele Scholarship Application

2Basic Student & Family Information

3School Information

4Financial Aid

5Parent/Guardian Information

6Essays

7Community Rec. & Parent Remarks

Parent/Legal Guardian(s) Information
Parent/Legal Guardian(s) 1:
Parent/Guardian Name*
First Last
Relationship to applicant*
Marital Status*
Address*

Same as Student address

Different Address
Parent/Guardian Address*
Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code

Parent Guardian Cell Phone Number*
Parent/Guardian Personal Email*

Parent/Guardian Employment*
Parent/Guardian Employer*
Length of Employment*
Current Position/Title*
Parent/Legal Guardian(s) 2:
Parent/Guardian 2 Full Name
First Last
Relationship to applicant
Parent/Guardian 2 Address
Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code

Parent/Guardian 2 Cell Phone Number
Parent/Guardian 2 Personal Email

Parent/Guardian 2 Employment
Parent/Guardian 2 Employer
Length of Employment
Current Positions/Title
Parent/Legal Guardian(s) 3:
Parent/Guardian 3 Name
First Last
Relationship to applicant
Parent/Guardian 3 Address
Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code

Parent/ Guardian 3 Cell Phone Number
Parent/Guardian 3 Personal Email

Parent/Guardian 3 Employment
Parent/Guardian 3 Employer
Length of Employment
Current Position/Title
Parent/Legal Guardian(s) 4:
Parent/Guardian 4 Name
First Last
Relationship to applicant
parent/Guardian 4 Address
Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code

Parent/Guardian 4 Cell Phone Number
Parent/Guardian 4 Personal Email

Parent/Guardian 4 Employment
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.

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Abele Scholarship Application

Requirements for the 2026 Abele Scholarship application

How to apply:

Abele Scholarship Application

2026 Scholarship Application

Basic information

Name(s) and Age(s) of Sibling(s)

Official copy of your school transcript

SAT and/or ACT Scores

Financial Aid Information

Parent/Legal Guardian(s) Information

Short Essay Responses

Community Recommendation

Parent/Guardian Remarks

Signature

Help us inspire tomorrow’s leaders