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“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
What Is ECGS?
What Is ECGS?
The Emerson Collective Graduate School (ECGS) Grant supports College Track Alumni pursuing graduate degrees that expand opportunity, purpose, and long-term impact. The grant is designed to help College Track Alumni access graduate education that leads to strong career outcomes, sustainable earnings, and community impact.
The Emerson Collective Graduate School (ECGS) Grant supports College Track Alumni pursuing graduate degrees that expand opportunity, purpose, and long-term impact. The grant is designed to help College Track Alumni access graduate education that leads to strong career outcomes, sustainable earnings, and community impact.
ECGS follows College Track alumni on the unpaved road to and through graduate school—providing financial support and guidance as they prepare to become leaders, professionals, and change-makers.
ECGS follows College Track alumni on the unpaved road to and through graduate school—providing financial support and guidance as they prepare to become leaders, professionals, and change-makers.
Who Can Apply?
Who Can Apply?
ECGS supports College Track Alumni who are:
Pursuing graduate degrees aligned with high-impact careers
Committed to completing their program
Attending Best Fit Institutions that provide strong returns on investment, manageable debt, and clear career pathways
Who Is Eligible?
Who Is Eligible?
Must be a College Track college graduate, including the Class of 2026, currently renewing ECGS Scholar OR enrolled in graduate school for fall 2026 with demonstrated commitment to completion
If you are a college senior, you must be in active College Track status determined by your CT Thrive Coach and remain an active College Track member as a grad student
Eligible Degrees
Eligible Degrees
ECGS prioritizes graduate degrees that lead to sustainable careers in:
Law • STEM • Health • Education
Preferred Degrees (others considered):
Preferred Degrees (others considered):
MD, JD, PhD, PA, RN, MSN/DNP, PT, MBA, MEd, MPH, DDS, PharmD, MS
Programs Must:
Programs Must:
Be offered by accredited, reputable institutions
Demonstrate strong graduation and job placement outcomes
Provide pathways to licensure, leadership, research, or innovation
Support manageable debt and long-term earning potential
ECGS Does Not Support:
Online or hybrid programs
For-profit educational institutions
Post-baccalaureate or pre-professional certificates
How to Apply
How to Apply
Before You Apply
Review eligibility and degree requirements
Gather required documents and materials
Reach out to your CT Coach if you have questions about eligibility
When You Apply
Complete the ECGS application (do not leave any blanks — use N/A or 0 if needed)
Upload all required documents (correctly titled with the following format, "LAST NAME, FIRST NAME, ITEM")
Submit letters of recommendation
College Track must be noted on your resume
After You Apply
Prepare for interviews if selected
Monitor your email for next steps
Important: ECGS awards do not replace existing institutional aid.
Important Dates
Important Dates
January 31, 2026: Application opens
February 15, 2026: Renewal applicant deadline
February 25, 2026: New applicant deadline
March 7, 2026: Letters of recommendation due
March 2026: Semi-finalist interviews
Engagement & Documentation Requirements
Engagement & Documentation Requirements
ECGS applicant must demonstrate the grad school institution as Best Fit by providing evidence demonstrating higher graduation rate for first generation students, low debt upon graduation, on campus support with career outcomes, and high professional exam passing rates (Law State Bar, RN NCLEX Licensure, United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE), National Counselor Licensure Exam, etc.)
Must submit updated transcripts before finalist interviews.
Must demonstrate a financial plan to graduate detailing financial aid, work income, savings, scholarship, fellowships, grants and all loans to date including credit card loans.
Must attend quarterly zoom check-ins with Cohorts: STEM, Education, Health & Law.
Attend three required financial wellness coaching webinar sessions designed for entering professionals to include subjects such as: financial literacy and planning, budgeting, TAships, fellowships, loan forgiveness, first home purchasing, credit scores, investing, stocks & bonds, and creative savings strategies.
TITLE ALL ATTACHMENTS - "LAST NAME, FIRST NAME, ITEM" for filing purposes.
Interview Prep and Additional Resources
Interview Prep and Additional Resources
If selected for an interview, scholars should be prepared to discuss:
Their graduate program choice and career goals
Why the program is a strong “best fit”
Financial planning and debt management
Long-term impact and leadership aspirations
Looking for extra interview help? There’s more waiting for you on CT Connect.
FAQ's
FAQ's
Who do I contact if I have questions?
Who do I contact if I have questions?
Questions or want to talk it through? You can email or schedule time with Tekora Scruggs:
Email: tscruggs@collegetrack.org
Schedule Time to Chat: https://calendar.app.google/wk7Pm8rZnW34mexR8
Is the grant renewable?
Is the grant renewable?
Yes
How much is the award?
How much is the award?
Discretionary within a range of $5,000 - $19,000
How are funds distributed?
How are funds distributed?
Awards Distribution Cycle is per semester (Fall & Spring). If you are on a quarter system, you must plan financially for twice a year awards.
Does ECGS displace other aid?
Does ECGS displace other aid?
No — it supplements existing aid
ECGS Graduates
ECGS Grant supports trailblazers in graduate programs that provide the strongest outcomes with high graduation rates, solid career pathways, and manageable debt. Ready to apply? Click below to start the process!
ECGS Grant supports trailblazers in graduate programs that provide the strongest outcomes with high graduation rates, solid career pathways, and manageable debt. Ready to apply? Click below to start the process!
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