This non-profit scholarship program is a ministry of Freedom Presbyterian Church. It was established to honor Samuel Hall, an enslaved person who lived in Iredell County, NC, from 1818 until 1855. Later in life, he wrote an inspiring autobiography that recounts barriers, hardships, obstacles and challenges that he overcame.

This scholarship complies with all applicable federal anti-discrimination laws. Winners are selected without consideration of their race, ethnicity or other protected characteristics.

Scholarships are provided to high school seniors who reside in Iredell County, NC and high school seniors with ancestors who lived on the Hall plantation and reside anywhere in the United States. This scholarship is to empower students achieve their goals by furthering their education. The long-term goal is to enable students to for themselves and their descendants. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial need, disability, academic performance, extracurricular achievements and their essays. The long-term goal is to enable students to build generational wealth for themselves and their descendants.

If you are considering applying for this scholarship, it is important for you to obtain a Student Aid Index (SAI) before the March 31, 2026, application deadline. SAI's are obtained by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. To get your SAI in time, submit your FAFSA Form as soon as possible.

Free online access to Samuel Hall's autobiography, 47 Years a Slave, is available here and here in different formats.