2027 Gene C. McCombs Memorial Scholarship
$6,000 in scholarships for Utah high school seniors in speech, debate, and theater. Applications close April 9, 2027.
The Gene C. McCombs Memorial Scholarship honors the life and legacy of Gene McCombs, a Utah theater educator who spent his career convincing young people that they had something worth saying — and then giving them a stage to say it on. Each year the Gene C. McCombs Foundation awards scholarships to graduating Utah high school seniors who have given themselves to speech, debate, drama, and the theater arts. Continued participation in the programs in college isn’t required, but a preference will be given to those who plan to.
What the scholarship awards
$6,000 total — three winners, $2,000 each. Awards are applied toward the recipient’s college education.
Key dates
- Applications open: now
- Application deadline: April 9, 2027
- Winners announced: May 10, 2027
Who can apply
To be eligible for the 2027 scholarship, you must:
- Be a high school senior at a public high school in Utah
- Participate in speech, debate, drama, stage crew, or another theatrical arts program
- Plan to pursue a four-year degree
- Intend to stay involved in speech, debate, or theater in college
You do not have to major in theater. Many of the students Gene shaped went on to become teachers, attorneys, nurses, and engineers — they simply never stopped using what the stage taught them.
The essay
Applicants submit a 400–600 word essay responding to this prompt:
How have speech, debate, drama, or related programs shaped your education and your personal growth? How have they improved your life, and how do you plan to stay involved with them in college?
Applications are evaluated on ambition, drive, and impact. Write honestly and specifically — the selection committee is far more interested in a real story than a polished one.
How to apply
The 2027 scholarship is administered through Bold.org. Create a free account, complete your profile, and submit your essay before the April 9, 2027 deadline.
Direct link: bold.org/scholarships/gene-c-mccombs-memorial-scholarship
Questions
Students, parents, teachers, and counselors are all welcome to reach out. Email jason.wilcox@genemccombs.org or call +1 (801) 613-8326. If you advise a speech, debate, or drama program in Utah and would like materials to share with your seniors, let us know — we are happy to send them.