The 2026 Cleveland Browns Foundation Marion Motley Scholarship is now accepting applications.
The Cleveland Browns Foundation, in partnership with College Now Greater Cleveland, annually awards two students a four-year, $2,500-per-year renewable scholarship totaling $10,000. Since its launch during the 2005-06 school year, the program has awarded more than $400,000 to 40 Northeast Ohio students, many of whom are first-generation college students.
The deadline to apply for the Marion Motley Scholarship is March 6.
The Cleveland Browns Foundation – dedicated to taking a solution-based, holistic approach to ensure youth in Ohio and beyond receive the development and education they need as a foundation for independence and success – strives to support Northeast Ohio students pursuing higher education through the Marion Motley Scholarship.
The scholarship honors former Browns fullback and linebacker Marion Motley, who overcame significant barriers to become one of the NFL's first African American players. Motley played for the Browns from 1946-53. The Canton, Ohio native became the second African American inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968. He was also a charter member of the Browns Legends program in 2001 and part of the Cleveland Browns Ring of Honor's inaugural class in 2010.
"Marion Motley's legacy continues to inspire the work we do each day. This scholarship reflects our commitment to opening doors for students who are ready to lead, persevere, and shape their future through education," Vice President of Community Impact and Foundation Renee Harvey said. "We are grateful for our continued partnership with College Now Greater Cleveland and proud to support the next generation of Northeast Ohio scholars."
Northeast Ohio high school seniors graduating in the 2025-26 academic year and planning to enroll full-time at a two- or four-year college in fall 2026 are invited to apply. Students must intend to major in a field that could lead to a career in education or within a professional sports organization. Majors include, but are not limited to, accounting, business, communications, event management, exercise science, finance, graphic design, human resources, information technology, journalism, kinesiology, marketing/advertising, public relations or sports management.
Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA through their junior year and score a minimum of 18 on the ACT or 960 on the SAT math and verbal sections. Required materials include a copy of ACT or SAT scores, an official high school transcript showing cumulative GPA through fall 2025, two essays, the 2026-27 FAFSA Submission Summary, an extracurricular resume or activity list and a letter of recommendation from a teacher or guidance counselor.
"It's been incredible to get to know all of the recipients each year," senior coordinator of scholarships & financial aid at College Now Carolyn Rodriguez said. "They all come from diverse backgrounds and are high-achieving students ready to make a change in the world, big or small. It's been inspiring to learn from them, and an honor to be a small part of their post-secondary journey."
