Troy University partners with Miss America Foundation for scholarship

Olley Nelson illistration

Troy University is deepening its ties to the Miss America tradition through a new scholarship designed to support and encourage young women pursuing a higher education. The collaboration with the Miss America Scholarship Foundation will provide significant financial assistance to both local and state competition winners, expanding opportunities for crown-holders across Alabama.

“Troy’s partnership with the Miss America Organization reflects our shared commitment to education, leadership and service while providing meaningful opportunities to accomplished young women to pursue their educational goals,” said Associate Vice Chancellor for Marketing and Communications Leslie Scrushy.

Once a candidate wins a qualifying title, such as Miss Troy University, Scrushy’s role is to ensure they understand the scholarship opportunities available and connect them with the resources needed.

Through the partnership, winners of local Miss America-affiliated competitions in Alabama will receive a four-year renewable $10,000 tuition-based scholarship to support their undergraduate studies at Troy. State winners will receive a four-year renewable scholarship covering full undergraduate tuition and on-campus housing – a package valued at $130,000 over four years.

“We hope these scholarships will introduce more outstanding young women to Troy and allow them to experience all our university has to offer,” Scrushy said.

Miss America CEO and Chairman of the Board of Miss America’s Scholarship Foundation Robin Fleming emphasized the transformative potential of the partnership.

“We are deeply grateful to Troy University for its continued investment in empowering women to lead with purpose,” Fleming said in an interview with Troy.today. “This partnership opens doors for life-changing opportunities for women who are the heart of the Miss America Experience.”

Anna Grace Tucker, Miss Troy University 2026, believes the collaboration aligns perfectly with the qualities embodied by participants in the Miss America system.

“Girls involved in the Miss America system are often great leaders in their communities,” Tucker said. “They are passionate about service, education and making a difference.

“Having the opportunity to receive a scholarship to Troy will open more doors for these women and allow them to continue growing as leaders.”

Tucker emphasized the opportunity this partnership provides and encouraged anyone who is on the fence about competing to take a chance and do it.

“It’s an incredible opportunity that is worth stepping out of your comfort zone,” Tucker said. “Pageantry is not about competing for a title; it can help you grow as a person, offer financial support for your education and open doors you never would’ve expected.

“It is such a fun, rewarding experience.”

Those interested in learning more about Miss America contests or the Miss America organization can visit missamerica.org.