Sen. Gerald Allen Creates Charlie Kirk Scholarship at UA

State Sen. Gerald Allen (R-Tuscaloosa) has announced the creation of the Charlie Kirk Memorial Endowed Scholarship at The University of Alabama, establishing a permanent source of financial support for undergraduate students while honoring the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk.

The scholarship will be administered by The University of Alabama National Alumni Association and will provide annual awards to incoming or continuing undergraduate students. Preference will be given to full-time freshmen or current undergraduates from Tuscaloosa County who demonstrate leadership, strong moral character, civic involvement, or public service through on- or off-campus activities. Applicants must also show financial need under federal aid guidelines and submit an essay as part of the selection process.

“Charlie Kirk stood for perseverance, leadership and the ideal of serving something bigger than oneself,” Allen said. “By establishing this scholarship at The University of Alabama, we honor his legacy and invest in the next generation of leaders from our state who will carry forward those same values.”

Allen said the scholarship reflects his belief in higher education, civic engagement, and open debate as paths to opportunity for young Alabamians. He added that the award is intended to support students who reflect the character and work ethic Kirk displayed throughout his life.

“Charlie Kirk was an American patriot whose passion for faith and freedom inspired a generation,” Allen said. “He dedicated his life to helping young Americans rediscover that faith in God, liberty and hard work is what makes our nation great.”

Allen also pointed to the University of Alabama’s long history of encouraging discussion across differing views.

“Alabama holds the values of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution very dear, and The University of Alabama has a proud tradition of encouraging civil, intellectual and spirited political debate,” he said. “It’s an honor to help a student do that in Charlie’s name.”

Allen said he hopes the scholarship will serve not only as a memorial, but also as a call to service for future recipients.

“By God’s grace, Charlie will never be forgotten, and through this scholarship, his life’s work will continue through the students who rise up to lead with the same moral courage, conviction and love of God and country that defined his life,” Allen said.

The University of Alabama, through its National Alumni Association, was selected to host and manage the scholarship because of its role in advancing education across the State. The Alumni Association will oversee the application review process and handle the ongoing administration of the endowed fund.

While Allen is providing the initial funding, additional donations are welcome to grow the scholarship over time. Individuals, organizations, and corporate partners may contact Sen. Allen’s office or the University of Alabama National Alumni Association for details on giving options.

Donations by check should be made payable to “Alumni Fund,” with “Charlie Kirk Scholarship” noted in the memo line, and mailed to:

UA Alumni Association
Attn: Scholarship Department
P.O. Box 861928
Tuscaloosa, AL 35486

Online donations may be made through the Alumni Association’s giving portal at:
https://uanaa.link/kirk (Select “my Gift for Alabama.”)

Timeline

• January 2026: Formal announcement of the endowed scholarship and eligibility criteria.
• Spring 2027: Selection of the first scholarship recipients for the 2027–2028 academic year.
• Ongoing: Review of outcomes and consideration of expanded awards as funding allows.

Sen. Gerald Allen represents Alabama’s 21st Senate District, which includes parts of Tuscaloosa and Pickens counties. He has served in the Alabama Legislature since 1994, first in the House and later in the Senate beginning in 2010. A former coach, athletic administrator, and business owner, Allen currently chairs the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee and serves as vice chair of the Finance and Taxation Education Committee. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from The University of Alabama.