Dixie Youth funds its scholarships through interest on funds earmarked for DYB scholarships, new donations received annually, and any surplus funds transferred from the general operating funds of the program. There is no relationship between the award of a scholarship and athletic ability. In the selection process, the Scholarship Committee, composed of National Directors, does give weight to such other factors as financial need, scholastic record and citizenship. Only students entering college for the first time may apply for a scholarship. There is no quota system of any kind.
Every applicant competes with every other applicant on an equal basis.
P.L. Corley, National Board member from Montgomery, Alabama serves as Chairman of the Scholarship Committee. Corley succeeded Tom Linton, who chaired the Scholarship Committee from the inception of the program until stepping down a few years ago. Each member of the Committee receives a copy of each application. Each committee member studies all applications and vote by ballot for their top 20 choices. Normally, a run-off ballot is necessary to complete the list of 20 scholarship winners.