There’s Space for Everyone: The Story Behind Our Scholarship Program
The Extra Space Storage team believes that everyone should have the opportunity for success and quality education. Driven by this mission, we launched the "There’s Space for Everyone" scholarship in 2021 to support the leaders of tomorrow. Over the years, this program has grown into a powerful nationwide initiative. Learn more about how we hope to empower students who challenge the status quo, champion diversity, and build more inclusive communities for all.
Why We Started This Program
We provide solutions for major life transitions—and that extends beyond physical square footage. When we launched this program, leadership deliberately chose to make the "There’s Space for Everyone" scholarship values-based, rather than relying on traditional merit or financial-need metrics. We want to recognize and celebrate those who put in the work to uplift their communities.
As part of our broader environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitment, this scholarship is a direct expression of our core values—Integrity, Passion, and Excellence—in action. By lifting the financial burden for students who are actively strengthening the social fabric of their communities, we're putting our values to work to illustrate that when people are truly supported, great things can happen.
How the Scholarship Has Grown
2021 — Program Launch
Launched in May 2021
4 scholarship awards at $2,500 each
2 to external winners, 2 to employees or immediate family of employees
6-week application window (March 15 – April 30th)
Open to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled full-time at accredited U.S. institutions
Marked Extra Space Storage’s first formal scholarship initiative
2022 — Building Momentum
Application structure and essay prompt carried forward
Total awards increased to 8 scholarships
5 to external winners, 3 to employees or immediate family of employees
Award amount increased to $3,000 per recipient
2023 — Extended Entry Period
Submission window extended to 2 months (April 1–May 31)
Increased reach nearly 4x compared to 2022
Program maintained 8 awards at $3,000 each
2024 and 2025 — Continued Investment
Program maintained 8 awards at $3,000 each
Program management optimizations to handle increased entry volume and applicant engagement
2026 — Sixth Year & Counting
Scholarship winners announced June 30, 2026
What Applicants Write About
Rather than having students list their achievements or GPAs, the There's Space For Everyone scholarship asks for personal journeys. Our application invites applicants to reflect on two vital questions: How have you exhibited a commitment to inclusion and strengthening your community through work, service, or extracurricular activities—and how will your education help you continue this commitment during college and beyond?
We want to hear about real-world impact. Past applicants have shared inspiring stories spanning a wide spectrum of advocacy—from disability inclusion and first-generation student support to neighborhood food access and underserved youth mentorship. No matter where your passion lies, we want to see how you're actively carving out space for others to thrive.
Submissions are judged based on content, grammar, style, and originality, all weighted equally. This is an opportunity for students to share their authentic voice and how they plan to build a more inclusive future.
"Year after year, we are inspired by the drive, passion, and commitment to inclusion demonstrated by our scholarship applicants," said Grace Houser, Corporate Giving Program Lead at Extra Space Storage. "Each recipient has shown a strong commitment to making a positive difference, and we are proud to support their educational and professional goals as they continue creating meaningful change in their communities."
Past Scholarship Winners
Our scholarship winners come from various institutions across the country, from major research universities to state colleges and from fields of study like neuroscience, engineering, economics, and social sciences.
Who Can Apply
Full-time undergraduate or graduate students
Students enrolled at an accredited U.S. college or university for the upcoming fall semester
Legal U.S. residents, at least 16 years old
Extra Space Storage employees and immediate family members (spouse, parent, child, or sibling), eligible via the employee track
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this scholarship renewable year to year?
The Extra Space Storage "There's Space for Everyone" scholarship is a one-time award applied to the upcoming academic year. It does not renew each year.
Can I apply in multiple years if I didn’t win?
Yes, participants are encouraged to apply with new essays when the annual application opens.
How are winners notified?
Winners of the Extra Space Storage "There's Space for Everyone" Scholarship are notified directly via email and phone. Additionally, the names of the winning students are publicly posted on the Extra Space Storage Scholarship Winners page.
Where are scholarship funds sent?
Funds are sent directly to the student's accredited college or university financial or enrollment office to assist with educational expenses like tuition, books, housing, or supplies.
Can international students apply?
Eligibility requires applicants to be legal residents of the United States with a valid Social Security Number and enrolled full-time at a U.S.-accredited college or university.
Are part-time students eligible?
No, to be eligible, applicants must be enrolled in the upcoming academic semester as full-time students. Exact credits needed to qualify as a full-time student may vary across institutions or programs of study.
Can graduate and professional students (law, medical) apply?
Yes, graduate students are invited to apply.
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