For a number of students, one of the major concerns about continuing their education beyond high school is where they will get the money to pay for it. Let’s face it, post-secondary education can be expensive and that expense can be the reason some individuals do not pursue their chosen career.
Monies to finance one’s education is available. It is available through federal and state government sources, university based scholarships, and private scholarships. If a student want to obtain a post-secondary education and/or train for a particular career and have minimum or no debt in doing so, they will have to be extremely diligent in seeking out those resources that will allow them to do just that. As a means of helping student in that effort, we decided to dedicate this month’s edition of our post to identifying various scholarship sources that student may want to consider applying for.
Please note that the application process for a number of the scholarships listed, may require some effort on an individual’s part, but that effort can pay of greatly if it results in your being awarded a scholarship that may pay for a portion or all of your educational expenses.
Following is a list of some of the scholarships we came across. This list by no means come close to showing the thousands of available scholarships out there. We are hoping that it will peak your interest enough to cause you to began to look at sources like fastweb, tuitionfunding, scholarshipamerica, zinch, cappex, scholarships, bigfuture, unigo, and usascholarships on your own.
“The cost of education today is so high that many young people are giving up their dream of going to college, while many others are graduating deeply in debt.” Bernie Sanders
SCHOLARSHIP SOURCES
- Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition
Sponsored by: Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
Award Amount: $30,000 Application Deadline: 11/1/2016
The Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition is opened to middle school and high school students.
For High School Students: You will have to write and record a 3 to 5 minute broadcast script on the subject: “My responsibility to America”
For Middle School Students: You must submit a written essay from 300 to 400 words on the subject of: “The America I Believe In”
Award for Middle School Students is $5,000
To apply click the following: Voice of Democracy
2. GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship
Sponsored by: Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute
Award Amount: Up to $40,000 Application Deadline: 1/5/2017
This scholarship honors the legacy of the nation’s 40th president, Ronald Reagan. The foundation selects numerous college bound students each year who demonstrate exemplary leadership, drive, integrity and citizenship. Recipients may receive awards in the amount of $10,000 that are renewable for up to 3 years for a total of $40,000. The award is granted for undergraduate and graduate studies. To qualify, you must be a U.S. citizen with a minimum GPA of 3.0
To Apply click the following: G-E Reagan Foundation Scholarship
3. Coca-Cola Scholars Program
Sponsored by: Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
Award Amount: $20,000 Application Deadline: 11/15/2016
This is an achievement-based scholarship opened to high school seniors who plan to pursue a degree at an accredited post-secondary institution in the United States. They must have a minimum 3.0 GPA at the end of their junior year of high school.
To apply click on the following: Coco-Cola Scholars Program
4. $20,000 Foot Locker’s Scholar Athlete Scholarship
Sponsored by: Foot-Locker Foundation
Award Amount: $20,000 Application Deadline: 12/16/2016
This scholarship award students with a $20,000 scholarship not because the student scored the game winning point but because sports have helped the student to grow into a strong leader at school and in their community.
Applicants are evaluated based on whether they have been proactive, highly motivated, inspiring, charismatic, honest, trustworthy, genuine, strong and courageous. They also have to demonstrate good sportsmanship, strong moral character, a passion and commitment to empowering their community, confidence, academic excellence and also a diverse background.
To apply click on the following: Foot Locker Scholar
5. United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP)
Sponsored by: William Randolph Hearst Foundation
Award Amount: $10,000 Application Deadline: 12/1/2016
This program provides a unique educational opportunity for high school students interested in pursuing a career in public service. Two students are chosen from each state. Students will spend a week in Washington D.C., from March 4-11, 2017, experiencing their national government in action. All transportation, hotel and meal expenses will be provided by the Hearst Foundation. In addition, each student delegate is awarded a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate studies.
High school junior and seniors can obtain an application via their high school principal, guidance counselor, or social studies teacher. They can also get an application from their state selection contact.
To find out more information and the state selection contact for your state click on the following: USSYP
6. $10,000 Academic Hero Scholarship
Sponsored by: Course Hero, Inc.
Award Amount: $10,000 Application Deadline: 11/18/2016
This scholarship contest is open to anyone 16 years of age or older who either plans to attend or is currently attending an accredited college or university. You must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and submit an essay of 500 words on the following topic: “Tell us about a time you collaborated and accomplish something greater than you could have on your own.”
To apply click on the following: Academic Hero
7. ScholarshipPoints $10,000 Scholarship
Sponsored by: ScholarshipPoints
Award Amount: $10,000 Application Deadline: 12/15/2016
This is an activity based scholarship based on the points you earn by participating in various activities: such as, reading a blog, participating in surveys, etc. There is no GPA or essay requirements associated with this scholarship.
To apply click on the following: ScholarshipPoints
8. Bluetooth Breakthrough Award
Sponsored by: Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
Award Amount: $5,000 Application Deadline: 12/16/2016
This award program is available to high school, undergraduate and graduate students. You must submit an idea, concept, or working prototype that demonstrates how life is better with bluetooth.
To get the criteria for submitting your entry click here: Bluetooth
9. The Value Penguin Scholarship
Sponsored by: Value Penguin
Award Amount: $2,000 Application Deadline: 11/10/2016
Value penguin is offering a $2,000 scholarship to eligible undergraduate students in the United States. In order to be considered a student must submit a 500 to 700 word response to each of the following:
- Students encounter financial pitfalls of all types while attending colleges and universities. Explain a situation in which you spent too much (or not enough) money on a student expense and explain the creative solution you would share with future students. This could be something you did on your own or as part of a group.
- How did you choose your college or major.
To apply click the following: Value Penguin
10. Elks Most Valuable Student Contest
Sponsored by: Elks National Foundation, Inc.
Award Amount: To $12,500 Application Deadline: 11/30/2016
The Elks National Foundation will award 500 4-year scholarships to the highest-rated applicants in the 2017 competition with awards ranging from $1,000 to $12,500 per year. Applicants will be judged on scholarship, leadership and financial need. The criteria for application is as follows:
- any high school senior who is a citizen of the United States
- applicant need not be related to a member of the Elks
- college students are not eligible
- applicant must be a citizen of the United States on the date their application was signed; permanent legal resident status does not qualify
- male and female students compete separately.
To apply click the following : Most Valuable Student
11. Avacare Medical Scholarship
Sponsored by: Avacare
Award Amount: $1,000 Application Deadline: 12/15/2016
Applicants for this scholarship must be:
- citizen of the United States or in the possession of an Alien Registration Card
- high School senior or enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university
- have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- pursuing a degree in the medical field: such as therapy, nursing, medicine, nutrition, laboratory science, dentistry, etc.
To enter students must complete a project (blog, video, or image) around the subject: “An act of kindness that inspired me”.
To apply click the following: Avacare
12. Burger King’s Scholars Program
Sponsored by: Burger King McLamore Foundation
Award Amount: To $50,000 Application Deadline: 12/15/2016
This program assist high school seniors in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada as well as employees, employees’ spouse or domestic partner, and employees’ children. They provide scholarships ranging from $1,000 up to $50,000 to help with the cost of attending college or post-secondary vocational/technical school. Applicants must have a strong academic record with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and also show a passion for serving the community.
To apply click the following: Burger King Scholars
13. Facebook Advertising Scholarship
Sponsored by: Advertisemint
Award Amount: $2,500 Application Deadline: 12/31/2016
This scholarship program was created by advertisemint to help students jump start their business while in school by utilizing Facebook advertising. Applicants must be:
- within the age range of 18 to 25 years old
- currently enrolled at an accredited high school, college, or university within the United States by the selection date or during the time of application submission
- have a GPA of 2.0 or higher
- submit one submission per person
To apply students must:
- complete a social media survey on the sponsor’s website
- create a video pitch that answers the following : (1) What is your business idea? (2) Tell us about your customers (3) What makes your business better or different? (4) How will your business idea make a positive impact on society? (5) What makes you the best choice to receive this scholarship?
To apply click the following: Facebook Advertising
14. 5 Strong Scholarship
Sponsored by: 5 Strong Scholarship Foundation
Award Amount: Varies Application Deadline: 12/31/2016
The foundation is committed to placing 5 college ready scholars on the campus of Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU). Each of the 5 Strong Scholars will receive a full tuition scholarship from one of the participating HBCUs. Participating HBCUs are Langston University, Bethune-Cookman University, Alabama A&M University and the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The 5 Strong Team supports and mentor each of their scholars throughout their college stay. Applicant must meet the following criteria:
- must be a graduating high school senior
- have a minimum 2.5 GPA and a minimum ACT score of 19 or SAT score of 920 (verbal and math only)
- must commit to attend all of the 5 Strong college prep sessions
- must reside in the metro Atlanta area (Fulton, Dekalb, Cobb, Atlanta and Clayton counties)
To apply click on the following: 5 Strong
15. Stephen J. Brady Stop Hunger Scholarship
Sponsored by: Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation
Award Amount: $5,000 Application Deadline: 12/5/2016
This scholarship recognize and reward students who have made a significant impact in the fight against hunger in the United States. Winners receive a $5,000 scholarship plus a $5,000 grant for their charity of choice.
To apply click on the following: Stop Hunger
16. Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship
Award Amount: $1,000 Application Deadline: 12/31/2016
This is a merit-based award where financial need is not considered. Selection of the winner is based on the quality of the submitted personal statement. Applicants must be:
- 9th – 12th grade high school, college or graduate student ( including adult students)
- legal resident of the United States
- currently in school or planning to start school within the next 12 months.
To apply click on the following: Gen and Kelly
17. Ron Brown Scholar Program
Award Amount: $40,000 Application Deadline: 1/9/2017
The Ron Brown Scholar Program honors the legacy of Ronald H. Brown and awards a 4 year $40,000 ($10,000 per year) scholarship to talented and economically challenged high school seniors who are interested in public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship and global citizenship. Recipients can use the scholarship to attend an accredited 4-year college or university of their choice within the United States. They are not limited to any specific field or career objective and may use the scholarship to pursue any academic discipline. Applicants must:
- be black/African American
- excel academically
- exhibit exceptional leadership potential
- participate in community service activities
- demonstrate financial need
- be a citizen of the United States or hold a permanent resident visa
- be a current high school senior at the time of application
To apply click the following: Ron Brown
18. RMHC/Scholarship
Sponsored by: Ronald McDonald House Charities
Award Amount: $25,000 Application Deadline: 1/17/2017
To be eligible an applicant must be:
- a current high school senior who is eligible to attend a 2 or 4 year college, university, or vocational/technical school
- be a legal resident of the United States
- be less than 21 years of age
- have a minimum GPA of 2.7
- reside within the geographical boundaries of a participating chapter
To apply click the following: RMHC
19. The Tom Joyner Foundation Full Ride Scholarship
Sponsored by: Tom Joyner Foundation
Award Amount: Full Tuition Application Deadline: 1/20/2017
The Full Ride Scholarship is awarded to a high school senior who will receive full tuition and a stipend to cover on-campus room and board and books at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Applicants must be:
- a citizen of the United States
- current high school senior attending school in the United States
- have a minimum high school GPA of 3.50 (on a 4.0 grade scale, excluding home school studies) and minimum SAT score of 1400 (combined math, essay and verbal score) or ACT score of 30
- apply and be accepted to an HBCU by July 1, 2017
- demonstrate leadership abilities through participation in community service, extra-curriculum or other activities
To apply click the following: Tom Joyner
20. ARC Immigrant Scholar Award
Sponsored by: Accident Recovery Center
Award Amount: $500 Application Deadline: 1/1/2017
The chiropractors of the Accident Recovery Center developed this award to support immigrants in their efforts to better their lives through education. Applicants must be:
- a current or graduating high school senior with acceptance to an accredited school or an undergraduate student at an accredited institution within the United States
- have a minimum GPA of 3.2
- submit an official high school transcript
Applicants must submit an essay which will include the following topics:
- Describe your greatest individual challenges upon arrival to this country and how you have coped with them.
- Describe your greatest achievement or proudest moment here in the United States.
- Describe your academic interest and possible career choice moving forward.
To apply click the following: ARC
21. ANS John & Muriel Landis Scholarship
Sponsored by: American Nuclear Society
Award Amount: $3,500 Application Deadline: 2/1/2017
This scholarship is administered by the American Nuclear Society’s committee. Applicants should be planning a career in nuclear science, nuclear engineering or a nuclear field and be enrolled or planning to enroll in a college or university located in the United States, but need not be a United States citizen. Qualified high school seniors are also eligible to apply. Students must have greater than average financial need.
To apply click the following: ANS
22. Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship
Sponsored by: Jackie Robinson Foundation
Award Amount: $28,000 Application Deadline: 2/15/2017
The Jackie Robinson Foundation provide scholarships of up to $28,000 to minority students showing leadership potential and demonstrating financial need. The student must be:
- a graduating high school senior
- plan to attend an accredited and approved 4-year institution in the United States
- show leadership potential
- demonstrate a dedication to community service
- show financial need
- be a citizen of the United States
- have a minimum SAT score of 1,000 (combined math and critical reading) or a composite ACT score of 21
- not possess a degree from a 2 or 4 year college when applying for the scholarship
To apply click on the following: Jackie Robinson
23. The Dream US Scholarship
Sponsored by: The Dream.US
Award Amount: To $12,500 for Associate ; To $25,00 for Bachelor Application Deadline: 3/ 18/ 2017
The Dream.US provide college scholarships to highly motivated Dreamers who want to get a college education but can’t afford the cost. The scholarship amount is intended to help cover a significant portion of the student’s tuition and fees. This scholarship is geared toward individuals who have come to the U. S. as minors, have graduated from U.S. high schools or earned a U.S. high school equivalency but lack legal status (which may prevents them from accessing any federal aid). In order to apply for the Dream.US scholarship. an individual must be Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival or Temporary Protected status. The applicant must also demonstrate significant unmet financial need and the determination to succeed in college and in life.
To apply click on the following: Dreamers
24. $1,000 You Deserve It Scholarship
Sponsored by: ScholarshipOwl
Award Amount: $1,000 Application Deadline: 11/29/2016
In order to enter the contest for this scholarship, you have to create a free account at ScholarshipOwl. Each month an award is granted to a winner.
To apply click on the following: You Deserve It
25. Science Sleuth Scholarship
Sponsored by: DoSomething.org
Award Amount: $5,000 Application Deadline: 11/30/2016
The united States has fallen behind the world in terms of science and math, so this competition gives you the chance to use your science skills to find clues that will solve a mystery at school. Eligibility criteria are:
- applicants must be 13 to 25 years of age
- residing in or hold citizenship in the United States and Canada.
To apply click on the following: Do Something
26. Driving Tests Annual Scholarship
Sponsored by: Driving Tests
Award Amount: $2,500 Application Deadline: 12/31/2016
This contest is opened to high school juniors and seniors as well as undergraduate university and community college students in the United States. Applicants must create a 2-minute video and put it online (YouTube or Vimeo) and send the link to scholarships@driving-tests.org. The video should answer the question: “How can you as a new driver help to reduce road fatalities among your peers?”
For more information click the following: Driving Tests
27. $10,000 Post To Win Scholarship
Sponsored by: GotChosen, Inc.
Award Amount: $10,000 Application Deadline: 12/31/2016
This scholarship does not require a GPA, essay or financial need requirement. To be eligible , an applicant must be 18 years of age or older and must create one post. To earn an extra entry, a participant must get 5 up votes for their post.
To apply click the following: Post
28. Beinecke Scholarship Program
Sponsored by: Beinecke Scholarship
Award Amount: $34,000 Application Deadline: 2/17/2017
The Beinecke Scholarship Program is opened to college junior students who are currently majoring in the arts, humanities, or social studies and plan to attend graduate school. Students are nominated for this award by their college or university, therefore students should contact their campus liaison for consideration.
For more information click the following: Beinecke
29. Sallie Mae $5,000 Plan For College Sweepstakes
Sponsored by: Sallie Mae
Award Amount: $5,000 Application Deadline: 11/30/2016
By registering for Sallie Mae’s free college planning tools, resources, and calculators you can enter to win their $5,000 Plan for College Sweepstakes.
To apply click the following: Plan for College
30. Teen Drive 365 Video Challenge
Sponsored by: Discovery Education and Toyota
Award Amount: $15,000 Application Deadline: 2/23/2017
This challenge is opened to students who are legal residents of one of the 50 United States and Washington D.C. Students must be at least 13 years of age and enrolled in the 9th through 12th grade at a public, parochial or home school.
According to the National Safety Council, the first year after a teen gets their license is the most dangerous year of their life. With this in mind, students are given the opportunity, via this challenge, to inspire their fellow teens on the subject of safe driving. Students will be required to create a 30-60 second video for their fellow teen drivers that highlights the importance of safe teen driving.
To apply click on the following: Teen Drivers
31. $2,000 “No Essay” College Scholarship
Sponsored by: Niche
Award Amount: $2,000 Application Deadline: 11/30/2016
Opened to all high school and college students as well as individuals looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year. No essay is required. You simply log into the sponsor’s website and create an account for your chance to win.
To apply click on the following: No Essay
32. Daniels Scholarship Program
Sponsored by: Daniels Fund
Award Amount: Varies Application Deadline: 11/30/2016
Students applying for this award must reside and attend high school in the states of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. The program provide a 4-year renewable college scholarship for graduating high school seniors who demonstrate exceptional character, leadership and a commitment to serving their community.
Students must be:
- A citizen or permanent resident of the United States
- demonstrate financial need
- earn an ACT score of at least 17 in each category (math, english, reading and science) or an SAT math score of at least 400 and critical reading score of at least 440.
To apply click on the following: Daniels
33. Education Matters Scholarship
Sponsored by: Unigo
Award Amount: $5,000 Application Deadline: 11/30/2016
Applicants must be:
- 13 years of age or older at the time of registration
- be a legal resident of one of the 50 United States or Washington D.C.
- be currently enrolled (or enrolled no later than the fall of 2022) in an accredited post-secondary institution of higher learning.
Applicants must submit an online short written response (250 words or less) to the question “What would you say to someone who thinks education doesn’t matter or that college is a waste of time?”
To apply click on the following: Education Matters
34. COTA Scholarship for Occupational Therapy Assistants
Sponsored by: OTA Guide
Award Amount: $500 Application Deadline: 12/1/2016
In an effort to meet the growing demand in the occupational therapy profession, OTA Guide is providing this scholarship to encourage more bright students along the path of becoming certified occupational therapy assistants. To apply an individual must submit a response (1,000 words minimum) to the following question:
“Using your talent and education, what is your plan to improve the world? What career and personal goals have you made for yourself and why?”
To apply click the following: COTA
35. Young Entrepreneur Award
Sponsored by: NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation
Award Amount: To $15,000 Application Deadline: 12/18/2016
The NFIB Young Entrepreneur Award was created to raise awareness among America’s youth of the critical role that private enterprise and entrepreneurship play in building our nation. The award is opened to any graduating high school senior entering their freshman year at an accredited (not for profit) 2 or 4 year university, college or vocational/technical school. Applicants must be running their own small business in order to be considered for this award.
To apply click on the following: Young Entrepreneur
36. Scholars Helping Collars Scholarship
Sponsored by: P.L.A.Y.
Award Amount: $1,000 Application Deadline: 2/15/2017
This scholarship is opened to students from across the United States. Students must be enrolled as a full-time high school junior or senior. To apply, a student must submit an essay (500-1,000 words) with 2-3 photos which demonstrate their efforts to help animals in need and how that involvement has changed their lives or shaped their perception on the importance of animal welfare.
To apply click the following: PLAY
37. U.S. Bank Financial Genius 2016 Scholarship Sweepstakes
Sponsored by: U.S. Bank
Award Amount: $500 Application Deadline: 11/30/2016
This award is opened to legal residents of the 50 United States and Washington D.C. Applicants should be at least 13 years of age or older and a current undergraduate student enrolled by September 1, 2016 at an eligible 2 or 4 year U.S. college or university.
To apply click on the following: U.S. Bank
38. ScholarshipZone $10,000 Scholarship
Sponsored by: ScholarshipZone
Award Amount: $10,000 Application Deadline: 12/31/2016
All you have to do is register at the sponsors website and you will be entered for their scholarship drawing.
To apply click on the following: ScholarshipZone
39. 1Dental Scholarship
Sponsored by: 1Dental
Award Amount: $1,000 Application Deadline: 12/21/2016
Applicant must be a high school senior, college or graduate student and be a resident of the United States. To enter for the scholarship drawing and applicant must complete a short survey on the sponsor’s website.
To apply click on the following: 1Dental
40. Crosslite Scholarship Contest
Sponsored by: Crosslite
Award Amount: $4,000 Application Deadline: 12/31/2016
This contest is opened to any student currently enrolled in a high school, college or graduate school. There is no GPA or test score requirements. To enter, students will need to submit a reflective essay (400 to 600 words) based on Dr. Parker’s quotes or messages.
To apply click on the following: Crosslite
41. John F. Kennedy’s Profile In Courage Essay Contest
Sponsored by: John F. Kennedy Library Foundation
Award Amount: $20,000 Deadline: 1/4/2017
This contest is opened to U. S. high school students in grades 9-12 attending a public, private, parochial, or home school; U.S. students under the age of 20 enrolled in high school correspondence/GED program in any of the 50 states , the district of Columbia, or the U.S. territories; and, U.S. citizens attending school overseas.
Students must submit an essay (700-1,000 words) which describes an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official who served during or after 1917, the year John F. Kennedy was born.
To apply click on the following: JFK
42. Doodle 4 Google Contest
Award Amount: $30,000 Application Deadline: 12/2/2016
Students in grades K-12 are invited to take part in the 2016 Doodle 4 Google contest and create a doodle that tells the world know the following: “What I see for the future”.
To apply click the following: D4G
Dont’ forget to sign up for email notification to be informed as we do future posts.