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40 College Scholarships for High School Juniors in 2023

What’s covered:, why scholarships matter, college scholarships for high school juniors, tips for applying for scholarships.

Think it’s too early to apply for a scholarship? If you’re a high school junior, think again. There are many college scholarships open to 11th graders and other students who aren’t yet seniors. 

So, what’s available? Here’s your guide to top scholarships for juniors.

Are you applying to schools and want to know your admissions chances? Calculate your chances right now and understand your odds before applying.

Scholarships can help offset the cost of college tuition and other expenses, such as room, board, and textbooks. Unlike loans, you don’t have to pay them back, so they can be enormously helpful to you throughout your education.

Receiving a merit scholarship is also an honor that can help you get into a college. If you receive the award as a junior, you’ll be able to include it on your college application.

It’s a good idea to start early because you’ll save time during your busy senior year. It can also give you peace of mind to know that you have supplemental income to add to your college fund. You may even be able to attend a college you may not have been able to afford otherwise.

1. Alexander Hamilton Awards

Scholarship award: $1,000

Open to: High school juniors

Thirty-five awards are given to underserved students based on academic, personal, service, and entrepreneurial accomplishments. Honorees participate in a five-year empowerment program at no cost to them. They also receive two $500 monetary awards — one at the beginning of the program and one at the end.

2. American Legion Oratorical Contest

Scholarship award: 18,000 (top prize); each state winner receives a $1,500 scholarship, and those who advance past the first round receive an additional $1,500 scholarship

Open to: High school students under age 20

This oratorical contest has a mission of instilling a deeper knowledge of and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students. Students must speak about some aspect of the Constitution and ways that citizens can serve the nation.

3. Carson Scholars

Open to: Students in grades 4-11

Carson Scholars give back to their communities through community service. They must have a minimum GPA of 3.75 and a demonstrated track record of community service. Only one student per high school may apply.

4. The Coolidge Scholarship

Scholarship award: Full ride, including tuition, room, board, and expenses for four years of undergraduate study

Open to: High school juniors 

Coolidge scholars display academic excellence and a demonstrated interest in and appreciation for public policy and the values of Calvin Coolidge. Award recipients participate in an orientation in Plymouth Notch, Vermont, the summer before their senior year of high school. They return for one week for the next three summers.

Top applicants are designated “Coolidge Senators” and are invited to participate in the Senators Summit in Washington, D.C.

5. Doodle 4 Google

Scholarship award: $30,000 plus $50,000 tech grant for the recipient’s school

Open to: K-12

Open to young artists, Google announces a theme for the competition each January and features the National Winner’s artwork on the Google homepage after the contest closes in March.

6. Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship

Scholarship award: $1,000 (first place)

Open to: Students in grades 9-12

For this scholarship, students submit a personal statement responding to a prompt or topic of their choice. Applicants may reuse an essay used for another purpose, such as a class or other scholarship application.

7. National Merit Scholarship Program

Scholarship award: $2,500

Your PSAT scores qualify you to be considered for this prestigious award. Semifinalists will complete applications through their school, once notified of their status by National Merit. Scores are ranked within states, so students from higher-scoring states are less likely to become semifinalists. Approximately 7,250 students receive scholarship awards. To learn more about the process, read How to Qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program .

8. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

Scholarship award: $5,000-$15,000

Open to: Students between the ages of 14-18

This award recognizes students for outstanding service to others at the local, state, and national levels. (Find more community service scholarships here .)

9. Samsung American Legion Scholarship

Scholarship award: $10,000 each (National Scholars, two from each region)

Open to: High school juniors and seniors

In order to qualify for this scholarship, you must have attended one session of The American Legion Boys State or American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program. You must also be a direct descendant of a wartime U.S. military veteran who served on active duty during at least one of the periods of war officially designated as eligibility dates. The scholarship is awarded based on academic record, involvement in school, and community service.

10. United States Senate Youth Program

Scholarship award: $10,000

Open to: Rising high school juniors and seniors

Students apply for this competition by contacting their state selection coordinators. They must display leadership by serving in an elected or appointed position within an organization related to student government, education, public affairs, or community service. Two student leaders from each state, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity school system, will spend a week in Washington, DC.

11. Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Science Competition

Open to: Students in grades K-12 (separated by age groups)

Students submit projects that show engagement in real-world problem-solving with a strong emphasis on STEM. All entries must include an abstract, description, bibliography, and five sample web pages.

For more STEM scholarships, check out A Guide to STEM Scholarships .

12. Voice of Democracy Youth Scholars

Scholarship award: $35,000 (first place)

Students produce an audio-essay to respond to a theme regarding their democratic and patriotic values.

13. “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

Scholarship award: $25,000

Open to: All students 

Students at all education levels from high school to graduate school are challenged to create the boldest profile according to these characteristics: earnest, determined, and moving. Carpe diem—preference is given to applicants who apply early. 

14. $1,000 Cappex Easy College Money Scholarship

Open to: High school, community college, and college students 

Truly an easy scholarship to apply for, the short, simple-to-fill-out application asks a few basic questions such as your GPA, the colleges you’re considering applying to, and what you intend to major in. 

15. The Fountainhead Essay Contest

Scholarship award: $5,000 first place, $1,250 second place, and $250 third place 

Open to: 11th and 12th graders 

Perfect for students who love to read, write, and think about books, the Fountainhead Essay contest challenges applicants to write an 800 to 1,600-word essay about Ayn Rand’s novel, The Fountainhead . 

16. SelectBlinds $1,000 Scholarship

Open to: High school and college students 

Show off your innovative spirit and highlight what you’re passionate about for the opportunity to win this $1,000 award. To enter, share a unique way to use window coverings (other than covering windows) or highlight a technology that you think can improve window coverings. Additionally, applicants are asked to submit a 250 to 750-word essay answering one of five prompts. 

17. Unigo Flavor of the Month Scholarship

Scholarship award: $1,500

Open to: Students ages 14+

Ice cream lovers and creative writers rejoice—there’s a scholarship just for you! To enter, submit an essay no longer than 250 words answering the question: “If you were an ice cream flavor, which would you be and why?” 

18. American College Foundation Visionary Scholarship

Scholarship award: $5,000

Open to: High school students in grades 9-12 

Write a 500-word essay on why college is important to you, and submit your most recent high school transcript for a chance to win this robust award. Financial need is not considered when choosing a winner, but punctuation, grammar, ability to follow guidelines, originality, and overall quality are—so be sure to submit your best work.  

19. The Christian Connector Scholarship

Scholarship award : $5,000 

Open to: High school students with interest in attending a Christian college or university

A can’t-miss scholarship opportunity for students thinking about attending a Christian college, university, or Bible college, simply fill out the form on their website to put yourself in the running for this award. Note, the scholarship can only be used at qualifying schools—any school that is a member of the CCCU , NACCAP , or ABHE automatically qualifies.

20. CollegeXpress One Question Scholarship  

Scholarship award: $1,000 or $10,000

Open to: Students ages 13+ 

Applicants must fill out a registration form and answer the following question in one sentence: “What is your favorite college mascot?”

21. Courageous Persuaders Video Scholarship Competition

Scholarship award: $2,000 grand prize 

Open to: High school students

Create a 30-second (or shorter) commercial delivering a message about the dangers of drinking or texting while driving—the grand prize-winning video will be run on television. Looking for ideas? Check out last year’s winning video . 

22. Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) Americanism Essay Contest

Scholarship award: $1,500 grand prize 

Open to: Grades 7-12

The FRA—a group representing the sea Services: U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard—welcomes students to write a 350-word essay promoting the spirit of Americanism and patriotism. Submissions must be made through an FRA member of a local FRA branch. If you’re looking for inspiration, you can find past winning essays on the FRA’s website . 

23. Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes

Open to: Students ages 8 to 18

A scholarship for inspiring, public-spirited young people, the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes rewards students who have positively impacted their community and environment. Past winners of the award have organized and led extraordinary service activities, and demonstrate characteristics such as positivity, courage, generosity, and high moral purpose. 

24. Jane Austen Society of North America (JANSA) Essay Contest

Open to: High school students in grades 9-12

Literature lovers will welcome this opportunity to win an award for college. To compete, write an essay on a work of Jane Austen’s (the topic changes yearly; 2020’s contest is focused on her female villains). In addition to a scholarship, winners also receive a one-year JANSA membership, a set of Norton Critical Editions of Jane Austen’s novels, and their winning essay is published on JANSA’s website.

25. The James Alan Cox Foundation for Student Photojournalists

Open to: High school students, college students, and graduate students 

Tell a story with still photography—think newspaper, not art gallery—to earn a chance at a $2,500 scholarship from the James Alan Cox Foundation for Student Photojournalists. In addition to their photo submission, applicants are asked to include an essay, two letters of recommendation, their transcript, and a portfolio. 

26. Annual DNA Day Essay Contest

Scholarship award: $1,000 for first place and a $1,000 genetics material grant for winner’s school; $600 for second place and a $600 genetics material grant for winner’s school; $400 for third place and a $400 genetics material grant for winner’s school; $100 for ten honorable mentions

The American Society of Human Genetics hosts an annual scholarship competition to support National DNA Day. Students must write an essay that answers a unique question each year that displays an understanding of important concepts in genetics.

27. Teen Entrepreneur Scholarship

Scholarship award: $3,200

Are you a young entrepreneur or interested in starting a business one day? The Teenage Entrepreneur Society is awarding one high school student $3,200 to further your education or business. To apply, you must talk about the support systems in your life that have helped you succeed in entrepreneurship.

28. $500 High School Junior Scholarship

Scholarship award: $500

Are you a high school junior in the Class of 2023? If so, this might be the easiest scholarship you apply for. Visit niche.com , create an account, and you’ll be entered to win $500! If you win, you can use the money to pay for the college search process or apply the funds to your future education expenses.

29. CollegeXpress “Grill & Chill” Scholarship

CollegeXpress’s “Grill and Chill” Scholarship has a quick and easy application process. Simply answer one question—“What’s your favorite summertime food?”–in one sentence for your chance at winning a $1,000 scholarship. 

30. Americans United’s Student Essay Contest

Scholarship award: $1,500 for first place, $1,000 for second place, and $500 for third place

This annual essay contest by Americans United challenges students to write a 750 to 1,000-word essay about why religious freedom and the separation of church and state is important for them and their communities.

31. Speak Up! Scholarship

Scholarship award: $2,000

The National Society of High School Scholars is awarding five students involved in communications classes like Yearbook, Public Speaking, or Visual Design a $2,000 scholarship. Students must answer the following two questions in a 500 to 800-word essay: “What do you think are the most important aspects of clear and effective communication? What have you done to practice and perfect the art of communications?”

32. Claes Nobel Good Earth Sustainability Scholarship

The National Society of High School Scholars is awarding five students with a passion for sustainability, conservation, and preserving the Earth a $2,000 scholarship. Students must answer the following question in a 500 to 800-word essay: “Mr. Claes Nobel said: ‘I hope soon, you shall gain a new world view that fosters global stability and the cultivation of love and virtue.’ What do you think Mr. Nobel meant by this statement, and what does it mean to you personally?”

33. Annual Catholic College Scholarship

Open to: High school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors

The $2,000 Catholic College Scholarship Drawing is open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors interested in attending a Catholic college or university.

34. Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship

Open to: High school students, undergraduate students, graduate students

To raise awareness about technology addiction, Digital Responsibility requests students to answer this prompt in 140 characters: “Instead of spending time with technology, I’d rather…” Ten finalists selected will be asked to write a 500 to 1,000-word essay about technology addiction, and the winner will receive the $1,000 scholarship.

35. Minecraft Scholarship

Open to: High school and college students

Do you love playing Minecraft? If so, this annual scholarship awarded by Apex Hosting is the perfect opportunity for you. To enter, students with a 3.0 or higher GPA must write a 500-word essay about how Minecraft can positively influence the future of education and the workforce.

36. UniMovers Working Student Scholarship

Open to: College-bound seniors, college students, and non-traditional students

UniMovers understands the challenges of balancing school and work, so they want to award working students a $1,000 scholarship. To enter, students must write an essay about how they represent one of the core values of UniMovers in both their personal and professional life.

37. Phyliss J. McCarthy Scholarship for Excellence in Writing

Open to: High school juniors or seniors

A scholarship for aspiring writers, the Phyliss J. McCarthy Scholarship by Learncurious is offering one grand-prize winner a scholarship of $1,000 for answering one of three prompts in a 2,000-word essay.

38. Courage to Grow Scholarship

This scholarship that renews each month is simple—students must explain why they believe they should be awarded the scholarship in 250 words or less. Students must be juniors or seniors in high school with at least a 2.5 GPA.

39. NSHSS-DECA ICDC Conference Scholarship

Students who are members of both the National Society of High School Scholars and the Distributive Education Clubs of America can apply for this scholarship. Students must also have at least a 3.5 GPA and an interest in pursuing a career in marketing, finance, hospitality, or business. The scholarship requires one 500-word personal statement that asks students to describe their career plans and explain how DECA and NSHSS have prepared them to succeed.

40. Walgreens Expressions Challenge

Scholarship award: $2,000 (first place)

High school students between the ages of 13 and 18 are invited to create an artistic project about anything that is having an impact on them. Students can enter the contest as individuals or in groups of up to five people in total.

41 (Bonus). CollegeVine Scholarships

Amount: $2,000

Deadline: Quarterly

Eligibility: high school student and US resident

Application Requirements: create a free CollegeVine account or fill out chancing profile if you already have an account. 

CollegeVine provides a quarterly, no-essay scholarship of $2,000. All you have to do is sign up for a free account, which allows you to see your chances of acceptance at 1,600+ schools, get your essays reviewed by a peer, ask questions in our community forum, and more. If you already have an account, just make sure your chancing profile is filled out.

Awards will be paid out directly to students to help them cover any educational costs. Learn more about the CollegeVine scholarships .

Explore your options.

There are many other niche scholarships and resources available. Do your research to find find scholarships that are most applicable to your interests and strengths. The more specific the scholarship, the better your chances of winning. Similarly, local awards are easier to win than big, national competitions.

Know the terminology.

A need-based scholarship is awarded based on demonstrated financial need. A merit-based scholarship is awarded based on academic or extracurricular talents. Most external scholarships, such as the ones listed above, are merit scholarships, though some do take into account a student’s financial need.

The best way to win merit scholarships, however, is not by applying to external scholarships. You’re much more likely to win more scholarship money by applying to lower-ranked schools where your profile is especially strong. 

Read the rules carefully.

An error can lead to your disqualification from a scholarship. Make sure you understand all the rules and submit all the necessary components. Be sure to submit them before the deadline as well!

Want access to expert college guidance? When you create your free CollegeVine account, you will find out your real admissions chances, build a best-fit school list, learn how to improve your profile, and get your questions answered by experts and peers—all for free. Sign up for your CollegeVine account today to get a boost on your college journey.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

25 Scholarships for High School Juniors to Apply for Right Now

Most people think of college prep as a task reserved for high school seniors, but junior year is arguably the better time to begin. After all, senior year can get extremely busy. Between finals, SAT prep, and college visits, high school seniors don’t usually have the time they need to devote to scholarships, since they’re bogged down by the college application process . Plus, there are a number of great scholarships available to students in their junior year or younger. That means that if you wait too long to start applying for scholarships, you could be missing out on free money. 

If you’re ready to get a head start on college prep, check out this list of 25 scholarships for high school juniors just like you. 

1. The Paradigm Challenge

Amount: Up to $100,000

Provider: Project Paradigm

Eligibility Requirements :

• Ages 4 to 18

Application Requirements: Work sample, bio

The Paradigm Challenge is a unique opportunity to help solve some of the world’s biggest problems — and to earn a good chunk of change to put toward college costs. Each year, the challenge invites students from ages four to 18 to think outside the box. Your application can address problems in any of the following areas: home fires, waste reduction, personal health, food security, or biodiversity. You can either work in a team or alone, and your entry can be any medium, from a traditional essay to a video or mobile app. Each year, 100 finalists receive awards ranging from $200 to $100,000. 

2. Breakthrough Junior Challenge

Amount: $50,000

Provider: Khan Academy

• Ages 13 to 18

Application Requirements: Video essay

If you’re a high school junior who loves physics, math, or life sciences, take a look at the Breakthrough Junior Challenge . One of the top scholarships on our list in terms of dollar value, this competition asks curious high school students to create a 90-second video explaining a complex topic in one of the aforementioned fields. The winner will receive a $50,000 college scholarship as well as a $50,000 award for their teacher and a $100,000 grant to put toward a new science lab for their school. Your video can be in whatever format you wish: live-action, animation, or documentary. Entries will be judged according to several criteria, including the creativity of the video and the complexity of the subject covered. 

3. Davidson Fellows Scholarship

Amount: Up to $50,000

Provider: Davidson Institute

• 18 years of age or younger

Application Requirements: Letter of recommendation, personal statement, work sample, bio

The Davidson Fellows Scholarship is essentially a prestigious science fair for high-achieving high school students. To apply, you’ll have to submit a project in one of these categories: science, technology, engineering, mathematics, literature, music, or philosophy. Your project must have the potential to make a significant impact in its field and to benefit society in some way. (Unfortunately, artistic submissions like photography, art, or film proposals are not permitted). Students can apply on their own or in teams of two. Each year, three top winners take home $50,000, $25,000, and $10,000, respectively. 

4. VFW Voice of Democracy National Audio Essay

Amount: Up to $35,000

Provider: Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

• Enrolled in high school

Application Requirements: Audio essay

The Voice of Democracy National Audio Essay is sponsored by Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), a nonprofit organization that advocates for veterans. VFW designed this college scholarship program for lovers of American history and policy. While the exact theme changes each year, the essay prompt always asks students to reflect on a topic like American politics, war history, or the role of veterans in American society. To apply, you’ll have to submit a three- to five-minute audio essay on the topic of the year. (For this year’s topic and detailed submission instructions, check the VFW website .)

5. Doodle for Google

Amount: Up to $30,000

Provider: Google

• Currently enrolled in an elementary, middle, or high school

Application Requirements: Work sample

Often catch yourself doodling in the margins of your notes? Put those artistic skills to good use by applying for the Doodle for Google scholarship contest . Open to current students enrolled in grades K-12, this competition evaluates original illustrations for use on Google’s homepage. Top prize winners will receive $30,000 to help pay for their undergraduate studies. Your work will be judged based on its artistic merit, creativity, and how well your drawing communicates your chosen theme.

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6. “Be Bold” No Essay Scholarship

Amount: $25,000

Provider: Bold.org

• Enrolled or planning to enroll in a college or university

Application Requirements: None

The founders of scholarship platform Bold.org are on a mission to help students tackle the next step of their education without taking on undue student debt. That’s where their “Be Bold” No Essay Scholarship comes in. This scholarship program is open to high school students (and current college students) of all ages. All you have to do to apply is create a profile on Bold.org and fill it out with the facts and perspectives that make you unique. This selection committee won’t look at your GPA or test scores; they only care that your profile is interesting and unique. 

7. Live Más Scholarship

Provider: Taco Bell

• Ages16 to 26

Taco Bell’s annual Live Más Scholarship isn’t a needs-based or merit-based scholarship; instead, it’s awarded based entirely on passion. To win, applicants must create a video about their personal passion and explain how a college education will help them pursue it. Your video must be between 30 seconds and two minutes. Everything else is up to you. This scholarship is open to high school juniors and seniors, undergrads, and graduate students. As long as you’re younger than 26 years of age, you’re welcome to apply. 

8. Eon Essay Contest Award

Amount: Up to $15,000

Provider: Eon

• Enrolled in a high school, college, or university
• 13 years of age or older

Application Requirements: Essay

If you’ve always been partial to writing book reports, the Eon Essay Contest Award is for you. Open to a wide range of students (including those in their junior year of high school), this scholarship asks applicants to read a book called The Precipice . You’ll then need to write a 1,200-word essay about a dream piece of technology that could transform the world. If you can’t find the book at your local library, you can reach out to the scholarship provider via their website to get a free copy. 

9. Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship

Amount: $10,000

Provider: Prudent Publishing Company

• Currently enrolled in a high school, college, or university
• 14 years of age or older

Greeting cards have the power to connect, motivate, and inspire. So does higher education. As an ode to those shared missions, the Prudent Publishing Company founded its Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship to help students earn money toward their college tuition. To enter the contest, submit a piece of original artwork designed to be the front of a greeting card. You could win $10,000 to fund your own education, as well as $1,000 for your school. (Both high school students and undergraduate students are welcome to apply.)

10. Profile in Courage Essay Contest

Amount: Up to $10,000

Provider: John F. Kennedy Library Foundation

• Currently enrolled in high school 
• 20 years of age or younger

Application Requirements: Letter of recommendation, essay

John F. Kennedy was a beloved and courageous American leader. In his honor, the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation created its annual high school scholarship, the Profile in Courage Essay Contest . To apply, you’ll write a 700- to 1,000-word essay about an act of political courage by an elected leader between 1917 and today. As you might expect of a library-sponsored essay contest, a little research is required: you must cite a minimum of five sources in your essay. (You’ll also need to include a bibliography as part of your scholarship application.) This selection committee encourages students to choose original subjects. Try researching political leaders from your hometown to discover exciting, untold stories of courage. Going the extra mile could pay off big: the winner will take home $10,000 to put toward their college tuition. 

11. Sean Carroll’s Mindscape Big Picture Scholarship

Provider: Sean Caroll

Application Requirements: Transcript, essay

Sean Caroll, a physicist, philosopher, and host of the Mindscape podcast, lives to help people understand and appreciate the complexity of our universe. Now, he wants to help students with similar interests pay for their higher education. Open to all current students, the Sean Carroll’s Mindscape Big Picture Scholarship will grant two $10,000 scholarships. To win, you must demonstrate a deep passion for a field that seeks to understand and explain human existence. You’ll have the chance to explain that passion in your essay: simply write 1,500 words on why you think it’s important to comprehend the vastness of our universe.

12. Little Bird Scholarship for LGBTQI Immigrants

Amount: $18,000

Provider: Stonewall Community Foundation

• New York City resident
• Enrolled full-time as a high school junior or senior 
• Lack a U.S. citizenship, green card, or F-1 visa
• Identify as LGBTQ+

Application Requirements: Transcript, letter of recommendation, essay

The Little Bird Scholarship for LGBTQI Immigrants is a top scholarship program for current juniors in high school who are not legal residents of the U.S. To apply, you must be both undocumented and identify as LGBTQI. This scholarship award is sponsored by the Stonewall Community Foundation, a non-profit focused on supporting and advocating for anyone who identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ spectrum. The Stonewall Community Foundation also understands that some of these topics and documents might be sensitive; so all materials will be kept confidential, and applicants are not required to provide any information that makes them feel unsafe. 

13. KASF Scholarship

Amount: Up to $5,000

Provider: Korean American Scholarship Foundation

• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Korean or Korean American

Application Requirements: Transcript

The Korean American Scholarship Foundation (KASF) is a non-profit organization that exists to help Korean and Korean American students pursue higher education. KASF is organized into seven different chapters, and each one sponsors scholarships for the residents of its corresponding region. The KASF Scholarship is open to currently enrolled, full-time high school students of all ages. The award amount and submission details vary by region. (Students can find information for their region on KASF’s website .) 

14. Jameela Jamil x I Weigh Scholarship

Amount: $5,000

Provider: Jameela Jamil

Jameela Jamil is an actress and activist known for elevating underrepresented voices and supporting radical inclusivity. To extend this mission to the next generation, she’s created the Jameela Jamil x I Weigh Scholarship . Open to students of all ages, the award will give out three $5,000 prizes. To win, applicants must write a compelling essay about a time when they showed up to support a community or individual and the impact that that experience had on them personally. This selection committee puts a premium on originality: applicants are encouraged to include original artwork or other content along with their essay.

15. National High School Essay Contest

Amount: Up to $2,500 

Provider: American Foreign Service Association

• Currently enrolled as a high school student

Interested in government, history, or travel? Then don’t sleep on the National High School Essay Contest . This exciting scholarship opportunity is sponsored by the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), a nonprofit that aids the U.S. Foreign Service (USFS) in its mission to deploy diplomats and support peacemaking around the world. As the USFS gets ready to celebrate its 100th birthday, it’s asking applicants to write about an important event in the past 100 years of American foreign policy. Students’ essays should analyze an event between 1924 and today in fewer than 1,500 words. The author of the winning essay will receive a $2,500 scholarship — as well as full tuition for an AFSA-organized “Semester at Sea” voyage. Winners will also be sent to Washington D.C. (all expenses paid) to meet with a member of the State Department. 

16. National Merit Scholarship Program

Amount: Up to $2,500

Provider: National Merit Scholarship Corporation

• Currently enrolled in high school
• Have taken the PSAT 

Application Requirements: PSAT scores

The National Merit Scholarship Program is one of the best-known scholarship competitions for high school juniors — and one of the most compelling reasons to take the PSAT during your junior year of high school. That’s because anyone who takes the PSAT is automatically entered to win this prestigious award. If you’re interested in being considered, contact your guidance counselor to ensure that your school offers the PSAT (or make other arrangements to take it). The top 50,000 highest PSAT scorers will qualify for recognition. The NMSC will then narrow this pool down to 15,000 finalists. From here, winners will be chosen based upon a students’ PSAT scores, high school grades, recommendations, essays, and resumes. But you don’t have to earn finalist status to benefit: every student who makes it past the first round will be eligible for additional special scholarships .

17. $2,000 Protestant Faith-Based College Scholarship

Amount: $2,000

Provider: The Christian Connector, Inc.

• Current high school student
• 13 years or older
• Planning to attend a Protestant faith-based college or university

If you’re a high school student hoping to attend a Christian college or university, the $2,000 Protestant Faith-Based College Scholarship should be on your list. Since winners are chosen via a random drawing, the application process is simple. All you need to do is sign up for Christian Connector, a platform that aggregates information about Christian and Bible colleges, and you’ll automatically be entered to win. High school juniors and other aspiring college students are welcome to apply.

18. SolidEssay Scholarship Essay Contest

Amount: Up to $1,000 

Provider: SolidEssay

The SolidEssay Scholarship Essay Contest is a fun, stress-free scholarship opportunity for students of all grades and achievement levels. There’s no minimum GPA or other eligibility requirements. To apply, you’ll just need to write a 600- to 800-word essay answering one of three prompts. This scholarship selection committee prioritizes originality, creativity, and individuality, so feel free to let loose and be yourself. Write about what makes you different, and express your unique perspective. 

19. The Cynthia E. Morgan Memorial Scholarship Fund

Amount: $1,000

Provider: The Cynthia E. Morgan Scholarship Fund

• Maryland resident
• Currently enrolled as a high school junior or senior, attending a four-year college or university, or attending a trade school or medical school
• Be the first person in your immediate family to attend higher education
• Planning to enter a medical or medical-related field

Application Requirements: Proof of acceptance/enrollment, essay

The Cynthia E. Morgan Memorial Scholarship Fund is named for a courageous student who lost her life to stomach cancer. The award was designed to assist deserving first-generation college students from Maryland in paying for their higher education. To apply, students should write an essay about their future goals, career plans, and why they’d be an excellent candidate . One deserving student will take home the $1,000 award.

20. The Hamilton Award

Provider: Alexander Hamilton Scholars

• Currently enrolled as a high school junior
• Household adjusted gross income of less than $100,000

Application Requirements: Transcript, letter of recommendation, tax returns, SAT and/or ACT scores, essay, list of extracurricular activities, list of honors and awards

The Alexander Hamilton Scholars Program is a five-year, needs-based program that helps high-achieving students transition from high school to college and beyond. The Hamilton Award itself is given out in two installments: $500 at the beginning of the program and $500 at the end of the five years. Hamilton Award recipients will also receive a laptop to help with their studies. To be eligible, students must attend the New York Leader Week in NYC, which is held annually in June (a virtual option will also be made available due to the Covid-19 pandemic.) 

21. Don’t Text and Drive Scholarship

Provider: Digital Responsibility

• Enrolled or planning to enroll in a high school, college, or university

Application Requirements: Personal statement

Getting a driver’s license is an exciting milestone for many high school sophomores and juniors. But getting behind the wheel comes with a lot of responsibility. To help encourage smart driving habits, Digital Responsibility (a nonprofit created by Silicon Valley executives to educate the public on the impacts of tech) sponsors the annual Don’t Text and Drive Scholarship . To apply, you’ll write a 140-character response to the prompt “​​I pledge to not text and drive because…” If you’re selected as a finalist, you’ll then be asked to write a 500- to 1000-word essay about texting and driving. From here, one winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship. 

22. Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship

According to the Pew Research Center , 95% of teenagers in 2022 have access to a smartphone, and 54% of teens say it would be hard to give up social media. Digital Responsibility wants to talk about our collective obsession with being online and how to fix it. That’s why they sponsor the Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship , which is open to students of all ages. Similar to their scholarship to end texting and driving, the only entry requirement is a 140-character statement answering the following prompt: “Instead of spending time with technology, I’d rather…” One finalist will take home the $1,000 prize.

23. Patricia W. Edwards Memorial Art Scholarship

Amount: Up to $500

Provider: Rhode Island Foundation

• Rhode Island resident
• Currently enrolled as a high school freshman, sophomore, or junior 
• Declared interest in visual arts

Sponsored by the Rhode Island Foundation — which aims to strengthen the state of Rhode Island through investments in education — the Patricia W. Edwards Memorial Art Scholarship is given annually to a high school student with an interest in visual arts. The scholarship is designed to fund an art class to further the winner’s practice at a Rhode Island-based arts institution. Note that while artists of all disciplines are welcome to apply, the selection committee prioritizes students interested in painting. 

24. Courage to Grow Scholarship

Amount: $500

Provider: CourageToGrowScholarship.com

• Minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
• Currently enrolled as a high school junior or senior

Making the leap from high school to college can feel overwhelming, especially if you come from a family with financial need. That’s why the Courage to Grow Scholarship was created. This $500 award helps offset the burden of student loans to enable students to realize their educational dreams. To apply, you’ll write an essay about why you deserve this award and how you’ll put the scholarship money to good use. 

25. Going Merry No Essay Scholarship

Amount: $250

Provider: Going Merry

Going Merry is an online platform that makes it easier for students to find and apply for scholarships. To further that mission, we’ve created our own scholarship. The Going Merry No Essay Scholarship is given out four times a year, which means you’ll have eight opportunities to win if you start applying as a junior. There’s no essay, and you’ll need to meet very few requirements to apply. After signing up for Going Merry, you’ll answer a few questions to fill out a basic profile. That will both enter you into the scholarship contest, and help you get automatically matched to hundreds of other scholarship opportunities that you’re eligible for. You’ll also gain access to other seasonal Going Merry scholarships, none of which require an essay or specific GPA. 

Get matched to scholarships with Going Merry

The college admissions process takes a lot of time and energy. From filling out the FAFSA to preparing for the SAT or ACT , there are a ton of tasks to complete before graduation. The easiest way to reduce stress and set yourself up for success is to get started early. 

To that end, it’s best to start applying for scholarships during your junior year of high school. Scholarships can help you avoid student loans, beef up your resume, score internships, and connect you with important organizations. And the best way to find those high-dollar scholarships? Sign up for Going Merry.  At Going Merry, we use your unique profile to find and organize top scholarships that you’re already eligible for. We also help you keep track of application deadlines and allow you to apply for multiple awards at once. Simplify your college application process and scholarship search today by signing up for a free Going Merry account .

• Recent Posts

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Ready to find scholarships that are a match for you?

The Top Scholarships for High School Juniors with Upcoming Deadlines in 2024

Overcoming Adversity Cariño Scholarship

Eligibility criteria:.

• State : Washington
• Education Level : High school student
• Ethnicity : Latinx

Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship

Dr. Edward V. Chavez Athletic Memorial Scholarship

• Background : Has lost one or both parents
• Passion : Sports

“I Matter” Scholarship

• Background : Low-income and/or BIPOC

Isaac Yunhu Lee Memorial Arts Scholarship

• Education Level : High school junior or senior, undergraduate
• Background : Low-income
• Major : Arts

Jessie Koci Future Entrepreneurs Scholarship

• Education Level : High school senior or freshman in college
• Career Goal : Future entrepreneur

Big Heart Scholarship

• School : Bethel Park High School
• Education Level : High school

Youth Equine Service Scholarship

• Experience : Has volunteered with a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
• Background : Loves working with horses

Dr. Rajesh Aggarwal Scholarship for Scientific Studies

• Education Level : High school junior or senior
• Financial Status : Low-income
• GPA : 3.0 or higher
• Field of Interest : Science
• Location : Massachusetts, New Jersey

Nicholas Hamlin Tennis Memorial Scholarship

• Sports Experience : Tennis

“Equal Opportunity” Scholarship

Walters Family Oak Grove High School Scholarship

• State : North Carolina
• Educational Level : High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate

American Dream Scholarship

• Citizenship Status : Non-citizen
• Background : Community service or volunteering experience

Jared Ethan Trueba Memorial Scholarship

• State : New Mexico

Excel Never Equal Scholarship

• Education Level : Undergraduate student
• Background : Substantial financial need
• School : North Carolina A&T

Audrey Claire Todd Memorial Scholarship

• High school attended : Castle View High School

Sammy Meckley Memorial Scholarship

• State : Maryland
• Experience : Involved in extracurricular activities

Sean Flynn Memorial Scholarship

• State : Pennsylvania

Gomez Family Legacy Scholarship

• Background : First-generation and/or low-income
• Ethnicity : Hispanic
• State : Texas

Desiree Jeana Wapples Scholarship for Young Women

• Education Level : High school senior
• Gender : Female
• State : Virginia

Bald Eagle Scholarship

• Education Level : High school or undergraduate student
• Background : Family hardship (single-parent household, a widowed household, an immigrant family, a family who's experienced medical hardship, etc.)

Virginia Jeanette Drummond Kissane Women in STEM Memorial Scholarship

• Education Level : High school or undergraduate
• Major : STEM
• Gender : Woman
• Alumnae of School : Girls Middle School of Palo Alto, or of Presentation High School of San Jose, California

Bros for Good Scholarship

• State : Ohio
• Background : Volunteering or community service experience

John J Costonis Scholarship

RAD Scholarship

• Education Level : High School, Undergraduate or Graduate
• Career of Interest : Must be interested in improving overall road safety for pedestrians and cyclists via your career

Joan Free Thompson Scholarship

• School : Star City High School, Dumas High School, or McGehee High School
• Race/Ethnicity : BIPOC
• State : Arkansas

Grady Reese Memorial Scholarship

• School : Lakeville North High School (MN)

Resilient Scholar Award

• Background : Single-parent and/or guardian household

Lieba’s Legacy Scholarship

• Major : Psychology or Social Work
• Education Level : Undergraduate

Big Picture Scholarship

• Education level : High School Junior or Senior

About scholarships for high school juniors

As a high school junior, this year is the most important year of your high school career. It’s the year when you start to seriously think about college and how well you perform as a third-year is a good barometer of what your college prospects may look like.

Another very important factor in the college admissions process is how affordable it is. College tuition prices have grown steadily over the years, caus ing 80% of h igh school seniors to choose a college for its financial portfolio rather than the education they may receive.

With that in mind, it’s never too early to start looking for scholarships to help fund your college education. 25% of college costs are covered by scholarships and grants. These are resources you simply cannot pass up and must be aware of as high schoolers and future college students.

Going to college is a great investment, but it comes with a heavy financial burden that many high school students aren't aware of until it's too late. Help yourself lessen that burden by taking advantage of these scholarships.

To make things easier for you, we’ve assembled this scholarship list exclusively for high school juniors to prepare for their senior year and beyond. These scholarships are unique to Bold.org , an independent scholarship program dedicated to making higher education more accessible. Click on any one of the featured scholarships to get started and begin submitting those applications today! Or sign up here and check which scholarships you are eligible to apply for right now.

Also, c lick here to view our full list of scholarships for high school students .

Why are scholarships important for high school juniors?

Students have several options to reduce their college costs, such as financial aid and scholarships offered through their college as well as aid from the government through the FAFSA . Unfortunately, these resources often don’t go far enough when it comes to financing a stude nt’s education, leading to the average college graduate taking on over $30,000 in debt.

Holding so much debt exacerbates the stress that graduates face when entering the workforce. Graduates have very little time to secure a job that pays well enough not only to afford housing and other needs, but also to make their student loan payments. For high school juniors, scholarships can be an essential part of reducing or eliminating the need for student loans, allowing an easy transition into the job market after college. 

How to qualify for scholarships for high school juniors

Junior year of high school can be a stressful time. Between taking standardized tests and starting to decide which colleges you want to apply to, you may start feeling the stress that comes with the college search process. At Bold.org , we're here to help reduce the stress of your college journey. To qualify for our scholarships, just check out the requirements below.

Make sure you're meeting the education level requirements of scholarships

When browsing through scholarships, you can filter to find scholarships open to high school students. However, some high school scholarships are only open to high school seniors, so make sure the scholarships you're applying for are open to students in their junior year of high school. 

Read the eligibility requirements of the scholarships you're applying for

Additionally, some scholarships will have additional eligibility requirements beyond your level of education. Make sure you meet the other eligibility criteria that a scholarship may have, such as fields of interest, race, gender, or extracurricular experience. Additionally, some merit scholarships will have minimum GPA requirements, so be sure to check that you qualify before beginning your application.

Make sure you're planning to enroll in an accredited college in the future

If you win a scholarship through Bold.org as a high school student, we will hold the money for you until you begin college. Then, once you enroll, we send the award directly to your school. So, you must be planning on pursuing higher education in order to win a scholarship.

Types of scholarships available for high school juniors

Many companies and individual donors aim to help high school students afford college, so you will find a wide range of scholarships for high school students on Bold.org. You can find no-essay scholarships and essay-based scholarships related to certain fields of study, hobbies, and interests.

How to find scholarships for high school juniors

To find scholarships for students in their junior year of high school, go to the scholarship list on Bold.org and filter by education level to find scholarships open to high school students. Then, go through the eligibility requirements and scholarship descriptions to find scholarships that are good matches for you.

When to start applying for scholarships

Junior year is a great time to start applying for scholarships, but you can begin applying at any point in high school. The earlier you start, the more time you have to apply for and win scholarships.

It's never too late to begin your scholarship search, so don't be discouraged if you're just beginning. Many college students and even graduate students are just beginning to apply for scholarships.

42 Scholarships for High School Juniors

Scholarships for High School Juniors: Introduction

As a junior, college financial planning may not be at the forefront of your mind. However, it’s never too early to start preparing for college. With rising college costs, you may wonder if there are opportunities to secure money for college even before you begin the application process. That’s where scholarships for high school juniors come in.

There are many ways to win free money for college, even before your senior year. In fact, you might be surprised by just how many scholarships for high school students are out there. Some scholarships are open to students of different grades and ages, while others are considered scholarships for high school juniors only.

Merit scholarships for high school juniors can help alleviate worries about the cost of college. These scholarships can be an important part of your college financial planning. If you’re not sure what scholarships websites to visit or where to start looking for scholarships for high school juniors, you’re in the right place.

This guide to scholarships for high school juniors covers:

• Our top 25 scholarships for high school juniors

Easy scholarships for juniors in high school

Unusual scholarships for juniors in high school.

• Scholarships for high school juniors in California
• Scholarships for high school juniors in Texas
• The best full ride scholarships for high school students, and more!

Different scholarships for juniors in high school will have varying requirements. So, you may not be eligible for every scholarship. That’s why we’ve provided over 40 college scholarships for high school juniors to choose from.

Can you get a scholarship in high school?

In short, yes, you can absolutely get a scholarship in high school. While it may feel early to start thinking about the cost of college, you’re likely already eligible to apply to a ton of different scholarships for juniors in high school.

Different scholarships have different eligibility requirements, and some scholarships and contests are open to students as early as middle school. However, the bulk of scholarships target students in 11th and 12th grades,. This means there are plenty of scholarships for high school juniors to apply to.

Most high school scholarships are only available to students in certain grades. If you do a scholarship search, you’ll find many scholarships for high school juniors.

Sometimes, merit scholarships for high school juniors may come directly from specific colleges and universities. In these cases, schools provide merit aid to students to encourage high-achieving students to enroll. Here, however, we’ll largely focus on scholarships provided through external organizations. Most scholarships for juniors in high school fall into this category. 

Are there scholarships for juniors in high school?

There are plenty of scholarships for juniors in high school available. Most scholarships for juniors in high school are granted through external organizations. These include charities and private foundations. 

Scholarships for high school juniors vary in terms of what portion of the cost of college they cover. Some are just a few hundred dollars, while others provide full ride scholarships for high school juniors. If you start planning early, you can apply to—and hopefully win—multiple scholarships for high school students. This can make an enormous difference when it comes to choosing a college you can afford to attend, particularly in the face of rising college costs . 

Before you begin applying to any scholarships for high school juniors, be sure to visit scholarships websites and double-check the eligibility requirements for each scholarship. There, you’ll learn about application requirements, deadlines, and more.

College scholarships for juniors in high school

In the next few sections, we’ll offer a list of some specific scholarships for juniors in high school. Then, we’ll discuss scholarships for high school juniors that are easy, unusual, and specific to residents of particular states. 

If you want to look ahead at what kind of high school scholarships are available for seniors, we’ve got some great resources for you to check out. Some resources you may want to reference during your scholarship search include our guide to winning the Coca-Cola Scholarship and our webinar on finding and applying to merit scholarships. 

What are some scholarships for high school students? 

Let’s start looking at some specific college scholarships for high school juniors. This list includes a variety of scholarships for which juniors are eligible to apply. However, not all of the scholarships included are exclusively for juniors. 

The scholarships for high school juniors we’ve compiled tend to require an essay and a list of extracurricular activities alongside a written application—much like a college application. However, some unusual scholarships have other criteria. We’ve also included several essay contests and other competitions on this list. 

List of scholarships for juniors in high school

If you’re feeling overwhelmed as you start your scholarship search, then you’re in the right place. To make finding high school scholarships for juniors easy to apply to, we’ve rounded up our top 25 picks for great scholarships for high school juniors.

We’ll review everything you need to know about each of our high school scholarships for juniors, including deadlines, eligibility requirements, award amount, and any other key details.

25 Scholarships for Juniors in High School

1. davidson fellows scholarship.

The Davidson Fellows Scholarship is open to students 18 and under who have “completed a significant piece of work in the STEM field, literature, music, philosophy, or the ‘outside the box’ category.”

• Scholarship award amount: $10,000 – $50,000
• 2023 deadline: February 8 th  
• Eligibility: limited to US citizens

This scholarship seeks to award students who have created significant work. This means that experts in any given field would recognize the submission as meaningful with “the potential to make a positive contribution to society.”

2. Horatio Alger Scholarship

The Horatio Alger Scholarship is open to high school juniors who have “faced and overcome great obstacles in their lives.” This essay contest is specifically looking for students with significant financial need and who have persevered in the presence of adversity.

• Scholarship award amount: $10,000 – $25,000
• 2023 deadline: March 15 th  
• Eligibility: families must make under $55,000/year

The eligibility requirement makes this scholarship more need-based than merit-based. In addition to an essay, the Horatio Alger Scholarship requires students to submit a list of extracurricular activities and volunteer work (check out their website to review the full application requirements).

3. National Merit Scholarship

To qualify for the National Merit Scholarship, students must have already taken the PSAT/NMSQT. This means that if you hope to become a National Merit Scholar your senior year, you need to have taken the PSAT/NMSQT during your junior year.

• Scholarship award amount: $2,500 – $10,000
• 2023 deadline: students who took the PSAT/NMSQT have already been entered
• Eligibility: take the PSAT/NMSQT no later than your junior year

Eligible students will advance through three different rounds, each with their own requirements and selection process: commended, semifinalists, finalists. Of the finalists, only 7,250 students will become National Merit Scholarship winners.

4. House Foundation Scholarships

US citizens from any year of high school are eligible to apply for this scholarship. The House Foundation provides three awards: $2,000 (1 st place award), $750 (2 nd place award), and $250 (3 rd place award).

• Scholarship award amount: $250 – $2,000
• 2023 deadline: February 1 st  
• Eligibility: US citizen/permanent resident of the US, planning to attend a US-based college

Along with their high school transcripts, students will need to respond to four general questions and two themed questions. The application also includes an optional question for students who have been directly affected by COVID-19-related illnesses.

5. Taco Bell Live Mas Scholarship

Students between the ages of 16-26 can apply for the Taco Bell scholarship. This scholarship is open to students both in high school and post-secondary educational programs (including colleges and vocational, technical, and trade schools).

• Scholarship award amount: unspecified
• 2023 deadline: January 11 th  
• Eligibility: students between the ages of 16-26 

The Taco Bell scholarship is looking for students who are passionate about creating a better future and creating a positive impact in the world. Applicants must submit a video (30 – 120 seconds) that tells the story of their passion.

6. Next Young Leaders

This scholarship is specifically for high school juniors and accepts students outside of the US.

• Scholarship award amount: $1,000 – $20,000
• 2023 deadline: January 30th
• Eligibility: high school junior; planning to enroll in college the fall after they graduate high school

This scholarship is need-based. So, students will need to submit their annual household income in their application.

7. Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes

This scholarship is for students who are or have recently worked on an inspiring service project. Strong applicants will demonstrate how their leadership and determination have made a positive impact on the world.

• Scholarship award amount: $10,000
• 2023 deadline: April 15 th  
• Eligibility: permanent residents of the US or Canada, between 8-18 years old

Applicants must include three letters of recommendation from adults who can advocate for the student and their involvement in their service project. Winners can direct their award to their service project or to their higher education.

8. ConnectHER Film Festival

Students from all over the world can submit a short film about topics and issues impacting women and girls, including topics such as education, ending violence against women, and redefining beauty.

• Scholarship award amount: $1,000 – $5,000
• 2023 deadline: June 1 st  
• Eligibility: applicants must be between 13-25 years old

Two films will be selected as the Judges’ Choice Award winner and runner-up. Nine other films will be selected as winners across distinct categories.

9. Questbridge College Prep Scholarship Program

The Questbridge College Prep Scholarship seeks to give students the opportunity to succeed on college apps rather than providing a monetary award. While a Questbridge College Prep Scholar may receive small financial awards, the main benefit is specialized guidance, resources, and feedback throughout their college application process.

• Scholarship award amount: $1,000 – scholarship to a college summer program
• 2023 deadline: March 21 st  
• Eligibility: must be a high school Junior at a school in the US; families must demonstrate financial hardship

Take a look at the Questbridge Scholarship requirements, including academic achievement, financial qualifications, and personal circumstances, to see if you are a strong applicant.

10. The Phyliss J. McCarthy Scholarship for Excellence in Writing

For students who love writing, this scholarship provides an opportunity to win a scholarship with creative writing. Students will select one of three prompts (narrative, meta, and wacky) and create an original piece of 2,000 words or fewer.

• Scholarship award amount: $1,000
• 2023 deadline: July 23 rd
• Eligibility: high school juniors and seniors

The award committee selects three winners each year.

11. 4-H Youth in Action Awards

This award is limited to students who are already a part of 4-H. The Youth in Action program provides recipients with media training and opportunities to share their stories from 4-H. 

• Scholarship award amount: $5,000
• 2023 deadline: March 27 th  
• Eligibility: students must be members of 4-H

Four winners will receive a $5,000 scholarship paid directly to their chosen school.

12. Paradigm Challenge

For this scholarship, students can choose to enter on their own or to enter as part of a collaborative team. The Paradigm asks students to brainstorm solutions for real-world issues affecting society. This scholarship is open to all ages.

• Scholarship award amount: $250 – $25,000
• 2023 deadline: May 1 st  
• Eligibility: between 4-18 years old

First, second, and third place winners will be selected for each age division. One of the three first place winners will then receive the grand prize.

13. JFK Library Profiles in Courage Essay Contest

The Profiles in Courage Essay Contest asks students to reflect on an act of political courage. Essays should be between 700 – 1,000 words and focus on the actions of an elected US official.

• Scholarship award amount: $100 – $10,000
• 2023 deadline: January 13 th  
• Eligibility: 9-12 th grade students

Winners of the Profiles in Courage Essay Contest include first-place, second-place, five finalists, and eight semifinalists.

14. Create Real Impact Contest

Unlike other essay contests, students will create a social media campaign or an original work. These submissions can include a short 30-second video, a poster, an infographic, or a brochure.

• Scholarship award amount: $250 – $10,000
• 2023 deadline: April 10 th  
• Eligibility: students 14-22 years old

The award committee evaluates students based on their creativity, execution, and the effectiveness of their message.

15. AFSA National Essay Contest

The National Peace Essay Contest asks students to choose a country and describe how the US Foreign Service’s involvement in that country was either successful or unsuccessful. 

• Scholarship award amount: $2,500
• 2023 deadline: April 3 rd  

National Peace Essay Contest submissions must be 1,500 words or less. The winner of the National Peace Essay Contest will receive the scholarship award as well as an all-expense paid educational voyage and a trip with their parents to Washington DC.

16. National Ag Day Essay Contest

This college essay contest asks students to consider how American agriculture produces nutritious and safe food for consumers while responsibly taking care of the environment.

• Scholarship award amount: $100 – $1,000
• 2023 deadline: February 13 th  
• Eligibility: US citizens; 9-12 th grade students

Students can submit either a written essay or a video essay.

17. Iefa Teen Changemakers Essay Contest

This essay contest asks students to answer the question “How can students’ mental health be supported virtually?” In an essay of 500 – 1000 words, students will describe their virtual mental health campaign and how they would implement it in their school.

• Scholarship award amount: $250 – $1,000
• 2023 deadline: December 1 st  

Three awards will be given: $1,000 (first place), $500 (second place), and $250 (third place).

18. Youthlinc Young Humanitarian Award

The Youthlinc scholarship recognizes students in Utah who have performed outstanding humanitarian service.

• Scholarship award amount: $1,500 – $7,500
• 2023 deadline: March 1 st  
• Eligibility: high school juniors/seniors and undergraduate students in Utah

Students applying to the Youthlinc scholarship must submit proof of enrollment, a service resume, and two essays, two letters of recommendation.

19. Transform Rhode Island Scholarship

This scholarship is an opportunity for your students of color to describe how they would better the lives of Rhode Island’s BIPOC communities with one million dollars. Students can submit an essay, a video, or a comparable multimedia presentation.

• Scholarship award amount: $5,000 – $25,000
• 2023 deadline: March 31 st  
• Eligibility: 9-12 th grade students of color in Rhode Island

Unlike other college essay contests, the winning idea will receive funding to bring their ideas to life.

20. Diller Teen Awards

The Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards recognize Jewish teens who show are leaders and in community service. Students who engage in many different service initiatives must choose a single project to describe in their application.

• Scholarship award amount: $36,000
• 2023 deadline: January 5 th  
• Eligibility: 13–19-year-olds who self-identify as Jewish 

Winners can use their award to fund their college education or their philanthropic work.

21. Hoover Presidential Foundation Uncommon Student Award

The Herbert Hoover Uncommon Student Award asks students to plan and pitch a public service project. Selected students will then present their projects in October, where all students will receive $1,500, and three students will be selected to receive a $10,000 scholarship.

• Scholarship award amount: $1,500 – $11,500
• Eligibility: high school juniors in Iowa

Students who apply to the Herbert Hoover Uncommon Student Award must be available on June 24 th and 25 th to meet other uncommon students at the Hoover Presidential Library and Museum in West Branch, Iowa.

22. Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship

For this scholarship, the Gen and Kelly Tanabe program asks students to write a short, 250-word essay on a topic of their choosing.

• 2023 deadline: July 31 st and December 31 st  
• Eligibility: 9-12 th graders, college, and graduate students

Open to 9th-12th grade high school, college, or graduate students including home-schooled students and adult learners. You may be studying abroad, but you must be a legal resident of the U.S. Since the Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship is judged on the application alone, financial need and past academic performance are not considered.

23. Samsung American Legion Scholarship

This scholarship is a fund meant to show appreciation for the families of US veterans who fought in the Korean War.

• Scholarship award amount: $1,250 – $10,000
• 2023 deadline: Day 1 of their respective American Legion program
• Eligibility: high school juniors and seniors; part of the American Legion Boys or Auxiliary Girls State program and have a parent or legal guardian who is a member in good standing

Applicants to the Samsung American Legion Scholarship will be evaluated on their academic record and their involvement in school and community service.

24. Voice of Democracy Essay Program

As a college essay contest, the Voice of Democracy Essay Program asks students to submit a 3–5-minute audio essay about a specific topic. This year’s essay topic is: “Why is the veteran important?” Applicants to Voice of Democracy will be judged on originality, content, and delivery.

• Scholarship award amount: $1,000 – $35,000
• 2023 deadline: October 31 st  

Check out the Voice of Democracy website for examples of past winners.

25. United States Senate Youth Program

This program looks for students who have demonstrated leadership by serving in elected positions, like in student government or community service organizations.

Selected applicants will be invited to attend the United States Senate Youth Program Washington Week, where students will have the opportunity to meet the Senate Co-Chairs and learn more about the federal government.

When should juniors start applying for scholarships?

Some of the scholarships we’ve explored allow students to apply as early as middle school. So, you can start thinking about scholarships early . In fact, the more time you give yourself to plan, the more successful you will be.

Most scholarship deadlines are in the fall or winter, though this varies by program. In general, it’s helpful for juniors to start planning for merit scholarship applications in the summer as well as through the fall of their junior year. 

Regardless, make sure you understand the deadlines for the scholarship programs that interest you. As a reminder, the more time you give yourself, the stronger your applications will be! 

Now, you may be thinking, how easy could our easy scholarships for high school juniors be? The answer is: extremely easy. 

While entering essay contests may feel like a lot of work, that doesn’t mean there are no easy ways to get free money for college. Check out the scholarships websites for these four easy scholarships for high school juniors and see just how easy it is to apply.

4 Easy Scholarships for High School Juniors

1. big future scholarships.

By completing certain steps on the CollegeBoard website, students are automatically eligible to enter a drawing for $500 or $40,000 in scholarship money each month. This program encourages students to complete six college and career preparation goals.

Big Future Scholarships are scholarships for high school juniors as well as high school seniors. Drawings occur monthly until the beginning of February in a student’s senior year. So, there is no single deadline to enter to win Big Future scholarships. Students can also qualify for multiple entries based on household income. 

Since Big Future scholarships select winners by random drawing, it’s one of the easiest scholarships for high school juniors to enter. While $500 isn’t a huge award amount, it can still make a difference, especially when combined with other scholarship awards. 

2. ScholarshipPoints

ScholarshipPoints is a monthly scholarship drawing—no essay required. Students simply need to complete a basic online form to qualify. The only qualifications to enter are that students are 13 years or older and are planning to attend college in the United States.

While this isn’t one of our college scholarships for high school juniors specifically, it is one of the easiest scholarships for high school students. In addition to applying to more formal essay contests, we recommend applying to our easy scholarships – you never know when you might be the lucky winner!

3. CollegeXpress

Another one of our easiest college scholarships for high school juniors is CollegeXpress’s annual scholarship contest. Each spring, one lucky student is selected to receive a $10,000 scholarship to put toward their continued education. There is no essay required – all you have to do is create a free CollegeXpress profile.

Students must be at least 13 years old to enter. You can enter and win the scholarship any year, but you’ll only be eligible the year you graduate high school or begin your graduate program.

4. Cappex Scholarships

Just like ScholarshipPoints, Cappex scholarships for high school juniors are another easy opportunity to win scholarship money. Recipients of Cappex scholarships are selected monthly to receive $1,000. 

Cappex scholarships don’t require students to write an essay or have a minimum GPA. Students only need to be 13 years or older to be eligible for this drawing.

While essay contests can provide students with great opportunities to win a higher scholarship award, you may find you don’t have the time needed to write an essay on top of your schoolwork. Since none of these easy scholarships for high school juniors require essays, there’s no reason not to apply!

Next, let’s take a look at some more unusual scholarships for high school juniors. These are more niche opportunities to get free money for college, so they may not be a good fit for every student. Keep reading to learn about five unusual scholarships for high school juniors. 

5 Unusual Scholarships for High School Juniors

1. duck brand stuck at prom contest.

Of all our scholarships for high school students, this one might be the most creative. The contest? Make the best prom outfit out of Duck brand duct tape. High school students of all ages are invited to create a prom outfit using Duck brand duct tape and/or crafting tape and compete for scholarship money.

The contest usually begins in late March, and submissions are open until mid-June. One tux and one dress will be picked to win the grand prize of $10,000. Four runners-up from each category are also selected to win $500. Check out Duck Tape’s photo gallery to see examples of past recipients of Duck Brand’s scholarships for high school juniors.

2. Stockholm Junior Water Prize

The Stockholm Junior Water Prize is open to all high school students grades 9-12 who have conducted a project in water science research. Students can apply either on their own or as a team of two. Research papers will be evaluated by the foundation on six criteria: relevance, creativity, methodology, subject knowledge, practical skills, and report and presentation.

Students first must enter their state Stockholm Junior Water Prize competition before advancing to the national competition level. The deadline to submit your research paper is April 15 th . 

3. Doodle for Google

Another one of our creative scholarships for high school juniors is Google’s doodle competition. This scholarship awards prizes for creating an original doodle. This year’s Doodle for Google prizes will be awarded based on the theme of what you are grateful for.

The deadline to enter your doodle is March 7 th , and the Doodle for Google prizes will be announced in June. One national winner will receive a $30,000 scholarship and a $50,000 technology package for their school or a non-profit organization. 

4. SCAD Challenge

This is another one of our scholarships for high school juniors and seniors. The SCAD Challenge is a scholarship sponsored by SCAD, an arts and design-focused university located in Georgia. To apply, students must submit their creative work for the chance to win up to $4,000 in merit aid.

Winners will receive a scholarship of $2,000, $3,000, or $4,000 that can be renewable every year of their bachelor’s degree. These scholarship funds can only be used to pay tuition at SCAD specifically, and winners will receive their scholarships upon gaining admission.

5. Association for Women in Mathematics Student Essay Contest  

This essay contest is open to students in middle school, high school, and college. Students are asked to write an essay “based primarily on an interview with a woman currently working in or retired from a mathematical sciences career.” The deadline to enter is February 1 st .

The award amount is not currently published on the website. Like other scholarships for high school juniors, the winner will receive some type of monetary prize. However, it’s not technically a scholarship. Unlike other essay contests, the award doesn’t have to be used for schooling or sent directly to your university.

Now that we’ve covered a few unusual scholarships for high school juniors, let’s take a look at a few additional high school scholarships.

California Scholarships for high school juniors

In the next two sections, we’ll look at scholarships for high school juniors that are specific to residents of certain states. Here we have two California scholarships for high school juniors.

California Scholarships for Juniors

1. california association of collectors educational scholarship.

This is one of our scholarships for high school juniors and seniors in California. Essays should be between 700 – 1,000 words and describe the importance of establishing and maintaining good financial credit during your college years. Awards are $2,500 for 1 st place, $2,000 for 2 nd place, and finally, $1,500 for 3 rd place.

2. Carson Scholars Fund

This application process for this award is slightly different from our other scholarships for high school juniors. Schools choose one student to nominate from their school, grades 4-11, to apply for this scholarship. Applicants are evaluated on their community service, teacher recommendation, and application essay. Winners will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Like our California scholarships for high school juniors, there are high school scholarships specifically for residents of other states.

Scholarships for Juniors in high school in Texas

We’ve also included a couple of scholarships for juniors in high school in Texas. So, if you’re located in Texas, read on!

Texas Scholarships for Juniors

1. baftx community service award.

One of our scholarships for juniors in high school in Texas is the Susan Howard Community Service Award. This scholarship focuses on leadership skills and community service. Students aged 11 – 21 are invited to apply and share their experience working on an inspiring community service project. This $5,000 scholarship is for academically adept students of low-income families.

2. UIL Essay Contests

The University Interscholastic League sponsors two essay contests for students grades 9-12 attending UIL member high schools. The Barbara Jordan Historical Essay Competition asks students to discuss the contributions of African Americans to Texas’s history. The Latino History Essay Competition asks students to discuss the historical and cultural legacies of Latinos in Texas’s history.

While these two scholarships for juniors in Texas have the widest eligibility, plenty of other scholarships target specific areas. In fact, you’ll find many scholarships for juniors in high school in Texas if you look in your area. So, make sure to do additional research based on your home county.

What are the best scholarships?

Of all our scholarships for high school juniors, there is no singular award that is the “best”.

High school scholarships for juniors—and students of all ages—come in wide ranges. Often, if you comb through enough scholarships websites, you’ll find a wide range of programs to which you can apply. You may even find smaller, local scholarships for high school juniors. While these can sometimes provide less funding than a national scholarship, they may also be less competitive.

As you research scholarships for high school juniors, look for a range of different programs and award amounts. You should also look for scholarships for high school juniors specific to your location and interests. 

What are the best full ride scholarships for high school juniors?

If getting just a portion of free money for college isn’t your only goal, you may be looking for high school scholarships for juniors that offer winners a full ride. Unlike our other scholarships for juniors in high school, winners of these awards will receive money for their tuition, room and board, and expenses for all four years of their undergraduate study.

Full Ride Scholarships for High School Juniors

1. coolidge scholarship.

While other scholarships for high school juniors are based on location, financial status, or area of study, this is a general merit scholarship students of all backgrounds can apply to. You can also use the Coolidge Scholarship to attend any university in the country. Students with an interest in public policy and service and can demonstrate academic excellence should submit their application by the deadline: February 23 rd .

2. Cameron Impact Scholarship

This scholarship covers four years of tuition for up to 15 high school students. Like other scholarships for high school juniors, applicants of all backgrounds can apply for this scholarship so long as they meet the GPA and citizenship requirements. Applications are received on a rolling basis. Then, 75 – 100 Finalists will be selected to have an in-person interview to help determine the winners.

3. ROTC Scholarships

The ROTC Scholarship offers students the chance to have their college tuition covered at any university with an Air Force ROTC detachment. Selected students will also receive an annual book stipend, a monthly living expense stipend, and travel reimbursements for traveling to and from home.

In general, most full ride scholarships for high school juniors are sponsored by private organizations. If you’re looking for full ride scholarships, you’ll find that many colleges and universities offer merit aid to accepted students. Sometimes, this can come in the form of full ride scholarships for high school juniors. 

What is the Courage to Grow Scholarship?

Another scholarship program you may have come across during your search for scholarships for high school juniors is Courage to Grow. The Courage to Grow Scholarship is one of our scholarships for high school juniors, seniors, and currently enrolled students. The Courage to Grow Foundation provides several $500 scholarships for students to help them fund the cost of college. The application process is relatively straightforward and entirely available online. You can also read about past Courage to Grow scholarships recipients on the Courage to Grow website. 

The 2023 deadline has not yet been published. However, you can expect it to fall near the end of December 2023. Students who want to apply to Courage to Grow scholarships must be a US citizen and a junior or senior in high school or college with a minimum 2.5 GPA.

More CollegeAdvisor resources for Juniors

For students already scouring scholarships websites for high school scholarships for juniors, college applications aren’t a long way off. In addition to college financial planning, you should also start thinking about the college admissions process. 

CollegeAdvisor has lots of additional resources to help juniors navigate college financial planning and get started on their college application process. After checking out our resources on scholarships for high school juniors, check out our webinars where we discuss practicing time management and creating your college admissions timeline . For parents of high school juniors, take a look at our guide to helping your child deal with stress .

Creating Your College Admissions Timelines for Sophomores and Juniors

Helping Your Junior Cope with High School Stress: A Parent’s Guide

Scholarships for Juniors in High School: Conclusion

We’ve talked about all kinds of scholarships for juniors in high school, from essay contests to research projects to creative works. We hope our roundup of scholarships websites has shown you there’s an opportunity to cover some of the cost of college by applying to scholarships for high school juniors. With rising college costs, be sure to include scholarships for high school juniors in your college financial planning and take the time to do your own scholarship search based on your interests.

Check out our merit-based scholarship guides

If you’re looking for a more detailed guide on how to actually win scholarships for high school juniors, check out our other Merit-Based Scholarships guides. We include several scholarships for high school students, like the Hope Scholarship , which sponsors students from Georgia, Tennessee, and South Carolina. Another one of our scholarships for high school students is the Robertson Scholarship , which looks for students who demonstrate purposeful leadership, intellectual curiosity, strength of character, and collaborative spirit.

We hope our roundup of college scholarships for high school juniors helps you get started on your scholarship search. Remember, CollegeAdvisor is here to help you find and apply for scholarships for high school juniors, no matter where you are in your college planning process!

This guide to the Scholarships for High School Juniors   was written by Stefanie Tedards. Looking for more admissions support? Click  here  to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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Scholarship Monitor

Preparing for College? Discover the 65 Best Scholarships for High School Juniors

Austin Osho

December 29, 2023

Table of Contents

Are high school juniors even eligible to apply for scholarships?

You should be aware that it is seldom too early to start applying for scholarships. The most significant year of your high school experience is junior year. Since this is the year you begin to seriously consider attending college, it is a year of significant transitions, studying, and decisions. Your performance in your third year is a good indicator of how your college prospects may pan out.

This college journey entails taking the PSAT (and possibly the SAT or ACT), researching colleges, and possibly even visiting some of them, putting together college applications, and discussing your options with your family and guidance counselor.

This being the year that you’re talking about college, it’s critical to consider the cost. Scholarships are an important factor to consider in the college admissions process; therefore, leaving them out of the equation would be a mistake!

There are numerous fantastic scholarships available to high school juniors. We’ve highlighted some of the top scholarships for high school juniors to apply for in 2021 in this post.

Top Scholarships for High School Juniors

Merit-based scholarships for juniors.

These scholarships are competitions in which you and others compete for a limited amount of money. They evaluate your personal qualities rather than your academic or scientific abilities. Some people place a high value on academic achievement, while others are more interested in leadership or volunteer work (or both!).

William Randolph Hearst Foundation US Senate Youth Program

Eligibility: Students in grades 11-12

Deadline: Varies by state

This scholarship program is designed for students in leadership roles in student government, education, public health, or community service organizations to pursue government courses in college. Applicants are evaluated based on leadership, academics, communication skills, critical thinking, community engagement, and extracurricular activities. The program awards $10,000 to 108 winners, along with an all-expenses-paid trip to a conference in Washington, DC, where they have the opportunity to meet senators and other political officials.

Carson Scholars Program

Eligibility: Students in grades 4-11

Deadline: N/A (students do not enter the program but are nominated by their school)

Compete for this scholarship by showcasing academic excellence and a commitment to community service. The minimum GPA requirement is 3.75/4.00. Secure a nomination from an educator at your school (one per school). Winners receive a $1,000 prize. Schools can request an application. Speak with a teacher or counselor to participate.

Coolidge Scholarship

Award Amount: Full-ride!

Scholarship Deadline: February 23

The Coolidge Scholarship is a full-ride scholarship that covers a student’s tuition, room, board, and expenses for four years of undergraduate study.

American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest

Eligibility: US high school students under 20 years of age

Deadline: Varies by state, as contests are arranged by local American Legion departments

Similar to the Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition, students compete for this scholarship by writing and performing an eight- to 10-minute oration on some aspect of the US Constitution, in addition to giving a three- to five-minute speech on an assigned topic. First place takes home $25,000, second place gets $22,500, and third place wins $20,000. Smaller prizes are also awarded to state winners. You can check out this year’s topics on the official website. 

National Merit Scholarship

Eligibility: 11th graders who have taken the PSAT/NMSQT (10th graders may take the PSAT but are ineligible for the scholarship unless they will be graduating a year early)

Deadline: N/A (you are automatically entered upon taking the PSAT in 11th grade)

Juniors in high school can enter this scholarship competition by taking the PSAT or NMSQT. Aim for a top score (typically a Selection Index score of 212 or higher, depending on your state) to qualify. Apply with standard scholarship information. The competition awards $2,500 to approximately 7,600 students annually, with additional awards from sponsors. Speak with your counselor at the start of the school year to arrange test participation (registration is handled by the high school). Find more details in our National Merit Scholarship guide.

Illustrators of the Future Contest

Sponsor: L. Ron Hubbard Library

Amount: $500

Closing Date: June 30, 2023

Description: The contest is open to new and amateur artists who have not been professionally published and paid for more than three black-and-white story illustrations or more than one process-colour painting in media distributed broadly to the general public.

Essay and Project-Based Scholarships for Juniors

If you are competitive, these scholarship programs may be just what you need to motivate you! Whether you’re an expert debater or a political enthusiast, you’re sure to find a contest that’s right up your alley.

The Fountainhead Essay Contest

Deadline: April 27, 2023

Are you an Ayn Rand fan? Or have you read The Fountainhead for school? Then you’ve already done the lion’s share of the work for this scholarship competition! Students compete for this award by writing an essay on one of three topics related to The Fountainhead. The first-place winner is awarded a grand prize of $5,000, though runners-up also get prizes. This is a cash prize, so you’ll receive the money directly.

John F. Kennedy’s Profile in Courage Essay Contest:

Eligibility: US students in grades 9-12

Deadline: January 13, 2023

Do you follow US politics? Then this competition might be the one for you. Participants in the 2023 competition must describe and evaluate a political act of bravery performed by a US elected official who served in office in 1917 or later. For the 2023 contest, applicants are asked to describe and analyze an act of political courage by a US elected official who served during or after 1917. To get an idea of what is expected of applicants, read previous winning essays for inspiration. Award amounts range from $100 up to $10,000.

We the Students Essay Scholarship

Award Amount: up to $7,500

Scholarship Deadline: April 15

This scholarship is open to all US students in grades 8–12, ages 14–19.

Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition

Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12

Deadline: October 31, 2022

To compete for this scholarship, applicants write and record an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. The 2022–2023 theme for the competition is “Why is the Veteran Important?”  The first-place winner walks away with a $35,000 scholarship, but runners-up receive awards, too. A total of $2 million in funding is given out annually in the form of additional, smaller awards between $1,000 and $16,000. 

Stop the Bleed Scholarship

Sponsor: Stop the Bleed

Amount: Up to $3,000

Closing Date: May 31, 2023

Description: The scholarship is open to high school students in the United States. The applicant must submit an essay on a topic related to “Stop the Bleed.”

Don’t Text and Drive Scholarship

Sponsor: Digital Responsibility

Amount: $1,000

Closing Date: September 30, 2023

Description: The scholarship is open to high school students in grades 9–12 and current college or graduate school students. The applicant must complete a short form and share a 140-character statement explaining why they will not text and drive.

JASNA Essay Contest

Sponsor: Jane Austen Society of North America

Amount: Up to $1,000

Closing Date: June 1, 2023

Description: The contest is open to students worldwide who are enrolled in high school, college, university, or graduate school. The student is required to turn in an essay on a subject that relates to a Jane Austen work.

Visionary Scholarship Program

Sponsor: American College Foundation

Amount: Up to $5,000

Description: The scholarship is open to high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are United States citizens or eligible non-citizens. The applicant must submit an essay on why college is important to them

EngineerGirl Essay Contest

Award Amount: $500

Scholarship Deadline: February 1  

The EngineerGirl Essay Contest is open to high school students and asks for an essay discussing the vital contribution of engineers in responding to the pandemic.

Americanism Essay Scholarship 

Award Amount: $100 – $1,200 

Scholarship Deadline: First Friday in February  

The Americanism Essay Scholarship is open to Illinois high school students and requires an essay on Americanism and good citizenship.

A Voice for Animals Contest

Sponsor: Humane Education Network

Amount: Up to $500

Closing Date: May 21, 2023

Description: The contest is open to students between the ages of 14 and 18 years of age. The applicant must submit an essay on a given topic related to animals.

B. Davis Scholarship

Sponsor: Student Award Search Aid

Description: The scholarship is open to high school juniors and seniors, as well as current college students. The applicant must submit an essay on a given topic related to leadership.

Fourth Circuit Essay Contest

Sponsor: United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

Amount: Up to $2,000

Description: The contest is open to current students in grades 9 through 12 from Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. The applicant must submit an essay on a topic related to the First and Fourteenth Amendments.

Profile in Courage Essay Contest

Award Amount: $500 – $3,000

Scholarship Deadline: January 13

The Profile in Courage Essay Contest is open to all high school students. Essays will be judged on the overall originality of the topic and the clear communication of ideas through language.

Young Filmmakers Contest

Sponsor: One Earth Film Festival

Closing Date: June 25, 2023

Description: The contest is open to students in grades 3 through college (ages 8 and up) from the United States. The student must create a film on one of many given topics (climate, energy, food, transportation, waste, water, wildlife, and ecosystems) related to the earth.

$1,000 Easy Scholarship: Uncensored

Sponsor: DoSomething

Description: You could earn a $1,000 scholarship by reading a banned book from our list and sharing your reflections. By discussing your experience reading the book and the value it adds to society, you’re helping to ensure all books remain uncensored.

Cappex Easy College Money Scholarship

Sponsor: Cappex

High school and college students in the United States who are currently enrolled in or plan to enroll in college within the next 12 months are eligible for the scholarship. The applicant must first create a Cappex profile (if they don’t already have one), share information about their leadership, volunteer, and extracurricular activities, and then search for scholarships on Cappex.

Book Recommendation Scholarship

Sponsor: CollegExpress

Amount: $1,300

Closing Date : May 31, 2023

Description: The contest is open to students 13 and older who are legal residents of the United States. The applicant must answer the following prompt in just one sentence: “What is a good book you’d recommend to a friend for the summer?”

Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship

Sponsor: Gen and Kelly Tanabe

Closing Date : July 31, 2023

Faith-Based Scholarships

Catholic College Scholarship

Sponsor: Catholic College Info

Amount: $1,500

Open to students who will be attending a Catholic college or university, this scholarship is available to those who are 13 years old or older.

Annual Catholic College Scholarship

Amount: $2,000

Deadline: May 31, 2023

Are you a current high school student interested in attending a Catholic college or university? If so, consider applying for the Annual Catholic College Scholarship! In order to apply, you…

Protestant Faith-Based College Scholarship Drawing

Sponsor: FaithBasedCollege

Students who request information from a faith-based college or university, as well as those who are considering or planning to attend one, must be at least 13 years old to be eligible to enter the scholarship drawing.

Christian Connector Scholarship

Sponsor: Christian Connector

Amount: $2,500

Description: The scholarship is open to students with plans to enroll for the first time as full-time students at a Christ-centered Christian college or Bible college within 16 months.

Other Scholarships

Around the Corner from College Scholarship

Award Amount: $1,000

Scholarship Deadlines: December 31, June 30

This is another one of Access Scholarship’s ways of giving back! The Around the Corner from College Scholarship is an easy opportunity that is open to all high school students, including international students who are planning to attend college in the US.

WiseGeek Mental Health Well-Being No-Essay Scholarship

Scholarship Deadline: December 31

The WiseGeek Mental Health Well-Being Scholarship is meant to provide awareness of mental health challenges and assist those who have had to face those issues with a $500 award to help pay their tuition.

Description: The scholarship is open to students in grades 9–12, college, or graduate school who are legal U.S. residents. The applicant must submit an essay answering why they deserve the scholarship or their academic or career goals.

$2,000 “No Essay” College Scholarship

Sponsor: Niche

Description: The scholarship is open to high school, college, and graduate students and those planning to enroll within 12 months. The applicant must be a legal resident of the United States or an international student with a valid visa. The applicant must log in to Niche or create a free account to apply for the scholarship.

Fifth Month Scholarship

Sponsor: Unigo

A scholarship is available to students who are 14 years old or older, legal residents of one of the fifty United States or the District of Columbia, and who are enrolled in or plan to enroll in an accredited post-secondary institution of higher learning. The applicant must “write a letter to the number five explaining why five is important.”

Robert J. Trace Scholarship

Sponsor: The American Legion – Department of Pennsylvania

Description: The scholarship is open to students 15 to 18 years of age residing within Pennsylvania. The applicant must be the child or grandchild of a Pennsylvania Legionnaire, a deceased Pennsylvania Legionnaire, or the child of a Pennsylvania soldier who was killed due to the war on terrorism.

Scholarship Detective Launch Scholarship

Sponsor: Scholarship Detective

Description: The scholarship is open to current students who are permanent residents of the United States. The applicant must fill out a short online application and share in 140 characters or less how they will use the scholarship.

School Survey Sweepstakes

Description: The sweepstakes is open to current high school students, high school alumni who graduated within the last four years, and the parents of those students or alumni. Individuals must take a survey at a United States high school.

$500 High School Junior Scholarship

Description: The scholarship is open to legal residents of the United States or international students with valid visas who are high school juniors in the Class of 2024.

Because College is Expensive Scholarship

Sponsor: Cedar Education Lending

Description: The scholarship is open to high school juniors and seniors, adults looking to head back to school, current college students, and anyone else looking to attend college or graduate school. The applicant must fill out a short form.

No Sweat Scholarship

Sponsor: Cirkled In

Description: The scholarship is open to students 13 years of age or older who are legal residents of the United States or the District of Columbia. The applicant is required to register for a free Circkled account.

MoolahSPOT $1,000 Scholarship

Sponsor: MoolahSPOT

Closing Date: August 31, 2023

Description: The scholarship is open to students at least 16 years of age or older who plan to attend or are currently attending college or graduate school. Students may be of any nationality and reside in any country. The applicant must submit a short form and a short essay.

Shout It Out Scholarship

Closing Date : September 30, 2023

Description: The scholarship is open to students 13 years of age or older who are legal residents of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia and are currently enrolled (or will enroll) in an accredited post-secondary institution of higher education in the future. The applicant will need to submit a short response to a given prompt.

Apprentice Ecologist Initiative Youth Scholarship Program

Sponsor: Nicodemus Wilderness Project

Amount: Varies

Closing Date: December 31, 2023

Description : Scholarships are open to students between the ages of 13 and 21 who are candidates for a degree or diploma at a primary (middle school), secondary (high school), or accredited post-secondary educational institution from any country around the world. The applicant must conduct their environmental stewardship project in 2023.

E-waste Scholarship

Closing Date: April 30, 2024

Description: Scholarships are open to high school students and current or entering college or graduate students at any level. Applicant must answer in 140 characters or less “The most important reason to care about e-waste is…”

ScholarshipPoints $2,500 Scholarship 

Award Amount: $2,500

Scholarship Deadline: Monthly

Each quarter of the year, Scholarship Points awards $10,000 to a lucky student. Enter each quarter for a greater chance at winning!

Aspire $1,000 Scholarship 

Scholarship Deadline: September 30

Open to high school students of all years, this is another scholarship sponsored by us, no essay is required (just a short response!)

BigFuture Scholarships

Amount: $500 – $40,000

Deadline: Monthly

Eligibility: Open to high school juniors (class of 2024) who are US residents. Complete steps to plan for life after high school to be entered into monthly scholarship opportunities—no essays required! 

Smart Owl No-Essay Scholarship

Award Amount: $1,000 (4 awards per month!)

Scholarship Deadline: Expires on the 28th or 29th of each month

The Smart Owl Scholarship is a monthly, no-essay scholarship open to all high school and college students ages 16 and older who are US residents!

CampusReel $2,000 No Essay Scholarship 

Award Amount: $2,000

Scholarship Deadline: Monthly 

The CampusReel No Essay Scholarship is awarded monthly, and all you have to do is sign up on their website. It’s that easy!

CollegExpress Monthly Scholarship 

Award Amount: usually $1,000 – $2,000

Scholarship Deadline: On the last day of each month,

CollegExpress offers monthly scholarships to students ages 13 and older, centered around various topics. By entering their monthly scholarship, you’re also automatically entered for their quarterly $10,000 scholarship as well!

Be Bold $25,000 No Essay Scholarship  

Award Amount: $25,000

Scholarship Deadline: RollingBold.org has a lot of great scholarships, but while you’re there, make sure you enter to win this $25,000 scholarship they have going on!

Nitro $2,000 No Essay Scholarship  

The Nitro No Essay Scholarship is awarded monthly, and all you have to do is sign up on their website. Doesn’t get any easier!

Humanity Rising Scholarships 

Award Amount: $500 – $2,000

Scholarship Deadlines: Rolling

Humanity Rising awards scholarships to high school students who tell their stories of community service through a video.

Survey Junkie Brand Influencer No Essay

Award Amount: Varies

Scholarship Deadline: Rolling 

Survey Junkie invites students to share their opinions on topics they care about, with the potential to earn big rewards $.

Distinguished Young Women Scholarship 

Award Amount: Varies 

Scholarship Deadline: Continuous 

The Distinguished Young Women Scholarship Program is for female high school juniors and seniors.

United States Senate Youth Program

Award Amount: $10,000

Scholarship Deadline: Varies by state

The United States Senate Youth Program is a scholarship open to high school juniors and seniors holding elected student offices. Two students are selected from each state.

National “Don’t Wait to Reach Your Potential” Scholarship

Award Amount: $500 – $1,000

Scholarship Deadline: January 6

The “Don’t Wait to Reach Your Potential” Scholarship is open to high school students in the US and does not require test scores, GPAs, or class rankings.

Live Más Scholarship

Award Amount: $5,000 – $25,000

Scholarship Deadline: January 11

The Live Mas Scholarship is Taco Bell’s contribution to helping students achieve their higher education goals. It’s not a full ride, but it’s certainly something! To apply, students must submit a video telling the story of their real, true passion.

Hamilton Award/Scholars Program for High School Juniors

Scholarship Deadline: January 25

The Hamilton Award is open solely to underserved high school juniors in the US. Students do not need to be US residents.

Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship 

Award Amount : $1,000

Scholarship Deadline: January 31

The Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship is designed to help you understand the negative effects that technology and too much screen time can have on our lives. Open to high school and college students, along with graduate school students.

Be the Boss Scholarship

Scholarship Deadline: March 15

The “Be the Boss” Scholarship is designed to empower entrepreneurial women to give their business ideas a try!

Stuck at Prom Scholarship

Award Amount: up to $10,000

Scholarship Deadline: June 9

The Stuck at Prom Scholarship is open to high school students in the US and Canada who are 14 and older.

Prudential Emerging Visionaries Award

Amount: up to $15,000

Deadline: November 4

Eligibility: Open to young leaders between the ages of 14 and 18 who are bringing a compelling vision and substantial change to their communities. must be citizens of the United States or Puerto Rico.

Why are scholarships important for high school juniors?

If you’ve been uncertain about the value of scholarships and whether it’s worth the stress of managing high school and extracurricular activities, rest assured that it is indeed worthwhile. Although the process may require time and effort, the potential rewards make it valuable. Applying for scholarships early can provide you with the following benefits:

• You will get to save a significant amount of time in comparison to earning a few thousand dollars through part-time work.
• Pay for your education with ease, and only focus on your studies.
• It will also help you to refine key skills along the way, such as organization, essay writing, and professional communication.
• Reduce or eliminate the need for student loans, allowing an easy transition into the job market after college.

How do I make my scholarship applications stand out?

How to apply.

To begin your scholarship applications, click on any of the listed scholarships above and create your profile. Then, browse through the scholarships and save the ones that are a good fit for later applications.

Once you’ve found scholarships of interest, review the descriptions and eligibility criteria to ensure you meet the requirements before proceeding.

No-essay scholarships typically require a few simple steps to apply, while essay scholarships may require more effort. For scholarships that involve essays, pictures, or videos, you’ll find a specific prompt to follow. Once you’ve completed your submission, simply click “apply” to submit your application!

Tips for high school juniors

In a sea of students with financial needs, it may seem daunting to distinguish yourself and secure a scholarship. However, there are numerous strategies you can employ to make your applications shine and enhance your odds of success.

• Do Your Research: While it’s beneficial to start with larger national scholarships, it’s important to note that the competition for such prestigious programs can be intense. Even if you are a highly qualified applicant, you may not qualify due to the sheer number of applicants. 

To maximize your chances of success and securing funding for school, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research and explore niche scholarships and resources that align with your interests and strengths. The more targeted your scholarship search is, focusing on smaller and tailored programs, the greater your likelihood of winning. Local awards also tend to be more attainable compared to national competitions.

However, this doesn’t mean you should overlook larger scholarships; you should apply to those as well. It’s wise to have some smaller “safety” awards as backup options. Therefore, take the time to explore and research scholarship programs in your area or those specifically tailored to your interests and passions. Utilize online scholarship search tools to find opportunities. If you possess a particular talent, skill, interest, or identity, seek out scholarships that cater to students with those criteria.

•  Know the terminology: Need-based scholarships are granted based on demonstrated financial need, while merit-based scholarships are awarded for academic or extracurricular achievements. The scholarships listed above primarily fall under the category of merit scholarships, although some also consider financial need. However, the most effective strategy for winning merit scholarships goes beyond solely applying for external scholarships. You have a higher likelihood of receiving significant scholarship funding by applying to lower-ranked schools where your unique profile and accomplishments shine brightly.
• Discover suitable scholarships: Due to the high number of applicants, scholarships for high school students are usually quite competitive. However, scholarships with specific eligibility criteria, such as academic excellence, community service experience, a minimum GPA, and more, tend to attract fewer eligible candidates. This improves your chances of winning. Similarly, certain scholarships are exclusive to particular groups of students, such as high school student-athletes, members of student government, student photojournalists, and others.
• Maintain communication with your guidance counselor! They possess valuable information regarding local scholarships and the application process, as well as updates on scholarships and opportunities provided by colleges. They are well-versed in the college admissions process and can guide throughout.
• Letters of recommendation play a crucial role in the admissions process and are often necessary for scholarships. It is essential to request letters of recommendation from your teachers before the end of junior year. This step becomes particularly important when applications specifically ask for recommendation letters. To ensure ample time for your teachers and mentors to write these letters, make sure to provide them with advance notice.
• Pay close attention to the rules: Any mistakes could result in disqualification from the scholarship. Take the time to thoroughly understand all the rules and ensure that you submit all the required components. Additionally, make sure to submit everything before the deadline.
• Apply Broadly: This approach enhances your chances of securing additional funds for college. Essentially, apply to as many scholarships as you can.

Many scholarship applications share similar questions and require similar information. So, if you apply to one program, why not apply to several others? Most scholarships have no application fee, only requiring a few hours of your time.

For instance, the Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship mentioned above allows you to repurpose a personal statement from a class or another application, enabling you to save time and effort. Applying to a greater number of scholarships increases your likelihood of winning some, so aim to apply to as many as possible. If you’re short on time, consider pursuing no-essay scholarships, as they offer quick application processes.

• Submit your scholarship applications ahead of time: By applying early, you increase your likelihood of success. Stay vigilant for newly available scholarships, allowing you to be among the first applicants. Moreover, applying early guarantees that you have ample time to complete your application, even if you encounter initial challenges. Waiting until the last minute could result in missing the deadline due to unforeseen issues like internet connectivity problems.
• Take note of important scholarship deadlines: Many scholarships have deadlines that precede college applications. It’s advisable to initiate your scholarship search early to avoid missing out on valuable opportunities.

This advice particularly holds for scholarships targeted at high school seniors. If you’re currently exploring scholarships, it’s an ideal moment to proactively pursue significant scholarships for 12th graders.

To stay organized, consider maintaining a regularly updated spreadsheet to track application deadlines. By doing so, you can also get a head start on scholarships with fall deadlines for seniors. This proactive approach will give you an advantage as the school year resumes.

This article presents an extensive compilation of 65 scholarships specifically tailored for high school juniors. It emphasizes the significance of incorporating scholarships into the college admissions journey and highlights a range of available scholarship opportunities. 

The aim is to equip high school juniors with a comprehensive array of scholarships to consider and pursue in order to alleviate the financial burdens associated with pursuing higher education. So if you are a high school junior preparing for college applications, these scholarships are highly recommended as a viable means to address the financial obstacles to attaining a college education. The article provides detailed information about this distinct category of scholarships, leaving no aspect unexplored.

At Scholarship Monitor, we are committed to providing you with up-to-date information on scholarship opportunities. Make sure to always check back for more updates and take advantage of the resources we have provided to help you achieve your academic and career goals.

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Originally posted 2023-10-25 21:07:49.

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20 Scholarships for High School Juniors in 2024

Finding ways to pay for college might not be on the top of the list for many high school juniors, but maybe it should be. Once senior year starts, it’s a whirlwind of applications, exams, and sentimental goodbyes. High school juniors who begin their search for scholarships before their senior year create an advantage for themselves. When students apply early, they can take their time to apply, search, and edit their applications. This will increase their chances of getting those awards. Continue reading to learn more about scholarships for high school juniors.

About High School Junior Scholarship 

Scholarships are just one of several ways that college students use to pay for college. High school junior scholarships are awards that are intended for students in their junior year, or ones that aren’t specific about the intended applicant’s education level. Sometimes, scholarship applications will be specific to graduate students, undergrad students, high school seniors, or even high school juniors or sophomores . The awards for high school juniors and sophomores are likely less competitive than ones for seniors or undergraduate students because many students don’t know about these scholarships. If a high school junior plans to attend college in the future, they should learn all they can about scholarships for high school juniors .

What are High School Junior Scholarships?

There are many ways to pay for college that are specified as awards for high school seniors, but there are also awards that go to students as young as four years old. Scholarships don’t have to be open to anyone and everyone who wants to apply, and there are some awards that are meant for only a specific age or grade level. There are some awards that are intended for only high school junior applicants, including nationwide awards. Some awards are also open to students at any education level. High school junior awards are an excellent way for juniors to prepare to attend college if they decide to go to college after high school. 

Scholarships help students pay for college without students needing to pay back any of the funds they borrowed, usually. Financial award money is often given to high school students based on their interests, financial need, or academic performance. Many applications may ask for a minimum GPA, but decision boards will take other aspects into consideration as well. Financial awards help college students attend their dream schools without creating a financial burden, so high school juniors should certainly begin their search early. The earlier that students begin their search, the better chance they’ll have to apply and earn great scholarships. Because scholarships are an excellent way for students to pay for college tuition, many might wonder what qualifies as a high school junior scholarship.

What Qualifies as a High School Junior Scholarship?

There are a few different types of awards that qualify as scholarships, and these qualifications apply to high school junior scholarships as well. There are awards that are given based on a student’s interests. There are athletic scholarships meant for students that play on any of the athletic teams in high school. There are also creative scholarships meant for students that participate in art, music, or theater. There are also awards for women, minorities, and academic scholarships. There are also awards for students who perform community service or participate in clubs, like student government. Any of these types of scholarships can qualify as a high school junior scholarship, unless the application specifies that the award is intended for a specific grade level, like high school seniors. Here are some examples of different types of scholarships for high school juniors available.

Types of High School Junior Scholarships Available

There are awards that students can apply to because of their specific interests. Some awards may also be given to students based on the specific undergraduate study or degree program a student chooses. The scholarship search process is as individualized as the college search process, and it varies from one high school student to another. Here are some examples of the many different types of awards that students can apply for to help pay for college. 

Science Matters Scholarship

The Science Matters Scholarship is a $500 award that will be given to one student. This award seeks to support students who are interested in science and fascinated by scientific discoveries. To apply, students will need to share which scientific discovery is their favorite and why. The application deadline is September 14, 2022, and the winner will be announced on October 14, 2022. 

Art Matters Scholarship

The Art Matters Scholarship is an award intended for students at any education level. This is a $500 award that will go to one winner who is passionate about art. To enter, students will need to share about their favorite piece of art and why they’re drawn to it. The application deadline is July 14, 2022, and the winner will be announced on August 14, 2022. 

Optimist Scholarship

The Optimist Scholarship is meant to encourage students to live their lives with optimism, hope, and joy. This $500 award will go to one winner, and the application deadline is July 14, 2022. The winner of this award will be announced on August 14, 2022. 

Financial Literacy Scholarship

The Financial Literacy Scholarship aims to support students who are passionate about taking charge of their personal finances. This is a $500 award that will go to one student of any education level. To apply, students will need to share about a personal financial lesson that has benefited them. The application deadline is July 14, 2022, and the winner will be announced on August 14, 2022.

Climate Changemakers Scholarship

The Climate Changemakers Scholarship seeks to support students who are passionate about advocating for and protecting the environment for future generations. To apply, students need to share what they do to benefit the environment in their daily lives. The application deadline for this $500 award is July 13, 2022. There will be one winner and they will be announced on August 13, 2022.

Mentor Scholarship

The Mentor Scholarship is a $500 award that seeks to support students who act as mentors and role models to others. To apply, students will need to share how they hope to positively impact the lives of the people around them. The deadline to apply for this award is July 13, 2022, and the winner will be announced on August 13, 2022.

Community Activist Scholarship

The Community Activist Scholarship aims to support students who strive to positively benefit their community and the lives of those around them. To apply, students will need to share what they do in their local communities to bring about positive change. This $500 award will go to one winner. The deadline to apply is July 13, 2022. The winner will be announced on August 13, 2022.

Learning and Changing Scholarship

The Learning and Changing Scholarship aims to encourage students to have an open mind and continue to learn and grow. This $500 award will have one winner. To apply, students should share something they have learned that changed their opinion on something important in their life. The deadline to apply is July 13, 2022, and the winner will be announced on August 13, 2022.

Great Books Scholarship

The Great Books Scholarship exists to encourage students to continue reading, learning, and applying their acquired knowledge in their daily lives. To apply, students need to share more about their favorite book and why they love it so much. The deadline to apply is June 30, 2022, and the winner of this $500 award will be announced on July 30, 2022.

Caring for Seniors Scholarship

The Caring for Seniors Scholarship is a $500 award that will be given to one winner. This award aims to support students who are passionate about caring for seniors and improving their lives. To apply, students will need to share one thing they do to make the lives of the elderly people in their community better. The deadline to apply is June 30, 2022, and the winner will be announced on July 30, 2022.

Deep Thinking Scholarship

The Deep Thinking Scholarship is a $500 award that will be given to one winner. To apply, students will need to share which problem they think poses the greatest threat to this world, and one way to work towards fixing it. The deadline for this application is June 25, 2022, and the winner will be announced on July 25, 2022. 

Financial Freedom Scholarship

The Financial Freedom Scholarship is an award meant for students at any education level. This $500 award will have one winner. To apply, students will need to share about the most beneficial piece of financial advice that they have ever heard. The application deadline is June 25, 2022, and the winner will be announced on July 25, 2022.

Great Minds Scholarship

The Great Minds Scholarship is a $500 award that will be given to one student at any education level. To apply, students will need to share about a historical figure they admire, and why. The application deadline is June 25, 2022, and the winner will be announced on July 25, 2022.

Future of Education Scholarship

The Future of Education Scholarship is an award that exists to support one student who is passionate about making sure future generations have access to education. To apply for this $500 award, students will need to write about one change to education they believe would positively impact future generations. The deadline to apply is June 25, 2022, and the winner will be announced on July 25, 2022. 

Mental Health Awareness Scholarship

The Mental Health Awareness Scholarship is a $500 award that will support one student who is struggling with mental health or is passionate about helping others who struggle with mental health. To apply, students will need to share what they think should be done to help people who struggle with mental health. The deadline to apply is June 24, 2022, and the winner will be announced on July 24, 2022. 

Creativity Scholarship

The Creativity Scholarship is a $500 award that will be given to one student so they can afford to pursue their education and their dreams. To apply, students will need to share how they apply creativity in their life. The deadline to apply to this award is June 17, 2022, and the winner will be announced on July 17, 2022.

Generosity Matters Scholarship

The Generosity Matters Scholarship consists of five $100 awards that will be given to five students. The only requirement is that students believe in the power of generosity and strive to help those around them whenever they get the chance. The application deadline is June 12, 2022, and the winners will be announced on July 12, 2022. 

Persistence Scholarship

The Persistence Scholarship is a $500 award that will be given to one student. To apply, students need to share how they’ve used persistence to overcome obstacles in the past. The deadline to apply for this award is June 12, 2022, and the winner will be announced on July 12, 2022.

Study Strategies Scholarship

The Study Strategies Scholarship consists of five $100 awards that will be given to five students. This award seeks to reward bright students who use creative methods to study and learn. To apply, students will need to share what study strategies they use. The application deadline is June 12, 2022, and the winners will be announced on July 12, 2022. 

Nature Matters Scholarship

The Nature Matters Scholarship consists of five $100 awards that will be given to five students. To apply, students will need to share about their love for nature and what they do to show their appreciation for it. The deadline to apply is June 12, 2022, and the winners will be announced on July 12, 2022. 

These are only a few examples of the many different types of awards that students can encounter in their search for ways to pay for college. These examples were all found online, but there are a few different ways that students can find awards to apply for.

How to Find High School Junior Scholarships to Apply for?

There are a few different ways that high school juniors can search for ways to pay for college, and they’re all ways that students should explore. 

School Counselors

High school students should speak to their school counselor to discuss a variety of different topics. School counselors can help students with questions about college applications, financial aid, college admissions, and many other questions regarding the college journey. School counselors will likely have a list of reliable scholarship awards that students can look into. While not all of the awards on the list will apply to every student, this is a good starting place in a student’s search for ways to pay for college. A school counselor is meant to support high school students, and this includes helping with the transition to college and how to pay for college. But high school counselors are only one way that students can use to find ways to pay for college.

Local Organizations or Clubs

If students are involved with local clubs or organizations, they should check with the director about any financial awards for college they may offer to members. Local clubs and organizations could include sports leagues, religious organizations, or volunteer organizations. Many financial awards are given to students with specific interests anyway, so it makes sense that some clubs and organizations could offer awards to student members for college. These club directors will also know students personally, so they may be more likely to earn awards through a local club than a large, nationwide organization. 

Reliable Organizations Online

Students can also perform online searches for reliable sources of ways to pay for college online. Students will just need to do a little bit of research about each source they find, because there are also websites that hope to scam students. Finding scholarships online will probably be both easy to do and very competitive. It’s easy to find financial awards online because any student can enter their grade level, interests, and the word scholarship and get very many results. It’s competitive because many students are turning to reliable organizations online to help find ways to pay for college. But it’s one of the best ways to find a variety of financial awards for students with many different interests. Students should also keep these tips in mind when applying for awards.

Tips for Winning High School Junior Scholarships

There are a few things that high school juniors should keep in mind when applying for ways to pay for higher education. 

Stay Organized

First, it’s essential that all students stay organized in their financial award searches. Some students may start applying for financial awards as high school freshmen, and they will likely continue applying into their junior or senior years. Students should make a spreadsheet that allows them to stay organized and track a few different elements in their award search. Students should have columns for the following information: The name of the scholarship, the organization of the award, the scholarship award amount, the date they applied, and the type of award. 

Types of awards can include merit scholarships awarded by a merit based scholarship program, an annual scholarship, or niche scholarships. Students should also have a column for notes and a column for winning awards. The admissions process for any accredited college demands a lot of students. Students can free up time and energy by staying organized in their financial award searches. This will help them succeed in all aspects of the admissions process.

Apply to Many Scholarships

Students should not limit the amount of awards they apply for, because there is no limit on how many they can apply for. Even juniors who choose to be community college students should keep their eyes open for relevant awards, because the costs of higher education can add up. By junior year of high school, students will likely have an idea of the things that interest them. Some students may choose to be high school student athletes, musicians, or student photojournalists. Students can check with club organizers and online to find ways to pay for college that fit their interests and extracurricular activities. There are likely many. 

High school juniors should try and increase their chances of earning any amount in awards, because these award amounts can add up to pay for a student’s tuition costs. Students should not eliminate themselves before they’ve even tried to apply for ways to pay for college. If a financial award is an easy, no-essay scholarship and students think they have a chance to win the award, they should give it a shot. The chances of winning an award without applying is zero.

Apply Early

The rush of senior year can make that last year of high school zip by. That’s why it’s important for students to begin applying for ways to pay for college early. The earlier students begin their search for ways to pay for college, the more time they can invest in this search. If students wait until senior year, or if they wait until the award deadline is closer, the process will be rushed. High school juniors need to make sure they’re giving themselves enough time to work on the application, proofread it, rework any part of the application, ask for letters of recommendation if they want to, and then double-check everything again before submitting. Polished, authentic applications will give students a better chance at winning awards. If students wait until senior year, they may not be able to give their award search the time and attention necessary to be successful.

Apply to Scholarships with Different Award Amounts

Lastly, students should do their best to not discount any awards just because the award amount may be smaller than others. Any amount of award money will help. Because some ways to pay for college do not usually need to be paid back, students should try and earn all they can in this type of award money. Any money that students earn through scholarships is money they don’t have to take out in school loans. 

Frequently Asked Questions About High School Junior Scholarships

Here are a few frequently asked questions about high school junior financial awards.

Are High School Junior scholarships legit?

Yes, high school junior financial awards are legit. Students should make sure to always research the source of the award, but there are many legit awards out there.

How can I improve my chances of winning High School Junior scholarships?

Students should stay organized, apply to many awards, apply early, and apply to scholarships with different award amounts.

How many High School Junior scholarships can you get?

There is no limit to how many awards a student can get.

Are High School Junior scholarships taxable income?

No, these awards are typically not taxable income.

What’s the best way to apply for High School Junior scholarships?

Students should ask school counselors for help, talk to the organizers of clubs they’re involved in, and apply online using reliable companies that want to help students achieve their dreams by helping them pay for college.

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Scholarships For High School Juniors

Scholarship. Concept with icons and signs.

Are you a high school junior looking for ways to alleviate the financial burden of college? Look no further! In this article, we will explore the world of scholarships specifically designed for high school juniors. From academic achievements to community involvement, there are numerous opportunities available to help you pursue your dreams of higher education. Whether you’re a straight-A student or a passionate artist, scholarships can provide the support you need to make your college dreams a reality. Join us as we delve into the various types of scholarships, provide answers to frequently asked questions, and offer helpful resources to guide you on your scholarship journey. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn about scholarships for high school juniors!

Table of Contents

Why Scholarships for High School Juniors are Important

As a high school junior, you may already have your sights set on college, and scholarships can play a crucial role in making your dreams a reality. Here are several reasons why scholarships for high school juniors are important.

1.1 Reducing Financial Burden

Attending college can be a significant financial burden for many students and their families. Scholarships for high school juniors can help alleviate some of this financial pressure by providing funds to cover tuition, books, and other educational expenses. By reducing the need for student loans or out-of-pocket payments, scholarships can make higher education more accessible and affordable.

1.2 Early Start in College Funding

Securing scholarships as a high school junior allows you to start building your college funding early. Instead of waiting until the last minute to scramble for scholarships during your senior year, you can begin searching, applying, and accumulating awards well in advance. This early start gives you a head start in funding your college education and can contribute to a stronger financial foundation throughout your academic journey.

1.3 Recognition of Academic Merit

Scholarships for high school juniors often require a demonstration of academic excellence. By earning a scholarship, you receive recognition for your hard work and dedication to your studies. This recognition can boost your confidence and serve as a validation of your academic achievements. Furthermore, scholarships based on academic merit can open doors to additional educational opportunities and accolades.

1.4 Boosting College Applications

Including scholarships on your college applications can enhance your profile and make you a more competitive candidate. Admissions officers view scholarship recipients as students who have demonstrated exceptional qualities, such as academic excellence, leadership, community involvement, or talent in a specific area. This boost to your college application can help you stand out among other applicants and potentially increase your chances of admission to your desired college or university.

1.5 Expanding Opportunities for Higher Education

Scholarships for high school juniors create new avenues for pursuing higher education and exploring your academic interests. By receiving financial support, you have the opportunity to attend colleges or universities that may have otherwise been financially out of reach. Scholarships can also enable you to pursue specific majors, participate in research programs, or engage in study abroad opportunities, expanding your horizons and enriching your college experience.

2. Types of Scholarships for High School Juniors

There is a wide range of scholarships available specifically for high school juniors. Here are some common types of scholarships that you may consider:

2.1 Academic Scholarships

Academic scholarships are awarded based on a student’s performance in the classroom. These scholarships may consider factors such as GPA, class rank, standardized test scores, and academic achievements. Academic scholarships are often highly competitive and can provide substantial financial support for students who excel academically.

2.2 Merit-Based Scholarships

Similar to academic scholarships, merit-based scholarships recognize outstanding achievements in various areas, including academics, extracurricular activities, leadership, and community service. These scholarships evaluate a student’s overall merit and potential for success, beyond solely academics.

2.3 Essay-Based Scholarships

Essay-based scholarships require students to submit written essays on specific prompts or topics. These scholarships assess a student’s writing skills, critical thinking abilities, and ability to communicate effectively. Writing a compelling essay can increase your chances of securing scholarships and showcase your unique voice and perspective.

2.4 Leadership Scholarships

Leadership scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and qualities. These scholarships recognize individuals who have taken on leadership roles in their school, community organizations, or extracurricular activities. Participating in student government, leading clubs, or initiating projects can strengthen your eligibility for these scholarships.

2.5 Community Service Scholarships

Community service scholarships reward students who have made a significant impact on their communities through volunteer work and service projects. These scholarships value the importance of giving back to society and recognize individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

2.6 Athletic Scholarships

Athletic scholarships are specifically for students who have excelled in a particular sport. These scholarships are typically offered by colleges and universities and are based on athletic performance and potential. If you participate in high school sports and have a passion for a specific sport, athletic scholarships can provide financial assistance and opportunities to continue playing at the collegiate level.

2.7 Artistic Scholarships

Artistic scholarships are awarded to students who have exceptional talent in fields such as visual arts, performing arts, music, or creative writing. These scholarships recognize and support students with a passion for artistic expression, providing them with opportunities to further develop their skills and pursue their artistic aspirations.

2.8 STEM Scholarships

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) scholarships are designed to encourage students’ interest and achievement in these fields. These scholarships support students pursuing majors or careers in STEM-related disciplines and recognize their potential to contribute to advancements in these areas. If you have a passion for STEM subjects, exploring STEM scholarships can open doors to exciting opportunities.

2.9 Financial Need-Based Scholarships

Financial need-based scholarships consider a student’s financial circumstances and provide assistance to those who require financial support to attend college. These scholarships take into account factors such as family income, household size, and other financial obligations. Applying for need-based scholarships can help alleviate the financial burden associated with higher education.

2.10 Minority Scholarships

Certain scholarships are specifically designated for students belonging to specific ethnic or minority groups. These scholarships aim to promote diversity and provide educational opportunities for historically underrepresented populations. If you identify as a minority student, researching and applying for minority scholarships can be a valuable avenue to explore.

3. Benefits of Applying for Scholarships as a High School Junior

Applying for scholarships as a high school junior offers numerous benefits that extend beyond financial assistance. Here are some key advantages of pursuing scholarships early in your high school journey:

3.1 Gaining Competitive Edge

By applying for scholarships as a high school junior, you gain a competitive edge over other students who may wait until their senior year. Colleges and scholarship committees are impressed by students who take the initiative to seek out and apply for scholarships early. This demonstrates your proactive approach, responsibility, and commitment to your education.

3.2 Improving Writing and Communication Skills

Many scholarships require written essays or personal statements as part of the application process. Applying for scholarships provides an excellent opportunity to enhance your writing and communication skills. By consistently practicing and refining these skills, you can become a more effective communicator and articulate your thoughts and ideas more clearly.

3.3 Developing Organizational and Time Management Skills

Applying for scholarships involves managing deadlines, gathering documents, and staying organized throughout the application process. By starting early and navigating the application process, you can develop valuable organizational and time management skills that will benefit you in college and beyond.

3.4 Exploring Personal Interests and Passions

Scholarships often require applicants to illustrate their involvement in extracurricular activities, community service, or personal interests. Through scholarship applications, you have the opportunity to reflect on your passions and explore how you have pursued them during high school. This self-reflection can deepen your understanding of your interests and potentially shape your future academic and career choices.

3.5 Strengthening College Applications

Applying for scholarships and earning awards can strengthen your college applications. Scholarship recipients are seen as motivated, accomplished individuals who have excelled in various areas of their lives. Including scholarships on your college applications can highlight your commitment, dedication, and unique qualities, making you a more attractive candidate to admissions officers.

3.6 Improving Financial Planning Skills

Applying for scholarships requires researching financial aid options, estimating costs, and understanding the financial implications of attending college. As a high school junior, engaging in this process helps you develop essential financial planning skills. Becoming familiar with the financial aspects of college can empower you to make informed decisions about your education and set realistic goals for funding your higher education.

4. Strategies to Maximize Scholarship Opportunities

To maximize your chances of securing scholarships as a high school junior, consider implementing the following strategies:

4.1 Start Early and Stay Organized

Starting early gives you ample time to research scholarships, gather documents, and prepare your applications. Create a timeline or planner to stay organized and keep track of application deadlines, requirements, and submission dates.

4.2 Research Available Scholarships

There is a vast array of scholarships available for high school juniors. Research various scholarship opportunities using online databases, scholarship search engines, and resources provided by your school or college counseling office. Explore different categories such as academic scholarships, merit-based scholarships, or scholarships specific to your intended major or field of interest.

4.3 Understand Eligibility Requirements

Carefully review each scholarship’s eligibility requirements before applying. Take note of the criteria, such as GPA, standardized test scores, extracurricular involvement, or community service, and determine if you meet the qualifications. Focusing on scholarships that align with your qualifications will increase your chances of success.

4.4 Develop Strong Essays and Application Materials

When applying for scholarships, pay special attention to your essays and application materials. Craft compelling essays that showcase your unique experiences, goals, and achievements. Use specific examples and demonstrate a strong connection to the scholarship’s mission or values.

4.5 Seek Recommendations and References

Many scholarships require letters of recommendation. Take the time to develop relationships with teachers, mentors, or community leaders who can speak to your character and accomplishments. Request recommendations well in advance, and provide your recommenders with specific information about the scholarship and your goals.

4.6 Meet Deadlines and Submit Complete Applications

Meeting deadlines is crucial when applying for scholarships. Note all submission deadlines and give yourself sufficient time to complete each application thoroughly. Ensure that you have included all required documents, such as transcripts, recommendation letters, and essays.

4.7 Apply for Local and Regional Scholarships

While national scholarships tend to receive more attention, local and regional scholarships can be less competitive and offer excellent opportunities. Consult your school’s guidance counselor, community organizations, or local businesses to explore scholarships available in your area.

4.8 Consider Unconventional Scholarship Opportunities

In addition to traditional scholarships, explore unconventional scholarship opportunities. Some organizations offer scholarships based on unique criteria , such as creating a video, designing a logo, or participating in a specific competition. Think creatively and consider your unique talents and interests when searching for scholarships.

4.9 Seek Assistance from School Counselors

Your school’s guidance counselors are valuable resources in your scholarship search journey. They can provide guidance, advice, and assist you in identifying scholarships that align with your interests and qualifications. Schedule meetings with your counselor to discuss your scholarship goals and seek their expertise.

4.10 Follow Up on Application Status

After submitting your scholarship applications, follow up on their status. Keep track of confirmation emails, logins, or application reference numbers to ensure that your application was received. If there is an option to check the status of your application, take advantage of it. Following up allows you to address any issues or missing documents promptly.

5. Resources for Finding Scholarships for High School Juniors

Finding scholarships as a high school junior can feel overwhelming, but utilizing the right resources can simplify the process. Consider these resources to aid your scholarship search:

5.1 High School Counselors

Your high school counselor can provide guidance and support throughout your scholarship search. They are knowledgeable about local, regional, and national scholarships and can help you navigate the application process.

5.2 Online Scholarship Databases

Online scholarship databases like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and College Board’s Scholarship Search offer comprehensive lists of scholarships. Customize your search criteria based on your qualifications and interests to find scholarships that are the best fit for you.

5.3 Professional Organizations

Many professional organizations offer scholarships for students interested in pursuing careers in their respective fields. Research professional organizations related to your intended major or future career to discover potential scholarship opportunities.

5.4 Local Businesses and Community Organizations

Local businesses, community organizations, and foundations often provide scholarships to support students in their community. Keep an eye out for announcements, inquire at local businesses, or check community organization websites for scholarship opportunities.

5.5 College and University Websites

Colleges and universities often have scholarship opportunities specifically for incoming students. Explore the financial aid and scholarship sections of college and university websites to learn about scholarships available to high school juniors.

5.6 State and Federal Agencies

State education agencies and federal government departments offer scholarships to students based on various criteria. Visit their websites or reach out to them directly to explore scholarship options.

5.7 Scholarship Search Engines

In addition to online scholarship databases, scholarship search engines such as Peterson’s Scholarship Search and Cappex can help streamline your search. These platforms allow you to filter scholarships based on your qualifications and preferences.

5.8 Nonprofit Foundations

Nonprofit foundations often provide scholarships to support students in pursuit of higher education. Research foundations in your area or those aligned with your interests to uncover potential scholarship opportunities.

5.9 Career and College Fairs

Attending career and college fairs can provide valuable networking opportunities and expose you to various scholarship providers. Check with your school or local organizations for upcoming fairs in your area.

5.10 Social Media and Online Platforms

Follow scholarship-related social media accounts, join online communities, and subscribe to newsletters that highlight scholarships. Social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn often share scholarship announcements and opportunities.

6. Frequently Asked Questions about Scholarships for High School Juniors

6.1 can high school juniors receive scholarships for college.

Yes, high school juniors can receive scholarships for college. Many scholarships are open to high school juniors, and securing scholarships at this stage can provide a head start in college funding.

6.2 How can I improve my chances of winning a scholarship as a high school junior?

To increase your chances of winning a scholarship as a high school junior, start early, stay organized, and actively research available scholarships. Develop strong application materials, such as essays, recommendations, and resumes, and ensure you meet all eligibility requirements.

6.3 Should I only apply for scholarships relevant to my anticipated college major?

While applying for scholarships related to your intended major or field of interest can be beneficial, consider applying for a diverse range of scholarships. Exploring different scholarship opportunities can increase your chances of securing funding from various sources.

6.4 Are there scholarships exclusively available for high school juniors?

Yes, there are scholarships exclusively available for high school juniors. These scholarships aim to support students during their junior year and encourage early engagement in the scholarship application process.

6.5 How many scholarships should I apply for as a high school junior?

The number of scholarships you should apply for as a high school junior depends on your time commitment, eligibility, and personal goals. It is typically beneficial to apply for multiple scholarships to increase your chances of securing funding.

6.6 Can scholarships for high school juniors be used for vocational or technical schools?

Yes, scholarships for high school juniors can be used for vocational or technical schools. Scholarships may be applicable to various types of post-secondary education and are not limited only to traditional four-year colleges and universities.

6.7 Is financial need a requirement for all scholarships?

No, financial need is not a requirement for all scholarships. While some scholarships emphasize financial need, others are based on academic, extracurricular, or other criteria. Ensure you review the requirements of each scholarship to understand its specific criteria.

6.8 Can applying for scholarships as a high school junior negatively impact my future financial aid eligibility?

Applying for scholarships as a high school junior usually does not negatively impact your future financial aid eligibility. Scholarships are typically considered part of your financial aid package, and universities and colleges adjust your aid accordingly.

6.9 Can I apply for scholarships outside of my country as a high school junior?

Some scholarship opportunities are available to international students , including high school juniors. Research scholarships specifically open to students from your country or those accepting international applications.

6.10 How soon should I begin preparing for scholarships as a high school junior?

It is recommended to begin preparing for scholarships as soon as possible during your high school junior year. Starting early allows you ample time to research scholarships, gather application materials, and develop a strong application strategy.

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50 Best Scholarships for High School Juniors: Earn over $506,050! 

Already stressing about college? What about how you’re going to pay for it? 

Getting an early start to figure out how to pay for college can make the process much easier. 

Even better, I’ve gathered this list of scholarships for high school juniors to help you prepare early!

The money is there for the taking (or earning). Don’t be like others who let 100 million dollars in scholarships go unclaimed annually! 

Best 50 Scholarships for High School Juniors

• The Coolidge Scholarship  

Amount:  Full-ride

Deadline: January 18th, 2024

Eligibility Details: This full-ride scholarship is open to all US high school juniors who intend to enroll in an accredited four-year university or college for the first time the following fall. Students are chosen based on merit and two letters of recommendation are required. 

• Davidson Fellows Scholarship

Amount: $50,000

Deadline: February 14th, 2024 

Eligibility Details: Must be a US citizen and permanent resident under the age of eighteen. However, there is no minimum age for eligibility so, feel free to apply as early as you want. 

• College Board BigFuture Scholarships 

Amount: $40,000

Deadline: Monthly (Next: February 29th, 2024)

Eligibility Details: Open to all students in the US who are at least 13 years old with a College Board account. 

• VFW Voice of Democracy Competition  

Amount: $35,000

Deadline: October 31st, 2024

Eligibility Details: Available to students in grades 9-12. This scholarship allows you to express yourself in a patriotic-themed recorded essay. 

• Be Bold No-Essay Scholarship

Amount: $25,000

Deadline: February 1st, 2024

Eligibility Details: Open to students in high school, college, or recent graduates. 

• Live Màs Scholarship  

Deadline: January 3rd, 2024

Eligibility Details: Students between the ages of 16 and 26 can submit a video about their life’s passion for a chance to win. Taco Bell isn’t only good for their tacos! 

• American Legion National Oratorical Contest  

Deadline: Varies

Eligibility Details: Students in grades 9-12 must prepare an oration (formal speech) about some aspect of the constitution with an emphasis on civic responsibility. 

• The National Honor Society Scholarship  

Deadline: November 30th, 2023 (check back for 2024 dates!)

Eligibility Details: Members of the National Honors Society in good standing who are planning to pursue a degree at an accredited US university or college. 

• MathWorks Math Modeling (M3 Challenge)  

Amount: $20,000

Deadline: February 23rd, 2024

Eligibility Details: Available to high school students in the US or UK. Must be a member of their school’s M3 Challenge team. Ask a teacher at your school about participating as a coach. 

• Milton Fisher Scholarship for Innovation and Creativity

Deadline: May 15th, 2024

Eligibility Details: For students who have found a unique, creative solution to a problem that’s worth sharing. So, get your thinking cap on! 

• Texas A&M University’s Century Scholars Program  

Deadline: December 1st, 2024

Eligibility Details: Open those who are enrolled in a Century Scholar school. Must maintain an overall 2.75 GPA. 

• Prudential Spirit of Community Awards  

Amount: $15,000

Deadline: November 2nd, 2023 (check back for 2024 dates!)

Eligibility Details: Any citizen or permanent resident of the US who has completed a significant amount of volunteer work. 

• SFM Foundation Scholarship  

Deadline: March 31st, 2024

Eligibility Details: Minnesota and Iowa students who are full dependents of a worker who has been injured or killed in a workplace accident.

• US Stockholm Junior Water Prize  

Deadline: April 15th, 2024

Eligibility Details: Students who are over age 15, in grades 9-12, and have completed a water-science research project can apply. 

• Herbert Hoover Uncommon Student Award 

Amount: $11,500

Deadline: April 1st, 2024

Eligibility Details: Iowa high school students who design a public service project on their own. Must also submit two letters of recommendation. 

• Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes  

Amount: $10,000

Eligibility Details: Must be between the ages of 8 and 18 residing in the US or Canada. Also, current involvement in an inspiring service project or related participation within the last 12 months. 

• Stuck at Prom: Duct Tape Attire Scholarship by Duck Brand  

Deadline: June 8th, 2023 (check back for 2024 dates!)

Eligibility Details: Any fashion designers out there? Create an original prom outfit using Duck brand Duct Tape and submit a photo. May the best ensemble win! 

• John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest  

Deadline: January 12th, 2024

Eligibility Details: If you’re confident in your writing skills, consider submitting an essay about an act of political courage by a US-elected official who served during or after 1917. 

• Military Child of the Year Award

Deadline: December 4th, 2023 (check back for 2024 dates!)

Eligibility Details: This award is for students facing the unique challenges of being part of a military family and demonstrating outstanding leadership, academic, and humanitarian excellence. 

• United States Senate Youth Program  

Deadline: Varies 

Eligibility Details: Any junior or senior high school student with exceptional leadership ability currently serving in some sort of leadership position at their school.

• FIRE’s Free Speech Essay Contest  

Deadline: December 31st, 2023 (check back for 2024 dates!)

Eligibility Details: These are scholarships for high school juniors and seniors who write an essay about the first amendment. 

• ScholarshipPoints $10,000 Scholarship

Amount: $10,000 (up to $2,500 per quarter) Deadline: Expires each quarter 

Eligibility Details: US students over the age of thirteen can enter each quarter! No essay required. 

• Project Yellow Light Hunter Garner Video Scholarship

Amount: $8,000

Eligibility Details: Applicants must create a PSA (public service announcement) video to encourage their peers to develop safe driving habits. 

24. Smart Owl No-Essay Scholarship  

Amount: $7,000

Deadline: Expires on the 28th and 29th of each month

Eligibility Details: Available for all high school and college students over the age of 16.

25. George S. and Stella M. Knight Essay Contest 

Amount: $6,000

Deadline: February 15th, 2024

Eligibility Details: Students must submit an 800 to 1,200-word essay about the American Revolution.

26. AMS Freshman Undergraduate Scholarship  

Amount: $5,000

Deadline: February 3rd, 2024

Eligibility Details: This scholarship is for students pursuing a degree in atmospheric, oceanic, or hydrologic science. 

27. ConnectHER Film Festival  

Deadline: June 15th, 2023 (check back for 2024 dates!)

Eligibility Details: Students must create short films about issues that affect women. Remember to check out the organization’s list of approved topics before you start your project. 

28. Golden Key Undergraduate Achievement Award  

Deadline: December 15th, 2023 (check back for 2024 dates!)

Eligibility Details: Students must demonstrate academic excellence with a minimum GPA of 3.5. 

29. Korean American Scholarship Foundation – Northeastern Regional Chapter  

Amount: $5,000 Deadline: June 30th, 2024

Eligibility Details: Students must be of Korean origin and reside in the Northeastern region of the US (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont).

30. NFWL Essay Student Scholarship Contest

Deadline: August 1st, 2023 (check back for 2024 dates!)

Eligibility Details: Young women in the US currently attending high school or college in South Carolina.

31. Chris Jackson Computer Science Education Scholarship  

Deadline: March 1st, 2024

Eligibility Details: Open to high school students who intend to pursue a degree in computer science. Essay submission on why you chose this career path is required. 

32. Manny and Sylvia Weiner Medical Scholarship

Eligibility Details: Must demonstrate financial need, intend on becoming a medical doctor, and submit an essay explaining why you chose this career path. 

33. Think for Yourself Scholarship  

Amount: $5,000 

Deadline: April 30th, 2024

Eligibility Details: This scholarship is open to all US students. They are to write an essay expressing the importance of curiosity and open-mindedness in everyday life. 

34. Cirkled In’s “No Sweat” Scholarship  

Amount: $2,500

Eligibility Details: This scholarship is very easy to qualify and apply for. Be over age 13, enrolled in school (grades 8-12), make a free student account, create a portfolio, and you’re all set! 

35. Christian Connector Scholarship  

Deadline: May 31st, 2024

Eligibility Details: This scholarship is open to freshman, sophomore, and junior high school students who plan on attending a Christian college or university.

36. Be the Boss Scholarship by GoSkills

Amount:$2,000 Deadline: September 15th and March 15th

Eligibility Details: Any female high school or college student who wants to start her own online business. 

37. Nitro $2,000 Scholarship Sweepstakes  

Amount: $2,000

Deadline: January 31st, 2024

Eligibility Details: Open to high school and college students age 17 or older and a legal US resident. If not of age, you can also have a parent enter on your behalf. 

38. Humanity Rising Scholarship  

Deadline: Awards given on an ongoing basis

Eligibility Details: Humanity rising awards scholarships for high school juniors who make an impact through community service. Students can apply by uploading a 60-second video about their service story or they can choose to put it in writing.

39. CollegExpress Monthly Scholarship Giveaway  

Deadline: Monthly

Eligibility Details: Create a free CollegExpress account and share a link with your friends to be entered to win as much as $2,000.

40. Niche No-Essay Scholarship

Eligibility Details: Available to all US students in high school or college. Simply create a free account to apply. 

41. Ayn Rand Anthem Essay Contest  

Deadline: April 25th, 2024

Eligibility Details: Open to students in grades 8-12 worldwide. Must submit a 600 word minimum essay. Find an approved writing topic at the scholarship link above. 

42. Kaplun Essay Contest  

Amount: $1,800

Deadline: March 12th, 2024

Eligibility Details: Open to students in grades 7-12. Must submit a short essay focused on Jewish heritage and its contribution to civilization and culture. 

43. Apprentice Ecologist Initiative Scholarship  

Amount: $1,750 

Deadline: August 31st, 2024

Eligibility Details: Students must conduct their own environmental stewardship project, submit pictures, and an essay explaining what the project was and what it meant to you. 

44. Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest 

Amount: $1,500

Deadline: June 10th, 2024

Eligibility Details: Open to international students ages 11-18 in middle school or high school. The focus is to bring awareness to environmental issues through art. 

45. Scorenavigator Financial Literacy Scholarship

Amount: $1,000

Deadline: July 13th, 2024 

Eligibility Details: High school juniors or seniors from a low-income background with a 3.0 GPA or higher.

• Scholarships360 $1,000 Essay No-Essay Scholarship

Deadline: June 30th, 2024

Eligibility Details: Available to any student who opens a Scholarships360 account. Must have parent or guardian’s consent if under 18 years old.

• Carson Scholars Fund  

Deadline: January 14th, 2024

Eligibility Details: Scholarships for juniors in high school who excel academically and are committed to serving their communities. Must attend an accredited K-12 school in the US, have a minimum GPA of 3.75, and be nominated by a teacher at your school. 

• Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship 

Deadline: July 31st, 2024

Eligibility Details: Open to US students in grades 9-12 enrolled in high school, college, or graduate school. 

• LA Tutors 123 Innovation in Education Scholarship

Amount: $500

Deadline: The 20th of each month

Eligibility Details: Must be a US or Canadian citizen enrolled in high school, college, or graduate school and maintain a GPA of 3.0. Submission includes an essay covering an innovative project you designed to help others. 

50. Learner Math Lover Scholarship

Eligibility Details: Any student with an interest in mathematics.

Commonly Asked Questions About Scholarships for High School Juniors

Scholarships for high school juniors class of 2024.

The best scholarships for high school juniors graduating in 2024 are the Coolidge Scholarship and the National Honor Society Scholarship. Both offer high payouts and will look impressive on your resume!

College Scholarships for Juniors in High School

The best scholarships for high school juniors are the Coolidge Scholarship and the Davidson Fellows Scholarship. Both are competitive and require students to apply early. The Coolidge Scholarship gives students a chance to earn enough money for a full-ride! The Davidson Fellows Scholarship is for $50,000! 

What is the Youngest Age to Get a Scholarship? 

Scholarships are available to children as young as four. However, most people don’t begin thinking about college until they’re teens. If you want to get an early start, I recommend the Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest or the Carson Scholars Fund. Both focus on community service, which looks amazing on college applications!

What are the Best High School Scholarships? 

The best scholarships for high school juniors are the Coolidge Scholarship and the Davidson Fellows Scholarship. Both are among the highest value scholarships and are sure to impress college admissions officers!

What is the Easiest Scholarship to Get? 

The Be Bold No-Essay Scholarship and Niche No-Essay Scholarship are the easiest to apply for because they don’t require essay submissions. Although, this is the same reason no-essay scholarships can be considerably more competitive. Which is why I recommend applying for both no-essay and essay-required scholarships. 

Full Ride Scholarships for High School Juniors

The Coolidge Scholarship is a full-ride scholarship available to all high school juniors in the US who intend to enroll in an accredited four-year university or college for the first time.

Best Scholarships for High School Juniors 

The best scholarships for high school juniors are the Coolidge Scholarship and the Davidson Fellows Scholarship because they offer the highest payout amounts. 

Scholarships for High School Juniors in California 

The LA Tutors 123 Innovation in Education Scholarship is a California-based scholarship available for high school juniors. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 and submit an essay detailing an innovative project they designed to help others. 

Scholarships for High School Juniors in Texas

The Texas A&M University’s Century Scholars Program is a Texas-based scholarship available to high school juniors who graduate from a Century Scholar school and maintain an overall GPA of 2.75.

Scholarships for Female High School Juniors 

The ConnectHER Film Festival, NFWL Essay Student Scholarship Contest, and Be the Boss Scholarship by GoSkills scholarships are all excellent options for female high school juniors as they promote women empowerment and entrepreneurship. 

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Scholarships for High School Juniors

College is right around the corner for high school juniors and cost is probably heave on their mind. Here are scholarships open to high school juniors. 

Civics Education Essay Contest Sponsor : National Center for State Courts Amount : Up to $1,050 Closing Date : March 22, 2024 – extended to March 29, 2024 Description : Contest is open to 3rd-12th grade students. Applicant must submit an essay on a given topic related to the importance and the role of the United States government.

ISL Education Lending Scholarship Sponsor : Iowa Student Loan Amount : $1,000 Closing Date : March 29, 2024 Description : Scholarship is open to Iowa high school and undergraduate college students, or a parent or guardian of, or another adult who holds a College Savings Iowa account to benefit, an Iowa high school student or an undergraduate college student.

Palama Settlement Scholarships Sponsor : Palama Settlement Amount : Varies Closing Date : March 29, 2024 Description : Scholarships are open to high school and college students who are permanent residents of Hawaii. Applicant must have financial need. In addition to the college scholarships, there is a scholarship for private school tuition.

1000 Dreams Scholarship Sponsor : 1,000 Dreams Fund Amount : Up to $1,000 Closing Date : March 31, 2024 Description : Scholarship is open to high school and college women who can demonstrate financial need. Applicant will need to submit a completed application and at least one letter of recommendation.

$1,000 Easy Scholarship: Be An Advocate For STEM Education Funding Sponsor : DoSomething Amount : $1,000 Closing Date : March 31, 2024 Description : We know there are real equity gaps in STEM especially for marginalized students who don’t see themselves reflected in STEM professions and underresourced schools that don’t have funding to keep pace with how quickly the field is evolving. Take action by sending a letter to your state representative and urge them to invest in STEM education and programs!

$2,000 Easy Scholarship: Science Go Seek Sponsor : DoSomething Amount : $2,000 Closing Date : March 31, 2024 Description : Despite growth in STEM jobs outpacing other fields, young people, especially those without a college degree, are more likely to believe that STEM is not useful for their careers. Choose something that interests you and find a way that science, technology, engineering, or math explain how it works. You’ll then share this in a 60-90 second video. Once you’ve uploaded your video, you’ll be entered for the opportunity to earn a $2,000 scholarship!

$2,000 “No Essay” College Scholarship Sponsor : Niche Amount : $2,000 Closing Date : March 31, 2024 Description : Scholarship is open to high school, college, and graduate students and those planning to enroll within 12 months. Applicant must be a legal residents of the United States or an international student with a valid visa. Applicant must log in to Niche or create a free account to apply for the scholarship.

$2,500 Easy Scholarship: Certified Bestie Sponsor : DoSomething Amount : $2,500 Closing Date : March 31, 2024 Description : Mental Health is a topic that can feel difficult to discuss. Only 46% of young people say they are comfortable talking to their friends about their mental health and less than one in five do so regularly. However, if you’re feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders, your friends may be experiencing it, too. Become a Certified Bestie by completing one (or both) of the free and easy Wellness Education Lab online training courses, and submit your certification(s) for the opportunity to earn a $2,500 scholarship.

Appily Easy College Money Scholarship Sponsor : Appily Amount : $1,000 Closing Date : March 31, 2024 Description : Scholarship is open to high school and college students in the United States who are/will be enrolled in college within the next 12 months. Applicant must create a Appily profile (if they don’t have one already), share about their extracurricular activities, leadership, and volunteer activities, and then search Appily for scholarships.

CBC Spouses Essay Contest Sponsor : Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Foundation Amount : Varies Closing Date : March 31, 2024 Description : Contest is open to African-American and Black junior and senior high school students. Students will be presented with a topic that embodies some of their communities’ most pressing issues and are asked to write an essay to depend their research, analyses, and opinion.

College Raptor Scholarship Sponsor : College Raptor Amount : $2,500 Closing Date : March 31, 2024 Description : Scholarship is open to student who are enrolled (or will enroll no later than the fall of 2026) in an accredited post-secondary institution of higher learning. Applicant must sign up with College Raptor (free) and submit an essay one of four given topics related to college.

Courage to Grow Scholarship Sponsor : Courage To Grow Amount : $500 Closing Date : March 31, 2024 Description : Scholarship is open to juniors and seniors in high school and college students with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Applicant must explain in 250 words or less why they believe they should be awarded the scholarship.

Folds of Honor Scholarship Sponsor : Folds of Honor Amount : Up to $5,000 Closing Date : March 31, 2024 Description : Scholarship is open to dependents of service members enrolled in grades Kindergarten – 12 and students enrolled in college. Funds may be used for approved/accredited private school tuition, IRS approved educational tutoring from an approved tutoring company, approved/accredited home school curriculum, required books, and required school uniforms.

Kelsey’s Law Scholarship Sponsor : Michigan Auto Law Amount : Up to $2,000 Closing Date : March 31, 2024 Description : Scholarship is open to 11th and 12th grade students (class of 2024 and 2025) attending any public or private Michigan high schools and have a valid Michigan driver’s license. Applicant must submit a video, graphic, or Tweet that resonates with teens and influences their driving behavior (reduce distracted driving).

MyImpact Challenge Sponsor : Bill of Rights Institute Amount : Up to $10,000 Closing Date : March 31, 2024 Description : Contest is open to students in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, American Armed Forces schools abroad, and students in U.S. territories who are in middle or high school and between the ages of 13-19. Student must submit a project report, an essay on how their project aligns with Civic Virtues, and photo/video documentation. This is the due date for Arizona and Missouri only. All other states and locations are due May 19, 2024.

No Sweat Scholarship Sponsor : Cirkled In Amount : $2,500 Closing Date : March 31, 2024 Description : Scholarship is open to students 13 years of age or older who are legal residents of the United States or the District of Columbia. Applicant must create a free Cirkled in account.

Pride in Your Heritage GRHS Youth Essay Contest Sponsor : Germans from Russia Heritage Society (GRHS) Amount : Up to $1,000 Closing Date : March 31, 2024 Description : Contest is open to students attending public, private, parochial, or home schools, and to students attending accredited universities as full-time undergraduate students. Student must submit an essay on a topic related to German Russian history, heritage or culture. Student does not need to be ethnic German-Russian to enter contest.

Scholarship Poetry Contest Sponsor : Live Poets Society of New Jersey Amount : Up to $500 Closing Date : March 31, 2024 Description : Scholarship is open to all U.S. high school students. Applicant must submit an original poem with 20 lines or less.

School Survey Sweepstakes Sponsor : Niche Amount : $1,000 Closing Date : March 31, 2024 Description : Sweepstakes is open to current high school students, high school alumni who graduated within the last four years, and the parents of those students or alumni. Individual must take a survey on a United States high school.

Student Video Contest Sponsor : Districts Make the Difference Amount : Up to $2,000 Closing Date : March 31, 2024 Description : Contest is open to students in grades 9-12 in the United States. Students are invited to create a fun and informative short video (60 seconds max) highlighting the ways special districts ‘Make the Difference’ in local communities across the US for a chance to win a scholarship.

Superpower Scholarships Sponsor : Unigo Amount : $2,500 Closing Date : March 31, 2024 Description : Scholarship is open to students 14 years of age or older who are legal residents of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia and who are currently enrolled (or plan to enroll) in an accredited post-secondary institution of higher education. In a short written response, student must explain which superhero or villain they would want to changes places with for a day and why.

Susan Howard Community Service Award Sponsor : British American Foundation of Texas Amount : $5,000 Closing Date : March 31, 2024 Description : Scholarship is open to residents of Texas OR Great Britain who are enrolled in full-time education and are aged between 11 and 21 years of age. Applicant must be currently working on an inspiring community service project or have done so within the past 12 months. Recipient must be able to attend an Awards Dinner in Houston, Texas on April 25, 2024.

Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest Sponsor : VFW Auxiliary Amount : Up to $4,000 Closing Date : March 31, 2024 Description : Scholarship is open to any student in grades 9-12 who are U.S. citizens or U.S. Nationals. Applicant must submit a piece of art on paper or canvas – water color, pencil, pastel, charcoal, tempera, crayon, acrylic, pen-and-ink or oil may be used.

4-H Youth In Action Awards Sponsor : 4-H Amount : $5,000 Closing Date : April 1, 2024 Description : Award is open to 4-H members/recent alums who are between the ages of 15 and 19 years of age.

American Foreign Service Association National High School Essay Contest Sponsor : American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) Amount : Up to $2,500 Closing Date : April 1, 2024 Description : Contest is open to high school students in grades 9-12 who are U.S. citizens. Students must submit an essay on a given topic related to the Foreign Service.

Be Bold No-Essay Scholarship Sponsor : Bold.org Amount : $25,040 Closing Date : April 1, 2024 Description : Scholarship is open to students of all education levels, states, fields of study, and GPA. Applicant must create a Bold.org account and create a “bold” profile – bold does not mean “best,” or “most accomplished.” Being bold means being earnest, determined, and moving.

Brian Pearson Memorial Scholarship Sponsor : Iowa Games Amount : $1,000 Closing Date : April 1, 2024 Description : Scholarship is open to high school juniors and seniors who have previously participated in any Iowa Games events (Summer Iowa Games, Winter Iowa Games, Iowa Games Net Fest, or Iowa Games Run).

Celebrate the West High School Art Competition Sponsor : Western Governors’ Association Amount : Up to $1,500 Closing Date : April 1, 2024 Description : Competition is open to high school students (grades 9-12) in public, private, charter, and alternative schools. Home-schooled students in that age group also may enter. Student must be in a school in a WGA member state: Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Applicant must submit a two-dimensional art piece on what their state means to them.

DLA Scholarships Sponsor : Delaware Library Association Amount : Up to $4,000 Closing Date : April 1, 2024 Description : Scholarships are open to Delaware students who are enrolled in an ALA-accredited Master’s Degree in Library Science program (or library certification program) and high school juniors and seniors students wishing to pursue a career in librarianship or writing.

Project Yellow Light Scholarship Competition – Radio Sponsor : Advertising Council Amount : Up to $2,000 Closing Date : April 1, 2024 Description : Competition is open to high school juniors and seniors and current undergraduate students. Applicant must create a radio recording of 20 second that discourages distracted driving.

Project Yellow Light Scholarship Competition – Video Sponsor : Advertising Council Amount : Up to $8,000 Closing Date : April 1, 2024 Description : Competition is open to high school juniors and seniors and current undergraduate students. Applicant must submit a video that encourages friends to avoid distracted driving.

Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest Sponsor : Winning Writers Amount : Up to $1,000 Closing Date : April 1, 2024 Description : Contest is open to poets of all ages and from all nations. Contestant must submit one English poem only with a maximum of 250 lines.

$1,000 Easy Scholarship: Uncensored: Women’s History Month Sponsor : DoSomething Amount : $1,000 Closing Date : April 4, 2024 Description : Banning books, a harmful and exclusionary practice, occurs when individuals, government officials, or even school administrators, remove books from libraries, reading lists, or even bookshelves because they object to their content, ideas, or themes. Read a title from our Uncensored: Banned Books by Women list, and share with us the value you feel these books and stories have on society, why they should not be banned, and how you’ll advocate for banned titles in your school. You’ll be eligible for the opportunity to earn a $1,000 scholarship.

10 Words or Less Scholarship Sponsor : StudentScholarship.org Amount : $1,000 Closing Date : April 15, 2024 Description : Scholarship is open to students between the ages of 14-25 who will be attending school in the Fall of 2024. Applicant must share in 10 words or less why they deserve the scholarship.

Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes Sponsor : Barron Prize Amount : $10,000 Closing Date : April 15, 2024 Description : Award is open to students between the ages of eight and 18 years of age who are permanent residents of and currently residing in the U.S. or Canada. Applicant must be currently working on an inspiring service project or have done so within the past 12 months.

Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award Sponsor : From the Top Amount : Up to $10,000 Closing Date : April 15, 2024 Description : Award is open to classical instrumentalists, vocalists, and composers between the ages of 8 through high school juniors.

JEN Scholarships Sponsor : Jazz Education Network (JEN) Amount : Varies Closing Date : April 15, 2024 Description : Scholarship is open to high school and university students with talent and potential in jazz performance and/or education or industry. Multiple scholarships available with different requirements. Applicants should see website for details.

Stockholm Junior Water Prize Competition Sponsor : Water Environment Federation (WEF) Amount : Varies Closing Date : April 15, 2024 Description : Competition is open to students ages 15-20 in grades 9-12. Applicant must submit a water-related science project. Teams of up to three students may enter.

International College Counselors Scholarship Essay Contest Sponsor : International College Counselors Amount : $250 Closing Date : April 17, 2024 Description : Scholarship is open to students in grades 9-11 anywhere in the world. Applicant must submit an essay on the following prompt: “The transition from middle school to high school is oftentimes filled with anxiety, frustration, and isolation. What advice would you give middle school students on smoothly transitioning to high school?” In addition to the national scholarship, there is one scholarship open specifically to students from Miami Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach Counties (Florida).

Innovation in Education Scholarship Sponsor : LaTutors Amount : $500 Closing Date : April 20, 2024 Description : Scholarship is open to students currently enrolled in high school or college within the United States with at least 3.0 GPA. Applicant must be a citizen of, permanent resident, or hold a valid student visa in the United States or Canada. Applicant must have designed an innovative project that makes a difference in the lives of others and submit an essay describing the goal of the particular project and provide supporting documentation.

Create Real Impact Contest Sponsor : Impact Teen Drivers Amount : Up to $10,000 Closing Date : April 25, 2024 Description : Contest is open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia between the ages of 14 and 22 years of age. Student must submit an original work (social media campaign, video, or graphic design) showcasing their idea for a solution to the very real problem of reckless and distracted driving.

All About Education Scholarship Sponsor : Unigo Amount : $3,000 Closing Date : April 30, 2024 Description : Scholarship is open to students 14 years of age or older who are legal residents of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia and are currently enrolled (or will enroll) in an accredited post-secondary institution of higher education. Applicant will need to submit a short response to a given prompt.

All Star Verified Scholarship Sponsor : Verified Scholarships Amount : $1,000 Closing Date : April 30, 2024 Description : Scholarship is open to high school, college, graduate, adult students, and parents of high school and college students. Applicant must fill out a short form and answer the following question: “What is the best or worst part about finding or applying to scholarships?”

Dedman Essay Competition Sponsor : University of Texas at Austin Amount : Closing Date : April 30, 2024 Description : Competition is only open to high school sophomores and juniors currently enrolled in a public or private high school in Texas. Applicant must submit an essay on the following prompt: “Can you imagine a time when someone’s lack of integrity led to more success? What can this teach us about the value of integrity?”

E-waste Scholarship Sponsor : Digital Responsibility Amount : $1,000 Closing Date : April 30, 2024 Description : Scholarship is open to high school students and current or entering college or graduate students at any level. Applicant must answer in 140-characters or less “the most important reason to care about e-waste is…”

MoolahSPOT $1,000 Scholarship Sponsor : MoolahSPOT Amount : $1,000 Closing Date : April 30, 2024 Description : Scholarship is open to students at least 16 years or older who plan to attend, or are currently attending, college or graduate school. Students may be of any nationality and reside in any country. Applicant must submit a short form and a short essay.

Dexter All-American Team Scholarship Sponsor : U.S. Bowling Congress Amount : $1,000 Closing Date : May 1, 2024 Description : Scholarships are open to USBC high school members who are nominated by a coach or team administrator.

NJSA Scholarships Sponsor : National Swine Registry Amount : $1,000 Closing Date : May 1, 2024 Description : Scholarship is open to high school and college students who are members of the National Junior Swine Association.

SWNAF Scholarship Sponsor : Southwest Native American Foundation Amount : Varies Closing Date : May 1, 2024 Description : Scholarship is open to Native American studies who are enrolled in a high school summer program, vocational school, college/university, or graduate school. Applicant must be an enrolled member of a U.S. Federally Recognized American Indian or descendant of a base roll member, have Lineal descendancy from someone named on the tribe’s base roll or relationship to a tribal member who descended from someone named on the base roll, or meet other conditions such as Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood, tribal residency, or continued contact with the tribe.

MyImpact Challenge Sponsor : Bill of Rights Institute Amount : Up to $10,000 Closing Date : May 19, 2024 Description : Contest is open to students in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, American Armed Forces schools abroad, and students in U.S. territories who are in middle or high school and between the ages of 13-19. Student must submit a project report, an essay on how their project aligns with Civic Virtues, and photo/video documentation. This is the due date for most states. Students in Arizona and Missouri should have submitted their project by March 31, 2024 to be eligible.

Anthem Essay Contest Sponsor : Ayn Rand Institute Amount : Up to $2,000 Closing Date : May 31, 2024 Description : Contest is open to students in grades 8 through 12. Applicant must submit an essay on a given topic related to Ayn Rand’s “Anthem.” There is no citizenship requirements to apply.

Catholic College Scholarship Sponsor : Catholic College Info Amount : $2,000 Closing Date : May 31, 2024 Description : Scholarship is open to students 13 years of age or older who plan on attending a Catholic college or university.

Christian Connector Scholarship Sponsor : Christian Connector Amount : $2,500 Closing Date : May 31, 2024 Description : Scholarship is open to students with plans to enroll for the first time as a full-time student at a Christ-centered Christian college or Bible college within 16 months.

Protestant Faith Based College Scholarship Drawing Sponsor : FaithBasedCollege Amount : $2,000 Closing Date : May 31, 2024 Description : Scholarship drawing is open to students 13 years of age or older who will request Faith Based college or university information, as well as those planning or considering attending a Faith Based college or university are eligible for the drawing.

Fountainhead Essay Contest Sponsor : Ayn Rand Institute Amount : Up to $25,000 Closing Date : June 7, 2024 Description : Contest is open to middle and high school students worldwide. Applicant must submit an on a given topic related to Ayn Rand’s “The Fountainhead.” There is no citizenship requirements to apply.

Young Filmmakers Contest Sponsor : One Earth Film Festival Amount : Up to $1,000 Closing Date : June 25, 2024 Description : Contest is open to students in grades 3 through college (ages 8 and up) from the United States. Student must create a film on one of many given topics (climate, energy, food, transportation, waste, water, Wildlife and Ecosystems) related to the Earth.

Smart Savings Scholarship Sponsor : Dealspotr Amount : $500 Closing Date : June 30, 2024 Description : Scholarship is open to current high school and college students in the United States who are U.S. Citizens. Applicant must submit a short TikTok or YouTube video (less than five minutes, preferably around 2-3 minutes) to share a savings tip.

Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship Sponsor : Gen and Kelly Tanabe Amount : $1,000 Closing Date : July 31, 2024 Description : Scholarship is open to students in grades 9-12, college, or graduate school students who are legal U.S. residents. Applicant must submit an essay answering why they deserve the scholarship or their academic or career goals.

Don’t Text and Drive Scholarship Sponsor : Digital Responsibility Amount : $1,000 Closing Date : September 30, 2024 Description : Scholarship is open to high school students in grades 9-12 and current college or graduate school students. Applicant must complete a short form and share a 140-character statement explaining why they will not text and drive.

Apprentice Ecologist Initiative Youth Scholarship Program Sponsor : Nicodemus Wilderness Project Amount : Varies Closing Date : December 31, 2024 Description : Scholarships are open to students between the ages of 13 and 21 who are candidates for a degree/diploma at a primary (middle school), secondary (high school), or accredited post-secondary educational institution from any country around the world. Applicant must conduct their own environmental stewardship project in 2024.

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Find Education Scholarships for High School Students

Get started funding your college education while you're in high school by using the U.S. News Scholarship finder. Search our database and apply for money now.

• Clear Filters

2020 Opportunity to Grow Scholarship

Williams Law Group, LLC

What You'll Need

• Application Form
• Need-based Aid
• Merit-based Aid

Description

The scholarship is open to any current high school senior, college student or graduate student who is a legal resident of the United States residing in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia and who is enrolled in a two to five year post-secondary institution A minimum GPA is not required

The Anhelo Project Dream Scholarship

League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)

The Anhelo Project is a Chicago based non-profit organization that works to support undocumented students pursuing a post-secondary education within the State of Illinois. Since 2011 The Anhelo Project has awarded over $200,000 to more than 60 recipients pursuing their dream to achieve an education beyond high school. Students do not need to have DACA status, and we strongly encourage undocumented students from all racial/ethnic backgrounds to apply. The 2021 Anhelo Project Dream Scholarship will be awarded to eligible high school seniors, undergraduate, graduate and/or vocational training students who demonstrate leadership, academic competitiveness, community involvement, and financial need.

Point Foundation

Region: National

eQuality Scholarship Collaborative

eQuality Scholarship Collaborative awards scholarships to honor and encourage California students for their service to the lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender community. Scholarships may be used for post-secondary education at accredited institutions - colleges, universities, and trade schools. Some of the scholarships are specifically for nursing or graduate school.

Affinity Plus Foundation: Annual Scholarship Program

Applicant must be an Affinity Plus primary member. Planning to or already be enrolled in an undergraduate/ graduate program at accredited non-profit, public, private, community, or technical college.

UAA Alumni Scholarship - Community & Technical College

UAA of University of Alaska, Fairbanks

To provide financial assistance for tuition, registration fees, books and related educational expenses. Recipient must be maintaining progress toward a degree program either beginning or continuing college education. Recipient must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Recipient must be enrolled full-time. Preference will be given to students who are Alaska High School graduates. Keywords: University of Alaska Anchorage; UAA; University Advancement; Alumni Relations

Walter J. Kubon Engineering Scholarship

University of Alaska, Fairbanks

The Walter J. Kubon Engineering Scholarship provides financial assistance through scholarships to full-time engineering students attending the University of Alaska. Requirements: enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program; a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0; be an undergraduate student. Preference will be given to Alaska high school graduates.

Coalition of Student Leaders Alaska Advantage Incentive Program (AAIP)

• Demonstrated Financial Need

The Coalition of Student Leaders Alaska Advantage Incentive Program (AAIP) provides needs-based scholarships on behalf of the Coalition of Student Leaders at the University of Alaska. Applicants should either be returning or applying to college after having been out of high school for at least two years. Requirements: completed at least two semesters at UA and/or have successfully completed at least nine credits; a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5; a demonstrated financial need vetted by UA Financial Aid; filed a FAFSA; accepted to any UA university; no class grades lower than a C.

Banatao Family Filipino American Education Fund College Scholarship

Academic Level: High School Senior

Robert Sheppard Leadership Awards 2019

National Society of High School Scholars

• Recommendation

Eligibility Requirements: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors Scholarship Award: USD $2,500 scholarship for the first place winner and USD $1,000 scholarship from NSHSS for the TOP finalists who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to community service and initiative in volunteer activities. Application Requirements: Personal statement of 500 words describing a volunteer project which you feel most benefited both you and the recipients, and also how and why you became involved in the project, what it entailed, and what have been the results List of service activities Transcript Resume Educator Recommendation Color headshot suitable for website posting. Open Date: January 2, 2019. Close Date: March 15, 2019 *Scholarship funding is sent to recipients' college or university during the freshman year. If you receive this scholarship as a high school sophomore or junior, your scholarship funding will be held until you enroll in college.

10 Essay Scholarships For High School Seniors To Apply

Are you a high school senior who loves to put pen to paper? Do you dream of being the next J.K. Rowling or Ernest Hemingway? Well, get ready to grab your writing utensils, because we’ve got some fantastic news for you! 

There are numerous essay scholarships available exclusively for high school seniors. That’s right, you could earn money for college just by showcasing your writing skills. From creative writing to persuasive essays, the possibilities are endless. So, if you’ve got a way with words and a desire to earn some cash for college, it’s time to get cracking on those scholarship applications. Who knows, your writing could be the ticket to your college education and your future success!

Essay scholarships for high school seniors

1. afsa high school essay contest.

Are you a high school student with a passion for international affairs? Do you love to express your thoughts through writing? Then the AFSA Essay Contest is perfect for you! This scholarship challenges high schoolers to write an essay on a selected topic related to American foreign policy and global issues. Whether you’re interested in politics, economics, or human rights, this contest is an excellent opportunity to showcase your knowledge and writing skills.

The winners will receive a cash prize and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C. to meet with government officials and tour international landmarks. Plus, it’s a chance to meet other talented young writers and make lasting connections. So, don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to share your voice and earn some scholarship money!

2. Interface “Tech for Good” Scholarship 

If you’re a tech enthusiast and have a passion for making a positive impact in the world, then the Tech for Good Scholarship is perfect for you! Interface Systems is offering a one-time grant of $5,000 to a high school senior or college student who can write an outstanding essay on the topic of how technology can be used for the greater good of humanity.

You can explore topics like sustainability, accessibility, social justice, healthcare, and education. The essay should be no more than 750 words and demonstrate your passion for both technology and making a positive impact in society. So, if you have some big ideas for how technology can be used to make the world a better place, then this scholarship is an excellent opportunity to showcase your creativity and passion!

3. WCF National Scholarship 

Do you have a passion for entrepreneurship and a desire to make a difference in the world? The WCF National Scholarship Competition is just for you! This essay scholarship is open to high school seniors and college undergraduates who have innovative business ideas and want to create a positive impact. The winner of the competition will receive a $20,000 scholarship to help them pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

The application requires you to submit a business proposal outlining your idea, a personal statement, and two letters of recommendation. So, put on your thinking cap and let your creativity run wild! Who knows, you might just be the next big thing in the world of entrepreneurship.

4. AEL Collegiate Essay Competition Scholarship

Are you passionate about education and leadership? Do you want to make a positive impact in your community? If yes, then Pepperdine University’s Aspiring Education Leaders (AEL) scholarship program might be just for you! This scholarship is designed for individuals who are interested in pursuing careers in education leadership and who are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

The AEL scholarship provides selected candidates with financial assistance to attend Pepperdine’s prestigious Graduate School of Education and Psychology, where they will receive exceptional training and mentorship from experienced educators and leaders.  Just submit an essay with a word count between 1,500 and 2,000. The winners get three $1,000, $1,500, and $2,500 essay prizes. If you have a strong passion for education, leadership, and community service, this scholarship could be an excellent opportunity to help you achieve your goals and make a meaningful impact in the world. 

5. America’s 911 Foundation College Scholarship  

Are you passionate about serving your community and helping others? America’s 911 Foundation is offering a scholarship that aims to support students who demonstrate a commitment to community service and patriotism. To apply, students are asked to write a 500-word essay on a given topic related to the 9/11 attacks and how they have affected their lives and worldview. The foundation awards scholarships to multiple students each year, with amounts ranging from $2,000 to $3,000.

This scholarship is a great opportunity for students to not only receive financial support for their education but also to reflect on the impact of one of the most significant events in American history. If you’re a student who is passionate about making a positive difference in the world and honoring the memory of those who lost their lives on 9/11, this scholarship is for you!

6. Life Lessons Scholarship Program  

Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes it throws unexpected events our way. To raise awareness about the importance of life insurance, Life Happens has created the Life Lessons Scholarship Program. This scholarship aims to support students who have faced a loss due to the death of a parent or guardian who did not have life insurance.

By sharing their experiences and lessons learned, applicants can win a scholarship of up to $15,000 to help them achieve their academic goals. It’s an opportunity to transform a difficult experience into a source of motivation and inspiration. So, if life has dealt you a tough hand, use your story to win this scholarship and show the world that you can turn a tragedy into a powerful life lesson.

7. Arts for Life Scholarship  

Are you a high school senior in Florida with a passion for the arts? Look no further! The Arts for Life Scholarship is here to help fund your future artistic endeavors. All you need to do is submit an original piece of art, along with a written essay on how the arts have impacted your life, for a chance to win up to $3,000 in scholarship money.

The scholarship is open to all graduating high school seniors in Florida who plan to pursue further education in the arts. So, whether you’re a painter, dancer, musician, or something in between, let your creativity soar and apply for this unique scholarship opportunity!

8. DAR Good Citizen Scholarship 

The DAR Good Citizens Award and Scholarship Contest was created in 1934 with an aim to reward students who have the qualities of a good citizen, specifically for students who have demonstrated qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities.

In the first stage, the eligible students are selected by teachers and peers. The student does not have to be a US citizen but accredited with their state board of education to be eligible for this award. The DAR awards one student per year.

9. Maxwell Foundation Scholarship  

The Maxwell Scholarship was created to help Washington high school seniors who want to pursue higher education in colleges of their choice. The Foundation provides students entering a four-year private college program throughout the academic year with the financial aid of up to $5,000 each year.

To be eligible for this scholarship, students have to be a resident of Western Washington, have an SAT or ACT score of 1200 or above, pursue a four-year degree at a recognized private university in the United States, and demonstrate financial need.

10. Voice of Democracy Audio Essay Scholarship  

Looking for a scholarship that will test your writing skills and reward you for your creativity and knowledge? The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) has you covered with their youth scholarship program. Open to high school students, the VFW scholarship program challenges you to write an essay on a patriotic theme.

From exploring the meaning of the U.S. Constitution to discussing the importance of American democracy, this scholarship gives you the opportunity to express your ideas and learn about American history and values. Plus, there’s the added bonus of a chance to win some cash for college! Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to show off your writing skills and love for the country.

What kind of essays do scholarships want?

Experts caution that writing an essay for a scholarship is different from writing an essay for a high school class. There are thousands of candidates each year, making it an extremely difficult process to submit an essay for a scholarship. Students will have to make sure to write an essay that convinces the scholarship program board that they deserve the money up for grabs, as many scholarship applications call for one. 

From mechanical engineering scholarships to environmental scholarships to even scholarships for nursing , different scholarships have different formats and word limits, the first thing to keep in mind while submitting an essay is to adhere to the format as specified by the scholarship. It is essential to keep your essay within the allotted word count and make sure you are responding to the question that has been posed. Even though the essay prompt appears to be somewhat open-ended, your essay should nonetheless have a distinct beginning, middle, and end.

In essays and scholarship applications, students frequently feel pressure to present a particular persona or aspect of themselves. However, this is not always required. The essay should feel real and true to the student’s life. Above all, what the scholarship essay seeks is for the essay to stand out in a sea of academic writings by providing genuine insights into who the candidate is on a deeper level.

In conclusion, scholarships are a fantastic opportunity for students to fund their education and pursue their dreams. It’s essential to keep in mind that scholarship committees are looking for applicants who stand out, who have a unique perspective, and who are willing to put in the effort to craft a well-written and thoughtful essay.

So take the time to research the scholarships you’re interested in, brainstorm ideas, and write a compelling essay that showcases your strengths, passions, and achievements. Remember, your essay is your chance to make a lasting impression and persuade the scholarship committee that you are the best candidate for the award.

So go ahead, put pen to paper, and show the world what makes you extraordinary! However, if you wish to go for a scholarship without an essay too, a non-essay scholarship should work fine for you!

Sananda Bhattacharya, Chief Editor of TheHighSchooler, is dedicated to enhancing operations and growth. With degrees in Literature and Asian Studies from Presidency University, Kolkata, she leverages her educational and innovative background to shape TheHighSchooler into a pivotal resource hub. Providing valuable insights, practical activities, and guidance on school life, graduation, scholarships, and more, Sananda’s leadership enriches the journey of high school students.

Explore a plethora of invaluable resources and insights tailored for high schoolers at TheHighSchooler, under the guidance of Sananda Bhattacharya’s expertise. You can follow her on Linkedin

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How to get scholarships for college in high school.

Your goal is to attend the college of your dreams, but you’ve started to discover all the expenses you’ll be responsible for when you do . College tuition, living expenses, books, supplies, the list can go on and on and can be overwhelming.

Scholarships are essentially gifts. For the most part, they don't need to be repaid. Many of them are out there, offered by schools, employers, individuals, private companies, nonprofits, local community organizations, religious groups, and professional and social groups.

And there are many scholarships for students to apply for as early as their freshman year of high school.

Read on to learn more about how to get scholarships in high school.

Can high school students apply for college scholarships?

Many scholarship opportunities are available for high school students to start applying for to help pay for college. A scholarship might cover the entire cost of tuition, or it might be a one-time award of a few hundred dollars. Either way, they’re worth applying for, because any amount will help reduce the cost of your education.

Most scholarship deadlines are between September and May, although some scholarships allow you to apply throughout the year. This makes applying on breaks and off time easier so it doesn’t interfere with homework and studying.

Making the scholarship search a part of your high school routine will go a long way as far as possibly securing scholarships and will help to ensure you don’t miss deadlines.

College scholarships for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors

There are many college scholarships sophomores, juniors, and seniors in high school are eligible to apply for. Here’s how to begin your search:

Online scholarship databases

There are plenty of online scholarship databases you can use to begin your search. We recommend exploring several as a starting point for your search. Use them to narrow down the scholarships that are out there so that you can then research a list of scholarships further.

School counselors

Contact your high school and college counselors and let them know you’re looking for scholarships. They’ll help you narrow down what kind of scholarships you may qualify for and where to look for them.

Teachers and coaches

If you’re interested in continuing any specific academic or athletic pursuits in college, reach out to teachers and coaches at your high school for help. Even if they don’t know of any specific scholarships, they’ll be able to help you present yourself well on scholarship applications.

Special interest organizations

Organizations that serve specific hobbies, pursuits, or demographics will also have information about relevant scholarships. A huge number of scholarships are available nationwide for specific interests, activities, and communities.

State scholarships

Contact your state’s education agency for more information about their merit and need-based scholarship programs.

Never hesitate to do a web search for a specific scholarship you’re hoping may exist. You’ll be surprised at the depth and breadth of what you’ll find.

Scholarship application tips

Every scholarship has a different application process, but many of the requirements overlap. While some local organizations may ask that you fill out a physical application, most applications are filed online.

Typical academic-based scholarships will require proof that you meet the eligibility conditions and an essay based on a given topic or prompt. Athletic and talent-based scholarships will also often ask you to provide evidence of your skill, which could mean a live performance, a portfolio, or a video of your athletic achievements.

Scholarship essay writing tips

When writing a scholarship essay, it’s best to start early. Make sure your essay fits the requested topic and do plenty of research. Ask a teacher you trust to look at your essay and offer critiques.

The essay is your chance to set yourself apart from the rest of the candidates. Do everything you can to make sure it stands out.

Final thoughts

The earlier you start applying for scholarships, the better your chances of receiving aid. Stay ahead of deadlines to ensure you’re putting your best foot forward when applying for scholarships. Good luck with your search!

Brevard students vie for scholarships. But it's not an easy feat, even for top performers

Getting scholarships can be difficult. here's how brevard students are getting their tuition covered..

It was 2020, during the early days of the pandemic. With hopes of earning a degree in public health, Karly Hudson applied for more than 100 scholarships. Some required 1,000 to 2,000-word essay responses to even be considered.

She never heard back from any of them.

"You pour your heart out for this essay to hope to get a thousand-dollar scholarship, and you're just ghosted," she said.

It's not unusual. While a university may offer scholarships, students often need to be accepted before they can be considered. Scholarships from outside sources often require essay responses and may get hundreds to thousands of applicants, generally with no real response ever sent to those not chosen to receive funds.

These opportunities outside of a college or university can be hugely helpful, said James Almasi, Florida Tech’s director of financial aid. But they can also be extremely time-consuming.

"They take a lot of work," Almasi said. "It's sort of like a part-time job, applying for these things."

So what are some of the ways students can try for scholarships?

That depends on many factors.

Many chosen based on merit, though other factors considered

Hudson, a Melbourne resident, considers herself lucky: Though she didn't get scholarships from the numerous places she applied, University of South Florida, now her alma mater, awarded her a scholarship.

It was a scholarship based on merit, meaning the school took Hudson's high school grade-point average, SAT scores and other factors into consideration before awarding her a certain amount of money.

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It's not an unusual kind of scholarship to get. Students looking into the Space Coast's various local postsecondary education opportunities — whether that be at a private institution like Florida Tech, or a two-year college like Eastern Florida State College, or University of Central Florida — have opportunities to earn scholarships based on their grades and testing scores.

Most students accepted at Florida Tech qualify for a partial scholarship, Almasi said. That amount may vary based on their SAT or ACT scores, as well as their high school GPAs.

"If you're admitted, you'll tend to get something," he said. "The better performer you are, the more you will get."

The true is same for both UCF and Eastern Florida State College students.

And those aren't the only types of scholarships available. The Eastern Florida State College Foundation, a not-for-profit corporation that helps provide financial support for EFSC students, also offers other types of scholarships, working with sponsors and donors to lay out the parameters of each kind of scholarship. While some may be awarded based on test scores, others are given out based on need, degree programs or to first-generation students.

"Donors get to select the criteria and the name of their scholarship," said Tonya Cherry, executive director of the foundation. She added that donors do not select the recipients of scholarships.

"We have a few scholarships that want the average student — the 2.0, the 3.0 — to get the scholarships because they feel like they are the ones that really need it," she said.

The likelihood of receiving a scholarship at any of these schools — and the amount awarded — is highly dependent on how many students apply.

"The competitiveness of scholarships is dependent on a variety of factors including the funding source; the funding amount; the scholarship requirements; and the applicant pool," said Karemah Campbell Manselle, interim director of UCF's office of student financial assistance.

In-state vs. out-of-state tuition struggles

In addition to the scholarship from USF, Hudson also received a partial scholarship from Bright Futures, a program through the state department of education and Florida Lottery that provides funds for eligible students seeking a postsecondary education.

The website boasts that the program has helped more than 950,000 students receive a postsecondary education and provides multiple opportunities for students looking to apply for scholarships: the Florida Academic Scholarship, Florida Medallion Scholarship, Gold Seal Cape Scholarship and Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship. All by the GSC scholarship require a certain GPA and a minimum ACT or SAT score, as well as additional criteria like a certain number of service hours or paid work hours.

While many top-achieving Floridians qualify for Bright Futures, the funds can only go toward in-state schools. Figuring out funding for out-of-state schools can be a challenge.

That's what the Cenker family of Rockledge discovered when Gabe Cenker, now a junior at the University of Oklahoma, graduated from high school in May 2021. Cenker hopes to work in radar/meteorology. His career goals played a big role in his college choice — and in the price tag that came with it.

While he was offered free ride scholarships at Florida State and Embry Riddle, their meteorology programs didn't appeal as much as OU’s, which has a top-flight weather center research facility and is located in the center of "Tornado Alley," said mom Jennifer Cenker.

“We’re not well off, but we do have it slightly better than some others,” Cenker said. “But we are struggling with paying Gabe’s out of state tuition, and have not found many scholarships for families in the upper lower-class or lower middle-class range.”

Outside scholarships, grants supplement university scholarships

Grants are also a way students can access funding. While Florida Tech's current scholarships are merit-based, they'll offer students a chance to receive the Brevard Boundless Opportunity Grant in the fall of 2024. It's a way to make the university more accessible to local students, Almasi said, with eligible students owing the university no money for tuition and fees.

To be eligible, a student must live in Brevard, complete the FAFSA and be federal Pell Grant-eligible, qualify for the Florida Academic Scholarship or the Florida Medallion Scholarship through Bright Futures and apply and be admitted to Florida Tech by May 1.

There are also scholarships awarded to individuals of certain races, gender identities or other marginalized experiences.

Hudson is currently attending Cooley Law School in Tampa, where she won a scholarship through an ambassador program for diversity, equity and inclusion. It's a dream come true, and something she wouldn't be able to do if she hadn't gotten scholarships during her undergraduate schooling.

"I have no debt from undergrad," she said. "So I was like, 'Well, taking out the debt for law school isn't going to be so bad,' because I had all of my undergrad paid for."

As for Gabe Cenker, he won an Award of Excellence Scholarship from the University of Oklahoma, which pays $64,000 spread over the course of four years. Additionally, he was awarded a $1,000 scholarship just this past month in honor of Paul Samaras at the National Storm Chaser Summit.

“He probably spent half of his Christmas break filling out scholarship applications. I lost track of how many he applied to,” Cenker said. “He got word that he won that Paul Samaras one, and then got one from the OU Honors College for $2,000 to be used for his summer abroad at Oxford.”

Scholarships can help prevent life-long debt

Scholarships are one way to keep students from incurring massive debt through loans.

While President Joe Biden had canceled about $138 billion in federal student loan debt as of this month, according to the U.S. Department of Education, the total federal student loan debt still equals about $1.6 trillion.

The Cenkers “never in a million years” thought it would be so hard to find scholarship money for a young man who is in an honors program and an honors scholars fraternity and currently has a cumulative 3.81GPA. Even with his scholarships, the cost for an undergrad living on campus still comes out to about $53,000 a year. This meant his parents needed to co-sign loans for him.

It’s worth all the struggle, Jennifer Cenker said, and the search for scholarships continues.

“I can’t imagine the number of kids who are missing out because of the high costs and then not being able to earn a scholarship,” Cenker said. “So he is lucky in that we will figure out how to cover everything, even if we have to sell our home and downsize or whatever.”

For many Eastern Florida students, scholarships are the reason they can attend school, Cherry said.

"They all apply for federal financial aid, but not everybody qualifies for that, and even if they do ... tuition and books are not the only cost associated with going to college," she said, adding that many EFSC students have families and may struggle to go to school full-time. "I think that our scholarship program benefits the community at large because it empowers them to pursue their dreams ... to ensure that we are building a community that is successful."

Hudson is attending law school with no debt from her undergraduate schooling thanks to the scholarships she received. She felt comfortable taking out loans for law school because of that lack of debt, and because she believed she would receive scholarships once she enrolled.

What fees aren't covered by the ambassador program scholarship — and the merit-based scholarship she was awarded based on her class rank that covers 40% of her schooling — she'll pay back through the federal public service loan forgiveness program. The program forgives the remaining balance on a student's direct loans after they make 120 monthly payments while working in a qualifying job.

"I graduate in 2025; I'll be 24," Hudson said. "So what? (I'll be) 34, and I was a public defender for 10 years. All of my loans will be forgiven; I'm debt-free by 34."

Finch Walker is the education reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Walker at   321-290-4744  or   [email protected] . X:  @_ finchwalker .

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Louis Gossett Jr., 87, Dies; ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’ and ‘Roots’ Actor

His portrayal of a drill instructor earned him the Oscar for best supporting actor. He was the first Black performer to win in that category.

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By Anita Gates

Louis Gossett Jr., who took home an Academy Award for “An Officer and a Gentleman” and an Emmy for “Roots,” both times playing a mature man who guides a younger one taking on a new role — but in drastically different circumstances — died early Friday in Santa Monica, Calif. He was 87.

Mr. Gossett’s first cousin Neal L. Gossett confirmed the death. He did not specify a cause.

Mr. Gossett was 46 when he played Emil Foley, the Marine drill instructor from hell who ultimately shapes the humanity of an emotionally damaged young Naval aviation recruit (Richard Gere) in “ An Officer and a Gentleman ” (1982). Reviewing the movie in The New York Times, Vincent Canby described Sergeant Foley as a cruel taskmaster “recycled as a man of recognizable cunning, dedication and humor” revealed in “the kind of performance that wins awards.”

Mr. Gossett told The Times that he had recognized the role’s worth immediately. “The words just tasted good,” he recalled.

When he accepted the Oscar for best supporting actor in 1983, he was the first Black performer to win in that category — and only the third (after Hattie McDaniel and Sidney Poitier) to win an Academy Award for acting.

Mr. Gossett, a versatile actor, played a range of parts in his long career. But he was best known for playing decent, plain-spoken men, often authority figures.

By the time he won his Oscar, he had already won an Emmy as Fiddler, the mentor of the lead character, Kunta Kinte (LeVar Burton), in the blockbuster 1977 mini-series “ Roots .”

Fiddler was, as the name suggested, a musician, an enslaved man on an 18th-century Virginia plantation. Mr. Gossett was not thrilled about the role at first. “Why choose me to play the Uncle Tom?” he remembered thinking in a 2018 Television Academy video interview . But he came to admire the survival skills of forebears like Fiddler, he said, and based the character on his grandparents and a great-grandmother.

That portrayal, he said, became “a tribute to all those people who taught me how to behave.”

Louis Cameron Gossett Jr. was born on May 27, 1936, in Brooklyn, the only child of Louis Gossett, a porter, and Helen (Wray) Gossett, a nurse. He made his Broadway debut when he was 17 and still a student at Abraham Lincoln High School on Ocean Parkway.

While healing after a basketball injury, he appeared in a school play, just to occupy his time. Impressed, a teacher suggested that he audition for “ Take a Giant Step ,” a play by Louis Peterson that was opening at the Lyceum Theater in the fall of 1953. He won the lead role, that of Spencer Scott, a troubled adolescent. Brooks Atkinson of The Times praised his “admirable and winning performance,” one that conveyed “the whole range of Spencer’s turbulence.”

Sidney Fields devoted a column in The Sunday Mirror to the young man, who shared his career plans. “I always wanted to study pharmacy,” Mr. Gossett said. “But now after college I’ll try acting. I know it’s a tough business, but if I fail, I’ll have the pharmacy degree to fall back on.”

He ended up majoring in drama (and minoring in pharmacy) while on a basketball scholarship at New York University. In 1955, he returned to Broadway, in William Marchant’s comedy “The Desk Set.” By the time he graduated, acting was paying him more than any basketball team would.

He made his film debut as an annoying college man in “ A Raisin in the Sun ” (1961), an adaptation of the Lorraine Hansberry play that starred Sidney Poitier and Ruby Dee. He had appeared onscreen only twice before — in two episodes of “The Big Story,” an NBC drama series, in 1957 and 1958.

Before becoming a film star, Mr. Gossett had a thriving theater career. In less than a decade he landed six Broadway roles, including that of a Harlem hustler in “Tambourines to Glory” (1963), a South African grandfather’s servant in “The Zulu and the Zayda” (1965), a lawyer who had killed a white man in a civil rights demonstration in “My Sweet Charlie” (1966) and the Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba in “Dangerous Angels” (1971).

In the mid-1960s, he replaced the actor playing the big-time boxing promoter Eddie Satin in the musical “Golden Boy,” starring Sammy Davis Jr. His most unfortunate role may have been as a Black man with a white slave in “Carry Me Back to Morningside Heights” (1968), a comedy written by Robert Alan Aurthur and directed by Sidney Poitier. The play, which Clive Barnes of The Times called racist, closed after a week.

Mr. Gossett never committed to another Broadway role. But he appeared for four nights as the flashy lawyer Billy Flynn in the musical “Chicago” in 2002.

In the 1960s, he also performed as a folk singer in Greenwich Village coffee houses. He and Richie Havens co-wrote the antiwar song “Handsome Johnny,” which Mr. Havens recorded in 1966 and later sang at Woodstock.

His dozens of feature films included “The Landlord” (1970), in which he played a man on the brink of insanity; “Travels With My Aunt” (1972); and “The Deep” (1977), as a Bahamian drug dealer. His later films included “ Diggstown ” (1992), in which he played a boxer, and the movie version of Sam Shepard’s “Curse of the Starving Class” (1994), in which he played a bar owner.

Mr. Gossett made more than 100 television appearances, ranging from lighthearted comedies like “The Partridge Family” to dramas like “Madam Secretary.” He played the title role, a Columbia anthropology professor who investigates crimes, on the short-lived 1989 series “Gideon Oliver.”

He also appeared in numerous television movies, among them “The Lazarus Syndrome” (1978), about a cardiologist; “ A Gathering of Old Men ” (1987), about a Black man who kills in self-defense; “Strange Justice” (1999), about the Clarence Thomas Supreme Court confirmation process (he played the presidential adviser Vernon Jordan); and “Lackawanna Blues” (2005), based on Ruben Santiago-Hudson’s play. His other TV-movie roles included the Egyptian leader Anwar Sadat and the baseball star Satchel Paige.

He continued to act until last year, when he was seen in the film version of the Broadway musical “The Color Purple.”

Mr. Gossett’s marriage to Hattie Glascoe in 1964 lasted only five months. He and Christina Mangosing married in 1973, had one child and divorced after two years. His 1987 marriage to Cyndi James Reese ended in divorce in 1992.

Mr. Gossett is survived by his sons, Satie and Sharron Gossett, and several grandchildren.

In the Television Academy interview, Mr. Gossett urged fellow actors to help effect political and social change in a disturbing world. “The arts can achieve it overnight,” he said. “Millions of people are watching.” He added, “We can get to them quicker than anybody else.”

Michael S. Rosenwald contributed reporting.