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Amount(s): 105 national scholarships at $25,000 each; hundreds of other state and specific college scholarships ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 each.
Prerequisite(s) for national scholarships: Overcome adversity; U.S. citizen; family income of $55K or less; minimum 2.0 GPA; involved in extracurricular or community service activities
Effort involved: Application; essay; adult to verify hardship
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to enter a two-year or four-year nonprofit public or private college in the fall -
Amount(s): Up to 40 winners will receive up to $55,000 per year for four years
Prerequisite(s): 3.75 GPA; 1200 SAT score or 26 ACT composite score; family income up to $95K
Effort involved: Application; two letters of recommendation; short answers; essay
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to enter an accredited four-year college -
Amount(s): Many winners will receive $10,000 and can renew for up to three years
Prerequisite(s): Demonstrate leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship; 3.0 GPA; U.S. citizen
Effort involved: Application; nomination from a community leader
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to enroll in four-year college -
Amount(s) available: Five winners will receive $5,000 and can renew for up to three years, 45 students will receive $2,500 each, one time only
Prerequisite(s): Must be of African descent; 3.0 GPA; financial need; leadership at school or in the community; plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, computer information systems, or one of the following business programs: business administration, finance, or marketing
Effort involved: Application; one essay; at least one letter of recommendation; transcript; resume; picture of yourself
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend 4-year college -
Amount(s): Multiple winners will receive $10,000
Prerequisite(s): Intend to study computer science or a closely related field; from an underrepresented group in computer science (e.g. African American, Hispanic, American Indian, Filipino/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, female, a person with a disability); strong academic record; exemplify leadership; demonstrate a passion for computer science and technology
Effort involved: Application; resume; transcript; letter of recommendation from a STEM teacher; multiple short answers
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend four-year college -
Amount(s): Multiple winners will receive $1,000 to $10,000
Prerequisite(s): Proven leader or role model; participant in a school sport; 3.0 GPA
Effort involved: Application; essays; high school official to review your application
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend four-year college -
Amount(s): 100 scholarships for $1,000, 12 scholarships for $2,000, two scholarships for $10,000
Prerequisite(s): Proven leader or role model; participant in a school sport; 3.0 GPA
Effort involved: Application; essays; high school official to review your application
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend four-year college -
Amount(s): Multiple winners will receive $1,000 to $100,000
Prerequisite(s): Individual and team research projects that foster student understanding of the value of scientific study
Effort involved: Participate in the competition; report limited to 18 pages, not including abstract and references
Who’s eligible: 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders -
Amount(s): Covers up to full tuition, room, and board for a four-year degree at Golden Door partner schools
Prerequisite(s): Undocumented and DACA students; U-1 visa, TPS, pending asylum and pending refugee students from North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia; 3.2 GPA; challenging high school classes; leadership positions
Effort involved: Application
Who’s eligible: 12th graders and recent high school graduates planning to attend college -
Amount(s): Multiple winners will receive $4,000 internships
Prerequisite(s): African-American student; leadership; academic talent; community service; financial need; 2.5 GPA; extracurricular activities
Effort involved: Application; letter of recommendation; transcript
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to go attend two- or four-year college -
Amount(s): Multiple winners will receive funds that cover the student’s documented need for tuition, room, and board
Prerequisite(s): Low-income, under-represented, or first-generation college student; if you win, you must perform 8 to 10 hours each week of meaningful community service (and 280 hours during the summer)
Effort involved: Application with the participating colleges (about 30 are listed) and the Bonner Program; requirements vary
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend associated four-year colleges -
USA Waterskiing and Wake Sports Foundation
Amount(s): 35 winners will receive between $1,500 and $10,000
Prerequisite(s): USA Water Ski member; academic record; financial need; work, school, and community involvement; contributions to water sports
Effort involved: Application; 500-word essay or video; two letters of recommendation
Who’s eligible: 12th graders entering college -
Amount(s): 130 winners will receive up to $40,000 per year
Prerequisite(s): Must be a residents of Oregon or Siskiyou County, CA; 3.0 GPA; demonstrated financial need; leadership potential; good character; volunteer work or helping your family; strong work ethic; strong writing and speaking skills; the ability to succeed academically; no minimum GPA
Effort involved: FAFSA; application
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college in the fall -
Amount(s): Vocalists and instrumentalists will be awarded a $3,000, $2,000, and $1,000 scholarship
Prerequisite(s): Promising talent in any field of applied music
Effort involved: Application; audition CD; essay
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college in the fall -
Amount(s): Multiple $2,000 scholarships
Effort involved: Survey questions; three short answers; participate in social media activity
Who’s eligible: College students and 12th graders planning to attend college in the fall -
Amount(s): Multiple winners will receive up to $2,400 per year in tuition assistance; one-on-one tutoring until graduation; access to a Hope Coach; mental health support; career readiness support; academic support; emergency funding
Prerequisite(s): 2.5 GPA
Effort involved: Application; transcript; Student Aid Report or FAFSA; meeting with program staff
Who’s eligible: Teen parents (up to age 25) who live in the Washington, DC area or New Orleans, LA, who are planning to attend college -
Amount(s): Full tuition and fees, stipends for books and living expenses, but comes with commitment to at least 4 years of active duty Marine Corps service after graduation
Prerequisite(s): U.S. citizen; test score minimum of 1000 (SAT) or 22 (ACT) or 74 (AFQT); physical fitness test
Effort involved: Application
Who’s eligible: 12th graders and recent high school graduates between the ages of 17 and 23 planning to attend college -
Amount(s): Multiple winners will receive between $5,000 and $15,000
Prerequisite(s): Applicants must have experienced the death of a parent or legal guardian
Effort involved: Application; 500-word essay or three-minute video
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college -
Amount(s): Four winners will receive $5,000; one winner will receive $10,000
Prerequisite(s): Students who have promoted vegetarianism in their school and/or community
Effort involved: Application; short essay; report cards; three letters of recommendation; documentation of vegetarian activity
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college -
Amount(s): 12 winners will receive up to $15,000 annually for four years, plus a laptop
Prerequisite(s): Must live in the five boroughs of New York City; high-achieving academic record; financial need; preference given to students whose parents have not graduated from college
Effort involved: Application; transcript; test scores; essay; list of activities and achievements; family information
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college; U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. -
Amount(s): Multiple winners will receive between $3,500 and $48,000
Prerequisite(s): Must be an Eagle Scout
Effort involved: Application; reference letter
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college or vocational school (but not military academies) -
Amount(s): Two awards of $3,000 each
Prerequisite(s): At least five years study of Chinese martial arts; 3.0 GPA; U.S. citizenship; academic achievement; participation and leadership in school and community activities
Effort involved: Application; 500-word essay; letter of recommendation from martial arts instructor
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college -
Amount(s): 20 winners will receive $20,000 each
Prerequisite(s): Student athlete involved in a team sport, intramurals, martial arts, etc.; 3.0 GPA; sportsmanship; good character; academic excellence; from a diverse background
Effort involved: Application; interview
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college -
Amount(s): Multiple winners will receive either full tuition or $8,000 toward tuition, plus annual $900 textbook stipend, and $300-$500/month living expense stipend
Prerequisite(s): U.S. citizen; 1240 SAT or 26 ACT score; 3.0 GPA; physical exam; physical fitness test
Effort involved: Application; winners must enroll in Air Force ROTC and serve four years active duty
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college -
Amount(s): Winners will receive $4,000-$12,000 each
Prerequisite(s): Must be a veteran or active in the military, or the child or grandchild of someone in the military; 3.0 GPA
Effort involved: Application; essay; proof of family member’s honorable service
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college -
Amount(s): Multiple winners will receive annual scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $8,000
Prerequisite(s): Child or spouse of Navy sailors; financial need; character; academic record; extracurricular activities. Some scholarships have specific requirements (e.g. pursue a STEM degree)
Effort involved: Application; specified checklist and proof of family member’s service; essays; three letters of recommendation; transcript; registering and then waiting up to 10 days for an applicant ID number
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college -
Amount(s): Multiple winners will receive $4,000
Prerequisite(s): Veterans living in Floria or their spouses
Effort involved: Application; letters of recommendation
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college -
Amount(s): 500 winners will receive between $1,000 and $7,500 per year
Effort involved: Application; SAT or ACT scores; FAFSA; participation in a leadership weekend; interview
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college, do not have to be related to a member of Elks -
Amount(s): Full tuition for four years at 600 colleges; plus $420/month living expenses and $1,200 annual book stipend. Recipients commit to eight years of Army service — four years active duty and four years in the reserve
Prerequisite(s): 2.5 GPA; SAT or ACT scores; GED or high school diploma; meet physical standards
Effort involved: Application
Who’s eligible: Kids ages 17 and up who are planning to attend college -
Amount(s): Multiple winners will receive between $1,000 and $60,000
Prerequisite(s): 2.5 GPA; passionate about serving the community; be a high school senior or a Burger King employee or the child or spouse or partner of an employee
Effort involved: Application; work, school, or community involvement; transcript; copy of parents’ most recent tax form
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college -
Amount(s): 15 winners will receive $5,000
Prerequisite(s): Must be the daughter, son, grandson, granddaughter, great-granddaughter, or great-grandson of veterans who served in the Armed Forces; 50 hours of volunteer service; leadership and character; financial need; academic achievement
Effort involved: Application; 1,000-word essay; four short answers; four letters of recommendation; proof of volunteer service hours; transcript; ACT or SAT score report; FAFSA; statement of relative’s military service or copy of discharge papers
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college -
Amount(s): Non-STEM winners receive $18,000 for tuition, fees, and books each year; STEM winners receive $25,000; plus a daily allowance for meals and incidentals during summer sessions working at the CIA in Washington, DC; recipients are required to work of the CIA for 1.5 times the amount of time that they received college aid, during that time they’ll earn an annual salary, health benefits, etc.
Prerequisite(s): 3.0 GPA; 1000 SAT or 21 ACT score; financial need; U.S. citizen
Effort involved: Application; cover sheet; test score report; copy of family W2 or FAFSA; transcript; two letters of recommendation; essay, short answers; medical exam; psychological exam; polygraph interview; background check
Who’s eligible: 12th graders ages 18 and up who are planning to attend college -
Amount(s): 150 winners will receive $20,000
Prerequisite(s): 3.0 GPA; financial need
Effort involved: Application; school information; transcript
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college -
Amount(s): Multiple winners will receive between $16,000 and $20,000
Prerequisite(s): Must be the daughter of military officers; academic merit; financial need
Effort involved: Application; essay; transcript; letter of recommendation; Student Aid Report
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college -
Amount(s): Average $2,000-$3,000
Prerequisite(s): Must be Native American/Alaska Native; 2.0 GPA
Effort involved: Application; digital photo; tribal affiliation; transcript; financial needs analysis form; essay
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college -
Amount(s): 400 winners will receive $20,000, laptops, textbook credits, ongoing support with mental health and career guidance
Prerequisite(s): Overcome significant obstacles to pursue educations; participated in a in 11th and 12th grades; 2.4 GPA; financial need
Effort involved: Application; transcript; test scores; short answers; Student Aid Report (SAR) or FAFSA; letter of recommendation
Who’s eligible: 11th and 12th graders planning to attend college -
Amount(s): Two winners will receive $1,000
Prerequisite(s): None
Effort involved: Application; 140-character statement
Who’s eligible: 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders -
Amount(s): Hundreds of College Prep Scholars will receive full tuition, room, and board for four years
Prerequisite(s): Academically outstanding applicants; 26 ACT or 1270 SAT score; high GPA in a rigorous course load; annual family income of less than $65,000
Effort involved: Application; essays; short answers; letter of recommendation; transcript; test score reports
Who’s eligible: 11th graders planning to attend college -
Amount(s): $1,000
Prerequisite(s): None
Effort involved: Application; 400-word essay
Who’s eligible: Students ages 16 and older planning to attend college -
Amount(s): $1,500
Prerequisite(s): None
Effort involved: Paragragh about leadership; paragraph about goals and motivation; 500-word essay or 2-minute video
Who’s eligible: Students ages 16 and older planning to attend college or a vocational program -
Amount(s): Two or three winners will receive a full-ride scholarship covering four years of tuition, room, board, and expenses. Ten finalists are eligible for a one-time scholarship.
Prerequisite(s): Academic excellence, interest in public policy, and appreciation for Calvin Coolidge’s values of humility and service
Effort involved: Application; two letters of reference; essay questions (one requires applicants to read The Autobiography of Calvin Coolidge); transcript; interview
Who’s eligible: 11th graders planning to attend college -
Amount(s): Up to 100 applicants win $1,000 each
Effort involved: Short (three-minute) video on “how this tour will change the way you think or feel about the world, or act within it?” Tours have included disaster relief in China, Haiti, Indonesia, Japan, Nepal, and the U.S.
Who’s eligible: High school students -
Amount(s): $1,000
Prerequisite(s): Strong academic record; goals for higher education
Effort involved: Application; 250-word essay
Who’s eligible: 10th, 11th, and 12th graders planning to attend college -
Amount(s): Two $15,000 awards, 11 $1,000 winners
Effort involved: Contestants must attend high school prom wearing clothes made of duct tape and mail color photographs with photographer release form
Who’s eligible: Anyone in high school over 14 years old, unless you’re from Maryland, Colorado, Vermont, Nebraska, or North Dakota. -
Amount(s):$1,000
Effort involved: 600-word essay describing an accident you were in and how it challenged your life
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college and current undergraduates -
Amount(s): 50 winners receive $1,000
Effort involved: Short application
Who’s eligible: High school students who are at least 16 years old -
Amount(s): $2,000
Effort involved: Short application
Who’s eligible: High school students -
Amount(s): 2,500 awards for $2,500 each. Another 5,000+ awards are corporate-sponsored scholarships ranging from $1,000-$10,000 per year.
Effort involved: Take the PSAT
Who’s eligible: High school students with high PSAT scores; Corporate-sponsored scholarships are only for the children of corporate employees. -
Amount(s): $3,000 to the best 1,000-word creative essay that addresses the title question (which changes every year)
Effort involved: Application; 1,000-word essay; 250-word biography
Who’s eligible: 12th graders -
Amount(s): Top three essays from each season receive a cash prize; winner of the annual prize receives $25,000
Effort involved: 800-1600 word essay on topics in the novel Atlas Shrugged
Who’s eligible: High school students -
Amount(s): Two $2,500 Scholarships, Two $5,000 Scholarships, Two $10,000 Scholarships, One $20,000 Scholarship, plus gift cards
Effort involved: Complete in-app financial education modules
Who’s eligible: High school students who are 17 or 18 years old -
Amount(s): $2,000
Effort involved: Write a 250-words or less essay on this topic: “Imagine your high school has been overrun with zombies. Your math professor, the cafeteria ladies, and even your best friend have all joined the walking dead. Flesh out a plan to avoid the zombies, including where you’d hide and the top-five things you’d bring to stay alive.”
Who’s eligible: High school students who are 14 years old -
Amount(s): $10,000 for up to two years
Effort involved: Must have been accepted at a NAAB accredited School of Architecture, 500-word essay, portfolio, two letters of recommendation
Who’s eligible: High school seniors and college students -
Amount(s): 40 scholarships for $10,000 each
Effort involved: 2.75 GPA; Two-minute video about achieving a goal or facing a setback
Who’s eligible: High school students from a diverse background -
Amount(s): 40 scholarships for $10,000 each
Effort involved: 2.75 GPA; Two-minute video about achieving a goal or facing a setback
Who’s eligible: High school seniors who plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or continuous education program who are diverse and can demonstrate leadership abilities and good moral character -
Amount(s): 10 scholarships for $4,000 each
Effort involved: 500-word essay
Who’s eligible: High school seniors planning to major in digital marketing -
Amount(s): 5 scholarships of $1,000 each
Effort involved: 3.5 GPA, essay of 500-800 words on your goals for yourself as a future educator, pictures/videos/media showing your leadership in action
Who’s eligible: High school seniors planning to go into education
Scholarships your teen can (ahem, should) apply to
One of the best ways to pay for college? Scholarship money!
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Your teen has worked so hard — on their grades, extracurriculars, community service — so they’ll look good on college applications. Well guess what: all of your teen’s achievements look good to the organizations and competitions that are giving away thousands of dollars in scholarships, too. So while it may feel like you’re piling on to ask your teen to fill out a few more applications and complete a few more short essays, that effort could really pay off. Check out this list of vetted scholarships for teens. (Read more about how to avoid scholarship scams.)