35 Great Scholarships for High School Seniors

seniors scholarship

The pursuit of higher education is essential in today’s society. It represents the key that unlocks the door to careers that allow students to earn a living while making a difference in the world. With costs of education rising, scholarships such as these thirty-five are designed to assist deserving high school seniors in following their dreams.

Featured Programs

Related resource: 100 Most Affordable Small Colleges East of the Mississippi

1. Judy Corman Memorial Scholarship and Internship from Scholastic

Eligibility

-3.2 GPA

-Be entering a Communications-Related Major

The Judy Corman Memorial Scholarship and Internship sponsored by Scholastic is a fabulous opportunity to both secure academic funding and gain experience in the communications and media relations. The award totals a generous $10,000, and the winner earns the chance to complete a summer internship at Scholastic’s New York City offices.

Scholarship Website

2. The Anhelo Project Dream Scholarship

Eligibility

-Be an Illinois Resident

-Be enrolled full time in college, university, or a vocational program (can apply during senior year of high school).

-2.5 GPA

-Demonstrate leadership through involvement in community organizations, projects, etc.

-Commit to volunteer 20 hours with The Anhelo Project during the year.

-Demonstrate Financial Need

-Be an undocumented student (students holding DACA status are eligible, but students holding F-1 Visas and international students are not).

The Anhelo Project established the Dream Scholarship back in 2011 to assist undocumented students with achieving their dreams of pursuing higher education. To apply, you must present two letters of recommendation from two separate advisors, counselors, teachers, professors or school administrators. One letter must speak to your community involvement, and the other must speak to your scholastic achievement in the face of financial hardship.

3. You First Foundation Scholarship

Eligibility

-Be a US Resident

-Be a High School Graduate or Recipient of a GED

-Be enrolled, or plan to enroll, part or full time in a US college, university, or vocational program.

-2.7 GPA

-You or your family have suffered a traumatic medical event.

You First Foundation knows how difficult it is to stay on track with academic goals in the face of a traumatic or medical event. They established this scholarship to support those who have been through this, either themselves or alongside a family member. You will submit two letters of recommendation, and the application asks you to answer several questions about how your experience affected you, how you have overcome it, and how the scholarship will contribute to your academic and professional future. The number of awards vary and range in amount from $1000 to $5000.

Scholarship Website

4. Aloha Scholarship

Eligibility

-Be a resident of Clark County, Nevada.

-Be enrolled to begin college, university, or trade, technical, or vocational school.

The Island Cultural Club of Las Vegas is a group of individuals dedicated to celebrating local diversity and spreading the Aloha spirit. One of the ways they accomplish this is by donating two $500 scholarships to students annually. Winners are selected on the basis of academic achievement, letters of recommendation, participation in extracurricular activities, and responses to an essay on why they are applying for the scholarship.

5. Berry Quality of Life Scholarship

Eligibility

-Be attending a school in Carmichael, CA, reside within the service area of the Carmichael Water District, or have experience with volunteering within the community served by the Carmichael Water District.

-Be a Senior in High School or enrolled in a post-secondary program.

-Have a lifetime minimum of 130 hours of volunteer experience.

-3.0 GPA

-Not be related to staff or Board of Directors member of the Carmichael Wanter District.

The Carmichael Water District is dedicated to the health and well being of all of its community members. This is why they sponsor the Berry Quality of Life Scholarship. Bill and Peggy Berry were longtime volunteers in the Carmichael community, so a good description of volunteer experience and its importance are key to winning this scholarship. Additionally, applicants must submit two letters of recommendation.

6. Daniel A. Terry Scholarship

Eligibility

-Be the child of a California firefighter who died in the line of duty.

-Be under the age of 27.

-Hold a high school diploma or GED, or be a senior in high school.

For the past few years, the nation has watched in dismay as California faces wildfire after wildfire. People have lost homes, pets, and loved ones to these fires. Many of the brave men and women who serve fighting these fires have also lost their lives, leaving their loved ones in grief and financial hardship. In honor of Daniel A. Terry, former president of the California Professional Firefighters, the California Firefighter Association has set up this scholarship. Each award totals $2000 of aid towards academic costs.

Scholarship Website

7. DeSales University Catholic School Grant

Eligibility

-Be a graduate of a Catholic High School.

-2.5 GPA

DeSales University of Pennsylvania is a Catholic University that follows the teaching of Sir Francis de Sales. This institution offers a Catholic School Grant for students who graduated from Catholic high schools. Options include a general grant in the amount of $3000, and a $5000 grant for students who graduated from Allentown Diocesan High Schools and Oblate High Schools.

Scholarship Website

8. Dr. Kyle Hornby Annual Scholarship

Eligibility

-Be interested in a career in dentistry.

-Be enrolled to begin a North American pre-graduate college or university program geared toward a career in dentistry.

-3.5 GPA

The Kitchener Family dental practice is committed to assist in the development and success of the future generation of dental professionals. They set up the Dr. Kyle Hornby Annual Scholarship as a way to achieve this goal and give back to the dental community. Applicants are selected based on a 1000 word essay detailing why they want to pursue a career in dentistry and which qualities they think are most essential for becoming the best dental professional. One $1000 award is given each year.

Scholarship Website

9. Elmer Carver Scholarship

Eligibility

-Be ready to pursue an undergraduate degree in physics, chemistry, materials science and engineering at a California college or university.

-Be interested in a career supported by the Southern California Chapter of the AVS (SCCAVS).

Funding an academic career in physics, chemistry, materials science, and engineering is no small feat. Neither is it an easy intellectual challenge. This is why the SSCAVS offers a $1500 annual stipend. The winner will be chosen based on academic achievement as demonstrated by their transcripts, their character, and merit as conveyed by a letter of recommendation, and the integrity of their response to an essay highlighting their commitment thus far to the field and their future career goals.

Scholarship Website

10. First Responders Children’s Foundation Scholarships

Eligibility

-Be the child of a first responder.

-Be ready to pursue your first college degree or vocational certificate at a school recognized for financial aid eligibility by the Department of Education.

-2.7 GPA

-Be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident

First responders dedicate their lives to serving others in crisis. The First Responders Children’s Foundation created several scholarships as a way to give back to the people who first responders care about most, their children. They offer several general scholarships of up to $6250 annually. Winners are chosen based on a combination of academic merit, financial need, and either extracurricular achievement in sports or arts or a record of community volunteer work. They also offer several specialized scholarships to explore.

Scholarship Website

11. Jewish Family and Children’s Services of San Francisco, The Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties (JFCS) Educational Loans and Grants

Eligibility

-Be of Jewish faith and actively contributing to the community.

-You and your family have been legal and permanent residents for at least two years of one of these counties: Sonoma, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, or Northern Santa Clara.

-Demonstrate financial need as determined by your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

-3.0 GPA

The JFCS aims to assist Jewish families and their children with the finances needed for the future generation to pursue their academic and career dreams. Need-based grants range from $500 to $4000. Winners are selected based on their demonstrated commitment to the local Jewish community through volunteer work and participation in extracurricular activities. The JFCS wishes to give back to those students who give of themselves to achieve their goals while making the community stronger.

Scholarship Website

12. Minnesota Indian Scholarship

Eligibility

-Be one-fourth American Indian.

-Be enrolling in a college, university, or vocational program in Minnesota.

-Be a Minnesota Resident

-Demonstrate Financial Need

The Minnesota Office of Higher Education is committed to supporting its large yet underserved population of American Indian residents in pursuing their academic and career goals. Awards total $4000 from undergraduate students and may be renewed for several years as long as recipients continue to qualify. Winners are selected based on financial need.

Scholarship Website

13. Texas Association of Developing Colleges Urban Scholarship Fund

Eligibility

-Be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident

-Be a Texas Resident

-Demonstrate financial need through an Expected Family Contribution lesser than or equal to 00100 on the FAFSA.

-Be graduating from a high school in one of these cities: Abilene, Amarillo, Arlington, Austin, Beaumont, Brownsville, Carrollton, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Denton, El Paso, Fort Worth, Frisco, Garland, Grand Prairie, Houston, Irving, Killeen, Laredo, Lubbock, McAllen, McKinney, Mesquite, Midland, Pasadena, Plano, San Antonio, Waco and Wichita Falls.

-Be entering a college, university, or technical school.

The Texas Association of Developing Colleges is attempting to grow its number of high school seniors entering into post-secondary education. The Urban Scholarship Fund was established to reward students for achieving this step. Recipients entering community college will receive $700, those entering public four-year programs will receive $1000, and those entering private institutions will receive $2000 annually.

Scholarship Website

14. BLM Squared Scholarship Foundation

Eligibility

-Be of a minority ethnicity.

-Be a graduating high school senior entering a U.S. college or university.

-Be an Illinois Resident

-3.0 GPA

Siblings Bernard L. Macon Jr. and Brandy L. Macon (hence, BLM Squared!) grew up facing one social and financial challenge after another. Through hard work, sacrifice, and faith, they both earned college degrees. They believe that all people who are motivated to achieve academic and career success should be able to do so, and should be given a hand financially if they demonstrate both financial need and a commitment to giving back to the community. Winning applicants will have an impressive letter of recommendation and history of community involvement.

Scholarship Website

Featured Programs

15. Skylands Energy Scholarship

Eligibility

-Be enrolling in a U.S. college, university, or technical school.

-Be a New Jersey Resident

-Be interested in a career in one of the following: environmental science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering or construction management.

Skylands Energy Service is a company providing Environmental Science, HVAC, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Construction services to the state of New Jersey. They are passionate about contributing to the growth of future generations of professionals who are excited to enter into this field. The $2500 award renews annually so long as recipients maintain at least a 3.0 GPA. Winners will be selected based on both an essay and a video responding to the prompt, What are the benefits of Biofuel and its impact on the economy and the environment?

Scholarship Website

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16. Diller Teen Awards

Eligibility

-Identify with the Jewish Faith

-Be between 13 and 19 years old.

-Be volunteering in a leadership capacity on a project dedicated to repairing the world.

-Be a U.S. Resident

Tikkun Olam is Hebrew for The repairing of the world. The Hellen Diller Family seeks to award Jewish teens each year who demonstrate a commitment to Tikkun Olam. Each year, one winner will receive $36,000 toward funding the continuation of his or her project. Winners are selected based on how well their project contributes to Tikkun Olam and how committed the recipient is to building a career around this ideal.

Scholarship Website

17. Florida Futures Project

Eligibility

-Be a high school senior in the state of Florida.

The folks at the Florida Futures Project believe that the future is in the hands of young people, so their ideas should be heard. They established this $1000 annual award to assist bright young Florida residents in pursuing their ideas for addressing Florida’s challenges. The winning recipient will be chosen based on his or her response to one of three application essay prompts.

Scholarship Website

18. Greater Seattle Business Association Scholarship Fund

Eligibility

-Be a Washington Resident

-Identify as part of the LGBTQ community or an ally of the community.

-Be entering a U.S. college or university program.

The Greater Seattle Business Association is Washington’s leading professional organization for the LGBTQ community and its allies. They seek to award young members of this community who demonstrate a commitment to making the world a better place. Yearly scholarships range in amount, the most generous totaling $13,000. Recipients will be chosen and amounts will be determined based on financial need and their responses to an essay prompt about their commitment to advocating for human rights.

Scholarship Website

19. Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara

Eligibility

-Be graduating or receiving a GED from a Santa Barbara County high school (and have attended for at least 6 years).

-Be enrolling in a Title IV-approved school.

-Be a U.S. Resident

The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara was established to assist hardworking and financially disadvantaged students of Santa Barbara County, California with achieving their academic and career goals. Winners will be selected based on their extracurricular activities list, letters of recommendation, and demonstrated financial need and academic achievement. Applicants must complete the FAFSA and submit transcripts. Numbers and amounts of awards vary based on annual donations.

Scholarship Website

20. Tempe Diablos Scholarship

Eligibility

-Be a high school student residing in Tempe, Arizona.

-Be attending either Arizona State University or a Maricopa County Community College.

-3.0 GPA

The Tempe Diablos is a group dedicated to assisting with education costs for local high school students committed to remaining local throughout their academic journeys. Winners will be chosen based on their responses to questions about their extracurricular insolvent and their thoughts on leadership in promoting positive social change in the community. Demonstration of financial need is considered but not required. Awards total $2000 and may be renewed annually pending academic achievement.

Scholarship Website

21. Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship

Eligibility

-Be U.S. citizens or permanent resident.

-Be a high school senior enrolled in or having completed an advanced placement computer science course or exam.

-Be planning to enroll in a full-time undergraduate program in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering or another computer-related field of study.

-3.0 GPA

Amazon established its Future Engineer Scholarship and related programs to contribute to the success of future engineers of America. Applicants will be chosen based on academic achievement, financial need, and their responses to questions about their extracurricular activities and their thoughts on what it takes to be a good leader in computer science and related fields. Up to 100 students will receive $10,000 each annually.

Scholarship Website

22. The Material Handling Education Foundation, Inc.

Eligibility

-Be enrolling full time in a bachelor’s degree program related to material handling, logistics and/or supply chain management.

-Hold a B grade average.

The Material Handling Education Foundation, Inc. is dedicated to serving students who are committed to becoming the next generation of professionals in material handling and related areas. Each year they offer scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $6,000. Winners will be selected based on the quality of three submitted letters of recommendation and one submitted project or paper related to the field.

Scholarship Website

23. The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation

Eligibility

-Be a West Virginia Resident.

-Be enrolling full time in a U.S. college or university.

The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation is an organization dedicated to helping West Virginian high school students pursue their academic and career dreams. They sponsor hundreds of scholarships annually in varying amounts. Students may choose from scholarships specific to their high school, the college they will be attending, and the major they will be studying. Specific application and selection criteria vary by scholarship, but all winners will have in common a demonstrated financial need, academic achievement, and commitment to extracurricular activities.

Scholarship Website

24. Ithaca College Park Scholar Award

Eligibility

-Be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident

-Be applying as an undergraduate to the Roy H. Park School of Communications.

-3.5 GPA

Ithaca College in New York is an institution that prides itself on selecting a body of students committed to community service. Future communications students are invited to apply for the Park Scholar Award. Winners will be selected based on their responses to questions about how they plan to incorporate community service and action into their studies at Ithaca. The award covers full tuition and a books and technology fee stipend.

Scholarship Website

25. Ron Brown Scholar Program

Eligibility

-Identify as African American

-Be a high school senior enrolling in a four-year college or university program.

-Demonstrate Financial Need

-Be a U.S. Citizen

The Ron Brown Scholar Program was created to assist African American students who demonstrate economic hardship and a commitment to Ron Brown’s four pillars: public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship, and global citizenship. At least 20 winners will be selected based on their responses to essay questions about their commitment to the four pillars. Each winner receives $10,000 annually, for a total of $40,000 toward education costs.

Scholarship Website

26. Girls Impact the World Film Festival

Eligibility

-Be a high school senior or undergraduate girl passionate about women’s issues!

ConnectHer is an organization dedicated to helping women and girls achieve their goals and make a positive impact on women’s issues. The Girls Impact the World Film Festival is an opportunity for budding feminist filmmakers to combine their artistic passion with their enthusiasm for women’s issues and earn some money toward their future career goals. Applicants will submit a 3-6 minute original short film about maternal health, violence against women and girls, education for girls, or any other topic facing females today. Prizes vary in amount and number from year to year.

27. John F. Kennedy Library Profile in Courage Essay Contest

Eligibility

-Be a U.S. High School Student

-Be Under the Age of 20

Sponsored by the John F. Kennedy Presidentially Library in Massachusetts, the Profile in Courage Essay Contest is an opportunity for students to win money for college by demonstrating their commitment to perpetuating JFK’s ideals of courage. Applicants will submit an essay between 700 and 1000 words about a political act of courage by a U.S. elected official who served during or after 1917, the year of JFK’s birth. The essay must include a bibliography with at least five sources. Prizes range from $100 to $10,000.

Scholarship Website

28. Taco Bell Live Mas Scholarship

Eligibility

-Be a U.S. Citizen

-Be a high school senior entering a college, university, or vocational program.

Taco Bell is more than just a supplier of fast food. They also supply funding for students passionate about pursuing their dreams for the future through the Live Mas Scholarship. Applicants will submit an original two-minute video answering questions about their goals for college and how their future degrees will help them achieve their dreams. Amounts and number of awards vary annually, and they are renewable.

Scholarship Website

29. Edison STEM Scholarships

Eligibility

-Be a U.S. Citizen

-Be a Resident of the Southern California Edison service territory.

-Be a high school student entering a four-year STEM program.

The Edison International energy company is passionate about providing residents and businesses with cost-efficient and environmentally friendly power. They are also passionate about contributing to the next generation of scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians. Each year, 50 finalists will be chosen based on academic merit and financial need. They will submit a short vide to compete for 30 $40,000 awards.

Scholarship Website

30. Colorado Christian University Scripture Memory Scholarship

Eligibility

-Be enrolling in the Undergraduate Studies Program.

Colorado Christian University is one of the nations leading Christian colleges. They pride themselves on helping students achieve academic success while strengthening their faith, emerging ready for well-rounded careers. The Scripture Memory Scholarship awards eight students for memorizing one of eight books of the Bible. Award amount varies from $600 to $4800 based on the length of the book.

Scholarship Website

31. Porch Skilled Trade and Technology Scholarship

Eligibility

-Be 18 or older.

-3.4 GPA

-Be a high school senior entering a college, university, or vocational program for a degree that will help you pursue a career related to any of the services provided by Porch.

Porch is a leading provider of home services ranging from moving services to maintenance needs, to home improvement projects. They are passionate about giving back to students who wish to enter the Skilled Trade and Technology arena. Winners will be drawn randomly from the eligible application pool and will each earn $3000.

Scholarship Website

32. BMI Foundation PeerMusic Latin Scholarship

Eligibility

-Be enrolling in a U.S. or Puerto Rico college or university.

-Be between the ages of 17 and 24.

-Be pursuing a career in music.

The BMI Foundation is an organization created to promote musical performance, creation, and education. The PeerMusic Latin Scholarship is specially designed for students interested in Latin music singing or songwriting. This scholarship is a competition; applicants will submit an original song that they composed or performed. Winners will receive $5000, to be split among all who worked on one submission.

Scholarship Website

33. Gwynedd Mercy University Merit Scholarships for Incoming First-Time Students

Eligibility

-Be enrolled in an undergraduate program at GMU.

-3.5 GPA

-1360 Score on the New SAT/1300 Score on the Old SAT

Gwynedd Mercy University in Pennsylvania is an institution dedicated to community service and the liberal arts. Part of their mission is to assist students who share a passion for service in earning degrees that while unlocking doors to fulfilling liberal arts careers. The Merit Scholarships for Incoming First-Time Students was created to give to students in need and inspire them to work hard and give back to the community in their future careers. Applicants will submit letters of recommendation, and the winner will be chosen based not on their video or essay response to a prompt about their goals and how they will use their degree in the future. This award covers full tuition costs.

Scholarship Website

34. Megan Meier Memorial Scholarship

Eligibility

-Be a high school senior actively pursuing the prevention of bullying in your community.

-3.0 GPA

-Be a resident of St. Charles County.

Just before her 14th birthday, Megan Meier committed suicide as a result of suffering bullying from her peers. The Megan Meier Foundation was established to end this bullying and cyberbullying epidemic. The Megan Meier Memorial Scholarship rewards high school seniors who demonstrate passion in bullying prevention efforts as described in a one-two page essay. Awards total $1000.

Scholarship Website

35. Lois Crowe Scholarship

Eligibility

-Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.

-Be a Wisconsin resident.

-Be accepted as a first-year, full-time undergraduate student at a Wisconsin college, university, or vocational school.

-2.25 GPA

The Forest County Potawatomi Foundation is an organization dedicated to cultural awareness and the wellbeing of its community members. The Foundation invites Wisconsin high school seniors to apply for the Lois Crowe Scholarship. Applicants will submit transcripts and a resume. Winners will be chosen based on responses to an essay detailing goals for their college’s degrees and their understanding of the Forest County Potawatomi Community. Winners receive $10,000.

Scholarship Website

Pursuing a higher education degree and your dream career should not be an unattainable goal just because you cannot afford it. No matter what state you are from or what you hope to study, there is a scholarship here for you.

Find many more valuable scholarships here.

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