essay scholarships for juniors in high school

Top 35 Scholarships for High School Juniors 2024

Introduction: Scholarships for High School Juniors

For most high school students, junior year is a year of big-time transitions, studying, and decisions, because it's generally the time where students start to think about all things college-related.

When you're a junior, hopping on this college journey includes things like taking the PSAT (and even the SAT or ACT ), researching colleges (maybe even going on some tours), preparing for college applications, and speaking with your family and guidance counselor about what options might be right for you. 

Since this is the year where you're discussing college (and likely also discussing how to pay for it), leaving scholarships out of the picture would be doing yourself a disservice!

It's important to know that it is almost NEVER too early to begin applying for scholarships. There are tons of great scholarships for high school juniors to apply for.

In this post, we have highlighted some of the best scholarships for high school juniors to apply for in 2024. 

Top Scholarships for High School Juniors in 2024

Collegevine no essay $2,000 scholarship.

Award Amount : $2,000

Scholarship Deadline : Monthly

Open to high school students of all years who are residents of the US.

ScholarshipPoints No Essay $2,500 Monthly Scholarship

Amount : $2,500

Deadline : Expires on the last day of each month

Eligibility: The ScholarshipPoints Scholarship is a monthly no essay scholarship open to all high school students ages 16 and older, who are US residents!

Smart Owl No Essay $1,000 Scholarship

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

Scholarship Deadline : Last day of each month

Scholarships360 No Essay $10,000 Scholarship

Award Amount : $10,000

Scholarship Deadline : Rolling

Open to high school juniors in the US.

• Christian Connector $2,500 Scholarship 

Award Amount : $2,500

The Christian Connector scholarship is open to high school juniors and seniors who are interested in or planning to enroll in a Christian college or university .

CampusReel $2,000 No Essay Scholarship 

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!

Niche $10,000 No Essay Scholarship

Amount:  $10,000

Deadline: Monthly

Eligibility: Open to high school juniors - no essay required!

Uplifting Others Scholarship

Amount:  $1,000 each (3 awards)

Deadline:  July 31

Eligibility:

-Open to high school students of all years

-No transcript or minimum GPA required to apply!

CollegExpress Monthly Scholarship 

Award Amount : usually $1,000

Answer the question:  If you could have any celebrity or influencer visit your school, who would it be?

Niche $2,000 No Essay Scholarship

Amount:  $2,000

Appily Easy Money Scholarship

Award Amount : $1,000

Scholarship Deadline : Continuous   

The Cappex Easy Money Scholarship is open to all students - no minimum GPA or essay required.

Be Bold $25,000 No Essay Scholarship 

Award Amount : $25,000

Bold.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!

• Too Cool to Pay for School Scholarship

Scholarship Deadline : Quarterly

The Too Cool to Pay for School Scholarship is our own contribution to helping students fund their higher education. Simply fill in some easy info about yourself and you're entered to win!

Humanity Rising Scholarships 

Award Amount: $500 - $2,000

Scholarship Deadlines: Rolling

Humanity Rising awards scholarships to high school students who tell their stories with 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

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.

• 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.

• Carson Scholars Program

Scholarship Deadline : January 13

The Carson Scholars Program is a merit-based scholarship program that is open to high school students who excel academically and are committed to serving their communities.

• Profile in Courage Essay Contest

Award Amount : $500 - $3,000

Scholarship Deadline : January 12

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.

Coolidge Scholarship

Award Amount : Full-ride !

Scholarship Deadline : January 18

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

Hamilton Award/Scholars Program for High School Juniors

Scholarship Deadline : January 31

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 

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 .

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.

• 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 go!

• E-Waste Scholarship 

Scholarship Deadline : April 30 

The E-Waste Scholarship, sponsored by Digital Responsibility, challenges students to learn about the impact of e-waste and what can be done to minimize it.

Think for Yourself Scholarship 

Award Amount : up to $5,000

This scholarship, open to all high school students in the US, asks students to consider the value of free speech, curiosity, and open mindedness in their everyday lives.

Fountainhead Essay Contest 

Award Amount : $500 - $1,000

Scholarship Deadline : June 7

The Fountainhead Essay Contest is for high school students in their junior and senior years and has three essay prompt options.

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 ages 14-18 who are bringing powerful vision and real change to their communities. Must be legal residents of the US or Puerto Rico.

Around the Corner from College Scholarship

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.

• National High School Poetry Contest

Scholarship Deadline : December 31

• Gen & Kelly Tanabe Scholarship

Scholarship Deadline : December 31 and July 31

The Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship is a merit-based program that helps students fulfill their dreams of higher education.

• Cirkled In’s “No Sweat” Scholarship
• WiseGeek Mental Health Well-Being No-Essay Scholarship

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

Quick Links - Scholarships for High School Juniors

• Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship
• ScholarshipPoints $10,000 Scholarship 
• CollegExpress Monthly Scholarship  
• Be Bold No Essay Scholarship 
• Survey Junkie Brand Influencer No Essay Scholarship
• Direct Textbook Photo Essay Scholarship 
• DoSomething.org Go There Greener Scholarship
• Cappex Easy Money Scholarship
• Courage to Grow Scholarship
• Scholarship Owl “You Deserve It!” Scholarship
• Fountainhead Essay Contest
• Fire Memes Scholarship
• Nitro No-Essay Scholarship
• GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program
• Flavor of the Month Scholarship

Frequently asked questions about scholarships from high school students

What is a scholarship.

A scholarship is, to put it simply, free money that you can earn to put towards paying for college.

Unlike other types of financial aid (aka, loans), money that you earn from scholarships doesn't ever need to be repaid!

Can juniors in high school even apply for scholarships?

As you can see from the scholarships listed above, high school juniors certainly can apply for scholarships!

If you're a junior and you haven't started yet, don't worry, because you're definitely not too late. In fact, you're quickly approaching one of the prime times to be applying, since junior year is the time where lots of scholarships tend to become available for high school students.

One major pro of starting to apply for scholarships as a high school junior is that, by the time senior year rolls around, you will already be familiar with the process, and ready to go out there and submit applications for even more opportunities.

Where can I find scholarships for juniors to apply for?

In addition to this post and the entire  Access Scholarships  platform, there are tons of other places and resources you can check out to help you search for scholarships for juniors.

You'll want to start by heading over to the website(s) run by your state that outlines  state-based financial aid  and scholarship opportunities.

Then, you'll want to reach out to your school counselor (and do research on Google) to learn about local scholarship and merit scholarship opportunities.

Another more unique way to find potential scholarship opportunities that are specific to you is actually through utilizing social media (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, even Pinterest!). You can follow hashtags on Instagram such as # TexasScholarships (if you live in Texas) so that anytime an organization posts a relevant scholarship with that hashtag, you can see it and apply if you're interested!

How do I make my scholarship applications stand out?

One of the best ways that you can stand out through your application is through the extra requirements that you submit.

Whether it's an essay , a video, letters of recommendation, or other additional submissions, these are all places where you will want to dedicate extra time and effort to make sure that what you're sending in is authentically YOU, unique, eye-catching, and memorable.

Applying for scholarships while juggling high school and extracurriculars is a lot of work. Is it worth it?

In my opinion, ABSOLUTELY! While the process can be a long one, it can certainly pay off if you are able to earn a few thousand dollars (or even more!) in scholarships to help you pay for school. Think about how many hours of time you'd have to work at a part-time job to earn a few thousand dollars. Probably quite a lot!

Additionally, not only is the process a humbling one (mostly everyone who applies will get rejected from at least one scholarship at some point) but it also helps you to refine key skills along the way, such as organization, essay-writing, and professional communication.

For more tips on navigating the process of writing essays for scholarships, check out our blog post on How To Write a Winning Scholarship Essay .

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

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.

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The 10 Best Writing Scholarships for High School Students

Some of the best and most rewarding scholarships require applicants to write a personal essay, poem, or other written work. 

Are you interested in a certain genre, like sci-fi or young adult literature? There’s a scholarship for people who like to write those kinds of books!

Do you have a portfolio of written work from your high school career? Many scholarships seek extensive portfolios that center on a particular subject – why not revise your portfolio and submit your materials to a scholarship evaluation committee?

We’ve found ten of the best writing scholarships for high school students and undergraduates. 

Prizes range from the several thousands to the tens of thousands of dollars, while others come with publishing-related perks and paid-for professional development opportunities.

YoungArts’ National Arts Competition for Writing

Open exclusively to students in grades 10 or 12 (or ages 15-18), YoungArts’ National Arts Competition evaluates submissions for five categories : creative nonfiction, novel, play or script, poetry, and short story and spoken word.

Of previous winners, the organization remarks that their portfolios were creative, thought-provoking, and intentional. There are separate requirements for each category. 

For novels , candidates share the first 20 pages of their novel along with a 200-word synopsis. 

Spoken word artists will submit two to three written poems, with the total material not exceeding ten pages. Spoken word category applications may also submit a video performance for each poetry submission.

There are five levels of prizes awarded to candidates whose work reveals innovative and outstanding technique, depth, and perspective. 

The Level 1, 2, and 3 prizes are worth $3,000, $1,500, and $1,000 (respectively). The Silver prize is worth $5,000, while the Gold prize totals $10,000.

The National Press Club Scholarships

The National Press Club Journalism Institute offers four scholarship awards to individuals pursuing a future career in journalism and supporting a commitment to civic discourse and transparency.

One award – the Richard G. Zimmerman Scholarship – is given to a high school senior pursuing a career in journalism. The candidate must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. 

A second award – the Scholarship for Journalism Diversity Honoring Julie Schoo – bestows a $5,000 one-year award to the winner. This prize is renewable for up to three years, amounting to up to $20,000 in scholarship funds devoted to college expenses. Applicants share the same requirements as the Richard G. Zimmerman Scholarship.

Past winners of the various scholarships have gone on to study at UC-Berkeley, Harvard, Columbia, and Brown.

Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Essay Contest

The Regions Riding Forward Scholarship was conceived to honor stories of inspiring Black Americans. Whether it’s a national public figure, regional superstar, or local hero – all tales are worth telling, and Regions wants to hear them.

Applicants provide a 500-word or less written or 3-minute or less video essay about a Black American who has inspired them. 

Regions promises to award $5,000 scholarships to 30 high school seniors and $3,500 scholarships to 30 first-year, sophomore, or junior college students!

The evaluation committee will recognize 15 written essay submissions and 15 video submissions for each of the two application cohorts. 

Competitive applicants should have an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher and be in good academic standing at their current institution of learning.

Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is the United States’ longest-running program dedicated specifically to creative teenagers.

Students in grades 7-12 can select from over 25 categories of writing and art, with writing categories including critical essay, memoir, and flash fiction.

The critical essay, for example, is meant to inform or even convince a reader about a particular topic. Examples include reviews and editorials. 

Graduating high school seniors are eligible to submit an entire writing portfolio comprising six separate works which are indicative of the writer’s broad range in style and technique. 

The Gold Medal Portfolio winners will earn a $10,000 prize , while Silver Medal with Distinction Portfolio winners will receive $1,000 scholarships.

The Davidson Fellows Scholarship in Literature

Both the U.S. News and World Report and Forbes Magazine have named the Davidson Fellows Scholarship one of the country’s most prestigious scholarships. Most recently , applicants were allowed to participate in teams of two!

The committee awards $50,000, $25,000, and $10,000 scholarships to exceptional students who have completed a significant work of literature. 

To be eligible for a Davidson Fellows Scholarship in Literature, applicants must be 18 years old or younger and provide proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence.

Candidates submitting a piece to the Literature category must provide a 60-75 page portfolio , containing three works from the four genre selections: fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and drama or screenplay. A literacy narrative is an additional requirement.

Applicants must submit a process essay, a video describing their work, and two letters of recommendation from those who are familiar with their work.

Previous grand prize winners have shared portfolios that focus on preventing atrocities, providing positive representations of marginalized identities, and preserving family legacies.

Leroy F. Aarons Scholarship Award

Leroy F. Aarons was committed to providing an accurate representation of LGBTQ individuals and their lives in the media.

The scholarship award grants up to $5,000 in tuition money to an LGBTQ student intent on pursuing a journalism career. 

Current or incoming undergraduate students enrolled in a journalism or communications field are eligible to apply. Along with an application, candidates should share a one-page resume, proof of enrollment in an undergraduate program, and five work samples . 

Topics include writing about a senior LGBTQ activist in the applicant’s community or addressing a local legislative initiative. 

Videos can go from two to five minutes while image galleries can hold between ten and 30 images. Students can also submit infographics.

Winners promise to uphold the Excellence Contract , which requires them to maintain a 3.2 GPA in the year to which the scholarship applies. If the student’s GPA dips below a 3.0, they may be put on probation.

The committee selects prize winners based on their demonstrated awareness of the issues faced within the LGBTQ community and their dedication to accurate, unbiased news coverage.

Writer’s Digest Popular Fiction Awards

Any high school student can share a short story of 4,000 or fewer words from within one of six genres: romance, mystery/crime, horror, thriller/suspense, sci-fi/fantasy, or young adult. 

The mystery/crime genre involves your average “whodunit” plot structures, as well as police, forensic, and legal dramas. 

Thriller/suspense are described as stories that delve more into the motive and backstory to crimes and criminals and seek to increase our adrenaline.

The grand prize winner will receive $2,500 along with an interview in an issue of Writer’s Digest, the winning story published on writersdigest.com, a paid trip to the Writer’s Digest Annual Conference in New York City, and a $100 gift certificate to writersdigestshop.com.

Talk about perks!

The Amy Lowell Poetry Traveling Scholarship

Amy Lowell was an American poet who passed away in 1925.

Her scholarship honors her legacy by supporting travel expenses for talented American poets. While this is not a college-specific scholarship, the money can be spent on expenses like studying abroad.

In the most recent cycle , there were two winners selected from over 200 applicants. To apply, candidates submit an application along with a curriculum vitae and poetry sample, which consists of up to 40 typed pages.

The committee shares that there is no minimum age requirement to submit works and that while many recent winners have already been published, there is no requirement that candidates have previously published their poetry.

The Horror Writers Association Scholarships

The Horror Writers Association (HWA) offers two $2,500 scholar awards to support emerging horror writers. Students submit one application, which gets shared with the review committees of both scholarships. 

The Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Scholarship is available to female applicants, while the HWA Scholarship is available for applications of any gender. 

When reviewing applications, the committee will be primarily focused on the candidate’s academic record and plan and the likelihood that they will contribute to and grow the genre.

The scholarship funds may not be used for college tuition expenses. Those who win financial awards have two years’ worth of time to spend their funds, which must be used to further their horror writing career or professional development. 

Appropriate activities include online writing courses, writing and publishing presentations, subscription fees, etc.

Ayn Rand Scholarships (Anthem, The Fountainhead, Atlas Shrugged)

Ayn Rand is the author of three canonical novels, each of which has its accompanying scholarship award: Anthem, The Fountainhead, and Atlas Shrugged.

The Ayn Rand Institute has awarded over $2 million in scholarship money to contest winners and, most recently, they awarded $40,000 to hundreds of students worldwide.

The Anthem Scholarship is open to all 8th through 12th graders. First place wins $2,000 and there are 83 other prizes of $25 to $500. 

Applicants write a 600-1200 word essay in response to one of several prompts, with the purpose being to justify their argument clearly and creatively.

All high school juniors and seniors can apply for the Fountainhead Scholarship , which grants a $5,000 first prize and 83 other prizes ranging from $25 to $1,250 to those who pen an 800-1600 word essay that best articulates their view and understanding of the philosophy behind the novel.

The Atlas Shrugged Scholarship is only available to high school seniors, undergraduates, and graduate-level students. 

The grand prize is $10,000, and other prizes range from $50 to $2,500. 

One of the topics might prompt an applicant to describe the economic and moral forces interacting behind the disappearance of specific goods within the novel.

Haven’t read any of the novels? No worries! The ARI will send applicants a free copy of any novel. At the very least, applicants will receive a free book!

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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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High School Junior (Class of 2026) Scholarships

Browse our High School Junior (Class of 2026) Scholarships or get matched to college scholarships you qualify for.

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The Best Scholarships for Juniors in High School

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Many students think that they should begin looking at college scholarships once they actually start applying to college—so some time early in their senior year. Although it's true that many big-name scholarships require applicants to be high school seniors, there are some great awards out there for younger students as well .

So why not get a head start on applying for scholarship awards? You could win money for college, sure, but you'll also get experience with the scholarship application process before submitting even more applications during your senior year .

We've compiled a list of scholarships for high school juniors. This list will be a great place to start, but you might also want to search for more targeted awards (e.g., by geographic area). You can browse the scholarships below based on whether they're competitions or merit-based scholarships. And be sure to read to the end for tips and strategies on getting the most scholarship money possible!

Essay- and Project-Based Scholarships for Juniors

If you have a competitive side, these scholarship programs might be just the thing to get you motivated! Whether you're a debate pro or a lover of politics, you're sure to find a competition right up your alley.

Are you ready for a little (friendly) competition? It's a win-win! You can get application practice, scholarship funding, or both!

Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition

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-$16,000.

• Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12
• Deadline: October 31, 2022

American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest

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.

• Eligibility: US high school students under 20 years of age
• Deadline: Varies by state , as contests are arranged by local American Legion departments

The Fountainhead Essay Contest

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 topic s 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.

• Eligibility: Students in grades 11-12
• Deadline:  April 27, 2023

Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship

This is a smaller scholarship, but it's also pretty easy to compete for—all you have to do is write a 250-word personal statement. You can even reuse an essay you wrote for class, another scholarship, or a college application. Even if your grades aren’t great, it doesn’t matter—this scholarship is all about the quality of your writing. The applicant who submits the highest-quality essay will win a $1,000 scholarship.

• Eligibility: US students in grades 9-12
• Deadline: July 31 and December 31

John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest

Do you follow US politics? Then this competition might be the one for you. Students compete by writing an essay that demonstrates their understanding of political courage as described by JFK. 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. For inspiration, read past winning essays to get an idea of what's expected of applicants. Award amounts range from $100 all the way up to $10,000.

• Deadline:  January 13, 2023

Like most things in life, you'll be most successful with your scholarship applications if you employ some solid long-term strategies.

3 Tips for Getting the Most Scholarship Money Possible

If you're starting the scholarship application process in 11th grade, you've got a long road ahead of you. But this is a good thing! Scholarship programs have varying requirements, deadlines, and expectations , so the earlier you get started, the better chance you'll have of winning some money.

Below are our top three tips to help you get the most scholarship money you can as a junior.

#1: Do Your Own Research

It's great to get started with larger national scholarships, but as you might imagine, competition gets pretty fierce when it comes to such prestigious programs. You could be a very strong applicant for a particular scholarship and still not make the cut–not for lack of merit or lack of effort, but simply because so many other people applied.

The more independent research you do into smaller, tailored scholarship programs, the better your chances will be of getting funding for school. That isn't to say you shouldn't apply to the big scholarships—you definitely should!—but you should also keep some smaller "safety" awards on hand. The more niche a scholarship program is, the better your chances of winning (assuming you're a qualified applicant).

Therefore, do your own research on scholarship programs that operate in your area or are offered to students with your particular interests and passions. The easiest way to do this is to search online for scholarships in your area. If you have a particular talent, skill, interest, or identity, look for scholarships that are offered to students based on those criteria.

You can also talk with your school's guidance counselor, who should have more information about local scholarships and how to apply for them.

#2: Apply Broadly

This is another strategy to increase your odds of earning some extra college money in your pocket. Basically, apply for as many scholarships as possible .

Many scholarship applications ask similar questions and require similar information, so if you apply to one program, you might as well apply to several . It's free to apply for most scholarships, so all it takes from you is a few hours of your time.

For example, the Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship listed above will let you use a personal statement from class or even another application, meaning you can kill two birds with one stone!

#3: Make Note of Deadlines

Many scholarships are due before college applications . As such, it's better to start your scholarship search earlier rather than later, so you don't miss out on any great opportunities .

This is especially true for scholarships geared toward high school seniors . If you're looking into scholarships now, this is the perfect time to get a jump-start on some of the bigger scholarships for 12th graders.

You can keep track of application deadlines by maintaining a spreadsheet that you update regularly. This is especially helpful if applications require you to ask for letters of recommendation . In that case, be sure to give your teachers and mentors plenty of advance notice to write you a letter .

What's Next?

Want to get a head start on scoping out scholarships? Then check out our comprehensive guides to winning some of the most competitive national scholarships available. Learn more about the Coca-Cola Scholarship , the Gates Scholarship , the Walmart Scholarships , and the McDonald's Scholarships .

Got a super high SAT or ACT score? Then you might be interested in learning how to apply for college scholarships based on your SAT/ACT scores .

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Best Essay Scholarships to Apply for in 2024

Apply below to essay scholarships with upcoming deadlines. Exclusive Scholarships found only in Bold.org!

Elevate Women in Technology Scholarship

Special delivery of dreams scholarship, eligibility criteria:.

• Education Level : Pursuing an associate degree, bachelors degree or trade school certificate

Jennifer and Rob Tower Memorial Scholarship

• Background : Must demonstrate significant contributions of kindness and generosity in their community or personal life
• Education Level : Open to students of all educational backgrounds and career interests

Devin Chase Vancil Art and Music Scholarship

• Education Level : High School or Undergraduate Student
• Intended Major : Art or Music

Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship

Anthony mcpherson memorial automotive scholarship.

• Field of Interest : Automotive
• Education Level : High school or undergraduate student

ACHE Southern California LIFT Scholarship

• Education Level : Undergraduate or graduate student
• State : California
• Field of Study : Health administration, public health or nursing

Ashanti McCall Life & Legacy Scholarship

• Background : Has a parent who is/was incarcerated

Chris Struthers Memorial Scholarship

• Education Level : High school, undergraduate, or graduate student
• Field of Study : Graphic design

Fishers of Men-tal Health Scholarship

• Field of Study : Mental health
• Background : Religious and/or spiritual

Matthew E. Minor Memorial Scholarship

• GPA : 3.0 or higher
• Education Level : High school senior

Boatswain’s Mate Third Class Antonie Bernard Thomas Memorial Scholarship

• Background : Military service member, police officer, or family of military or police

Grassroot Heroics Scholarship

Dr. edward v. chavez athletic memorial scholarship.

• Education Level : High school student
• Background : Has lost one or both parents
• Passion : Sports

Harvest Achievement Scholarship

• Gender : Female-identifying

Brandon M. Greber Memorial Scholarship

• Education Level : High school junior or senior or undergraduate student
• Background : Plans to enter the military

Slater Miller Memorial Fund

• Education Level : Trade school student
• Financial Status : Low-income
• Background : Non-profit or volunteering experience

Next Chapter Scholarship

• Education Level : Community college or trade school student
• GPA : 2.0 GPA or higher

Walking In Authority International Ministry Scholarship

• Education Level : High school senior or undergraduate
• Experience : Volunteering
• GPA : 2.5 or higher

Expression in Medicine Scholarship

• Education Level : Undergraduate student
• Field of Study : Healthcare
• Background : Believes in the importance of free expression

Leela Shah "Be Bold" Womens' Empowerment Scholarship

• Education Level : Undergraduate, graduate, or trade school student
• Age : 18-30
• State : North Carolina or Texas

Dr. C.L. Gupta Young Scholars Award

• Background : High standardized test scores

Lotus Scholarship

• Education Level : High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate
• Race/Ethnicity : BIPOC
• Background : Low-income or raised by a single parent

Ken Larson Memorial Scholarship

• Education Level : High school senior or four-year undergraduate student
• Field of Study : Public services or law

Nursing Student Scholarship

• Field of Study : Nursing

Jason David Anderson Memorial Scholarship

• State : New Jersey
• GPA : 3.0 GPA or higher
• Background : Has been affected by addiction (personally or through a loved one)
• Field of Study : Healthcare or rehabilitation

Sewing Seeds: Lena B. Davis Memorial Scholarship

• Education Level : High school or four-year undergraduate student
• Identity : Underrepresented minority
• Field of Study : Psychology, social work, counseling, or other mental health-related fields

Curtis Holloway Memorial Scholarship

• Background : Has lost a parent or lives in a single-parent household

Douglass M. Hamilton Memorial Scholarship

• State : Oregon

Make Your "Truth" Your Own Scholarship

• Background : Former Jehovah’s Witness

About essay scholarships 

Essay-based scholarships are the most common and traditional form of scholarships available to students pursuing higher education. Though essay scholarships may seem intimidating at first glance, this type of scholarship can be invaluable to students looking to earn money through scholarships. 

An essay scholarship is a financial aid opportunity that requires students to write a short statement in order to apply. No-essay scholarships, on the other hand, do not require written statements as part of the application process. 

Students tend to gravitate towards no-essay scholarships, as they are easier to apply to in regards to both time and effort. While no-essay scholarships are a great resource as well, students should consider applying to a mix of both no-essay and essay scholarships to have the best chances of winning. 

Since fewer students take the time to apply for essay scholarships, there is less competition for them. This means that students that do apply for essay scholarships will often have higher chances of winning money than students who exclusively apply for no-essay scholarships.

Though no-essay scholarships can save time in the application process, they typically attract a large number of applicants. Both college students and high school students will usually face more competition with this type of scholarship. 

In many cases, it isn’t as difficult to apply for essay scholarships as college students imagine. The written statement is often quite short and usually hovers around 400-600 words. That’s around a page of writing or even a little less. There are even many opportunities that require even shorter essays, such as 100-300 words!

If that still sounds daunting, remember that essay scholarships will provide a prompt to write on. Most scholarships will focus on a certain aspect of a student’s life. For example, a mental health awareness scholarship might ask students to write about their personal struggles with mental health and how they have overcome those challenges in pursuit of a better education. 

Similarly, major-based scholarships, like STEM or arts scholarships, often ask students to write about why they chose to study that particular field. Typically, no additional research needs to be done to write the essay portion of the application. In nearly all cases, donors simply want to hear about who the applicant is. 

To write the essay scholarship, students only need to draw on their personal experiences or life goals to show the donor who they are as a person. High school students might focus more on their goals for the future, while undergraduate and graduate students might talk about their current studies. 

Whatever the case, both high school students, as well as undergraduate and graduate students, should focus on showcasing their talents, goals, and personality in the essay. The more detailed and unique an essay is, the easier it is for the donor to feel a connection with you, making your application stand out from the competition.

Essay scholarships are available to students of all ages and all grade levels. College students and high school students alike can apply for essay scholarships. As long as the scholarship allows applicants of your grade level, you can apply.

Though some essay scholarship prompts may seem better suited towards one age group than another, students should still apply as long as they are eligible. For example, a scholarship that asks applicants to write about their major and why they chose it might seem easier to answer as a college student. 

However, if high school students are eligible, they can likely answer the prompt by writing about their intended major. Both high school students and college students should be able to write most scholarship essays.

The purpose of the essay scholarship is to allow the donor to get a better view of the applicant, so make sure to add personality and detail to your essays. You can also check out  this guide  on writing scholarship essays for exclusive tips!

Best essay scholarships

 The majority of scholarships available are essay-based, so there are plenty of opportunities to choose from. Each scholarship has its own benefits, so it's important to apply for a variety of scholarship opportunities. The highest-value scholarships can be the most helpful when paying your tuition, but they often receive the most competition as a result. To have the best chances of winning, consider smaller scholarships with fewer eligible applicants.

Essay scholarships for high school students

There are plenty of high school scholarships available for students of all grade levels. Additionally, high school students can apply for scholarships specific to their grade level.

Essay scholarships for high school freshmen 

Freshman year is the earliest students can begin applying for scholarships, meaning that applicants who start as high school freshmen can get ahead of the game. The earlier you start applying, the longer you'll have to earn college funding. The following scholarships are a great place for high school freshmen to begin their search!

• Bold Climate Changemakers Scholarship
•   M.R. Brooks Scholarship  
• "Equal Opportunity" Scholarship

Essay scholarships for high school sophomores

There are also plenty of scholarship opportunities for high school sophomores who are looking to get a jump on their scholarship applications. The scholarships below are a great way for sophomores to get started!

• Bold Community Activist Scholarship  
• CollegeXpress No-Essay Scholarship
• Bold Great Books Scholarship  

Essay scholarships for high school juniors

As upperclassmen, high school juniors have even more scholarships available to them than freshmen and sophomores. In addition to scholarships open to all high school students, juniors can also apply for scholarships exclusively open to juniors and seniors. Check out the list below and start applying!

• Cat Zingano Overcoming Loss Scholarship  
• Scorenavigator Financial Literacy Scholarship  
• Janey Mae Memorial Scholarship

Essay scholarships for high school seniors

Senior year of high school is one of the most popular times to apply for scholarships. As a result, there are many scholarships created specifically for high school seniors. Since other grade levels can't apply, there are often fewer eligible applicants for senior scholarships, giving you a better chance of winning! You can check out the scholarships below to begin applying. 

• MJM3 Fitness Scholarship  
• Michael Valdivia Scholarship
• Charlotte Emery Memorial Scholarship   

Essay scholarships for college students

While it's great to start securing scholarship funding in high school, it's never too late to apply! There are plenty of scholarships for those currently in college, such as those listed below.

• Live Your Dash Entrepreneurs Scholarship
• Dr. Sharyn First-Generation in Business Scholarship   
• Chris Jackson Computer Science Scholarship  

Essay scholarships for graduate students

Many graduate students aren't aware of all of the scholarships available to them, meaning that many miss out on available financial aid. If you're a graduate student, consider applying for the scholarships below!

• Jameela Jamil x I Weigh Scholarship
• Derrick Richardson Law Student Scholarship  
• Chang Heaton Scholarship for Music Excellence

Essay scholarships for international students 

International students are often left behind when it comes to earning financial aid. With fewer government resources available, international students pursuing their degrees in the US may have unmet financial needs. The following scholarships for international students in the US are a great place to start!

•   International Studies Scholarship
• Crenati Foundation Supporting International Students Scholarship   

Essay scholarships for women 

Many scholarship donors aim to help underrepresented or disadvantaged students, such as racial minorities, low-income students, LGBTQ+ students, or women. If you're a female student, consider applying for the following scholarships!

• Taking Up Space Scholarship  
• Indigenous Women in STEM Scholarship  
• Charlotte Emery Memorial Scholarship

Frequently asked questions about essay scholarships 

How do i win essay scholarships.

The most important part of the essay application is simply finishing it. Many high school students and college students won’t even bother to apply for essay scholarships. As a result, just turning in an application that meets all of the requirements and answers the prompt places you ahead of a good chunk of your peers. 

Still, it’s good to fine-tune your scholarship essays and make sure you turn in your best work. There are several steps students can take in order to take their scholarship essays to the next level. Click here to read our full guide on how to write a scholarship essay .

First, make sure your essay stays on topic and answers the prompt. Don’t get sidetracked by tangential experiences. Read the question carefully and make an outline of what you want to write before you start writing. This can help make sure your essay is focused and coherent. Make a list of what points you want to include in your answer and in what order. Then, make sure to stick to those points.

One important point is to make sure you maintain your basic writing skills. If grammar is something you struggle with on occasion, make a plan to catch any mistakes you might make. Using a tool like Grammarly or Microsoft Word’s spell check can be very helpful in making sure no minor errors are made. You can also try reading your essay out loud, or asking a friend to look it over. Sometimes two pairs of eyes are better than one. 

Another way to elevate your essay is to open with a hook. Perhaps you have a funny story about your academic experiences that relates to the question asked. Or, you could retell the moment you decided to pursue your current major. Any impactful experience you’ve had that relates to the question asked can be a good way to open your essay. 

Opening with a hook makes your essay more memorable and makes the reader want to keep reading. If your essay sounds generic or uninspired, the donor may pass you over for someone else. Making your essay personal and engaging is a key way to make an impact on your reader and stand out from other competitors. 

Most of the time, when a donor includes an essay question, it’s because they’re looking for a specific type of student. Many donors favor students that are driven, motivated, and willing to work hard to achieve their dreams. Look carefully at the prompt for hints on what qualities the donors are looking for. 

An essay question that asks about a student’s struggle with finances, for example, is likely looking for a high school student or college student that has worked hard to pursue education despite the challenges they faced. A prompt that asks students to talk about their chosen major is likely looking for a student that is inspired and has a special interest in their field. 

A mix of your personal experiences, academic interests, and goals for the future are usually good points to work into your essay. It’s important to both answer the question clearly and help the donor understand who you are as a person. 

How do I apply for scholarships? 

Applying for scholarships is not as difficult as it seems. Most applications give clear instructions and are easy to complete. A good place to start is finding a scholarship search resource that works for you. 

One easily accessible way to find scholarships is through your school. For high school students, the guidance office may be able to connect you with scholarship opportunities. College students, including graduate students, will want to talk to their financial aid office instead. 

The advantage of finding scholarships through your school is that the financial aid or guidance office may be able to find opportunities specifically made for your school. This means the competition pool will be much smaller as you will only be competing with your classmates. 

As for how high school students and college students can apply for these opportunities, the instructions will likely depend on that specific school’s process for applying. Administrators in the financial aid or guidance office will be able to guide students through the application process. 

An alternative is using online platforms to search for and apply for scholarships. High school students and college students alike will benefit from this method, as online platforms typically allow students to apply for multiple scholarships at once. Making a free profile with  Bold.org , for example, will allow high school students and college students to quickly apply with just one click to no-essay scholarships. 

Creating a profile with online scholarship platforms allows the site to submit applications on your behalf. In addition, the information stored in the profile can be used to help find more relevant scholarship search results for each student’s needs.

For example, high school students will automatically be barred from applying to scholarships that only look at college students, and vice versa. This can help save some time and ensure students don’t waste their efforts applying for scholarships that will not consider them. 

In order to apply for a scholarship on an online platform, students simply need to create a free profile and find the scholarships they want to apply for. Their information will be sent to the donors for review. 

If there is an essay requirement, students must prepare a written statement ahead of time. Students can then paste their essays into the application on the online platform. The essay will be submitted along with the student’s personal information from their profile. 

When can I start applying? 

High school students, as well as undergraduate and graduate students, can apply whenever they like. Very few scholarships exist for students below the high school level, and while some opportunities are available to recent college graduates, most are for those still in school. 

Students at any level between high school and graduate school can start to apply for scholarships at any time. High school seniors are the group of high school students that will likely have the easiest time finding scholarships they can apply for. Many donors looking to create opportunities at the high school level view high school seniors as the demographic most concerned with generating funding for college. 

Winning scholarship money while still in high school can help students in their college search. Getting an idea of how much money you will be able to spend on college is a good way to narrow down your search for the perfect school for you. In addition, winning scholarship money might make it possible for high school students to attend a college they previously thought would be too expensive. 

As a result, starting to apply for scholarships as a high school senior or junior would be a reasonable time to begin. 

Applying earlier is typically better than applying for scholarships later on. This is simply because starting to find and apply to scholarships earlier will allow students more time to apply, get their results back, and apply again. The more this cycle is repeated, the more money students typically make. 

Remember that not every scholarship you apply to will yield positive results. Therefore, applying to as many scholarships as possible will increase the possibility that a few of those applications will win. 

However, there’s nothing wrong with trying to find scholarships even before your senior year in high school. In addition, starting to apply as an undergraduate student or a graduate student is completely fine as well. There are many opportunities made specifically for college students, many of which include graduate students as well. 

It may seem counterintuitive to start applying for scholarships after committing to a college. However, winning scholarship money can help not just with creating a budget for college, but also with the expenses of continuing your college education. Each new semester means new textbooks and new school supplies, for example. 

In addition, college is a path to many educational opportunities that are usually not available to high school students. For example, many college students study abroad, whether as undergraduate students or graduate students. Saving up some scholarship money for the costs of continuing your education and taking advantage of college opportunities like studying abroad can be very helpful. 

How do I know if I’m eligible for a scholarship?

Every scholarship posting will clearly state its requirements, so be sure to read the entire description. Remember that your efforts may be wasted if you do not fit the criteria for a certain scholarship. No matter how much you excel in school, you cannot win a scholarship that you are not eligible for. 

Scholarships often tend towards very general requirements or more exclusive requirements. General scholarships are often open to students of any major and any grade level, meaning the vast majority of students will be able to apply.

Exclusive scholarships, on the other hand, are made for a more specific purpose. For example, the donor of an exclusive scholarship might want to use their money to uplift indigenous students in the medical field. As a result, the scholarship might only accept applicants that are indigenous students and focused on nursing or medicine. Students that do not match these criteria will not be considered. 

Some common restricting factors in exclusive scholarships are education level, demographic, income level, academic interest, and GPA. An exclusive scholarship might restrict the applicant pool by all or some of these criteria. 

Certain opportunities might be open to graduate students only, and not high school students or undergraduate students. Some scholarships might require students to study a particular major, such as graphic design. A more general scholarship might use an umbrella term, like the humanities, instead of a specific major. Whatever the case, be sure you have carefully read each of the requirements before applying. 

Many exclusive scholarships will be specific enough that most students will not be able to apply. For example, a scholarship open only to Asian American molecular biology graduate students will receive a lower volume of applications than a scholarship available to all STEM majors. 

However, there’s no need to get discouraged if you find it difficult to locate an exclusive scholarship that matches your needs. The multitude of scholarship opportunities available on sites like  Bold.org  means that there is a scholarship for everyone. New scholarships are created and added each day, meaning students who continuously look for and apply to scholarships are more likely to find relevant opportunities. 

In addition, it’s a good idea to apply for both general and exclusive scholarships. This helps students cast a wider net and hopefully increase their chances of winning money. 

What do I have to do to apply?

The application process for most scholarships is fairly simple, especially if students choose to apply through an online platform. 

Sometimes, the most difficult part of applying for a scholarship is simply qualifying, especially if there are many requirements. Once students find opportunities that match their needs, very little action is required.

Students will need to send some of their personal information to the donor to confirm they match the criteria listed. This is often done automatically through online platforms, or students may need to fill out a form through the appropriate school office if the scholarship is not listed online. 

If the scholarship does not require an essay, then that’s all you need to do. If the scholarship does require a personal statement, then that will be the second and final part of the application. 

The essay question, as we’ve covered, can appear intimidating but is usually answered in a page or less. Since donors simply want to hear about you as a person and your academic pursuits, staying honest and true to yourself is usually the best way to tackle the essay. 

It’s not necessary in most cases to do more research to answer the essay question. Sharing personal experiences that relate to the question can be a good way to start. Students should already have all the information they need to answer the question. The only thing left is presenting that information and any personal experiences in an orderly, coherent manner. 

To summarize, scholarships are relatively low-stress to apply to. Students will only need to submit their personal information and write a short personal essay about themselves to be considered.

Are scholarships counted as income? 

Typically, scholarships are not counted as income. 

Scholarships will remain tax-free as long as the scholarship money is used for necessary educational expenses. Necessary educational expenses include tuition fees, textbook and equipment fees, mandatory course fees, and mandatory enrollment fees. It’s important to note that housing and travel expenses do not count as necessary educational expenses. 

In other words, if failing to pay an expense would obstruct your ability to graduate with a degree, that expense likely qualifies as a necessary educational expense. 

In addition, the following requirements must be met for your scholarship money to be considered tax-free. First, the total money earned from all essay scholarships cannot be greater than the total amount your university or college charges you for your education. This rarely happens and is usually not a problem for most students. 

Secondly, the recipient of the essay scholarship money must be currently completing a degree at an accredited college or university. Third, the money cannot be given in exchange for a service or job provided. Scholarship money is not a payment or a salary; it is gift aid that is given to a student to help them pay for college. 

Lastly, the money cannot be marked for other expenses such as room and board (which are not necessary educational expenses). Typically, donors will not stipulate how the money should be spent, so this is rarely an issue. 

Frequently Asked Questions

The most important part of the essay application is simply finishing it. Many high school students and college students won’t even bother to apply for essay scholarships. As a result, just turning in an application that meets all of the requirements and answers the prompt places you ahead of a good chunk of your peers. Still, it’s good to fine-tune your scholarship essays and make sure you turn in your best work. There are several steps students can take in order to take their scholarship essays to the next level. Click here to read our full guide on how to write a scholarship essay.

Applying for scholarships is not as difficult as it seems. Most applications give clear instructions and are easy to complete. A good place to start is finding a scholarship search resource that works for you. One easily accessible way to find scholarships is through your school. For high school students, the guidance office may be able to connect you with scholarship opportunities. College students, including graduate students, will want to talk to their financial aid office instead.

High school students, as well as undergraduate and graduate students, can apply whenever they like. Very few scholarships exist for students below the high school level, and while some opportunities are available to recent college graduates, most are for those still in school. Students at any level between high school and graduate school can start to apply for scholarships at any time. High school seniors are the group of high school students that will likely have the easiest time finding scholarships they can apply for. Many donors looking to create opportunities at the high school level view high school seniors as the demographic most concerned with generating funding for college.

22 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 college 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. Ocean Awareness Contest

Amount: $1,500

Provider: Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs, Inc.

Application Requirements: Essay and short answer question

The annual Ocean Awareness Contest is a platform for young people to learn about environmental issues through art-making and creative communication, explore their relationship to a changing world, and become advocates for positive change. Students ages 11-18 from around the world are invited to participate. Your voices, visions, and stories of hope are needed to help transform the world.

Each year brings a different creative prompt – check out the themes for this year!

5. Doodle for Google

Amount: Up to $30,000

Provider: Google

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

Application Requirements: Work sampleOften 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

Application Requirements: Work sample

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 and $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. Too Cool to Pay for School Scholarship

Amount: $1,000

Provider: Access Scholarships

• Must be 13 years old or older.
• Must be a current full-time high school, college, or graduate school student.
• Must be a US resident, DACA or undocumented student, or an international student currently studying in the US.

Application Requirements: 

The “Too Cool to Pay for School” scholarship is part of our contribution to helping students save money for higher education. The scholarship can be used to cover education-related expenses such as tuition, textbooks, housing, technology, and other fees.

To apply, simply enter your info into the form and cross your fingers – it’s as easy as that.

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. INvested Scholarship

Provider: INvested

• Applicant needs to be 16 or older.
• Must live in Indiana

Application Requirements: No-Essay

Indiana Secondary Market for Education Loans, Inc. (“INvestEd”) is offering participants a chance to win one of five (5) $1,000 scholarships in the “$1,000 INvestEd Scholarship Giveaway” . This super-easy scholarship is no-essay and no-GPA required, so check it out today!

18. NextStepU No Essay Scholarship

Amount: $2,500

Provider: NextStepU

• Must be currently enrolled in college, or will be enrolled in college within three years of the scholarship deadline.
• Must be over the age of 15.
• Must be attending high school or college in the United States or Canada.

It’s no secret — college is expensive. Reduce your college expenses by applying to NextStepU’s No Essay Scholarship !

19. Wizeprep USA High School Scholarship

Amount: $500

Provider: Wizeprep

• Must be a current high school student (any age).
• Must attend high school in the United States.

The Wizeprep USA High School Scholarship is a $500 scholarship for students currently enrolled in an American high school. Students in any year (freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors) are eligible, and there is no GPA requirement.

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. 

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. 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

Application Requirements: Work sampleSponsored 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.

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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 .

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13 Scholarships for High School Juniors (And Sooner)

David Dec 23, 2019

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It’s true. You can start applying for scholarships as a high school junior and even before that.

If you can find scholarships that let you apply early you should. While there are thousands of scholarships out there, it takes time to find appropriate ones for you. It also takes a good amount of time to put together your scholarship applications. 

The earlier you apply, the more relevant scholarships you’ll find and the more time you’ll have to apply to them. 

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When Should you Start Applying for Scholarships

Most students start looking into college scholarships once the reality of college costs settle in. This is typically when they start applying to college or even after they’ve been accepted and have to start paying the bills. 

While you may not find many scholarships for freshman or sophomore year students, it can be helpful to start doing research at this stage. Even if you won’t be applying to many of these scholarships for some time, it’s good to get a sense of what’s out there. 

If you know the kinds of scholarships out there, you have more time to prepare. For example, many merit scholarships ask students to take certain classes or meet a volunteer requirement. By learning of these requirements early on, you have more time to organize your class schedule. This way, you can be sure to meet requirements. 

And while there aren’t many scholarships available for the young high school students, if you find them you should absolutely apply for three reasons:  

• Since less people know about them, the competition will be easier. 
• Applying for scholarships early on gives you more time (and practice) applying to scholarships (rather than doing it all at the last minute) 
• Applying to more scholarships gives you more chances to win more scholarships (duh!)  

In the next section we’ll look more specifically at applying for scholarships as a Junior. 

Can you Apply for Scholarships as a Junior?

Of course you can! You probably have a lot going on this year, but things aren’t going to get any easier next year. 

Applying for scholarships takes a lot of time. You will likely be spending the first half of your senior year applying to colleges and filing your FAFSA . This alone will take up a lot of your time and energy.

Why not get a head start so you can free up some time during a crucial senior year? Junior year is when you start to become eligible for more scholarships. It’s the perfect time to start really getting into your scholarship search and organizing your application materials.

You don’t need to completely throw yourself into your scholarship search at this point. But, it is a good idea to set aside a few hours every week to work on scholarship applications. 

In the next section we’ll look at a few scholarships that Juniors (and in some cases freshmen and sophomores) can already apply for. 

Scholarships for High School Juniors (and some even for freshmen and sophomores) 

Junior students have some pretty awesome and prestigious scholarships they can apply to. Here are some of the top scholarships: 

Alexander Hamilton Scholars 

High school juniors may apply to the Alexander Hamilton Scholars program. The program grants students $500. Scholars who win the award are also admitted into the Alexander Hamilton Scholars Empowerment Program. 

To be eligible, students must be high-achieving and have volunteer experience. They also must show a financial need. Winners commit to attending the New York Leader Week which takes place during the summer.

The Coolidge Scholarship

The Coolidge Scholarship is a full-ride, presidential scholarship. It awards students who demonstrate academic excellence. Students should also show an interest in public policy.

The scholarship covers a student’s tuition, room, board, and expenses for four years of undergraduate study. Students may use the scholarship toward any accredited college or university. 

Students apply for the Scholarship during their junior year of high school. Winners are notified late in their junior year. Finalists who are not named Coolidge Scholars may win a smaller, one-time, college scholarship.

Samsung American Legion Scholarship

High school juniors who attend the current session of the American Legion Boys State or American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program may apply. The must be a direct descendant or a legally adopted child of a wartime U.S. military veteran who served on active duty during one of the periods of war. Applicants who are direct descendants of Korean War Era Veterans receive 3 bonus points.

Winners may receive up to $10,000. The scholarship money can be used towards undergraduate studies. Winners are chosen based on academic record, school involvement and community service. 

Niche $500 High School Junior Scholarship

High school juniors may apply to the Niche $500 lottery scholarship. The application is very simple and requires filling out personal information. 

Herbert Hoover Uncommon Student Award 

There are tons of scholarships that junior students, and high school students in other grades, may apply to. When doing your scholarship search, make sure you read the eligibility requirements. Here are some scholarships that all students in high school may apply to.

Young Filmmakers Contest Submissions

Students ages 8-25 are eligible to apply. There is one winner in each of the grade categories, except for seniors who have two prizes. High school juniors can apply to win a prize in the high school grade level. This is for students in grades 9, 10, or 11.

Students must create a film under 3 minutes on one of the suggested topics. Examples are waste, food, and transportation.

Profile in Courage Essay Contest

High school freshman through seniors can apply to win up to $10,000. Students must submit an essay between 700-1,000 words. In the essay, they must describe and analyze an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official who served during or after 1917.

Girls Impact the World Film Festival

High school and undergraduate students may apply to win up to $5,000. Students must be under 25-years-old.

They may submit up to two films in separate topics. Topics must address critical issues which impact women and girls. The films must be between 3-6 minutes.

Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship

High school and college students of all grade levels may apply to win $1,000. They must submit an online application and answer the following 140-character statement:

We the Students Essay Contest

Students between 14 to 19 years old can apply to win up to $5,000. They must submit a 500-800 word essay answering the question “What are the essential qualities of a citizen in your community in 21st century America?”

“Because College is Expensive” Scholarship

Students planning to enroll in college within 24 months may apply to win $500. To apply, students submit a short application. 

College JumpStart Scholarship

Students in 10th-12th grade may apply to win $1,000. They must be planning to attend an accredited school. They must submit an online application and write a personal statement of 250 words or less.

USBC Annual ZEB Scholarship

Students in their junior or senior year of high school may apply to win $2,500. They must be United States Bowling Congress Youth members. They should also have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and have volunteer experience and academic excellence. To apply, students must fill out an online application and submit an essay. Submit: An online application form + essay .

Final Thoughts

There are tons of scholarships out there for every type of student. Don’t give up on applying and keep searching for the scholarships that are right for you.

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David Tabachnikov is the CEO of ScholarshipOwl. Formerly at Waze and Google, David is an experienced CTO/R&D manager with over 10 years of experience of leading tech teams. David fervently believes that students should have greater access to education, and is passionate about using technology to help them achieve that goal.

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Scholarships For High School Juniors

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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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Top 34 Creative Writing Scholarships in September 2024

Gabriel Jimenez-Ekman is a content editor and writer at Scholarships360. He has managed communications and written content for a diverse array of organizations, including a farmer’s market, a concert venue, a student farm, an environmental NGO, and a PR agency. Gabriel graduated from Kenyon College with a degree in sociology.

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These creative writing scholarships are the best way to work on your writing without breaking the bank. Whether you want to study fiction, non-fiction, or poetry writing, we’ve got your back with these vetted opportunities. Remember to apply early and often to creative writing scholarships, because you never know which application reviewer your writing will stand out to!

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The Scholarships360 Research Team reviews all scholarships individually and strives to exclude any scholarship where any of the below applies:

• The scholarship requires a fee to apply
• The scholarship provider’s privacy policy allows for the misuse of student data
• The scholarship requires paid membership in an organization (with certain exceptions for reputable trade organizations and others)
• Student are required to sign up for a site or service to apply*
• The scholarship seems primarily used for lead generation** or idea harvesting purposes***
• The scholarship website has many grammatical errors and/or advertisements
• The scholarship or scholarship providing organization seem untrustworthy
• There is no evidence the scholarship was previously awarded
• The scholarship has not been awarded in the past 12 months
• There is no available contact information

If you believe a scholarship has been published in error, please reach out to [email protected] and we’ll take a look!

* There are certain exceptions to this, for example if the sponsoring organization is a major corporation or nonprofit with its own scholarship application system. ** Lead generation scholarships will require students to sign up for an app or website and require minimal (if any) application requirements. ***Idea harvesting scholarships will require students to submit blog posts or other materials that companies may use for marketing purposes.

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$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Scholarships360

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high… Show More

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high school student who hopes to go to college, a graduate student who’s in a master’s program, or an adult learner who wants to return to school, you are eligible for our no essay scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to students who get the most out of Scholarships360 scholarships and content. You will be a strong applicant if you apply to scholarships with the Scholarships360 platform. Finalists for this scholarship will be interviewed about their process for funding their education. Show Less

$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Sallie Mae

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for school.

“Pen to Paper” Scholarship for Storytellers This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Do you fancy yourself a wordsmith? If you value creative writing as a form of communication, we encourage you to apply for the Pen to… Show More

Do you fancy yourself a wordsmith? If you value creative writing as a form of communication, we encourage you to apply for the Pen to Paper Scholarship for Storytellers! This scholarship is open to high school juniors and seniors (graduating class of 2024 or 2025), undergraduate, and graduate students who enjoy crafting stories and expressing ideas through the arrangement of words on paper. Whether you’re interested in poetry, short stories, novels, or screenplays, we want to hear from you. To apply for this scholarship, students must submit a 250-word piece of original creative writing. See the “Application Information” section below for details regarding essay prompts. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. Happy writing! Show Less

BigFuture $40k Essay-Free Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by The College Board

Open to US-Based high school students in the class of 2025 — no essay, minimum GPA, test score, or citizenship requirements.

YoungArts Competition

Offered by YoungArts

The YoungArts Competition is funded by YoungArts, an organization that identifies exceptional young artists, amplifies their potential, and invests in their lifelong creative freedom. Every… Show More

The YoungArts Competition is funded by YoungArts, an organization that identifies exceptional young artists, amplifies their potential, and invests in their lifelong creative freedom. Every year, their YoungArts Competition awards up to $10,000 to multiple high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors passionate about dance, music, design, film, jazz, photography, theater, visual arts, singing, or writing who submit a written piece or video showcasing their talents. If this scholarship sounds like a fit for you, keep on reading for more application details. Show Less

Niche $25,000 “No Essay” Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Niche

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year!

Carol and Jonathan Price Memorial Fine Arts Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Bedford County Arts Council

Are you a college-bound high school senior from Bedford County, Tennesee with a demonstrated passion for any art form? If so, the Carol and Jonathan… Show More

Are you a college-bound high school senior from Bedford County, Tennesee with a demonstrated passion for any art form? If so, the Carol and Jonathan Price Memorial Fine Arts Scholarship may be a great opportunity for you! Each year, the scholarship awards $1,000 to one (1) young artist currently in their final year of high school at any school in Bedford County, Tennesee. Eligible art forms include: Visual Arts, Creative Writing, Music, Theatrical Arts, or Dance. To be considered for the scholarship, interested students must submit a resume, a 750-word essay, one recommendation from a teacher or coach in their artistic area/genre, and examples or a small portfolio of their art. If you're a Bedford County (Tennesee) high school senior with a passion for art, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more. Show Less

Alyssa Sandmeier Foundation Creative Writing Scholarship Competition

Offered by Alyssa Sandmeier Foundation

Are you a college-bound, Nebraskan high school senior with a passion for creative writing? If so, consider applying for the Alyssa Sandmeier Foundation Creative Writing… Show More

Are you a college-bound, Nebraskan high school senior with a passion for creative writing? If so, consider applying for the Alyssa Sandmeier Foundation Creative Writing Scholarship Competition! Each year, the scholarship awards $1,500 to the applicant who submit the best original piece of creative writing. Acceptable forms include, but are not limited to, poetry or song lyrics, short fiction, play/movie/television scripts, speeches, memories or diary entries, biographies, or personal essays. The scholarship was created in honor of Alyssa Sandmeier, a young girl whose passion for writing inspired her to write even while battling Leukemia complications. If you're a college-bound, Nebraskan high school senior with a passion for creative writing, we encourage you to apply. Keep on reading to learn more and carry on Alyssa's legacy today. Show Less

$10,000 CollegeXpress Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by CollegeXpress

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors.

Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

Offered by Alliance for Young Artists & Writers

Are you a middle or high school student with a love for creative writing or artwork? If so, consider applying for the Scholastic Art &… Show More

Are you a middle or high school student with a love for creative writing or artwork? If so, consider applying for the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards! The contest is broken up into 28 separate categories/competitions, each with its own age requirements and prompts. Winners will receive between $500 and $12,500, depending on the category. The awards are offered by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, a nonprofit organization with a mission to “identify students with exceptional artistic and literary talent and present their remarkable work to the world through the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.”  If you’re a middle or high school student who’s been wanting to put their creative skills to work, this may be a great opportunity for you. We encourage you to apply! Show Less

NSHSS Creative Writing Scholarship

Offered by National Society of High School Scholars

The NSHSS Creative Writing Scholarship is open to high school students graduating sometime in the upcoming four years, as well as recently graduated seniors (in… Show More

The NSHSS Creative Writing Scholarship is open to high school students graduating sometime in the upcoming four years, as well as recently graduated seniors (in this past academic year). Each year, a total of six awards are given out: three $2,000 awards for the Fiction category, and three $2,000 awards for the Poetry category. Poetry applicants may submit their original poetry in any style they like. However, poems should be formatted as applicants would want them to appear in a publication. Fiction applicants' submissions must be no more than 5,000 words long and should not be single-spaced. The entry may be any genre of the student's choice, including graphic novels and stories. To apply, interested students must upload a copy of their work to the application portal. Be sure to include the title of your work and the category you are submitting for. If you have a passion for creative writing, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more. Show Less

$1,000 Appily Easy College Money Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Appily

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be… Show More

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be awarded each month. Show Less

Florida Rentals Annual Dream Vacation Scholarship

Offered by Florida Rentals

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Florida Rentals is offering a $1,000 scholarship to a full-time post-secondary student over age 18 who is currently enrolled or has been accepted to a college or university. To apply, submit a 1,000-word essay to [email protected] describing your dream vacation. Let your imagination run wild and detail where you would go, what you would do, who you would bring, and what your accommodations would look like. Don't miss out on this opportunity to earn funding for your post-secondary education, and make your dream vacation a reality! Show Less

Speak Up! Scholarship

Are you a high school junior or senior with a demonstrated interest in communications? If so, the Speak Up! Scholarship may be a great opportunity… Show More

Are you a high school junior or senior with a demonstrated interest in communications? If so, the Speak Up! Scholarship may be a great opportunity for you! Each year, the scholarship awards $2,000 each to five (5) high school upperclassmen who have participated in classes/clubs in the following fields: Journalism/Mass Communications (including Broadcast, Radio, Newspaper), Marketing/PR, Yearbook, Literary Magazine, Public Speaking (including Debate Club, Mock Trial, Model United Nations), or Visual Communications (including Photography, Graphic Design, Digital Video/AV). If this sounds like a good opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more. Show Less

$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Bold.org

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Phyliss J. McCarthy Scholarship for Excellence in Writing

Offered by Learncurious.com

Are you a high school junior or senior with a love for creative writing? If so, consider applying for the Phyliss J. McCarthy Scholarship for… Show More

Are you a high school junior or senior with a love for creative writing? If so, consider applying for the Phyliss J. McCarthy Scholarship for Excellence in Writing! Each year, the scholarship awards up to $1,000 to the three applicants who submit the best responses to one of the "Narrative", "Meta", or "Wacky" prompts. As these prompts change each year, we recommend checking out the Learncurious.com website before applying. If you're a college-bound, high school upperclassman with a love for writing, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more. Show Less

Francis D. Lyon Graduate Fellowship For Film Students

Offered by Phi Delta Theta Foundation

Lights, camera, action! The Francis D. Lyon Graduate Fellowship for Film Students is the ultimate opportunity for graduate students in the film industry or related… Show More

Lights, camera, action! The Francis D. Lyon Graduate Fellowship for Film Students is the ultimate opportunity for graduate students in the film industry or related fields such as theater/drama, writing, or entertainment. This prestigious award is given annually to one lucky recipient who will receive financial support to further their education and career. Don't miss out on this chance to shine in the spotlight! Phi Delta Theta membership is not required, so all eligible graduate students are encouraged to apply. Show Less

John Carlton Myatt Writing Scholarship

Offered by Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro

The John Carlton Myatt Writing Scholarship program supports graduating high school seniors from Guilford County, North Carolina. Applicants should display a creative, innovative, and courageous… Show More

The John Carlton Myatt Writing Scholarship program supports graduating high school seniors from Guilford County, North Carolina. Applicants should display a creative, innovative, and courageous spirit in writing. Students who plan to pursue a degree in English, writing, or language arts are encouraged to apply. Show Less

Rover Scholarship

Offered by Rover

Do you have a beloved pet that has made a difference in your life? Each year, the Rover Scholarship awards $2,500 to the high school… Show More

Do you have a beloved pet that has made a difference in your life? Each year, the Rover Scholarship awards $2,500 to the high school senior or university student who writes the most thoughtful essay about how a pet has shaped who they are today. If you love your pet and want to put those feelings (and most cherished memories) into writing, we would encourage you to apply to this amazing op-paw-tunity! Show Less

Women Leading Kentucky Undergraduate Scholarship

Offered by Women Leading Kentucky

Are you a female undergraduate student from Kentucky attending an in-state university? Further, are you majoring in Sports, Media, Engineering, Finance, Banking, Literature, Creative Writing,… Show More

Are you a female undergraduate student from Kentucky attending an in-state university? Further, are you majoring in Sports, Media, Engineering, Finance, Banking, Literature, Creative Writing, or Journalism? If so, you may be eligible for the Women Leading Kentucky Undergraduate Scholarship! Each year, the scholarship awards between $1,000 and $1,500 to female undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional leadership and are attending a Kentucky college/university. If this sounds like a good opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more. Show Less

Additional scholarship categories

• Scholarships for English majors
• Easy scholarships
• Top scholarships for high school seniors
• Top scholarships for journalism students
• Top short story scholarships
• Top writing and essay scholarships

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Thinking about college? How Colorado students can make higher education cheaper — or even free

Sign up for our free monthly newsletter Beyond High School to get the latest news about college and career paths for Colorado’s high school grads.

Colorado has plenty of resources to ensure students don’t pay the full cost of going to college. Some programs even make college free.

A first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid — known as the FAFSA — or the Colorado Application for Student Financial Aid. These forms help open up scholarships and grants, and are required by many college financial aid programs.

Below, Chalkbeat Colorado has collected some of the resources that can help students and families pay for college.

These scholarships help students with college tuition

Once students fill out the FAFSA, they can get money through the Colorado Opportunity Fund , which provides a stipend to help students pay in-state tuition at participating colleges. The stipend pays $116 per credit hour, and students must register with the state to get it.

There are plenty of scholarships available from organizations, foundations, and the colleges or universities themselves that provide other financial aid for students, too. Here’s a few that students should know about:

• Boettcher Foundation
• Qualifications: Students must graduate from a Colorado high school and live in Colorado for their full junior and senior year of high school. They must also be a citizen of the United States, a legal permanent resident, or a DACA recipient. Students can apply during their senior year.
• Scholarship amount: $20,000 annually for four years.
• Daniels Fund
• Qualifications: Students must be a Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, or Wyoming resident and be a graduating high school senior. Students must also prove citizenship or permanent residency. They must earn a minimum high school GPA of 3.0, as well as meet SAT minimum score requirements. The scholarship organization also requires household incomes be below a specific income level.
• Scholarship amount: Up to a full-ride scholarship.
• Latin American Education Fund
• Qualifications: The foundation offers scholarships to Colorado residents of Latino heritage or those who demonstrate a commitment to the Latino community. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Scholarships are open to all regardless of documentation or citizenship status.
• Scholarship amount: $3,000 per academic year.
• Denver Scholarship Foundation
• Qualifications: Students must attend a Denver Public Schools high school and submit their GPA, show financial need, and enroll at one of 30 partner higher education institutions. Certain colleges and universities have varying GPA requirements to be eligible.
• Scholarship amount: $3,600 annually.
• Sachs Foundation
• Qualifications: The foundation’s undergraduate scholarships are available to Black Colorado high school students who have been residents for at least three years. Students must also submit information such as their GPA, a personal essay, and letters of recommendation.
• Scholarship amount: Up to $12,500 a year.
• Pinnacol Foundation
• Qualifications: Students must be the natural child, adopted child, stepchild or full dependent of a worker who was injured or killed in a compensable work-related accident at a Colorado-based employer. The family member must have been entitled to receive benefits under the Colorado Workers’ Compensation Act. Students must have or maintain a 2.0 GPA and have a high school diploma or GED, or be a high school senior. Students must reapply every year.
• Scholarship amount: An average of $4,700 a year.
• Alpine Bank
• Qualifications: The bank provides numerous scholarships for Colorado students. Check the bank’s website for more information.
• Scholarship amount: Amounts vary based on the scholarship.

Free college for students from low-income backgrounds

The majority of Colorado’s universities have what are known as promise programs, or financial aid to cover the cost of tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students who come from low-income backgrounds, making the highest cost of college free for them.

Students must fill out a state or federal financial aid form and, in some cases, schools require students to share their Student Aid Index, which is a number calculated by the federal government after students submit a FAFSA that determines how much financial support a student will need.

The lower the number, the higher the need.

Here are schools in Colorado that offer such programs and their requirements.

• Adams State University
• Students who live in a household with an annual income of $70,000 or less a year are eligible. They must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA.
• Aims Community College
• Students who live in a household with an annual income of $65,000 or less are eligible. So are independent students who make $50,000 or less per year.
• Colorado Mesa University
• The college offers free tuition and fees to students who live in a household with an annual income of $70,000 or less a year.
• Colorado Mountain College
• Colorado Mountain College covers the cost of tuition and fees for any Colorado resident who lives in a household with an annual income of $70,000 or less a year, or who is an independent student who makes less than $50,000 a year. Students must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours.
• Colorado State University Fort Collins
• Students can get 50% to 100% of their tuition and fees covered. Students must submit their annual household income and be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours. 
• Colorado State University Pueblo
• Eligible students must live in a household with an annual income of $70,000 or less. They must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hour. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA. The Pack Promise pays for up to 15 credits a semester. 
• Fort Lewis College
• Eligible students must live in a household with an annual income of $70,000 or less a year. They must be enrolled in at least 12 credits. 
• Metropolitan State University of Denver
• Eligible students must live in a household with an annual income of $60,000 or less a year, or they must have a student aid index of 0.
• Pikes Peak State College
• Students must have graduated from Harrison District 2 or Colorado Springs District 11. The program has differing GPA requirements and eligibility requirements based on where students graduated.
• University of Colorado Boulder
• Eligible students must live in a household with an annual income of $65,000 or less a year. They must be enrolled in at least 12 credits. 
• University of Colorado Colorado Springs
• Students can receive grants and stipends based on their financial need to cover the full cost of tuition and fees.
• University of Colorado Denver
• Students must submit a FAFSA and be eligible for a Pell Grant, or free federal aid. The package includes grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities.
• University of Northern Colorado
• Eligible students must live in a household with an annual income of $65,0000 or less a year, or have a Student Aid Index of 3,000 or less.
• Western Colorado University
• Students must have an annual household income at or below $70,000 for dependent students, qualify for Pell, or demonstrate significant financial need.

College opportunities through state and high school programs

There are other opportunities for free college. A few are in high school, while others are specialized programs.

• ASCENT : A fifth-year high school option available to Colorado students in participating school districts. Students can stay enrolled in their district for an extra year to take college courses. 
• P-TECH : Students begin in their ninth grade year and then can extend high school to take college courses for a total of six years in certain science, technology, engineering, and math fields.
• TREP : The program allows students who want to become educators to enroll in college courses while staying at their high school for up to two years after their 12th grade year.
• Career Advance Colorado : High school graduates or students with a high school-equivalency diploma of any age can enroll for free in courses in certain fields, such as nursing, firefighting, law enforcement, and early childhood education. The program covers tuition, fees, course materials, and other costs.

A rebate for college tuition

This year, Colorado created a new college tax credit program to help students who might not qualify for their college’s promise program.

The state tax credit is for students who live in a household that makes $90,000 or less a year. The tax credit will help pay for two years of college.

Colleges or universities will track which students are eligible. Students will still have to file their own tax return to get the money.

Jason Gonzales is a reporter covering higher education and the Colorado legislature. Chalkbeat Colorado partners with Open Campus on higher education coverage. Contact Jason at [email protected] .

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