scholarships for high school juniors with essay

• Search All Scholarships
• Exclusive Scholarships
• Easy Scholarships to Apply For
• No Essay Scholarships
• Scholarships for HS Juniors
• Scholarships for HS Seniors
• Scholarships for College Students
• Scholarships for Grad Students
• Scholarships for Women
• Scholarships for Black Students
• Scholarships
• Student Loans
• College Admissions
• Financial Aid
• Scholarship Winners
• Scholarship Providers

Student-centric advice and objective recommendations

Higher education has never been more confusing or expensive. Our goal is to help you navigate the very big decisions related to higher ed with objective information and expert advice. Each piece of content on the site is original, based on extensive research, and reviewed by multiple editors, including a subject matter expert. This ensures that all of our content is up-to-date, useful, accurate, and thorough.

Our reviews and recommendations are based on extensive research, testing, and feedback. We may receive commission from links on our website, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our marketing partners don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. It’s accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted. You can find a complete list of our partners here .

Top 255 Scholarships for High School Juniors in April 2024

Will Geiger is the co-founder of Scholarships360 and has a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. He is a former Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Kenyon College where he personally reviewed 10,000 admissions applications and essays. Will also managed the Kenyon College merit scholarship program and served on the financial aid appeals committee. He has also worked as an Associate Director of College Counseling at a high school in New Haven, Connecticut. Will earned his master’s in education from the University of Pennsylvania and received his undergraduate degree in history from Wake Forest University.

Learn about our editorial policies

Junior year is when high school students really start to kickoff their college admissions process. This is also a great time to begin applying for scholarships to pay for college!

One of the biggest mistakes that students make in the admissions process is waiting until the end of senior year to apply for scholarships. There are plenty of great scholarships for high school juniors to apply. Keep on reading to learn more about the great scholarship opportunities for the class of 2024 including award amounts, deadlines, and eligibility requirements!

Why choose Scholarships360

We helped over 4 million students find scholarships in 2023

We've spent over 4,000 hours reviewing 3,000 scholarship programs

13+ years of experience helping students make smart education decisions

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.

Scholarships360 is recommended by

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS360 WINNERS

Danielle Emretane

Winner of the Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

Fiorella Ruiz

Winner of the "Commencing at Community College" Scholarship

Jack Furman

Winner of the “Tuition Solution” STEM Scholarship

Morgan Breitschuh

Winner of the “Follow Your Own Path” Scholarship

Connor Godoy

Winner of the “Commencing at Community College Scholarship”

Kyamani Atterbury

Winner of the “Outstanding Undergraduate” Scholarship

$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

“Broad Horizons” Scholarship for High School Juniors This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

This scholarship is open to high school juniors (graduating class of 2025) who are proactive about broadening their horizons. To broaden your horizons means to… Show More

This scholarship is open to high school juniors (graduating class of 2025) who are proactive about broadening their horizons. To broaden your horizons means to expand your range of knowledge and experiences. It means putting yourself out there, trying new things, and meeting new people. To apply for this scholarship, tell us about one thing you have done in the past year to broaden your horizons. Whether you picked up a new hobby, learned a new skill, traveled to a new place, or spent time with different people – we want to know what you’re doing to foster growth in your life. See the “Application Information” section below for details regarding the short answer response. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their response and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We look forward to reading your application! 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.

$40,000 Build a College List Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by The College Board

Create a college list with six schools you're considering - no minimum GPA or essay required!

Cameron Impact Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Bryan Cameron Education Foundation

Are you an academically excellent high school junior (graduating class of 2025) with demonstrated leadership, community service, and other extracurricular experiences? If so, consider applying… Show More

Are you an academically excellent high school junior (graduating class of 2025) with demonstrated leadership, community service, and other extracurricular experiences? If so, consider applying for the Cameron Impact Scholarship! Each year, 10-15 full tuition scholarships (not including room and board) are awarded to winning applicants who are passionate about helping their local communities and the world at large. In addition to the monetary reward, winners will be required to attend the Cameron Impact Scholars Award Ceremony for the four-year duration of the scholarship. The scholarship is provided by the Bryan Cameron Education Foundation, a “private family foundation established in 2015 on the principle of making a difference by investing in young people’s education.” If you’re a high school student with amazing achievements both inside and outside the classroom, we encourage you to apply to the Cameron Impact Scholarship! Please note that this scholarship has an early application deadline of May 17th and a final deadline of September 5th. The Bryan Cameron Education Foundation is only able to accept and review a total of 3,000 complete and eligible applications. They typically reach capacity prior to the final deadline and strongly encourage applicants to submit well before the September deadline. 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!

Visionary Scholarship

Offered by American College Foundation

Are you a high school student with dreams of going to college one day? If so, consider applying for the Visionary Scholarship! Each application cycle,… Show More

Are you a high school student with dreams of going to college one day? If so, consider applying for the Visionary Scholarship! Each application cycle, the scholarship awards between $1,000 and $2,500 to five applicants who submit an essay (~500 words) on why college is important to them. The scholarship is biannual, and non-winners from previous cycles are welcome to reapply. The upcoming deadline for the scholarship is on June 1, 2023. The scholarship is funded by the American College Foundation, a college preparation cornerstone with all information and related strategies delivered entirely from the family’s perspective.  If you’re a high schooler passionate about receiving a postsecondary education, we encourage you to apply and prepare for your college journey early! 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.

Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest

Offered by Duck Tape

Are you a high school student with a love for innovative fashion design? If so, we may have the perfect opportunity for you: the Stuck… Show More

Are you a high school student with a love for innovative fashion design? If so, we may have the perfect opportunity for you: the Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest! Each year, the contest awards between $1,000 and $15,000 to the ten applicants who submit the most impressive prom dresses and tuxedo designs, made entirely from duct tape. The contest is offered by Duck Brand Duct Tape, a company with a long history of selling top-notch duct tape for a variety of purposes, now including making formal attire! If you’re a high school student wanting to put your fashion and creativity skills to the test, we encourage you to apply to the Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest. Don’t duck out! Show Less

Ocean Awareness Art Contest This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs

Are you an 11–18 year old passionate about the creative arts and/or the environment? Consider applying for Bow Seat's Ocean Awareness Contest! The 2024 Ocean… Show More

Are you an 11–18 year old passionate about the creative arts and/or the environment? Consider applying for Bow Seat's Ocean Awareness Contest! The 2024 Ocean Awareness Contest – Tell Your Climate Story – encourages students to become climate witnesses and creatively share their personal experiences about our changing climate reality. Submit works of visual art, creative writing, poetry, spoken word, music, dance, film, and more for a chance to win cash awards of up to $1,000 and to join the world’s largest environmental youth community for the creative arts! 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, and juniors.

Ayn Rand Institute Novel Essay Contest (Atlas Shrugged) This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Ayn Rand Institute

Are you a high school, undergraduate, or graduate student with a passion for reading, writing, and Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand? If so, we may… Show More

Are you a high school, undergraduate, or graduate student with a passion for reading, writing, and Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand? If so, we may just have the perfect opportunity for you: the Ayn Rand Institute Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest! Each year, the contest asks its applicants to write an 800 - 1,600 word essay in which they analyze and make an argument about an aspect or plot point of the novel Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. Nine prizes of varying amounts are awarded each year, with a grand prize of $25,000! If you’re familiar with Atlas Shrugged, can make a convincing argument, and want to make some cash, we encourage you to apply! Show Less

Breakthrough Junior Challenge

Offered by Breakthrough

Are you a middle or high school student with a passion for STEM? If so, consider applying for the Breakthrough Junior Challenge! Each year, the… Show More

Are you a middle or high school student with a passion for STEM? If so, consider applying for the Breakthrough Junior Challenge! Each year, the challenge awards $250,000 to a 13-18-year-old student who creatively and clearly explains a scientific or mathematical theory, concept, or principle in video form. The videos must be no longer than a minute and 30 seconds long and should be a dynamic visual medium, using diagrams, simulations, physical demonstrations, and more. The scholarship is funded by technology investors and science philanthropists Julia and Yuri Milner.  If you have a love for STEM, video making, and want to go to college debt-free, we encourage you to apply! 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

Minecraft Scholarship

Offered by Apex Hosting

Are you a high school or college student with a love for Minecraft? If so, we may just have the perfect opportunity for you: the… Show More

Are you a high school or college student with a love for Minecraft? If so, we may just have the perfect opportunity for you: the Minecraft Scholarship! Each year, the scholarship offers $2,000 to one applicant who best writes about how Minecraft can positively influence one’s education and career development. The scholarship is offered by Apex Hosting, a Minecraft server provider dedicated to supporting both new and experienced server administrators. If you’re a high schooler or college student with a love for Minecraft, it’s time to put your passion to good use and apply to the Minecraft Scholarship! Show Less

Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship

Offered by Unigo

Are you a big fan of The Walking Dead, or maybe Z Nation? Ever thought about what you would do in the case of a… Show More

Are you a big fan of The Walking Dead, or maybe Z Nation? Ever thought about what you would do in the case of a zombie apocalypse? If so, we may have the perfect opportunity for you: the Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship! Each year, this scholarship awards $2,000 to the applicant who, in 250 words or less, best describes their escape plan if there were a zombie outbreak at their school. The scholarship is offered by Unigo in hopes of helping some creative, zombie-obsessed students pay off some of their postsecondary education. If you’ve been inspired by the zombie shows and movies from the past few decades and have come up with a plan of your own, we encourage you to apply to the Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship! It’s due exactly when you’d expect: on Halloween. Show Less

$5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Christian Connector

Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian…

Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian university or college.

Charles Jordan Legacy Community Service Scholarship

Offered by Black United Fund of Oregon

Are you an incoming or current high school student of Black/African descent who resides in the Portland metro area? If so, you may be eligible… Show More

Are you an incoming or current high school student of Black/African descent who resides in the Portland metro area? If so, you may be eligible for the Charles Jordan Legacy Community Service Scholarship! Each year, the scholarship awards $1,000 each to multiple high school students of Black/African descent who are residing in Multnomah, Clackamas, Columbia, Washington, or Yamhill County in Oregon, or in Clark or Skamania County in Washington. Applicants should also have a solid belief in the importance of service and a history of service in their community, with a minimum of 20 hours of community service performed each calendar year. The scholarship was named in honor of Charles Jordan, Portland’s first African-American City Commissioner who made "commitment to youth and education" a priority during his career in public service. If you would like to honor Charles' legacy and potentially earn some money for your education, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more. Show Less

Aviation Exploring Scholarship

Offered by National Aviation Exploring Committee

Are you interested in a career in aviation? If so, you may look into applying for the Aviation Exploring Scholarship! The scholarship is open to… Show More

Are you interested in a career in aviation? If so, you may look into applying for the Aviation Exploring Scholarship! The scholarship is open to any student seeking training in the aviation field who is currently registered and active in an Aviation Explorer post. The scholarship is funded by the National Aviation Exploring Committee. This organization awards scholarships to support students in pursuing their interests in aviation management, maintenance, piloting, and other related studies. The scholarship is hosted by Exploring.org, a non-profit organization that looks to “provide exciting activities and mentorship for youth looking to discover their future.” Each year, the scholarship grants up to $10,000 to help the selected recipients fund their aviation training. If you have a passion for aviation and need some help paying for the training costs, we encourage you to apply! Show Less

$2,000 No Essay CollegeVine Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by CollegeVine

Easy scholarship open to current high school students and college applicants. A free CollegeVine account with a completed chancing profile required to enter.

Top 10 scholarships for HS juniors overall

Our editors combed over all the scholarships available for juniors in high school and picked these 10 as the best. We picked based on three factors: Reputation of the awarding organization, award size, and wide application requirements. Here are the top 10 scholarships available for high school juniors:

• The Paradigm Challenge  – For students aged 4 to 18 who create a project that helps solve a real-world issue. Worth between $200 and $100,000
• Stuck at Prom Scholarship  – For HS students who submit a tuxedo or dress design made of duct tape. Worth between $1,000 and $15,000
• NSHSS James W. Lewis High School Global Leader Scholarship  – For high school students who have displayed leadership. Worth $5,000
• Breakthrough Junior Challenge  – For students aged 13 to 18 who create a video to explain a scientific or mathematical concept. Worth $250,000
• Barbizon College Tuition Scholarship  – Sweepstakes competition for high school students, awards $100,000
• Scholastic Art & Writing Awards  – For middle and high school students who submit a piece of creative writing or art. Worth up to $12,500
• Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship Contest  – For students over 14 years of age who submit a greeting card. Worth $10,000
• Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest  – For students in grades 9-12 who submit two-dimensional art displaying patriotism. Awards vary based on the number awarded
• Minecraft Scholarships  – For high school and college students who write about the educational benefits of the video game Minecraft. Worth $2,000

Scholarship roundup

As you can see, there are scholarship programs out there for high school juniors from all walks of life. Students interested in  submitting a video application may consider the Taco Bell Live Mas scholarship, while students who feel passionately about spending time away from screens could find success with the Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship . If you are a junior who hasn’t turned 18 yet and you have a strong vision for a project you’d like to complete, try checking out the Davidson Institute Fellows Scholarship . And to get custom recommendations from thousands of scholarships matched to your interests and demographics, try signing up for our free scholarship search tool!

Prestigious scholarships for high school juniors

Coolidge scholarship.

The Coolidge Scholarship offers students a full ride to any accredited university or college in the United States. That includes room and board and associated expenses with education. Students must apply during their junior year of high school. It is purely a merit-based scholarship, as it is need-blind and non-partisan. Applicants who demonstrate an interest in public service and volunteer work have an extra advantage.

Hamilton Award

The Hamilton Award is a five-year empowerment program awarded to students in their junior year. It offers them a yearly renewable scholarship to put towards their education, a laptop to use in their studies, and access to a wide network of resources and support over their senior year and throughout college. One of the reasons this award is given out during your junior year is so that it can offer you support through the college admissions process, which is an invaluable resource.

Tips for high school juniors

• Junior year is the most important academic year for both the admissions and college merit scholarship selection process. Make sure that you finish the year strong with a strong set of grades!
• Letters of recommendation are another important part of the admissions process and can be required for scholarships. Asking teachers to write rec letters for you is a must before the end of junior year!
• You can also get a jump start on scholarships for seniors that have fall deadlines. This will put you ahead of the game come back to school time.
• Be sure to stay in contact with your guidance counselor! They can keep you in the loop on local scholarships , opportunities from colleges, and generally on track in the college admissions process.
• As you start considering what schools to apply to, make sure to include some affordable options , such as in-state public schools.

How to win scholarships for high school juniors

As a high school junior applying for scholarships, it will be important for you to show that you have put some thought into your hopes and ambitions for the future. Spend some time reflecting on what you’d like to accomplish in one, five, and ten years, and come up with some plans to achieve them. Remember, you don’t have to commit to these plans, but it can be helpful to start thinking about them early, and scholarship committees will be impressed by the prospect that you have a plan to execute your vision.

When it comes to completing your applications, remember that clarity is key. Scholarship readers end up reviewing a huge number of applications every day, so it is up to you to write one that stands out. You should make sure that your writing has character and is clear and succinct.

Luckily, we have a whole host of resources to help you out in writing the best possible applications. These include guides on writing a 250 or 500 word essay, writing an essay about yourself , and writing a winning scholarship essay . We can also guide you through crafting an effective beginning and end , and walk you through some of the most common scholarship essay prompts .

Frequently asked questions

When should juniors start applying for scholarships, can juniors start applying for scholarships, is junior year too early to start applying for scholarships, when do you apply for the coolidge scholarship, explore these other scholarship categories.

• Top scholarships for women
• Top scholarships for English majors
• Top scholarships for Filipino students
• Easy scholarships to apply for
• Top writing and essay scholarships
• Top summer scholarships

Join for exclusive scholarships, personalized matching, and application tracking. 0% Spam, 100% Free.

3 reasons to join scholarships360

• Automatic entry to our $10,000 No-Essay Scholarship
• Personalized matching to thousands of vetted scholarships
• Quick apply for scholarships exclusive to our platform

By the way...Scholarships360 is 100% free!

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.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, the best scholarships for juniors in high school.

Financial Aid

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 .

Francesca graduated magna cum laude from Harvard and scored in the 99th percentile on the SATs. She's worked with many students on SAT prep and college counseling, and loves helping students capitalize on their strengths.

Student and Parent Forum

Our new student and parent forum, at ExpertHub.PrepScholar.com , allow you to interact with your peers and the PrepScholar staff. See how other students and parents are navigating high school, college, and the college admissions process. Ask questions; get answers.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

Improve With Our Famous Guides

• For All Students

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points

How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 800 on Each SAT Section:

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading

Score 800 on SAT Writing

Series: How to Get to 600 on Each SAT Section:

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading

Score 600 on SAT Writing

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For?

15 Strategies to Improve Your SAT Essay

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points

How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 36 on Each ACT Section:

36 on ACT English

36 on ACT Math

36 on ACT Reading

36 on ACT Science

Series: How to Get to 24 on Each ACT Section:

24 on ACT English

24 on ACT Math

24 on ACT Reading

24 on ACT Science

What ACT target score should you be aiming for?

ACT Vocabulary You Must Know

ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

Is the ACT easier than the SAT? A Comprehensive Guide

Should you retake your SAT or ACT?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Looking for Graduate School Test Prep?

Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here:

GRE Online Prep Blog

GMAT Online Prep Blog

TOEFL Online Prep Blog

Holly R. "I am absolutely overjoyed and cannot thank you enough for helping me!”

25 Scholarships for High School Juniors to Apply for Right Now

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

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

1. The Paradigm Challenge

Amount: Up to $100,000

Provider: Project Paradigm

Eligibility Requirements :

• Ages 4 to 18

Application Requirements: Work sample, bio

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

2. Breakthrough Junior Challenge

Amount: $50,000

Provider: Khan Academy

• Ages 13 to 18

Application Requirements: Video essay

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

3. Davidson Fellows Scholarship

Amount: Up to $50,000

Provider: Davidson Institute

• 18 years of age or younger

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

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

4. VFW Voice of Democracy National Audio Essay

Amount: Up to $35,000

Provider: Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

• Enrolled in high school

Application Requirements: Audio essay

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

5. Doodle for Google

Amount: Up to $30,000

Provider: Google

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

Application Requirements: Work sample

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

Get matched to scholarships

See how much money you qualify for. Personalized matches . Click below to get started.

Match me to scholarships

6. “Be Bold” No Essay Scholarship

Amount: $25,000

Provider: Bold.org

• Enrolled or planning to enroll in a college or university

Application Requirements: None

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

7. Live Más Scholarship

Provider: Taco Bell

• Ages16 to 26

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

8. Eon Essay Contest Award

Amount: Up to $15,000

Provider: Eon

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

Application Requirements: Essay

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

9. Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship

Amount: $10,000

Provider: Prudent Publishing Company

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

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

10. Profile in Courage Essay Contest

Amount: Up to $10,000

Provider: John F. Kennedy Library Foundation

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

Application Requirements: Letter of recommendation, essay

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

11. Sean Carroll’s Mindscape Big Picture Scholarship

Provider: Sean Caroll

Application Requirements: Transcript, essay

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

12. Little Bird Scholarship for LGBTQI Immigrants

Amount: $18,000

Provider: Stonewall Community Foundation

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

Application Requirements: Transcript, letter of recommendation, essay

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

13. KASF Scholarship

Amount: Up to $5,000

Provider: Korean American Scholarship Foundation

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

Application Requirements: Transcript

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

14. Jameela Jamil x I Weigh Scholarship

Amount: $5,000

Provider: Jameela Jamil

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

15. National High School Essay Contest

Amount: Up to $2,500 

Provider: American Foreign Service Association

• Currently enrolled as a high school student

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

16. National Merit Scholarship Program

Amount: Up to $2,500

Provider: National Merit Scholarship Corporation

• Currently enrolled in high school
• Have taken the PSAT 

Application Requirements: PSAT scores

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

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

Amount: $2,000

Provider: The Christian Connector, Inc.

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

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

18. SolidEssay Scholarship Essay Contest

Amount: Up to $1,000 

Provider: SolidEssay

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

19. The Cynthia E. Morgan Memorial Scholarship Fund

Amount: $1,000

Provider: The Cynthia E. Morgan Scholarship Fund

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

Application Requirements: Proof of acceptance/enrollment, essay

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

20. The Hamilton Award

Provider: Alexander Hamilton Scholars

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

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

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

21. Don’t Text and Drive Scholarship

Provider: Digital Responsibility

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

Application Requirements: Personal statement

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

22. Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship

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

23. Patricia W. Edwards Memorial Art Scholarship

Amount: Up to $500

Provider: Rhode Island Foundation

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

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

24. Courage to Grow Scholarship

Amount: $500

Provider: CourageToGrowScholarship.com

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

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

25. Going Merry No Essay Scholarship

Amount: $250

Provider: Going Merry

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

Get matched to scholarships with Going Merry

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

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

• Recent Posts

• Scholarships for Students in Pennsylvania for 2021 - November 11, 2020
• Counselor Starter Guide: How to Use Going Merry’s Scholarship Platform - September 9, 2020
• How to write a financial need statement for your scholarship application (with examples!) - August 13, 2020

Ready to find scholarships that are a match for you?

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

Overcoming Adversity Cariño Scholarship

Eligibility criteria:.

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

Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship

Dr. Edward V. Chavez Athletic Memorial Scholarship

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

Juanita Robinson English Book Scholarship

• Education Level : Undergraduate student
• School : Howard University
• Background : Non-profit or volunteering experience

Big Heart Scholarship

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

Youth Equine Service Scholarship

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

Dr. Rajesh Aggarwal Scholarship for Scientific Studies

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

John J Costonis Scholarship

• Education Level : High school or undergraduate
• Background : Low-income

RAD Scholarship

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

Joan Free Thompson Scholarship

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

Grady Reese Memorial Scholarship

• School : Lakeville North High School (MN)

Resilient Scholar Award

• Background : Single-parent and/or guardian household

Lieba’s Legacy Scholarship

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

Big Picture Scholarship

• Education level : High School Junior or Senior

KC R. Sandidge Photography Scholarship

• Education : High School Senior
• Interests : Photography

Mickey Hamilton Memorial Scholarship

• State : Michigan
• Background : Played at least one season of a sport in high school
• Career Goal : Becoming an elementary or high school teacher

Shape the News No-Essay Survey Scholarship

“Stranger Things” Fanatic Scholarship

Patrick B. Moore Memorial Scholarship

• State : Virginia

Joseph A. Terbrack ALS Memorial Scholarship Fund

• Background : Impacted by ALS (personally, through a family member, etc.)

PD Instore Scholarship

• States : Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin)

Brian J Boley Memorial Scholarship

• Desired Career Field : In Mental Health Field
• Education Level : High school senior, undergraduate student

Brayden Blankley Memorial Scholarship

• Education Plan : Will attend a trade school
• State : Pennsylvania or Florida

Early Childhood Developmental Trauma Legacy Scholarship

• Field of Study : Social work, psychology, or child development

William & Josephine Linyear Honorary Scholarship

• Education Level : High school senior
• GPA : 2.5 or higher
• Field of Study : Education

Ryan Yebba Memorial Mental Health Scholarship

• Field of Study : Mental health

Mikey Taylor Memorial Scholarship

• Background : First generation college student and experience with mental health challenges

Madeline Grace Memorial Scholarship

• Gender : Female-identifying
• Field of Study : Healthcare
• Background : Community service experience
• State : Ohio

Bryent Smothermon PTSD Awareness Scholarship

• Background : Military veteran or child of a military veteran

Dan Gramatic Memorial Scholarship

• Education Level : High school or undergraduate student
• Identity : Of Romanian descent

About scholarships for high school juniors

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why are scholarships important for high school juniors?

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

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

How to qualify for scholarships for high school juniors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Types of scholarships available for high school juniors

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

How to find scholarships for high school juniors

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

When to start applying for scholarships

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

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

What to consider when applying for scholarships

As you begin to apply for scholarships, remember that there are many things you can do to stand apart from the competition and increase your chances of winning. Make sure your profile on Bold.org is completely filled out and gives the donors a peek into your interests, future goals, and your unique personality. Keep reading for more tips to boost your chances of winning.

In addition, keep in mind that there are many students who are looking for financial aid through scholarships, so there is significant competition for many scholarships. Don't get discouraged if you don't win right away, but instead persevere and continue to take charge of your college education.

How to apply for scholarships

To begin applying for scholarships, click on any of the scholarships listed above and create your profile. Next, start browsing through scholarships and bookmarking good matches so you can go back to them later and apply.

Once you've found some scholarships you're interested in, go through the descriptions and eligibility criteria to make sure you're eligible before getting to work.

No-essay scholarships often require just a few clicks to apply, while essay scholarships will require a bit more work. Scholarships that require essays, pictures, or videos, will have a prompt for you to follow, and once you're done you can just click apply to submit your application!

Click here to read our complete guide on how to apply for scholarships .

Tips for winning scholarships for high school juniors

With so many students having demonstrated financial need, it can feel impossible to stand out and win a scholarship. Fortunately, there are several ways you can make your applications stand apart from others so you can increase your chances of winning.

Don't shy away from essay-based scholarships

Essay-based scholarships may feel like a lot of work, especially considering how busy you already are with college applications, homework, and other obligations. However, scholarship essays allow you to showcase your writing skills and offer the opportunity to add a personal touch to your application which you may not be able to do with no-essay scholarships.

By taking the time to write a grammatically correct, focused, personal essay, you're showing the donor how interested you are in their scholarship. To make your essays pop, be sure to proofread, open your essay with a hook, follow the word limits, stay on topic, and add a short conclusion.

Apply early to as many scholarships as possible

Applying for more scholarships increases your chances of winning some, so apply for as many as possible. If you're short on time, no-essay scholarships are great opportunities due to the quick application process.

Furthermore, applying for scholarships as early as possible is a helpful strategy. Students who apply early will have a better chance of winning, so keep an eye out for newly added scholarships so you can be one of the first applicants.

Additionally, applying early ensures that you'll be able to submit your application in time, even if you experience difficulties at first. Waiting until the last minute may mean missing the deadline if you have issues when applying, such as if your internet crashes.

Find niche scholarships that you're eligible for

Since many scholarships for high school students attract many applicants, there is often a lot of competition. Scholarships that have a lot of eligibility requirements, such as requiring academic excellence, community service experience, a minimum GPA, etc., will have fewer eligible applicants, increasing your chances of winning.

Similarly, other scholarships will only be open to certain groups of students, such as high school student-athletes, members of student government, student photojournalists, etc.

Academic Success Plan for High School Juniors

To better prepare yourself for the college admissions process that will take up your senior year, here is a step-by-step guide on what you can do to have the most productive year as a high school junior!

Summer Before Junior Year:

• Start gathering facts about college tuition costs and financial aid options so you’ll know how much you’ll be paying.
• Be on the lookout for college scholarships available to high school juniors and high school seniors, including our Easy Scholarship List, and apply early and often to the ones you qualify for
• Begin cultivating a college “hook,” something that makes you stand out from the rest of the applicant pool. Getting involved in community service efforts or doing some volunteer work are great ways of showcasing your value to your dream schools.

Junior Fall:

• Consider signing up for more extracurricular activities or become more involved in the activities you already participate in
• Meet with your college counselor and discuss your goals for the year, along with what your college interests may be
• Take the PSAT and start preparing for the SAT & ACT

Junior Winter:

• Sign up for the SAT & ACT
• Begin putting together a college list and start attending college fairs
• Discuss your senior year class schedule with your college counselor

Junior Spring:

• Select a teacher who knows you well to write a college recommendation letter for you
• Find something useful to do over the summer: Get a job, apply for an internship, commit yourself to volunteer work.
• Start visiting colleges and begin to narrow down your college list
• Continue your search for scholarships for high school juniors!

Frequently asked questions about scholarships for high school juniors

What scholarships are available for high school students.

There are all kinds of scholarships available for high school students, including broad, no-essay scholarships, and essay-based scholarships with limited eligibility. Some scholarships for high school students are only open to students in their senior year, but plenty are open to all high school students.

Are scholarships available for high school juniors?

Bold.org has scholarships available for high school students of all grades, as well as for undergraduate students and graduate students. If you win a scholarship in high school, we'll hold the scholarship money for you until you choose a college for your undergraduate study.

Where can I find scholarships for high school juniors?

To find scholarship applications for high school students, go to the scholarship list on Bold.org and filter by education level. You can also filter by category to find great scholarships for you based on your interests, identity, and hobbies.

How can I improve my chances of winning scholarships?

Many scholarship awards are open to students regardless of test scores or GPA, but you will have a better chance of winning merit scholarships if you demonstrate academic excellence on your profile.

For other scholarships for high school students, focus on using the tips we shared above during your scholarship search and application process to maximize your chances of winning.

How many scholarships can you get?

High school students can win an unlimited number of scholarships from Bold.org. New scholarships are added each week and there are hundreds of scholarships already, so apply for as many as possible.

Are scholarships taxable income?

Award money from Bold.org scholarships is not considered taxable income. Scholarship money goes straight to the college of the winner and acts as financial aid towards the student's tuition.

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.

Personalized and effective college advising for high school students.

• Advisor Application
• Popular Colleges
• Privacy Policy and Cookie Notice
• Student Login
• California Privacy Notice
• Terms and Conditions
• Your Privacy Choices

By using the College Advisor site and/or working with College Advisor, you agree to our updated Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy , including an arbitration clause that covers any disputes relating to our policies and your use of our products and services.

20 Scholarships for High School Juniors in 2024

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

About High School Junior Scholarship 

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

What are High School Junior Scholarships?

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

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

What Qualifies as a High School Junior Scholarship?

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

Types of High School Junior Scholarships Available

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

Science Matters Scholarship

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

Art Matters Scholarship

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

Optimist Scholarship

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

Financial Literacy Scholarship

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

Climate Changemakers Scholarship

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

Mentor Scholarship

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

Community Activist Scholarship

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

Learning and Changing Scholarship

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

Great Books Scholarship

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

Caring for Seniors Scholarship

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

Deep Thinking Scholarship

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

Financial Freedom Scholarship

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

Great Minds Scholarship

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

Future of Education Scholarship

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

Mental Health Awareness Scholarship

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

Creativity Scholarship

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

Generosity Matters Scholarship

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

Persistence Scholarship

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

Study Strategies Scholarship

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

Nature Matters Scholarship

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

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

How to Find High School Junior Scholarships to Apply for?

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

School Counselors

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

Local Organizations or Clubs

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

Reliable Organizations Online

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

Tips for Winning High School Junior Scholarships

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

Stay Organized

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

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

Apply to Many Scholarships

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

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

Apply Early

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

Apply to Scholarships with Different Award Amounts

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

Frequently Asked Questions About High School Junior Scholarships

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

Are High School Junior scholarships legit?

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

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

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

How many High School Junior scholarships can you get?

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

Are High School Junior scholarships taxable income?

No, these awards are typically not taxable income.

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

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

Similar Posts

20 Scholarships for Gamers to Apply for in 2024

Gaming, specifically gaming addiction, has been credited with producing or aiding in the struggles of many college students. Reduced learning, lower GPA, financial consequences, relationship, and social problems, etc. Many of the aspects of college life that students may struggle in can be affected by excessive gaming which results in sleep deprivation or the skipping…

22 Scholarships for Undocumented Students to Apply For in 2024

Pursuing higher education as an undocumented student presents unique challenges, one of which is securing financial support. Thankfully, numerous scholarships are specifically designed for undocumented students based on personal background, interests, and academic performance. In this guide, we’ve identified 22 promising scholarships for undocumented students to apply for in 2023. We’ll also show you some…

The Best 22 Scholarships for Disabled Students in 2024

Ever since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990, colleges, universities, and trade and vocational schools have made great strides in creating a more level playing field for disabled college students and graduating high school seniors. Financial aid programs have expanded rapidly. Those changes have torn down many barriers that…

How do I get Research Scholarships?

There are three ways to get a research scholarship: post-secondary educational institutions, academic journals, and referrals. A research scholarship is typically provided by an outside agency or from within the educational institution. The scholarship covers tuition, and may include residence, books, and other equipment. These types of scholarships are granted based on academic achievement and…

How Do I Apply for Scholarships?

When you apply for scholarship opportunities, it is important to be clear on the scholarship requirements. After all, you want to be sure you are eligible before you apply. If you are not, you are wasting your time, as well as the time of the business or individual offering the scholarship. In addition to making sure…

20 Scholarships for Native Hawaiian Students to Apply for in 2024

Native Hawaiian students are among the least likely to graduate with student-loan debt in the United States. In fact, Hawaii boasts the lowest percentage of college graduates in debt across all states and territories, with only 8.4% of residents in debt. What’s the secret? A wealth of scholarships that reduce the burden of student debt. …

Scholarship Monitor

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

Austin Osho

December 29, 2023

Table of Contents

Are high school juniors even eligible to apply for scholarships?

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

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

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

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

Top Scholarships for High School Juniors

Merit-based scholarships for juniors.

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

William Randolph Hearst Foundation US Senate Youth Program

Eligibility: Students in grades 11-12

Deadline: Varies by state

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

Carson Scholars Program

Eligibility: Students in grades 4-11

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

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

Coolidge Scholarship

Award Amount: Full-ride!

Scholarship Deadline: February 23

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

American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest

Eligibility: US high school students under 20 years of age

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

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

National Merit Scholarship

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

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

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

Illustrators of the Future Contest

Sponsor: L. Ron Hubbard Library

Amount: $500

Closing Date: June 30, 2023

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

Essay and Project-Based Scholarships for Juniors

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

The Fountainhead Essay Contest

Deadline: April 27, 2023

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

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

Eligibility: US students in grades 9-12

Deadline: January 13, 2023

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

We the Students Essay Scholarship

Award Amount: up to $7,500

Scholarship Deadline: April 15

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

Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition

Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12

Deadline: October 31, 2022

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

Stop the Bleed Scholarship

Sponsor: Stop the Bleed

Amount: Up to $3,000

Closing Date: May 31, 2023

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

Don’t Text and Drive Scholarship

Sponsor: Digital Responsibility

Amount: $1,000

Closing Date: September 30, 2023

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

JASNA Essay Contest

Sponsor: Jane Austen Society of North America

Amount: Up to $1,000

Closing Date: June 1, 2023

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

Visionary Scholarship Program

Sponsor: American College Foundation

Amount: Up to $5,000

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

EngineerGirl Essay Contest

Award Amount: $500

Scholarship Deadline: February 1  

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

Americanism Essay Scholarship 

Award Amount: $100 – $1,200 

Scholarship Deadline: First Friday in February  

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

A Voice for Animals Contest

Sponsor: Humane Education Network

Amount: Up to $500

Closing Date: May 21, 2023

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

B. Davis Scholarship

Sponsor: Student Award Search Aid

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

Fourth Circuit Essay Contest

Sponsor: United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

Amount: Up to $2,000

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

Profile in Courage Essay Contest

Award Amount: $500 – $3,000

Scholarship Deadline: January 13

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

Young Filmmakers Contest

Sponsor: One Earth Film Festival

Closing Date: June 25, 2023

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

$1,000 Easy Scholarship: Uncensored

Sponsor: DoSomething

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

Cappex Easy College Money Scholarship

Sponsor: Cappex

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

Book Recommendation Scholarship

Sponsor: CollegExpress

Amount: $1,300

Closing Date : May 31, 2023

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

Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship

Sponsor: Gen and Kelly Tanabe

Closing Date : July 31, 2023

Faith-Based Scholarships

Catholic College Scholarship

Sponsor: Catholic College Info

Amount: $1,500

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

Annual Catholic College Scholarship

Amount: $2,000

Deadline: May 31, 2023

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

Protestant Faith-Based College Scholarship Drawing

Sponsor: FaithBasedCollege

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

Christian Connector Scholarship

Sponsor: Christian Connector

Amount: $2,500

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

Other Scholarships

Around the Corner from College Scholarship

Award Amount: $1,000

Scholarship Deadlines: December 31, June 30

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

WiseGeek Mental Health Well-Being No-Essay Scholarship

Scholarship Deadline: December 31

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

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

$2,000 “No Essay” College Scholarship

Sponsor: Niche

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

Fifth Month Scholarship

Sponsor: Unigo

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

Robert J. Trace Scholarship

Sponsor: The American Legion – Department of Pennsylvania

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

Scholarship Detective Launch Scholarship

Sponsor: Scholarship Detective

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

School Survey Sweepstakes

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

$500 High School Junior Scholarship

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

Because College is Expensive Scholarship

Sponsor: Cedar Education Lending

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

No Sweat Scholarship

Sponsor: Cirkled In

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

MoolahSPOT $1,000 Scholarship

Sponsor: MoolahSPOT

Closing Date: August 31, 2023

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

Shout It Out Scholarship

Closing Date : September 30, 2023

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

Apprentice Ecologist Initiative Youth Scholarship Program

Sponsor: Nicodemus Wilderness Project

Amount: Varies

Closing Date: December 31, 2023

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

E-waste Scholarship

Closing Date: April 30, 2024

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

ScholarshipPoints $2,500 Scholarship 

Award Amount: $2,500

Scholarship Deadline: Monthly

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

Aspire $1,000 Scholarship 

Scholarship Deadline: September 30

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

BigFuture Scholarships

Amount: $500 – $40,000

Deadline: Monthly

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

Smart Owl No-Essay Scholarship

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

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

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

CampusReel $2,000 No Essay Scholarship 

Award Amount: $2,000

Scholarship Deadline: Monthly 

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

CollegExpress Monthly Scholarship 

Award Amount: usually $1,000 – $2,000

Scholarship Deadline: On the last day of each month,

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

Be Bold $25,000 No Essay Scholarship  

Award Amount: $25,000

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

Nitro $2,000 No Essay Scholarship  

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

Humanity Rising Scholarships 

Award Amount: $500 – $2,000

Scholarship Deadlines: Rolling

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

Survey Junkie Brand Influencer No Essay

Award Amount: Varies

Scholarship Deadline: Rolling 

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

Distinguished Young Women Scholarship 

Award Amount: Varies 

Scholarship Deadline: Continuous 

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

United States Senate Youth Program

Award Amount: $10,000

Scholarship Deadline: Varies by state

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

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

Award Amount: $500 – $1,000

Scholarship Deadline: January 6

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

Live Más Scholarship

Award Amount: $5,000 – $25,000

Scholarship Deadline: January 11

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

Hamilton Award/Scholars Program for High School Juniors

Scholarship Deadline: January 25

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

Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship 

Award Amount : $1,000

Scholarship Deadline: January 31

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

Be the Boss Scholarship

Scholarship Deadline: March 15

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

Stuck at Prom Scholarship

Award Amount: up to $10,000

Scholarship Deadline: June 9

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

Prudential Emerging Visionaries Award

Amount: up to $15,000

Deadline: November 4

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

Why are scholarships important for high school juniors?

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

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

How do I make my scholarship applications stand out?

How to apply.

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

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

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

Tips for high school juniors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related posts:

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

Related Posts:

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

most recent

College scholarships , grants , high school scholarships , scholarships, empowering the future: 17 scholarships for grandchildren of veterans, high school scholarships , scholarships, the asu national merit scholarship for top-performing high school students, scholarships , military scholarships, 35 scholarships for dependents of active duty, veterans, and retired military, college scholarships , scholarships, the health services collegiate program (hscp) for aspiring medical service corps officers, college scholarships , explainers , scholarships, carnegie phd scholarships: what you need to know to increase your chances, college scholarships , undergraduate scholarships, undergraduate research scholarship (urs) for minnesota’s incoming freshmen.

© Scholarship Monitor 2024

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 $25,000 No Essay Scholarship

Amount:  $25,000

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 - $2,000

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

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!

Fountainhead Essay Contest 

Award Amount : $500 - $1,000

Scholarship Deadline : April 29

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

• 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.

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 .

• Best Colleges
• Application Advice

• Scholarships

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!

Related Posts

If you ask any artist what they need to succeed, you’ll probably get some exciting…

Musicians are driven by talent, dedication, and sheer passion for their art. They want to…

Anyone who pursues a dance education knows that success only comes through passion and a…

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

10 Colleges With Amazing Financial Aid

25 Top Colleges with Full Tuition Scholarships

The 10 Best No Essay Scholarships

The 10 Best STEM Scholarships for High School Students

The 10 Best Law School Scholarships

The 10 Best MBA Program Scholarships

POPULAR POSTS

The 10 Best Marine Biology Colleges in the US

Here Are the 10 Best Optometry Schools in the US

Here Are the 10 Best Dental Schools in the US

Popular category.

• Acceptance Rates 253
• Hidden Gem Colleges 81
• Medical Schools 76
• Ivy League Schools 62
• Law Schools 49
• Performing Arts 45
• Art Schools 42
• Health Sciences 40
• Summer Programs 39
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy

Winscholarships

Find and Apply to the Best Scholarships Online

• Types of Scholarships

Scholarships For High School Juniors

Scholarship. Concept with icons and signs.

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

Table of Contents

Why Scholarships for High School Juniors are Important

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

1.1 Reducing Financial Burden

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

1.2 Early Start in College Funding

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

1.3 Recognition of Academic Merit

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

1.4 Boosting College Applications

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

1.5 Expanding Opportunities for Higher Education

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

2. Types of Scholarships for High School Juniors

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

2.1 Academic Scholarships

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

2.2 Merit-Based Scholarships

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

2.3 Essay-Based Scholarships

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

2.4 Leadership Scholarships

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

2.5 Community Service Scholarships

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

2.6 Athletic Scholarships

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

2.7 Artistic Scholarships

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

2.8 STEM Scholarships

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

2.9 Financial Need-Based Scholarships

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

2.10 Minority Scholarships

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

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

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

3.1 Gaining Competitive Edge

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

3.2 Improving Writing and Communication Skills

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

3.3 Developing Organizational and Time Management Skills

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

3.4 Exploring Personal Interests and Passions

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

3.5 Strengthening College Applications

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

3.6 Improving Financial Planning Skills

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

4. Strategies to Maximize Scholarship Opportunities

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

4.1 Start Early and Stay Organized

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

4.2 Research Available Scholarships

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

4.3 Understand Eligibility Requirements

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

4.4 Develop Strong Essays and Application Materials

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

4.5 Seek Recommendations and References

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

4.6 Meet Deadlines and Submit Complete Applications

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

4.7 Apply for Local and Regional Scholarships

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

4.8 Consider Unconventional Scholarship Opportunities

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

4.9 Seek Assistance from School Counselors

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

4.10 Follow Up on Application Status

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

5. Resources for Finding Scholarships for High School Juniors

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

5.1 High School Counselors

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

5.2 Online Scholarship Databases

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

5.3 Professional Organizations

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

5.4 Local Businesses and Community Organizations

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

5.5 College and University Websites

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

5.6 State and Federal Agencies

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

5.7 Scholarship Search Engines

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

5.8 Nonprofit Foundations

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

5.9 Career and College Fairs

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

5.10 Social Media and Online Platforms

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

6. Frequently Asked Questions about Scholarships for High School Juniors

6.1 can high school juniors receive scholarships for college.

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

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

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

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

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

6.4 Are there scholarships exclusively available for high school juniors?

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

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

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

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

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

6.7 Is financial need a requirement for all scholarships?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related posts:

• Top Scholarships for High School Seniors in 2023-24

Top Scholarships For International Students

Scholarships for single moms: a comprehensive guide, leave a reply cancel reply.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Related News

You may have missed

How Do I Organize My Scholarship Search?

What Do Scholarship Committees Look For In Applicants?

Are There Scholarships For Graduate Students?

How Do I Report Scholarships On My Taxes?

Do Scholarships Expire?

How Often Are Scholarships Awarded: Annually, By Semester, Or One-time?

• Applying For Scholarships
• Finding Scholarships
• Scholarships

13 Scholarships for High School Juniors (And Sooner)

David Dec 23, 2019

Get our best scholarship practices, insights & tips delivered to your inbox

Thank you for subscribing!

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. 

The fastest path to earning scholarships

Simplify and focus your application process with the one-stop platform for vetted scholarships.

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.

• Financial Aid
• scholarships
• specific scholarships
• Study in USA

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.

Related Stories View All

Documents You Need For Your Scholarship Application

How Do You Win a Scholarship?

Student Views on Brands that Offer Scholarships

Get started with scholarshipowl.

Simplify and focus your application process with the one-stop platform for vetted scholarships

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. 

READ MORE ABOUT Free Money

Make money like everyone is watching.

Get simple tips and news to Make Money delivered to your inbox

By submitting this form you agree to receive emails from The Money Manual and to the privacy policy and terms .

MORE TO READ

10 Essay Scholarships For High School Seniors To Apply

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

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

Essay scholarships for high school seniors

1. afsa high school essay contest.

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

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

2. Interface “Tech for Good” Scholarship 

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

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

3. WCF National Scholarship 

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

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

4. AEL Collegiate Essay Competition Scholarship

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

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

5. America’s 911 Foundation College Scholarship  

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

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

6. Life Lessons Scholarship Program  

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

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

7. Arts for Life Scholarship  

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

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

8. DAR Good Citizen Scholarship 

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

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

9. Maxwell Foundation Scholarship  

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

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

10. Voice of Democracy Audio Essay Scholarship  

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

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

What kind of essays do scholarships want?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

How to Find and Apply for Scholarships

College board scholarship search, what are scholarships .

Scholarships are a type of financial aid commonly referred to as “free money” or “gift aid.” Scholarships usually require an application and are often awarded to students based on a combination of factors including merit. Merit scholarships tend to have specific requirements and are awarded to applicants based on certain skills and accomplishments and may not be based on financial need. Scholarships may be renewable, meaning you can receive scholarships for more than one year. A new application may be required along with maintaining certain eligibility requirements, such as GPA or a certain major.

Why do I need scholarships?

Scholarships are a great type of financial aid because they do not have to be repaid. Receiving scholarships can help cover the remaining bill and indirect costs, while also minimizing the amount you need to borrow in loans while in college.

What are some common scholarship application requirements?

Many scholarships require similar application materials, which commonly include:

• The application, which can be paper or an online form. 
• Essays, often personal statements, that provide insight into your activities inside and outside the classroom. 
• Letters of recommendation from teachers, coaches, guidance counselors, community members, or other mentors. 
• Honors or awards you have received, academic or otherwise. 
• Information about your high school or college, which may include your transcript, GPA, Student Aid Report, or financial aid offer.
• A résumé that includes any employment, volunteer, or extracurricular experiences.

Specialized scholarships may require additional information and may have a priority deadline. For example, scholarships supporting the arts may require portfolios or writing samples. Be sure to read each application thoroughly for requirements so you don’t miss any.

What should I do before college to increase my chances?

Since many scholarships are merit based, maintaining good grades and increasing your involvement in school and community activities are important. Some scholarships have GPA requirements, so keeping your grades up will help open more opportunities. Additionally, many applicants with varied extracurriculars and volunteer or job experiences may stand out. The more scholarships you’re eligible for and apply for, the better the odds you have of receiving one.

What are the best ways to find and receive a scholarship?

There is no guarantee that you’ll receive a scholarship, but there are a few things you can do to increase your chances while applying. One of the most important things to remember is that the scholarship committee wants to get to know you through the applications—you want to show why your college education is worth investing in. 

There are a few things that you can do to increase your chances, including: 

• Start early and search year-round: No matter what stage in the college process you’re at, you should start looking for scholarships now. There are even scholarships that high school students can receive before senior year. Scholarship deadlines vary, so setting some time aside every few weeks to search and apply will open up more opportunities of securing a scholarship. 
• Use the right search engine: Finding scholarships to apply for can be difficult, but with the right search engine you can narrow your search and find scholarships you’re eligible for. BigFuture’s scholarship search is a great resource to use.
• Find a balance: You should apply for several scholarships—the more you apply for, the better your chances of receiving one. However, it’s important to use your time wisely. You should only apply for those you’re eligible for, based on the requirements. 
• Research local scholarships: Local scholarships tend to have fewer applicants, meaning you may be more likely to get them. Your high school counselor or college financial aid department might have insight about where to find and apply for local scholarships. Be sure to talk to others in your community, and check with local businesses and organizations like banks and churches. 

How do I know a scholarship is legit? 

While plenty of legitimate scholarships are available, some fake scholarships are set up to scam students out of money or personal information. Using reliable search engines, like BigFuture, can help avoid this. Scholarships should always be free to apply. Some may ask for your bank account information after choosing you as a recipient, but they should not ask for this information as an application requirement. If you’re unsure, contact the organization or company providing the scholarship to ensure they are legit. 

Finding and applying to scholarships sounds like a lot of work—how can I make this process easier?

Because scholarships don’t need to be repaid, they can be an important part of making college affordable. However, we know that it might not always be feasible to spend a lot of time applying. There are a few things you can do to simplify the process and save time where possible. 

• Start early: Prioritize getting two or three letters of recommendation, and write your essay/personal statement before you start searching to help save time.
• Time management: Plan to spend a day or two a month searching and submitting applications with your prepared materials to avoid last-minute applications, missed deadlines, and stress.
• Stay organized: Collecting and organizing your application materials and tracking due dates will help you stay on track and avoid missing out on opportunities. 
• Reuse essays when possible: Many scholarship essay topics are similar, so editing one of your previously written essays to fit the scholarship you’re applying for can save you time.

With these tips and resources, you’ll be better prepared for scholarship applications and increase your chances of receiving scholarships to help cover your college costs. Check out your chance to earn $500 and $40,000 scholarships in monthly drawings offered by BigFuture to students who complete the steps to plan for college .

Related Articles

25 Best Writing Competitions for High School Students – 2024

April 12, 2024

Over the past several years, the number of college applicants has been steadily rising. [i] As college admissions become more competitive, there are many steps a student can take to achieve high school success and become an outstanding candidate for college admissions: earning high SAT scores, securing strong letters of recommendation , and participating in various competitions will all boost your admissions prospects. [ii] In particular, writing competitions for high school students are a popular way to win scholarships and prize money, receive feedback on writing, build a portfolio of public work, and add to college application credentials!

Below, we’ve selected twenty-five writing competitions for high school students and sorted them by three general topics: 1) language, literature and arts, 2) STEM, environment and sustainability, and 3) politics, history and philosophy. It’s never too soon to begin thinking about your future college prospects, and even if you are a freshman, many of these writing competitions for high schoolers will be open to you! [iii]

Writing Competitions for High School Students in Language, Literature, and Arts

1) adroit prizes for poetry and prose.

This prestigious creative writing award offers high school students the opportunity to showcase their work in Adroit Journal . Judges are acclaimed writers in their respective genres.

• Eligibility: All high school students (including international students) are eligible to apply. Poetry contestants may submit up to five poems. Prose contestants may submit up to three pieces of fiction or nonfiction writing (for a combined total of 3,500 words – excerpts accepted).
• Prize: Winners will receive $200 and their writing will be published in Adroit Journal . All submitted entries will be considered for publication!
• Deadline: May 1st (specific deadline may vary by year).

2)  Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest

This unique essay competition allows writers the chance to explore and respond to Ayn Rand’s fascinating and polemic 1957 novel Atlas Shrugged . Specific essay topics are posted every three months; prizes are granted seasonally with a grand prize winner announced every year.

• Prize: Annual grand prize is $25,000.
• Deadline: Deadlines occur every season, for each seasonal prompt.
• Eligibility: Essays must be written in English and be 800-1,600 words in length.

Writing Competitions for High School Students (Continued)

3)  the bennington young writers awards.

Through Bennington College, this high school writing competition offers three prizes in three different genre categories: poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Winners and finalists who decide to attend Bennington College will ultimately receive a substantial scholarship prize.

• Eligibility: U.S. and international students in grades 9 through 12 may apply.
• Prize: First place winners receive $1,000; second place wins $500; third place winners receive $250. YWA winners who apply, are admitted, and enroll at Bennington receive a $15,000 scholarship per year (for a total of $60,000). YWA finalists who apply, are admitted, and enroll at Bennington will receive a $10,000 scholarship per year (for a total of $40,000).
• Deadline: The competition runs annually from September 1st to November 1st.

4)  Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA) Student Essay Contest

Do you love Jane Austen? If so, this is the high school writing competition for you! With the JASNA Student Essay Contest, high school students have the opportunity to write a six to eight-page essay about Jane Austen’s works, focused on a specific, designated topic for the competition year.

• Eligibility: Any high school student (homeschooled students also eligible) enrolled during the contest year may submit an essay.
• Prize: First place winner receives a $1,000 scholarship and two nights’ lodging for the upcoming annual JASNA meeting. Second place wins a $500 scholarship and third place wins a $250 scholarship. All winners will additionally receive a year membership in JASNA, the online publication of their article, and a set of Norton Critical Editions of Jane Austen’s novels.
• Deadline: Submission accepted from February-June 1st (specific dates may vary by year).

5)  The Kennedy Center VSA Playwright Discovery Program

Young aspiring writers with disabilities are encouraged to apply to this unique program. Students are asked to submit a ten-minute play script that explores any topic, including the student’s own disability experience.

• Eligibility: U.S. and international high school students with disabilities ages 14-19 may apply.
• Prize: Multiple winners will receive exclusive access to professional development and networking opportunities at The Kennedy Center.
• Deadline: January (specific deadline date may vary by year).

6)  Leonard M. Milburg ’53 High School Poetry Prize

Through Princeton’s Lewis Center for the Arts, this prestigious writing competition for high school students recognizes outstanding poetry writing and is judged by creative writing faculty at Princeton University.

• Eligibility: U.S. or international students in the eleventh grade may apply. Applicants may submit up to three poems.
• Prize: First place wins $1,500; second place wins $750; third place wins $500.
• Deadline: November (specific deadline date may vary by year).

7)  Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest

Nancy Thorp was a student at Hollins University who showed great promise as a poet. After her death, her family established this scholarship to support budding young poets.

• Eligibility: Female high school sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply. Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
• Prize: First place wins $350 and publication in Cargoes literary magazine, along with a $5,000 renewable scholarship (up to $20,000 over four years) if the student enrolls in Hollins University, and free tuition and housing for Hollins University’s summer creative writing program (grades 9-12). Second place wins publication in Cargoes, along with a $1,000 renewable scholarship ($4,000 over four years) if the student enrolls at Hollins and $500 to apply toward Hollins’ summer creative writing program.
• Deadline: October (specific deadline date may vary by year).

8)  National Council of Teachers of English Achievement Awards in Writing

Students may be nominated by their English teachers to win this prestigious writing award. Winners “exhibit the power to inform and move an audience through language” and prompts and genres may vary by competition year.

• Prize: A certificate will be awarded to students who are judged to have exceptional writing skills. Student names will be displayed on the NCTE website.
• Eligibility: U.S. high school sophomores and juniors are eligible for nomination.
• Deadline: February (specific dates may vary by year). Contest prompts released in August.

9)  National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

At Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, numerous opportunities for scholarships and awards await those who submit writing in various genres: literary criticism, drama, poetry, and fiction. In all, there are 28 generic categories of art and writing to choose from!

• Eligibility: Teens in grades 7-12 (ages 13 and up) may apply.
• Prize: Various types of recognition and scholarships (up to $12,500) are offered for these award winners.
• Deadline: Scholastic Awards opens for entries in September; deadlines range from December to January.

10)  National Society of High School Scholars Creative Writing Scholarship

In this creative writing competition for high schoolers, students have the opportunity to submit a piece poetry or fiction (or both – one in each category!) for the opportunity to be published on the NSHSS website and win a monetary prize.

• Eligibility: Rising high school students graduating in 2024, 2025, 2026 and 2027 may apply.
• Prize: There will be three $2,000 awards for the fiction category and three $2,000 awards for the poetry category.
• Deadline: Submissions Accepted from May to October (specific dates may vary by year).

11)  National Writing Award: The Humanities and a Freer Tomorrow

This writing competition allows high school students the chance to be nominated by a teacher for a piece of writing in response to Ruth J. Simmons’ “Facing History to Find a Better Future.” Specific prompt topics may vary by year.

• Eligibility: Nominating teachers can submit work from 11th and 12th graders in one category (fiction, poetry, prose, or essay).
• Prize: One top prize of $1,000. Four additional prizes of $500 each. Winners will have the opportunity to have their work published by NCTE.
• Deadline: Applications are open September to October (specific dates may vary by year).

12)  New York Public Library Young Lions Fiction Award

Although this prestigious award isn’t exclusively for high schoolers (anyone younger than 35 may submit a work of fiction), if you’ve written a collection of short stories or even a novel, you should certainly consider applying!

• Eligibility: Any writer below the age of 35 may submit a novel or collection of short stories to participate in this competition.
• Prize: $10,000 award.
• Deadline: September (specific date may vary by year).

13)  Princeton University Ten-Minute Play Contest

This writing competition for high school students awards three annual top prizes for the best ten-minute play. Play submissions are judged each year by an acclaimed guest playwright.

• Eligibility: U.S. or international students in the eleventh grade may apply. Students may submit one play entry; entries must be ten pages or less. Plays must be written in English.
• Prize: First place prize is $500; second place is $250; third place is $100.
• Deadline: Varies by year. However, students are recommended to submit before the deadline date – the submission portal will close when a maximum of 250 applicants have applied.

14)  YouthPLAYS New Voices One-Act Competition for Young Playwrights

In this exciting writing competition, students have the chance to submit an original play script for a play of around 10-40 minutes in length. An excellent competition choice for any student considering a future in the theatre!

• Eligibility: Prospective authors ages 19 and under may submit a script for consideration in the competition. See specific writing guidelines here .
• Prize: First prize wins $250 and publication with YouthPLAYS; second prize wins $100.
• Deadline: Submissions run from January 1st to May 1st.

STEM, Environment, and Sustainability High School Writing Competitions

15)  engineergirl essay contest.

This wonderful essay contest invites students to explore topics related to engineering and science. Each year a new, specific prompt will be chosen for young writers who wish to compete.

• Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply. Previous winners and close family members of employees of the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine are not eligible.
• Prize: First place winners receive $1,000; second place receives $750; third place receives $500.
• Deadline: Competition opens in September and submissions are due February 1st of the following year. Winners are announced in the summer.

16)  Ocean Awareness Contest

The Ocean Awareness Contest is an opportunity for students to create written and artistic projects that explore sustainability, environmentalism, and positive change. High school freshmen (up to age 14) may apply to the Junior Division. Students ages 15-18 may enter the Senior Division.

• Eligibility: Students ages 11-18 may apply (international students included).
• Prize: Monetary prizes ranging from $100-$1000 will be awarded each year. Additionally, $500 will be awarded to ten students who identify as Black, Indigenous, or Latino via the We All Rise Prize program.
• Deadline: June 10, 2024 (specific deadline may vary by year).

17)  Rachel Carson Intergenerational Sense of Wonder / Sense of Wild Contest

If you are interested in issues of sustainability, environment, biology and the natural world, this is one of the high school writing competitions that is just for you! Essay prompts explore the natural world and our place within it and may include poetry, essays, and photography.

• Eligibility: Students must pair with an adult from a different generation (e.g. parent, grandparent or teacher – contestants need not be related). Entries must be submitted as a team.
• Prize: Winners will receive a certificate from RCLA; their first names, ages, and entry titles will be posted on the RCLA website.
• Deadline: November 16th, 2024 (specific deadline may vary by year).

18)  River of Words Competition

This writing competition for high school students is another top choice for those thinking of pursuing majors or careers in biology, environment, and sustainability; this specific contest hopes to promote positive education in sustainability by “promoting environmental literacy through the arts and cultural exchange.”

• Eligibility: Any U.S. or international student from kindergarten through 12th grade may apply.
• Prize: Winners will be published in the River of Words
• Deadline: January (specific deadline may vary by year).

Writing Competitions for High School Students in Politics, History and Philosophy

19)  american foreign service association essay contest.

With this writing competition for high school students, entrants may submit essays ranging from 1,000-1,500 words about diplomacy, history, and international politics (specific prompts vary by year).

• Eligibility: Students in grades nine through twelve may apply. Students whose parents are in the Foreign Service Association are not eligible.
• Prize: The first-place winner will receive $2,500, an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. for the winner and the winner’s parents, and an all-expense paid voyage via Semester at Sea. The second-place winner receives $1,250 and full tuition for a summer session at the National Student Leadership Conference’s International Diplomacy program.
• Deadline: Early spring (specific deadline may vary by year).

20)  Bill of Rights Institute We the Students Essay Contest

In this writing competition for high school students, civic-minded U.S. high schoolers may explore the principles and virtues of the Bill of Rights Institute. Interested applicants should review the specific submission guidelines .

• Eligibility: Any high school student aged 13 to 19 may apply.
• Prize: Prizes range from $1,500 to $10,000.
• Deadline: Submissions for 2024 due May 19th (specific deadline may vary by year).

21)  JFK Presidential Library and Museum Profile in Courage Essay Contest

For students interested in history and political science, this competition offers the chance to write about U.S. elected officials who have demonstrated political courage.

• Eligibility: U.S. high school students from grades 9-12 may apply.
• Prize: First prize is $10,000; second prize receives $3,000; five finalists receive $1,000 each; ten semifinalists receive $100 each; eight students receive honorable mention.
• Deadline: Submissions accepted from September to January (specific deadline may vary by year).
• Sample Essays: 2000-2023 Contest Winner Essays

22)  John Locke Institute Essay Competition

This essay competition is for students who would like to write about and cultivate “independent thought, depth of knowledge, clear reasoning, critical analysis and persuasive style” from one of seven intellectual categories: philosophy, politics, economics, history, psychology, theology or law.

• Eligibility: Students from any country may submit an essay.
• Prize: $2,000 for each subject category winner toward a John Locke Institute program; winning essays will be published on the Institute’s website.
• Deadline: Registration must be completed by May 31st, 2024; essay submission due June 30th, 2024 (specific deadline may vary by year).

23)  Society of Professional Journalists and the Journalism Education Association Essay Contest

This exciting writing competition for high schoolers allows students to explore topics related to journalism, democracy and media literacy. Specific prompts will be provided for contestants each year.

• Eligibility: All U.S. students from grades 9-12 may submit original writing to participate in this contest.
• Prize: First-place winners will receive $1,000; second place is awarded $500; third place receives $300.
• Deadline: February (specific deadline may vary by year).

24)  Veterans of Foreign Wars Voice of Democracy Youth Scholarship Essay

This audio essay allows high school students the opportunity to “express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriot-themed recorded essay.” One winner will be granted a $35,000 scholarship to be paid toward their university, college, or vocational school of choice. Smaller prizes range from $1,000-$21,000, and the first-place winner in each VFW state wins $1,000.

• Prize: College scholarships range from $1,000-$35,000
• Eligibility: U.S. students in grades 9-12 may submit a 3-5-minute audio essay.
• Deadline: October 31st
• Sample Written Essay: 2023-2024 Prize-winning essay by Sophia Lin

25)  World Historian Student Essay Competition

The World Historian Student Essay Competition recognizes young scholars who explore world historical events and how they relate to the student scholar personally. Ultimately the student writer must describe “the experience of being changed by a better understanding of world history.”

• Eligibility: Internationally, students ages K-12 may submit an entry. See specific prompt and submission guidelines for writing instructions.
• Prize: $500

Writing Competitions for High School Students – Sources

[i] Institute for Education Sciences: National Center for Education Statistics. “Number of applications for admission from first-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students were received by postsecondary institutions in the fall.” https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/TrendGenerator/app/answer/10/101

[ii] Jaschik, Scott. “Record Applications, Record Rejections.” Inside Higher Ed . 3 April 2022. https://www.insidehighered.com/admissions/article/2022/04/04/most-competitive-colleges-get-more-competitive

[iii] Wood, Sarah. “College Applications are on the Rise: What to Know.” U.S. News & World Report. 21 June 2022. https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/college-applications-are-on-the-rise-what-to-know

• Extracurricular Activities

Jamie Smith

For the past decade, Jamie has taught writing and English literature at several universities, including Boston College, the University of Pittsburgh, and Carnegie Mellon University. She earned a Ph.D. in English from Carnegie Mellon, where she currently teaches courses and conducts research on composition, public writing, and British literature.

• 2-Year Colleges
• Application Strategies
• Best Colleges by Major
• Best Colleges by State
• Big Picture
• Career & Personality Assessment
• College Essay
• College Search/Knowledge
• College Success
• Costs & Financial Aid
• Dental School Admissions
• Graduate School Admissions
• High School Success
• High Schools
• Law School Admissions
• Medical School Admissions
• Navigating the Admissions Process
• Online Learning
• Private High School Spotlight
• Summer Program Spotlight
• Summer Programs
• Test Prep Provider Spotlight

“Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline.”

— Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Nationally Recognized College Expert

College Planning in Your Inbox

Join our information-packed monthly newsletter.

I am a... Student Student Parent Counselor Educator Other First Name Last Name Email Address Zip Code Area of Interest Business Computer Science Engineering Fine/Performing Arts Humanities Mathematics STEM Pre-Med Psychology Social Studies/Sciences Submit

• Plan for College and Career
• Take the ACT
• School and District Assessment
• Career-Ready Solutions
• Students & Parents
• Open Search Form
• College and Career Readiness
• Succeed in High School
• Most Popular Downloads
• Testing Advice for the ACT
• High School Resources
• What to Do After High School
• Prepare for College
• Applying to College
• Choosing a College
• Paying for College
• College Life
• Career Planning
• Starting Your Career
• Recursos para estudiantes y padres
• Consejos de prueba para el ACT
• Planificación universitaria y profesional
• Aplicar a la universidad
• Vida de la escuela secundaria
• Pagar la universidad
• Vida universitaria

Other ACT Services and Products

How to Find Scholarships

Quick Links:   Understanding Scholarships | Why Apply | Application Requirements | How to Find Scholarships | How to Apply

Your Guide to Finding, Applying, and Winning Scholarships

Scholarships are a type of financial aid awarded to students based on academic achievements, athletic skills, community involvement, financial need, or other considerations. Earning scholarships can help make college more accessible and affordable. Dive into our guide for an overview of how to find and apply for scholarships to ease the financial burden of college. 

Understanding Scholarships

Several types of scholarships are available, such as merit-based aid, skill-based, and need-based aid. Every scholarship comes with unique requirements to both receive and keep the funds. Be sure to carefully read the scholarship eligibility requirements, application process, and other details before applying.

Do You Have to Pay Back Scholarships? 

College scholarships are a type of financial assistance that you won't need to repay. It’s essentially free money given to help cover your educational expenses like tuition, housing, class supplies, and more. This makes them an excellent option for students looking to reduce the cost of college without worrying about student loan debt. 

How do Scholarships Differ From Grants?

While both grants and scholarships offer financial aid for college, they differ in several important ways. Scholarships are usually merit-based, meaning they're awarded based on achievements like academic excellence, athletic skills, or involvement in community service or clubs. They're often provided by private organizations, colleges, or individuals.

On the other hand, grants are typically need-based and awarded to students who demonstrate a financial need. They are often provided by either state or federal government sources. A well-known example of a government-backed grant is the Pell Grant, which is federal aid given to undergraduate students with significant financial need.

You can visit the official Pell Grants page for more detailed information. This resource details qualifications, application processes, and how Federal Student Aid can help fund your college education. 

Why You Should Apply For Scholarships

Scholarships are an important tool for making your college education more affordable. Despite what many think, there's actually a lot of unclaimed scholarship money out there every year. According to the National Scholarship Providers Association (NSPA), about $100 million worth of scholarships are not awarded annually, mainly because students do not apply for them.

With so many available scholarships going unclaimed, it's important to explore your options thoroughly. Doing well on standardized tests like the ACT is one way to enhance your chances of tapping into this unclaimed scholarship pool. Actively seeking out and applying for scholarships can increase your likelihood of receiving financial support, which not only eases the financial strain of college but also supports your academic and personal growth, smoothing the path to a brighter and more secure future.

Typical Application Requirements For Scholarships

When applying for scholarships, students must meet a variety of requirements to be considered for aid. Common requirements include:

• Academic performance: Keeping up a certain GPA or academic level.
• Extracurricular activities: Being active in clubs, sports, or community service projects.
• Standardized test scores: Some scholarships ask for scores from tests like the ACT to measure your academic readiness.
• Essays: Crafting an essay that reflects your personal achievements or aspirations.
• Letters of recommendation: Securing support from teachers or mentors who can speak to your character and achievements.
• Financial need evidence: Showing that you require financial support to pursue your education. Often this requires you to submit your FAFSA.
• Unique qualifications: Adhering to specific conditions outlined by the scholarship, like studying in a certain field or identifying with a particular demographic. 

Will All Scholarships Require an Essay?

How to find scholarships.

While earning a scholarship isn't guaranteed, there are several steps you can take to increase your chances of securing these valuable funds. Focus on the factors within your control such as timing, research, preparation, organization, and commitment. Taking your scholarship search seriously can help you tremendously in the long run.

Start The Process Early

It's important to start your scholarship application process as early as possible. Studentaid.gov suggests getting a head start on your research and applications during the summer between junior and senior years of high school. Starting the process early gives you ample time to find opportunities, meet deadlines, and prepare stronger applications.

Utilize Scholarship Searches

Various lists and resources are available that specialize in helping you find scholarships that fit your needs. One notable option is the  ACT free scholarship list , which includes more than 80 scholarships that require an ACT score. The Department of Labor also provides information for over 9,500 scholarships on their sponsored  scholarship finder . These searches can help you discover a wide range of opportunities that align with your specific academic and extracurricular achievements.

Check Local Scholarships

Students should also focus on local scholarships, which often have fewer applicants and higher chances of winning compared to larger, national scholarships. Check with local businesses, community and religious organizations, clubs, and your school counselor if they offer any scholarship opportunities. Often the scholarship details and application can be found on their website. You might also consider searching for scholarships through word of mouth, community Facebook pages, or local newspapers

Apply For Several Scholarships

Increase your chances of receiving financial aid by applying for multiple scholarships. Each application improves your likelihood of success, broadening your range of opportunities. You can enhance your chances for securing a scholarship by applying for a range of scholarship types from many different sources. 

Look Out For Fake Scholarships

Students and parents need to be vigilant to identify fake scholarships. Warning signs include requests for personal financial information or payments, such as application fees or processing charges, no past recipients mentioned, or saying you won a scholarship you don’t recall applying for. Legitimate scholarships will never ask for money or sensitive personal financial details as part of the application process. 

How to Apply For Scholarships

The process of applying for scholarships will largely depend on the type of scholarship you're pursuing, but several standard steps are involved in most applications. Understanding and following these common steps can help you collect and prepare the documents you’ll need when applying. Here are some ways in which the process may differ:

• Eligibility criteria: Some scholarships are open to all students, while others may target specific groups, such as students pursuing certain majors, belonging to certain demographic groups, or having specific talents or interests. 
• Application requirements: While some scholarships may require essays, others might request video submissions, artistic portfolios, or project proposals, depending on the criteria. 
• Submission method: Methods range from online forms to mail-in or even in-person presentations. Be sure to adapt your approach based on each scholarship’s guidelines. 
• Selection process: Each scholarship committee will assess candidates based on what was submitted. Recipients are typically students who had a well-rounded application, met all the criteria outlines, and demonstrated their readiness for college. 
• ​​ Financial need assessment: Some scholarships are merit-based and don't consider financial need, while others may require financial information and a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine need-based eligibility. 
• Recommendation letters: Some scholarships might ask for multiple letters of recommendation from a teacher, mentor, or community leader.  
• Deadlines: Deadlines can vary significantly. Some scholarships offer multiple application rounds, while others may be once-a-year chances. 

​​It's important to keep track of deadlines for each scholarship and submit your applications promptly, as late submissions can disqualify you even if you’re an outstanding candidate. Try using an online calendar or planner specifically for scholarship deadlines to stay organized and ensure you never miss a submission date. You can also keep a digital folder with all your scholarship materials —essays, recommendation letters, transcripts, and any other required documents. This makes it easier to tailor each application without starting from scratch. 

Explore More Resources to Help Pay For College

To learn more about paying for college and managing your expenses, check out some  additional resources  that offer helpful tips and advice. Starting to look for scholarships that match your interests early in high school gives you plenty of time to set your goals and plan how to achieve them. 

This action will open a new window. Do you want to proceed?

Welcome to ACT

If you are accessing this site from outside the United States, Puerto Rico, or U.S. Territories, please proceed to the non-U.S. version of our website.

25 college scholarships high school seniors can still apply for

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.

Prices keep going up for college students. This year, attending some American colleges and universities is expected to cost students more than $90,000 a year.

Granted, that’s based on figures for tuition, room and board and other expenses from some of the country’s most elite private institutions. Even so, the Education Data Initiative reports that the average private college student living on campus actually spends about $55,840 per year, with $38,768 of it going towards tuition and fees). And students at public universities spend an average of about $26,027 per year.

That’s still quite a chunk of change, even if you’ve decided it’s worth the cost . In fact, college prices have risen by 169% since 1980, according to a report from Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce . If you’re a high school senior or college student (or the parent of one) who is trying to figure out how to pay these bills, you may want to consider some of the scholarships available to defray costs.

And while the deadlines of some scholarships have passed, there are still lots of options if you act fast. Here are 25 scholarships for high school seniors.

Scholarships That Award Over $15,000

1. breakthrough junior challenge: $250,000.

Deadline to apply:  June 25, 2024

Who’s eligible : High school students

This generous scholarship is offered by the philanthropists Yuri and Julia Milner, who have a special interest in science and technology. To apply, you create a 2-minute video that explains a scientific or mathematical theory or principle.  Think creatively and incorporate elements like diagrams, simulations and physical demonstrations.

If you submit the most impressive video, you’ll receive a $250,000 scholarship to college. Your teacher will receive $50,000, and your school will receive $100,000 for a science lab. Apply here .

2. Niche ‘No Essay’ Scholarship: $25,000

Deadline to apply:  May 31, 2024

Who’s eligible: High school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year

Niche is a ranking and review site that runs a scholarship directory and offers many of its own scholarships. This one couldn’t be easier to apply for. Start by creating a Niche account. Then fill out the online application; the winner will be determined in a random drawing by June 15, 2024. They will contact you if you were selected. Apply here .

3. ‘Be Bold’ No-Essay Scholarship: $25,055

Deadline to apply: May 1, 2024

Who’s eligible: Any student of any age or education level

Bold.org is a scholarship search website. To apply for any of their scholarships, you’ll need to create a free profile on the site. And the site wants to challenge you to create the boldest one.

What does being bold mean to you? The folks at the “Be Bold” Scholarship define it in three words: earnest, determined and moving. If your profile does the best job of matching this description, you could win $25,055 towards your college education. The eligibility requirements don’t mention a minimum GPA. All you need to be is … bold!  Apply here ASAP, as the scholarship favors early applicants for rolling application deadlines.

4. Ayn Rand Scholarship: ‘The Fountainhead’ Essay Contest: $25,000

Deadline to apply:  June 7, 2024

Who’s eligible: High school juniors and seniors

The Ayn Rand Institute offers rolling essay contests three times a year to encourage students to engage with this prominent novelist’s works and ideas. The upcoming summer essay contest for “The Fountainhead” is currently open.

You’ll write a double-spaced essay that’s between 800 and 1,600 words, based on a prompt question (about the book) that The Ayn Rand Institute provides. If you are one of the top three entries, you’ll receive a cash prize of up to $3,000, and the first-place entry from each season will go on to compete against the other seasonal winners for an annual grand prize of $25,000. You can spend the money on college — or anything else you like. Apply here .

5. Ayn Rand Scholarship: ‘Atlas Shrugged’ Essay Contest: $25,000

Deadline to apply:  June 14, 2024

Who’s eligible: High school seniors, college students and graduate students

Another one of The Ayn Rand Institute’s rolling essay contests is based on her novel “Atlas Shrugged.” The upcoming summer essay contest for this novel is currently open.

You’ll write a double-spaced essay that’s between 800 and 1,600 words, based on a prompt question about the book that The Ayn Rand Institute provides. If you are one of the top three entries, you’ll receive a cash prize up to $3,000, and the first-place entry from each season will go on to compete against the other seasonal winners for an annual grand prize of $25,000. You can spend the money on college or anything else. Apply here .

Scholarships That Award Between $5,000 and $15,000

6. stuck at prom scholarship contest: $15,000.

Deadline to apply:  June 5, 2024

Who’s eligible: All high school students

Well, this is a fun one. To win the Stuck at Prom scholarship, you need to make your own prom outfit (a dress or a tux) completely out of Duck Brand duct tape or Duck Brand crafting tape. Then fill out the online entry form, which includes a place for you to upload at least one photo of yourself wearing this DIY prom outfit. You can submit up to five photos.

The entry form will ask you to supply some written details about your creation or to upload a video showing the requested details. The first-place winners for dress and tux will each be awarded $15,000, while four runners-up in each category will win $1,000 each. And this year they will also be handing out “Judges’ Choice” awards worth $1,000 each to three finalists. Apply here .

7. ScienceSaves High School Video Scholarship: $10,000

Deadline to apply:  May 6, 2024

Who’s eligible: High school seniors

Not a big fan of writing essays? This scholarship contest asks entrants to create a 20-30 second video, answering the question, “What has science done for me?” or “What has science done for somebody I know?”

Be creative! You can use photos, video clips and text. Add the hashtag #ScienceSaves to your video before uploading it. While the grand prize winner will receive $10,000, there will also be prizes for 2nd place ($2,000), 3rd place ($1,000), and 4th place finishers ($500). Apply here .

8. Exceptional Youth Scholarship: $10,000

Deadline to apply:  May 17, 2024

Who’s eligible:  high school seniors

This scholarship is offered through The Foundation for Global Sports Development, and it’s indeed designed for an extraordinary young person. To apply, you must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and have devoted at least 100 hours to some form of community service, volunteerism or mentorship activities.

It’s also need-based, so you’ll be required to submit a completed FAFSA form (which is the application for federal student aid) and other financial materials. You’ll also need two letters of recommendation (one from your school and one from your community). Ten graduating seniors will each receive this $10,000 scholarship. Apply here .

9. Ted and Holly Rollins Scholarship: $5,000

Deadline to apply:  June 1, 2024

Can you write a compelling essay? For this scholarship contest, you’ll submit at least 500 words that tell your life story, describe your interest in your intended field of study, and/or explain how you plan to impact the world. If you write the winning essay, you’ll be notified by July 15, 2024. Apply here .

10. Ryan T. Herich Memorial Scholarship: $5,000

Deadline to apply:  April 15, 2024

Who’s eligible: High school students or college undergraduates who are studying or plan to study political science, cultural anthropology, geography or history

This scholarship was set up in the memory of Ryan T. Herich, who was interested in how history, culture and politics affect our world today. To apply, incorporate these themes in a 400- to 600-word essay about how you intend to make a difference in the world. Three winners (who will each receive $5,000) will be announced on May 15, 2024. Apply here .

Scholarships That Award Between $1,000 and $3,000

11. all about education scholarship: $3,000.

Deadline to apply:  April 30, 2024

Who’s eligible:  U.S. residents ages 14 and up

This scholarship is through Unigo, a college scholarship directory and search site. To apply, you have to sign up for a free account. Then submit an essay of 250 words or less responding to the question: “How will a $3,000 scholarship for education make a difference in your life?” Apply here .

12. There’s Space For Everyone Scholarship: $3,000

Who’s eligible: High school seniors, undergraduates and graduates enrolled in school

Extra Space Storage is in the business of offering self-storage facilities, but they also offer an annual college scholarship. To apply, fill out the online application form, which includes an essay on the following topic: “How have you exhibited a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, or social justice through work, service, or other extra-curricular activities, and how will your education help you continue this commitment during college and beyond?”

The company will give out eight $3,000 scholarships. Five will go to any student attending or planning to attend a college or university in the U.S., and three are reserved for employees or immediate family members of Extra Space Storage. The winners will be announced on June 21, 2024. Apply here .

13. American College Foundation Visionary Scholarship: $2,500

Who’s eligible: High school students

This is a bi-annual award in which five recipients win each time — with a total of 10 scholarships awarded each year. Awards range from $1,000 to $2,500 each. To apply, submit a completed application along with your most recent high school transcript and a 500-word essay on “Why College is Important to Me.”

The site posts photos of past winners along with their essays, so you can see what impresses the judges. The winners are announced on July 12, 2024, and the awards are distributed on July 31, 2024. Apply here .

14. Creativity Leads to Success Scholarship: $2,500

Deadline to apply:  June 15, 2024

Who’s eligible: Students who are 18 years or older and attending college or grad school by fall 2024

The Dixie Belle paint company awards $5,000 in scholarship money every year. The first-prize winner will receive $2,500, while two runners-up will receive $1,250 each.

To apply, fill out their online application and submit an essay of no more than 500 words that answers the question: “How has creativity helped you in problem solving?” If you’re a finalist, you will be notified on or about Aug. 15, 2024. Apply here .

15. Rover Scholarship: $2,500

Deadline to apply:  May 1, 2024

Who’s eligible: High school seniors and college undergraduates

Rover.com is a pet-sitter marketplace that offers a $2,500 scholarship towards higher education. To apply, you must have a 3.0 GPA. Fill out their online form and submit an essay of 400-500 words on the following topic: “How did growing up with a pet in your life (could be a friend’s or family member’s) impact the person you are today?”

The winner will be notified by May 31, 2024. Apply here .

16. Goodwall #ScholarshipNow Challenge: $2,500

Who’s eligible: High school, college and graduate students and those planning to enroll within 12 months

This scholarship is funded by Goodwall, a skills-based social network that prepares young people for careers. To enter this scholarship contest, download the Goodwall app and create a profile. Submit a short video (between 30 seconds and three minutes long) in which you describe how this scholarship can help you reach your educational and professional goals. Make sure to add the hashtag #ScholarshipNow. Apply here .

17. RonranGlee Literary Scholarship: $2,000

Deadline to apply:  April 22, 2024

Who’s eligible: High school seniors and college undergraduate students

If you have a knack for close reading, this is the scholarship for you. The people at the RonranGlee Literary Scholarship want to see how well you can interpret the underlying meaning in texts. To apply, choose a paragraph (preferably from an ancient literature or philosophy book) and write a short essay that is between 600 and 2,000 words, explaining what’s being conveyed between the lines.

Five winners will be announced on May 22, 2024. Apply here.

18. CollegeVine No Essay Contest: $2,000

Deadline to apply:  June 30, 2024

Who’s eligible: Current high school students and college applicants

CollegeVine is a website that provides college admissions guidance. To take part in this scholarship sweepstakes, you will need to sign up for a CollegeVine account and complete your profile. A random drawing determines the winner. If it’s you, you’ll be notified with an email. Apply here .

19. Sallie Mae Scholarship Sweepstakes: $2,000

Deadline to apply: The last day of every month (the current deadline is April 30)

Who’s eligible: High school juniors, seniors and college undergraduates (and parents can apply, too)

Sallie Mae has a search database with lots of scholarship options. But this particular sweepstakes is the easiest: Fill out a form to enter, and a winner is chosen at random every month. There’s no essay and no GPA requirement — just a form that takes less than two minutes to fill out! Apply here .

20. Ayn Rand Scholarship: ‘Anthem’ Essay Contest: $2,000

Who’s eligible:  8th, 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade students

To participate, you’ll submit an essay that’s between 600 and 1,200 words, double-spaced. For the topic, you can choose from among three prompt questions related to Ayn Rand’s novella “Anthem.”

This is significantly easier than the Ayn Rand Institute’s other two essay contests since this novella is only about 100 pages long. The top prize is $2,000, and other finalists will receive between $500 and $1,000.  Apply here .

21. Too Cool To Pay For School Sweepstakes: $1,000

Deadline to apply: Quarterly on the last day of March, June, September and December

Who’s eligible: High school juniors, seniors and college undergrads

This sweepstakes is run through Access Scholarships, an online scholarship search engine. Applying for this one couldn’t be simpler — all you need to do is fill out the online form.  Follow them on Instagram , and they’ll enter you twice. A random drawing determines the winner. You’ll get an email from them if you win. Apply here .

22. Gen & Kelly Tanabe Scholarship: $1,000

Deadline to apply:  July 31, 2024

Who’s eligible: High school seniors, undergraduate and graduate students

The scholarship is funded by Gen and Kelly Tanabe, the authors of “ The Ultimate Scholarship Book 2024: Billions of Dollars in Scholarships, Grants and Prizes .” Entrants submit a 250-word personal statement about why you deserve to win this scholarship or about your academic or career goals. You can also write about any topic of your choice. Apply here .

23. ScholarshipOwl No Essay Scholarship: $1,000

Deadline to apply: The last business day of each month (next deadline is April 29, 2024)

Who’s eligible: High school and college students who will be enrolled in school within three months of the award

ScholarshipOwl is an online scholarship matching service. Each month, they hold a random drawing for this $1,000 scholarship, and four students win every time. To participate, sign up for a free account and fill out their online application form, which doesn’t require an essay. The next draw date is May 11.  Apply here .

24. Blaze Your Own Trail Scholarship: $1,000

This scholarship contest is funded by Trail Heads, a company that makes headbands, gloves, hats and other accessories for outdoor sports. To enter, you’ll need to write a 600-800 word essay about a challenge you faced. Describe how you overcame this obstacle and how it affected you going forward. Also, you have to submit your latest transcript with your GPA.

The winner will be announced on the Trail Heads website on Aug. 6, 2024. Apply here .

25. American Heart Challenge Scholarship: $1,000

Who’s eligible: High school juniors or seniors

This scholarship is for juniors and seniors who have shown leadership skills at their school’s American Heart Challenge program, which aims to educate young people about healthy lifestyle habits while raising money to help end heart disease and stroke. To apply,  fill out a short online application and upload a letter of recommendation from a teacher. Apply here .

About the Author

Jennifer has written features and essays for over a dozen magazines, including American Baby, Cosmo, Cosmo Girl, Fit Pregnancy, Good Housekeeping, Health, Marie Claire, Parents, Parenting, Redbook, Self, Teen People, TV Guide, and YM. More.

Latest Deals

You can take a dozen American Sign Language classes for free

Get a 6-piece patio furniture set for $99 at Home Depot’s spring sale

How to get free Arby’s sandwiches in April

News & Advice

16 clever toilet paper storage solutions for small bathrooms

Walmart shoppers may be eligible for $500 payment due to lawsuit

Best ways to decorate with outdoor artificial plants

More to explore

• Commercial Insights
• Philanthropic Solutions
• Wealth Insights
• Online Banking Login
• Regions Total Wealth
• Investment Account Access
• Open an Account
• En Español

Regions Riding Forward® Scholarship Contest

Their Story. Your Voice.

Your voice is your own. But it's also been impacted by others. Who, we wonder, has inspired you? Let us know by entering the Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest. 

You could win an $8,000 college scholarship

For the opportunity to win an $8,000 scholarship, submit a video or written essay about an individual you know personally (who lives in your community) who has inspired you and helped you build the confidence you need to achieve your goals.

The details

The 2024 Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest consists of four (4) separate Quarterly Contests - one for each calendar quarter of 2024. Regions is awarding four $8,000 scholarships through each Quarterly Contest.

Each Quarterly Contest has its own separate entry period, as provided in the chart below.

The entry deadline for each Quarterly Contest is 11:59:59 PM Central Time on the applicable Quarterly Contest period end date (set forth in the chart above).

No purchase or banking relationship required.

Regions believes in supporting the students whose passion and actions every day will continue to make stories worth sharing. That’s why we have awarded over $1 million in total scholarships to high school and college students.

How to enter, 1. complete an online quarterly contest application.

Enter the Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest by completing a Quarterly Contest application.  The second Quarterly Contest runs from April 1, 2024 through June 30, 2024. Complete and save all requested information. 

2. Prepare your Written Essay or Video Essay

For each Quarterly Contest, the topic of your Written Essay or Video Essay (your “Essay Topic”) must be an individual you know personally, who lives in your community. Your Written Essay or Video Essay must address how the individual you have selected as your Essay Topic has inspired you and helped you build the confidence you need to achieve your goals.

Written Essay and Video Essay submissions must meet all of the requirements described in the contest Official Rules. Your Written Essay or Video Essay must be (i) in English, (ii) your own original work, created solely by you (and without the use of any means of artificial intelligence (“AI”)), and (iii) the exclusive property of you alone.

Written Essays must be 500 words or less. You can write your Written Essay directly in the application, or you can copy and paste it into the appropriate area in the application form.

Video Essay submissions must be directly uploaded to the contest application site. Video Essays must be no more than 3 minutes in length and no larger than 1 GB. Only the following file formats are accepted: MP4, MPG, MOV, AVI, and WMV. Video Essays must not contain music of any kind nor display any illegal, explicit, or inappropriate material, and Video Essays must not be password protected or require a log-in/sign-in to view. You must upload your Video Essay to the application, and you may not submit your Video Essay in DVD or other physical form. (Video Essays submitted via mail will not be reviewed or returned.)

Tips to Record Quality Videos on a Smartphone:

• Don’t shoot vertical video. Computer monitors have landscape-oriented displays, so shoot your video horizontally.
• Use a tripod. Even small movements can make a big difference when editing.
• Don’t use zoom. If you need to get a close shot of the subject, move closer as zooming can cause pixilation.
• Use natural lighting. Smartphone lighting can wash out your video.

3. Review and submit your Quarterly Contest application

Review your information on your Quarterly Application (and check the spelling of a Written Essay) and submit your entry by 11:59:59 p.m. Central Time on the applicable Quarterly Contest period end date. The second Quarterly Contest period end date is June 30, 2024.

4. Await notification

Winning entries are selected by an independent panel of judges who are not affiliated with Regions. If your entry is selected as a Quarterly Contest winner, you will need to respond to ISTS with the required information.

Eligibility

For purposes of this contest:

• The “Eligible States” are defined as the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.
• An “accredited college” is defined as a nonprofit, two- or four-year college or university located within one of the fifty (50) United States or the District of Columbia.

To be eligible to enter this contest and to win an award in a Quarterly Contest, at the time of entry, you must:

• Be a legal U.S. resident of one of the Eligible States.
• Be age 16 or older.
• Have at least one (1) year (or at least 18 semester hours) remaining before college graduation.
• If you are not yet in college, begin your freshman year of college no later than the start of the 2025 – 2026 college academic school year.
• As of your most recent school enrollment period, have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 in school (and if no GPA is provided at school, be in “good standing” or the equivalent thereof in school).

View Official Rules

NO PURCHASE OR BANKING RELATIONSHIP REQUIRED. PURCHASE OR BANKING RELATIONSHIP WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. The 2024 Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest (the “Contest”) consists of four (4) separate quarterly contests (each a “Quarterly Contest”): (1) the “Q-1 Contest;” (2) the “Q-2 Contest;” (3) the “Q-3 Contest;” and (4) the “Q-4 Contest.” The Q-1 Contest begins on 02/01/24 and ends on 03/31/24; the Q-2 Contest begins on 04/01/24 and ends on 06/30/24; the Q-3 Contest begins on 07/01/24 and ends on 09/30/24; and the Q-4 Contest begins on 10/01/24 and ends on 12/31/24. (For each Quarterly Contest, entries must be submitted and received by 11:59:59 PM CT on the applicable Quarterly Contest period end date.) To enter and participate in a particular Quarterly Contest, at the time of entry, you must: (a) be a legal U.S. resident of one of the Eligible States; (b) be 16 years of age or older; (c) have at least one (1) year (or at least 18 semester hours) remaining before college graduation; (d) (if you are not yet in college) begin your freshman year of college no later than the start of the 2025 – 2026 college academic school year; and (e) as of your most recent school enrollment period, have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 in school (and if no grade point average is provided at school, be in “good standing” or the equivalent thereof in school). (For purposes of Contest, the “Eligible States” are defined as the states of AL, AR, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MS, MO, NC, SC, TN and TX.) Visit regions.com/ridingforward for complete Contest details, including eligibility and Written Essay and Video Essay requirements and Official Rules. (Limit one (1) entry per person, per Quarterly Contest.) For each Quarterly Contest, eligible entries will be grouped according to form of entry (Written Essay or Video Essay) and judged by a panel of independent, qualified judges. A total of four (4) Quarterly Contest Prizes will be awarded in each Quarterly Contest, consisting of two (2) Quarterly Contest Prizes for the Written Essay Entry Group and two (2) Quarterly Contest Prizes for the Video Essay Entry Group. Each Quarterly Contest Prize consists of a check in the amount of $8,000 made out to winner’s designated accredited college. (Limit one (1) Quarterly Contest Prize per person; a contestant is permitted to win only one (1) Quarterly Contest Prize through the Contest.) Sponsor: Regions Bank, 1900 Fifth Ave. N., Birmingham, AL 35203.

© 2024 Regions Bank. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. Regions and the Regions logo are registered trademarks of Regions Bank. The LifeGreen color is a trademark of Regions Bank.

2023 Winners

High school:.

• Amyrrean Acoff
• Leon Aldridge
• Kharis Andrews
• Colton Collier
• Indya Griffin
• Christopher Hak
• Aquil Hayes
• Jayden Haynes
• McKenna Jodoin
• Paris Kelly
• Liza Latimer
• Dylan Lodle
• Anna Mammarelli
• Karrington Manley
• Marcellus Odum
• Gautami Palthepu
• Melody Small
• Lauryn Tanner
• Joshua Wilson
• Mohamed Ali
• Kayla Bellamy
• Lauren Boxx
• Alexandria Brown
• Samuel Brown
• Thurston Brown
• Conner Daehler
• Tsehai de Souza
• Anjel Echols
• Samarion Flowers
• Trinity Griffin
• Kristina Hilton
• Ryan Jensen
• Miracle Jones
• Shaniece McGhee
• Chelby Melvin
• Lamiya Ousley
• Kiera Phillips
• Gabrielle Pippins
• Ethan Snead
• Sydney Springs
• Kirsten Tilford
• Tamira Weeks
• Justin Williams

2022 Winners

• Paul Aucremann
• William Booker
• Robyn Cunningham
• Kani'ya Davis
• Oluwatomi Dugbo
• Lillian Goins
• Parker Hall
• Collin Hatfield
• Gabrielle Izu
• Kylie Lauderdale
• Jacob Milan
• Jackson Mitchell
• Carmen Moore
• Madison Morgan
• Kaden Oquelí-White
• Kaylin Parks
• Brian Perryman
• De'Marco Riggins
• Brianna Roundtree
• Sydney Russell
• Carlie Spore
• Morgan Standifer
• Ionia Thomas
• Ramaya Thomas
• Jaylen Toran
• Amani Veals
• Taylor Williams
• Alana Wilson
• Taryn Wilson
• Aryaunna Armstrong
• Hannah Blackwell
• T'Aneka Bowers
• Naomi Bradley
• Arianna Cannon
• Taylor Cline
• Catherine Cummings
• Margaret Fitzgerald
• Chloe Franklin
• Camryn Gaines
• Thomas Greer
• Kayla Helleson
• Veronica Holmes
• Logan Kurtz
• Samuel Lambert
• Jaylon Muchison
• Teresa Odom
• Andrew Payne
• Carey Price
• Emily SantiAnna
• Curtis Smith
• Jered Smith
• Mariah Standifer
• Maura Taylor
• Anna Wilkes

Georgia Tech Admission Blog

Three messages about college admissions for juniors.

Don’t apply to a college you would not actually attend. Seniors did this. I know, right? They basically walked into a store looking for jeans and went to the section three sizes up from theirs and were like- “Yea, I’ll put those in my cart just to have a few extra.” Does that sound dumb? It is. Think about it this way- there are 2000+ four-year colleges in America, not to mention the thousands of other post-secondary options around our country and abroad. I’m guessing if someone lined up that many pairs of jeans you could easily find 7 or 9 or 11 that you could afford, fit well, and you would be excited about/proud to wear. Many application fees are $50 or more. Need suggestions for better uses of that money? Donate to a local non-profit, take your mom out to lunch, Venmo me, basically do anything with it except what the seniors just did. Want more details and insight? Check out this podcast with Rachel Hernandez, vice provost for student affairs at Johns Hopkins University. Not a podcast listener? Ok. Then hear this: Don’t apply to a college you would not actually attend!

Look. As a talented student and a relatively good person, an annoyingly large number of people are going to have opinions about where and why you should visit, apply, or attend certain schools. Oh… and they’re going to tell you whether you like it or not. At the end of the day, we live in a noisy, busy world. My hope is that you will consistently pull away for a few hours to listen and be honest with yourself. The truth is that these decisions just keep getting bigger- where to apply becomes where to attend. Where to attend becomes what to major in. What to major in becomes job, city, community, family. Oh, yea. I can draw a throughline from today to one far in the distant future based on how you approach this. But hey- you are a junior and we are just on #2, so let’s start with and commit to this. Don’t do what they seniors did! Don’t begin by searching Google with criteria someone else told them was important. Don’t start by looking at rankings or lists of colleges that a marketer developed to sell ads and peddle clicks. The college admission search is internal.

Nothing happens to you in college admission. Read that carefully. I did not say “nothing happens.” Just that nothing happens to you . Now, to be fair to the seniors, this has been a tumultuous and unprecedented year, particularly in light of the FUBAR FAFSA situation, the first cycle following a landmark SCOTUS case, and noise and variance in testing policies around the country.

Still, there was way too much why did this happen to me mentality and not enough why did this happen for me ? inquiry. Here’s the truth- next year there will also be change, unexpected events, personal and macro challenges, and general unpredictability. This spring, as admission and scholarship information has come out, a lot of seniors (and their parents) have effectively said: “What did I do wrong?” or “What else could I have done?” or (directly or indirectly) “This whole thing is broken and unfair.” Well, in the spirit of “messages you might not like to hear,” that’s college admission, that’s college, and really that’s life.

As a junior, however, you have a choice. When things don’t go exactly as you hope/plan, i.e. you get deferred, denied, waitlisted, or you don’t receive the amount of money you need to attend a particular school, you can cry/wallow/point fingers/ take your ball and go home OR you can re-frame from why is this happening to me? to why is this happening for me?

Ok. I got deferred. “Why is this happening for me?” Now, I get to decide if I’m still really interested in this school. If so, I get to send my fall grades and submit updated information.

I didn’t get admitted. Or I didn’t get into the honors program. Or that scholarship amount is just not enough to make it affordable… why is this happening for me? Now, I get to pivot. I get to figure out another way or explore a different option. I get to show up somewhere else committed to succeeding, building a network, maximizing my opportunities. Nothing happens to you in college admission.

What messages do we like to hear? I can help you control this. I can make this easier for you. You are special and amazing and it’s all going to work out. I get it. I’m human. That all sounds good to me too. But it is not true (well, you’re kind of special and amazing). And you best believe you can find (often for $$) lots of people who will guarantee you things in college admission. If you see an ad online or have someone approach you claiming to have the magic formula, the secret sauce (or some other noun preceded by a descriptor), RUN!

So, I will not make any guarantees, but I will make you a promise. If you will only apply to places you really want to go and would be excited to attend; if you will begin with asking yourself big and tough questions; and if you will adopt the mindset that the year ahead, while absolutely not predictable or fully in your control, will be one of formation, transformation, growth, discovery, and opportunity; then on the Ides of April 2025, you will have been truly successful in your college admission experience.

Author: Rick Clark

Rick Clark is the Executive Director of Strategic Student Access at Georgia Tech. He has served on a number of national advisory and governing boards at the state, regional, and national level. Rick travels annually to U.S. embassies through the Department of State to discuss the admission process and landscape of higher education. He is the co-author of the book The Truth about College Admission: A Family Guide to Getting In and Staying Together, and a companion workbook published under the same title. A native of Atlanta, he earned a B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a M.Ed. from Georgia State University. Prior to coming to Tech, Rick was on the admissions staff at Georgia State, The McCallie School and Wake Forest University. @clark2college View all posts by Rick Clark