Available Scholarships (2026-27)

*Class of 2027 – for further information on college application and scholarships, please join Google Classroom with the Class Code: wxexly4a

$5,000 Christian College Scholarship Drawing

Students can fill out the short form on this website https://christianconnector.com/chs in order to automatically be entered into an annual $5,000 Christian College Scholarship Drawing. They can select to receive information from over 90 partnered Christian colleges.

The Scholarship Drawing:

Is open to all high school students – Freshmen through Seniors

Is available to students anytime throughout the year

Does not require an essay – just a quick form

NAACP Scholarships

Each year, the NAACP Inspire Initiatives program offers need-based and merit scholarships for outstanding undergraduate and graduate students. They are committed to ensuring equity in educational opportunity to help our communities succeed in school, work, and life.

Scholarships will range in award amount, academic interests, and age. Please review individual scholarship eligibility requirements and deadlines.

Eligibility Requirements:

Currently enrolled full-time or accepted to an accredited college or university in the U.S.
Must be a graduating high school senior, undergraduate student, or graduate student for applicable scholarships.
Possess a grade point average of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 system.
Demonstrate interest in a relevant field of study where applicable. For additional information, see the scholarship you are applying for.
Be a member of the NAACP. If you are not a member of the NAACP, join today.

Scholarship applications will open on April 13, 2026, and will close on May 22, 2026. Recipients will be announced in the Summer of 2026.

Sallie Mae Fund Completing the Dream Gap Scholarship

The Sallie Mae Fund’s Completing the Dream Scholarship Program helps students complete their post-secondary education.

Students on-track to complete their degree or continuous education program who are facing financial challenges may apply to receive a one-time scholarship of up to $2,500 to help complete their post-secondary education program.

Scholarship applications for AY 2026-27 are being accepted now through 07/17/26 or until all scholarship dollars have been awarded, at https://www.salliemae.com/landing/completing-the-dream/.

Eligibility Requirements:

Enrolled full-time or part-time at an accredited post-secondary institution or continuous education program
- Two-year Schools
- Four-year Schools
- Vocational/Technical certificate/certification program
Be an undergraduate senior or graduate student who will complete their degree or program by the end of the Spring 2026 semester (can be either Fall 2026 or Spring 2027)
Current cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher
Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident with a valid permanent resident card or passport stamped I-551
Must be able to demonstrate leadership abilities
Must be able to demonstrate good moral character in all aspects of your life, including personal, professional, educational, in your community, and online presence

All applicants must create a 2-minute video responding to the following:

What unique perspective, passion, or curiosity drives your academic interests? How do you envision it shaping your future as a scholar and leader in your field?

For additional information, please refer to Sallie Mae Completing the Dream Scholarship Official Rules.

Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship

The Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program is the largest undergraduate scholarship program available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend the nation’s best four-year colleges and universities. In addition to the monetary award, Cooke Scholars receive comprehensive educational advising, significant cohort-based programming, and graduate school funding, as well as a thriving network of nearly 3,200 fellow Cooke Scholars and Alumni.

The award can provide as much as $55,000 per year to pursue a bachelor’s degree at any accredited undergraduate institution.

Eligibility Requirements:

Senior standing – Complete four years of high school in the U.S., a U.S territory, or on a U.S. military base and plan to graduate in spring 2026.
Fall College Enrollment – Intend to enroll in an accredited four-year college beginning in fall 2026.
GPA – Earn a minimum, cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.75 or above.
Test Scores — Submit standardized test score(s) from one of the following: SAT, ACT, AP, or IB exam. There is no minimum score requirement to apply, however, applicants must have taken one (or more) of these tests and submit the score.
Demonstrate Unmet Financial Need – We will consider applicants with family annual gross income up to $95,000. During the selection process, the Foundation will conduct a full financial review which will take into account all income and assets of the student and the student’s parents.

Application opens August 19, 2026. Application submission deadline is November 11, 2026. Apply online in the Common App.

For further information and submission details, please visit https://www.jkcf.org/our-scholarships/college-scholarship-program/how-to-apply/.

AFROTC Scholarship

AFROTC offers various capped (up to a specific maximum amount of tuition benefits each year) and uncapped (no fixed limit on the amount of awarded tuition benefits) scholarship types. Scholarship types and amounts will be determined at the time of award for those who receive a scholarship offer; details will be emailed directly to scholarship recipients.

Applicants who receive a scholarship will have the option to convert their scholarship benefits (capped or uncapped) to a room scholarship where on-campus housing or housing billed through the university will be paid up to $10,000 per academic year.

Eligibility Requirements:

U.S. Citizenship
recipients must pass a Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board medical exam.
SAT composite of 1310 or ACT composite of 28. Super scores are not accepted.
Cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.3 or higher.
Complete the Physical Fitness Assessment, which consists of three events: push-ups, crunches and a 1.5-mile run.
If offered a scholarship, you must pass the Physical Fitness Test before the end of your first semester of college.

You’re under no obligation by simply applying for an Air Force ROTC scholarship. However, if you are awarded a scholarship, you become obligated when you accept and sign an agreement with the Department of the Air Force (DAF), either the U.S. Air Force (USAF) or the U.S. Space Force (USSF).

If you are under legal age in the state where the school is located, your parent or legal guardian must sign this agreement.

For more information and in order to apply, please refer to AY26-27 Scholarship Applicant Guide and the website – https://www.afrotc.com/scholarships/high-school/types/

Army ROTC Scholarship

Scholarships and other monetary support are available to help with costs when you join Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). Focus on your education and graduate into a secure path as an Army Officer—and with less debt for the school years your scholarship covers. You’re eligible if you are a high school student enrolling in college, enrolled in college, or an active-duty enlisted Soldier.

Eligibility Requirements:

Be a U.S. citizen
Be at least 17 and under 31 in year of commissioning
Have a high school diploma or equivalent
Have an unweighted high school GPA of at least 2.50 if you’re in high school while applying
Have taken the SAT or ACT
Pass the Army Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA), then the Army Fitness Test (AFT) upon contract completion
Meet the physical weight and height requirements
Agree to accept a commission and serve in the Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard

To get started on your ROTC scholarship application, create an account and log in(Opens in new window) to the Scholarship Application. From there, you’ll locate and contact the Recruiting Operations Officer at the school you plan to attend. Most of them have served before and understand the process you’re going through.

ROTC scholarship applications open on June 14, 2026. Applications must be started no later than March 4, 2027 to be eligible for review by the Army ROTC National Scholarship Board for the High School Class of 2026 for the 2026 – 2027 school year.

For further information and submission details, please visit https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/

2026 U.S. Bank Student Scholarship Sweepstakes

How to enter:

Fill out the registration form.
Download the Zogo app (we can text you a link to download after you register), and if asked use the access code: USB26
Start completing modules! You will be entered to win different scholarship amounts upon completing a minimum threshold of 25, 50, 75 and 100 modules.
- 25+ modules: Enter to win up to $2,500
- 50+ modules: Enter to win up to $5,000
- 75+ modules: Enter to win up to $10,000
- 100+ modules: Enter to win up to $20,000 (Grand prize is awarded for modules completed by October 30.)

Note: You can also participate in the mail-in entry. Please view the for this entry method.

Eligibility Requirements:

High school students accepted or enrolled at an undergraduate, trade or vocational school as of September 1, 2026. The school must be an eligible, accredited two- or four-year U.S. brick-and-mortar or online college or university or trade or vocational school. (Undergraduate students must be enrolled for at least 6 credit hours per semester.)
Undergraduate students or trade/vocational school students enrolled as of September 1, 2026, at an eligible, accredited two- or four-year U.S. brick-and-mortar or online college or university or trade or vocational school. (Undergraduate students must be enrolled for at least 6 credit hours per semester).
Must be a legal resident of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia
Children of U.S. Bank employees ARE eligible

For more information, please refer to the Official Rules (PDF) or the website, https://www.usbank.com/about-us-bank/community/student-scholarship.html

UNCF Scholarships

UNCF manages various scholarship programs and each program has its own eligibility criteria, open/close dates and required documentation. To apply for a UNCF scholarship, you must apply through the on-line application process. Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Get in-depth information on federal student aid programs and applying for financial aid at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

For more information, please visit https://uncf.org/scholarships.

For information on individual scholarships and their availability, please visit https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarship-directory/school-year/high-school-senior

The Match Scholarship

The Match Scholarship is a full four-year scholarship to one of QuestBridge’s college partners, worth over $325,000. To receive a Match Scholarship that covers tuition, housing and food, and other expenses, you must rank colleges. By ranking colleges, you could be “matched”— admitted early with a guaranteed full four-year Match Scholarship — to the college that appears highest on your list that is also able to match with you.

For more information, please visit https://www.questbridge.org/apply-to-college/programs/national-college-match/the-match-scholarship

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program scholarship is an achievement-based scholarship awarded to students in their final year of high school. Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities. With the addition of the 2026 class, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation will have provided more than 7,200 Coke Scholars nationwide with over $90 million in scholarships as it celebrates 40 years of impact since its founding in 1986. 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected each year to receive this $20,000 scholarship.

Eligibility Requirements:

Currently enrolled high school/home-schooled students attending school in one of the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or select DoD schools who will graduate high school during the 2026-2027 academic school year (students graduating from an American or expat school abroad are not eligible for this award; individuals who have already graduated from high school are not eligible)
U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, U.S. Permanent Residents, Refugees, Asylees, Cuban-Haitian Entrants, or Humanitarian Parolees – based on the guidelines utilized by U.S. Department of Education for Federal Financial Aid eligibility
Expecting to receive high school diploma during current academic year
Planning to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution
Able to verify a minimum overall B/3.0 GPA in high school coursework

The 2027 application (for high school students graduating in the 2026-2027 academic year) will open on August 3, 2026

For additional information, please visit https://www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org/apply/

Digital Responsibility Scholarships

It’s important to understand that almost anything you post on the Internet is neither temporary nor private. And posting too much information can have devastating consequences. Forty-three percent of employers who checked on social media have decided not to hire someone, according to a CareerBuilder survey. Twelve percent of college admissions officers who checked Facebook decided not to admit an applicant according to a Kaplan Test Prep survey. The purpose of this scholarship is to help you understand why you should be cautious about what you post on the Internet.

Digital Responsibility offers four scholarships to share the personal and public consequences of technology.

Eligibility Requirements:

You must be a high school freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior or a current or entering college or graduate school student of any level.
Home schooled students are also eligible.
There is no age limit.
You must also be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.

For more information about digital privacy, please see these articles or visit https://www.digitalresponsibility.org/scholarships.

Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest

The 2026 Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest consists of four (4) separate Quarterly Contests – one for each calendar quarter of 2026. 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.

Quarterly Contest	Quarterly Contest Period Start Date	Quarterly Contest Period End Date (11:59:59 PM(CT))	Approximate Winner Announcement Date
Q-1 Contest	01/01/26	03/31/26	05/31/26
Q-2 Contest	04/01/26	06/30/26	08/31/26
Q-3 Contest	07/01/26	09/30/26	11/30/26
Q-4 Contest	10/01/26	12/31/26	02/28/27

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.

HOW TO ENTER

1. Complete an online Quarterly Contest application

Enter the Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest by completing a Quarterly Contest application. Complete and save all requested information. When completing your Quarterly Contest application, please use “RidingForward” as the program key.

You must submit a separate Quarterly Contest application for each Quarterly Contest that you enter. Limit one (1) Quarterly Contest application per person, per Quarterly Contest.

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 in an extraordinary way.

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.

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 Requirements:

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 undergraduate 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 your undergraduate college graduation.
If you are not yet in college, begin your freshman year of college no later than the start of the 2027 – 2028 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).

Quarterly Contest prizes must be fully used by the end of the 2027 – 2028 college academic school year, and must be used toward tuition and other undergraduate college-related expenses at an accredited college. Quarterly Contest prizes may not be used toward graduate school (post graduate) tuition or other post-undergraduate program expenses.

For additional information, please visit https://www.regions.com/about-regions/inclusion-belonging-impact/supporting-communities/essay-contest-scholarship or view The Official Rules.

For a Bright Future Scholarship Program

For a Bright Future Foundation strives to empower underserved students with the potential and passion to pursue higher education in specific areas by providing them with the necessary means to address their community’s intricate social and financial problems. Each year, scholarships are given based on assessments of need, excellence, community involvement, and their chosen academic institution.

Scholarship applications are now open from April 15 through July 13, 2026.

In order to apply and eligibility requirements, please visit https://www.forabrightfuturefoundation.org/scholarships.

Unigo Flavor of the Month Scholarship

July is National Ice Cream Month, and we need a little help picking out a “Flavor of the Month” for our famous ice cream scholarship. Tell us all about your ice cream flavor, and you could scoop up a sweet $1,500 scholarship.

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be 14 years of age or older at time of application.
Must be a legal U.S. resident.
Must be a resident of one of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia.

Submit an online written response to the question:

The “Summer and ice cream go hand-in-hand. In fact, July is National Ice Cream Month, and that’s the inspiration behind this award. We think people are very similar to ice cream; some are nutty, others a little exotic, while some are very comforting. If you were an ice cream flavor, which would you be and why?” (250 words or less)

The Flavor of the Month Scholarship winner will be notified by email or phone on or around October 31st.

For details and information about the official rules, please visit https://www.unigo.com/scholarships/our-scholarships/flavor-of-the-month-scholarship.

Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship

A merit-based scholarship designed to help students achieve their higher education goals. It is named after Gen and Kelly Tanabe, best-selling authors in the field of education. The scholarship aims to support high school, college, and adult students from various backgrounds and fields of study.

Eligibility Requirements:

9th-12th grade high school, college, or graduate student including adult students.
Legal resident of the U.S.
Currently in school or planning to attend college or graduate school.

Winners are chosen by committee, which bases its decision primarily on the submitted personal statement. The first place award is a $1,000 scholarship. The award can be used for undergraduate or graduate school tuition, room and board, required fees or any educational expense.

The Spring 2026 Competition is OPEN. The deadline for applications is midnight, July 31, 2026. Judging will not begin until after the deadline with winners notified approximately four weeks after the deadline.

For applying and additional information, please visit https://www.genkellyscholarship.com/.

Wine Country Gift Baskets Spirit of Giving Scholarship

Each year Wine Country Gift Baskets awards annual scholarships to three well-deserving students displaying the spirit of giving. The Wine Country Gift Baskets Spirit of Giving Scholarship is their way of encouraging acts of kindness, service and giving so they remain an important part of our future.

Eligibility Requirements:

Planning to attend school in the following school year at an institution within the US.
Not an employee or family member of Wine Country Gift Baskets or Houdini Inc.
Not a previous winner of this scholarship.

Applicants are required to submit all of the following:

Proof of enrollment for the upcoming school year. Incoming freshman can provide a copy of the acceptance letter and a supporting document showing they have started a relationship with the school.
Submission essay 500-750 words on one of the following topics:
- How have you advanced the spirit of giving in your community or abroad either through service or in giving?
- How has the spirit of giving affected you personally?
- How will your college or post-secondary education allow you to be of service to others or give to others?

Submit your application by emailing scholarship@winecountrygiftbaskets.com. Please attach documents that meet the above requirements in .doc, .docx or .pdf format and add Scholarship or Spirit of Giving to your subject line.

For additional information, please visit https://www.winecountrygiftbaskets.com/information/scholarship.asp.

VFW Voice of Democracy Scholarship

Established in 1947, the Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 28,000 ninth through 12th grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1.6 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program.

The national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. The complete list of other national scholarships range up to $21,000, with the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) winning a scholarship of at least $1,000.

VFW Department (state) first place winners also receive a trip to participate in Founding Forward’s Spirit of America Youth Leadership experience at Valley Forge which is an inspiring four-day program where students experience mock congressional debates, participate in a free enterprise challenge, visit historical sites and engage in interactive educational activities. This immersive experience allows students to develop their critical thinking and leadership skills while understanding their responsibilities as citizens. The trip, awarded to every VFW Department (state) winner, is made possible through the generous support of Twisted X.

Students interested in participating must submit their audio essay prepared on this year’s theme, with a completed entry form to their local participating VFW Post. Download the 2026-2027 entry form, then find your sponsoring local VFW Post as essays must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31.

Pizza Hut Scholarship

The Pizza Hut Foundation in partnership with the Kaleidoscope scholarship platform provider is offering scholarships of $500 and up to $5,000 in tuition assistance per scholarship.

Eligibility Requirements:

Be a legal resident of the 50 United States, Guam or the District of Columbia (“D.C.”) who is at least 17 years of age and no older than 26 years of age as of the last day of the Program Period and located in the United States, Guam or D.C.
Be enrolled or planning to enroll at least part-time in an accredited post-high school higher education undergraduate program (including accredited two-and four-year colleges, universities, vocational-technical and trade schools) for the Spring 2027 semester.
Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale.
Be eligible for Federal student aid at the college or career school he/she plan to attend.
Be willing to work with the administrator of the Program throughout the application and award process. Scholarship recipients are required to participate in a 14-week mentorship program.

Applications must be submitted by Monday, August 31, 2026 at 5:00 PM.

For additional information, and in order to apply, please visit https://apply.mykaleidoscope.com/program/phfscholars26.

The Hagan Scholarship

The Hagan Scholarship is a nationwide need-based merit scholarship, providing recipients with the opportunity to achieve their goals and graduate from college debt-free. The Hagan Scholarship provides $2,000 to help purchase essential items for college, up to $7,500 each semester for up to 8 consecutive semesters, workshops to learn important life skills not typically covered in the college curriculum, an HSF Schwab Brokerage Account to learn how to invest, and up to $8,000 to study and travel abroad.

Eligibility Requirements:

Must attend a high school located in the United States.
Must be in the high school graduating class.
All students who meet the eligibility criteria can apply regardless of nationality or citizenship.
Must have achieved an unweighted 3.50 CGPA.
Must provide a current copy of the applicant’s High School Transcript.
Must provide an “unsealed” Letter of Recommendation.
Must enroll in an eligible four-year College or University the first fall semester following high school graduation.
The scholarship cannot be used to attend a community college, junior college, or online institution.
Must maintain a four-year graduation schedule, or complete the equivalent within four years if enrolled in a professional program.
Must work 240 hours from January 1, 2027 until September 1, 2027 to be eligible for a fall semester disbursement. Work must be regularly scheduled non-family employment performed under supervision for compensation. Employment can be full-time or part-time.
Parents’ Adjusted Gross Household Income reported for 2025 Federal Income Tax Purposes must not have exceeded $125,000.
U.S. Citizens selected as Finalists must provide the first two pages of their FAFSA Summary. The FAFSA Summary must show the SAI.
Non U.S. Citizens selected as Finalists must provide Proof of non-U.S. Citizenship. Copy of Foreign Passport or Green Card.
Must apply for Federal and State grants if eligible.

The Hagan Scholarship is a hand-up, not a hand-out. It is earned each semester by meeting all requirements on time. The intended recipients are high-achieving, goal-driven students who help themselves and demonstrate substantial financial need.

Fall 2026 application is available from September 1, 2026 to December 1, 2026. Spring 2027 application is available from January 15, 2027 to March 15, 2027. For additional information and in order to apply, please visit https://haganscholarships.org/application/

“Making Waves” Scholarship for Women

The $1,000 “Making Waves” Scholarship for Women aims to help women cover the costs of pursuing their dreams. Whether that dream is starting a business, learning a foreign language, or running for office, the scholarship will cover those costs and make your journey a little easier.

In order to apply, simply write an essay about an inspirational female figure in your life. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration.

Essay Prompt:

Which female figure has most inspired you on your educational journey? This could be a figure from women’s history, a woman in your personal life (such as a family member, teacher, mentor, or community leader), or a contemporary woman making an impact today who has shaped your educational path. Explain how their experiences, achievements, values, or guidance have influenced your own academic or personal goals.

Eligibility Requirements:

Women enrolled in high school, college, technical/vocational, or graduate school during the 2026-27 academic year.
Must be a U.S. citizen.

This scholarship is due on March 31, 2027 (11:59PM EST) to mark the end of Women’s History Month! For additional information and to apply visit https://scholarships360.org/scholarships/search/making-waves-scholarship-for-women/

Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship

Hone your survival tactics and imagine what your school or college campus might be like in a zombie apocalypse. The Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship committee wants to know your plan to avoid the zombies, where you’d hide, and the top-five things you’d bring to stay alive.

They’re giving one successful survivor $2,000 towards his or her college education. Do you think you have what it takes to make the cut?

Submit an online written response to the question:

The “Imagine that your high school or college has been overrun with zombies. Your math professor, the cafeteria ladies, and even your best friend have all joined the walking dead. Flesh out a plan to avoid the zombies, including where you’d hide and the top-five things you’d bring to stay alive.” (250 words or less)

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be 14 years of age or older at time of application.
Must be a legal U.S. resident.
Must be a resident of one of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia.
This award is for U.S. students.

The Application Deadline is October 31, 2026. The Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship winner will be notified by email or phone on or around Jan 31st. For additional information and the Complete Scholarship Rules, please visit https://www.unigo.com/scholarships/our-scholarships/zombie-apocalypse-scholarship.

NC State Park Scholarship:

THE Park Scholarships Program is a four-year scholarship valued at $124,000 and covers:

Tuition, fees, and room and board
Books and personal expenses
$2,000 computer stipend
Enrichment grants to fund study abroad, research projects, service activities, conferences and more
Guaranteed invitation to join the University Honors Program

Eligibility Requirements :

Have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.8.
Be a United States citizen, permanent
resident of the U.S. or graduating from a
high school located in the U.S. (regardless
of citizenship status).
Apply for fall, first year admission into a
baccalaureate program (transfer students
not eligible).

Applications for the Park Scholarships program and admission to NC State, are both due by 11:59 p.m. ET on November 1 for consideration for the Park Scholarship. For more information, please refer to the Park Scholarship Brochure and the Park Under-Resourced Assistance (PURA) Brochure.

UNC Charlotte’s Premier Merit Scholarship:

The Levine Scholars Program at UNC Charlotte recruits and empowers high-achieving, service-driven leaders, equipping them to forge legacies of local impact and global engagement. Each fall, the Levine Scholars Program has a multi-step nomination and application process. Applicants must also submit a separate application for general admission to UNC Charlotte. To gain access to the application, students must be nominated by a high school counselor/college advisor or submit a self-nomination.

Step 1: Nomination – Aug. 15 to Oct. 15

Students must first be nominated or self-nominated for the scholarship to gain access to the application. Please submit only one type of nomination—duplicate submissions are not necessary.

Counselor/College Advisor: Students may be nominated by their school counselor or college advisor at their current high school. Homeschooled students can be nominated by a professor or teacher who is not related to the student. School counselors are notified each year on Aug. 15 with details about the nomination and application process, including access to the nomination form. Students are encouraged to speak with their school counselor or college advisor to discuss the program and review the selection criteria in order to assess fit and competitiveness before seeking a nomination. Nominations are accepted until Oct. 15.
Self-Nomination: The mission behind developing this process is to provide access to high-achieving students from high schools that historically have not participated in the school nomination process. We encourage students learn about the program and our selection criteria to assess fit and competitiveness before submitting the self-nomination form. The self-nomination form will be available from Aug. 15 through Oct. 15. – SELF-NOMINATION FORM

Step 2: Application – Aug. 1 to Nov. 15

Nominees must submit a Levine Scholars Program application and a university admissions application. Selection committees for the Levine Scholars Program do not have access to review supplemental materials submitted through the general admissions application (see below).

Application for Charlotte Admissions:
- Students should visit Undergraduate Admissions to learn about the first-year admissions application. This application must be received and complete by Nov. 1 to meet the Levine Scholarship deadline. – Undergraduate admissions
Levine Supplemental Scholarship Application:
- Once a student has been nominated, they will receive an email directing them to the Levine Scholars Portal in the Future 49er Portal. Here, they will find the supplemental scholarship application that requires:
  - three essay prompt responses unique to the Levine Scholarship application
  - extended response questions
  - activities list
  - two letters of recommendation
  - official high school transcript (submitted through the admission application)
  - test scores (SAT/ACT scores are optional and submitted to undergraduate admissions)
  - two letters of recommendation
    - Submission of Online Recommendations: Completing this section of the application immediately is highly encouraged to allow ample time for recommenders to submit their letters. Students will be asked to provide the names and email addresses of two recommenders:
      - Academic Recommendation: one who can speak to the student’s academic potential and accomplishments.
      - Community Service and/or Leadership Recommendation: one who can address the student’s commitment to community service and capacity for ethical leadership.
    - Once the information is submitted, recommenders receive a link to the online recommendation form immediately. If a recommender is nonresponsive, a new one may be added. Recommendation letters sent for the Charlotte admissions application are not shared with the Levine Scholarship application.
The Levine supplemental application must be completed and the letters of recommendation received, by 11:59 P.M. EST on Nov. 15.

Eligibility Requirements:

Students must be applicants for first-year enrollment at UNC Charlotte in an undergraduate program for the fall term immediately following their high school graduation (no gap year). Note: Students must be admitted to UNC Charlotte to receive the Levine Scholarship.
Students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

For additional information, please visit https://levinescholars.charlotte.edu/about/.

The Gates Scholarship

The Gates Scholarship (TGS) is a highly selective, last-dollar scholarship for outstanding high school seniors from low-income households. Each year, the scholarship is awarded to exceptional student leaders, with the intent of helping them realize their maximum potential.

Online applications open July 15, 2026 at https://www.thegatesscholarship.org/. The scholarship cohort will be selected in April 2027, with awards disbursed in the fall.

Eligibility requirements:

A high school senior
Pell-eligible
A US citizen or permanent resident
In a good academic standing with a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)

Additionally, a student must plan to enroll full-time, in a four-year degree program, at a US accredited, not-for-profit, private or public college or university.

Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship

Since 1931, the Elks National Foundation has helped students recognize their academic dreams. Each year, they award nearly $4 million in college scholarships to at least 850 outstanding, service-minded high school seniors.

The Elks National Foundation will award 500 four-year scholarships; male and female students compete separately. The Top 20 scholars, selected from the 500 national semi-finalists, receive an invitation to the 2027 MVS Leadership Weekend in Chicago April 29-May 2, 2027 and scholarships of $30,000. The 480 runners-up receive scholarships of $4,000. Attendance at Leadership Weekend is required to be part of the Top 20 cohort and receive $30,000.

Eligibility Requirements:

Current high school seniors, or the equivalent, who are citizens of the United States are eligible to apply.
Applicants do not need to be related to a member of the Elks.
High school graduates are not eligible to apply.
Applicants must be citizens of the United States on the date their applications are submitted; permanent legal resident status does not qualify.
Scholarships are available only to students who enroll in four-year undergraduate degree programs at accredited U.S. American colleges or universities.

The 2027 application deadline is November 12, 2026 at 11:59 p.m., Pacific Time. For application and additional scholarship information, please visit https://www.elks.org/scholars/scholarships/mvs.cfm

DoW SMART Scholarship

The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of War (DoW), offers an exceptional education and workforce development opportunity for aspiring leaders in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). This unique program provides both financial support and career development resources to help students succeed in their academic and professional journeys.

Eligibility Requirements:

Be a citizen of the U.S., Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom.
Be 18 years of age or older by January 1, 2028.
Current college or university students, as well as high school seniors and incoming freshmen who will start their collegiate journey in the fall of the award year.
Individuals pursuing a graduate degree or planning to do so at a regionally accredited U.S. institution.
Pursuing a degree in one of the supported STEM disciplines.
Have and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Be currently pursuing, or planning to pursue by fall 2027, a degree in one of SMART’s approved STEM disciplines.
Request between 1 to 5 years of academic funding, which will begin in August 2027.
Be willing to accept a service commitment by working for the DoW as a civilian employee for the same number of years as the scholarship funding received.
Applicants must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) during their academic program, from the time of submitting their application through award/degree completion.
Scholars must successfully complete summer internships at their designated DoW Sponsoring Facility (for multi-year awards). NOTE: Scholars who are awarded one year of funding are required to begin working at their Sponsoring Facility immediately after graduation.

Applications for the SMART Program are accepted annually, from August to December. Be sure to submit your online application by 5:00 p.m. EST on the first Friday in December, as late applications or reference submissions will not be accepted. Supporting materials, such as reference forms, must also be submitted by the deadline. Applicants are typically notified of award decisions in the spring. Please note that application materials will not be returned to applicants.

For step-by-step application instructions, tips, and additional information and resources, please visit https://www.smartscholarship.org/smart/en?id=kb_article&sys_id=0383c5d6db2a03006bb8f4b40f961956.

Cirkled In “No Sweat” Scholarship

The Cirkled In “No Sweat” Scholarship is a quarterly $2,500 cash award with no essay, no GPA requirement, and a simple application that involves creating a free student profile on Cirkled In.

Eligibility Requirements:

Students age 13 and up
Grades 8-12
U.S. resident

To enter, submit a complete scholarship application online at the Sponsor’s Website (www.cirkledin.com/scholarships/) no later than September 30^th, 2026 at 11:59 pm Pacific Time.

The Courage to Grow Scholarship

The Courage to Grow Scholarship is designed to support U.S. high school juniors/seniors and college students by offering a simple, low‑barrier application process. It is privately funded and emphasizes determination and personal growth over extensive academic or extracurricular achievements.

Eligibility Requirements:

U.S. citizen
High school junior or senior
minimum GPA of 2.5

The entry deadline is September 30, 2026. For application, please visit https://couragetogrowscholarship.com/.

2026 Embracing Challenges Scholarship

The 2026 Embracing Challenges Scholarship was created to honor students who have faced significant obstacles head-on. This scholarship recognizes the strength found in vulnerability and the growth found in hardship, offering an award of $1000.

Eligibility Requirements:

current high school senior, vocational student, college student, or graduate student
legal resident of the United States, resides in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia
enrolled in a vocational program or a two- to four-year post-secondary institution
a minimum GPA of 3.0 and good academic standing

Application Requirements:

The candidate must submit a 750-1,000-word essay response to this question: We all face adversity and challenges in our lives. What matters is how we respond to them, learn from them, and grow from them. For this scholarship, students will detail a particular challenge or set of challenges they have faced and what they learned in the process (even if they weren’t ‘successful’). This scholarship will be awarded to the student who best explains a particular problem and describes how that experience prepared them to overcome challenges they may encounter in the future. (Please note that all essays will be checked for AI writing. If AI writing is deemed present in the essay, the application will be denied.)
The candidate must submit a professional resumé that lists their experience, both professional and academic.
The candidate must submit a transcript from their current school. First-year college students, graduate students, or individuals who have recently transferred schools may submit an unofficial transcript from their current school and the most recent official transcript from their prior school. High school students can submit proof of acceptance to their college or university.
Preference will be given to students either from or attending secondary school in the state.

The application deadline is November 30th, 2026. The award recipient will be chosen during the month following the scholarship deadline. For application and further scholarship information, please visit https://www.es.legal/2026-embracing-challenges-scholarship/.

Chick-fil-A Community Scholars Program

Through the Chick-fil-A Community Scholars program, Chick-fil-A, Inc. helps pay for the education of leaders in our communities who want to continue learning, while also investing in their leadership development. The program is administered by Scholarship America. If selected as a Chick-fil-A Community Scholar, the student will be granted up to a $25,000 award. Up to thirteen (13) awards will be granted. Recipients will also have the opportunity to participate in the Chick-fil-A Scholars Program (a one-year engagement that includes mentoring and leadership development alongside our $25k Remarkable Futures Scholars), if selected.

Eligibility Requirements:

Be 18 years of age by July 15, 2027.
Currently reside* in the United States (U.S.), Puerto Rico, or Canada at time of application and award
Be a current high school senior/student in their final year of upper or higher secondary school
Planning to enroll in full-time undergraduate or graduate study for the 2027-2028 academic year at an accredited two-year or four-year college or university, or vocational-technical school or CEGEP institution
Be involved in community service, extracurricular activities and/or a leadership role in the twelve (12) months prior to application deadline (for example, volunteering for non-profits, helping others less fortunate, tutoring/mentoring, etc.)
Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or the equivalent)
Be willing to participate in the Chick-fil-A Scholars Program (a one-year engagement that includes mentoring and leadership development alongside our $25k Remarkable Futures Scholars), if selected.

The application deadline is November 3, 2026 3:00 PM CT. For additional information regarding eligibility, award procedure, and application, please visit https://scholarshipamerica.org/scholarship/cfacommunityscholars/#eligibility.

Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship:

The Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) perpetuates the memory of Jackie Robinson by providing generous four-year scholarships and comprehensive support services to highly motivated college students with financial needs to ensure their success and further develop their leadership potential.

Application Components:

One recommendation;
Demographic information;
High school information, including a high school transcript;
College and early career goals;
Four essays;
Activities, honors, and distinctions;
Completion of CSS profile;
Test scores (AP, IB, PSAT, ACT, or SAT), if applicable.

Eligibility Requirements:

Be a graduating high school senior;
Be a United States citizen;
Submit evidence of financial need;
Demonstrate a record of academic excellence;
Demonstrate leadership potential and a dedication to community service;
Plan to attend an accredited and approved 4-year college/university within the United States or affiliated with a U.S. based college or university;
Have not accrued more than 25% of credits needed to graduate from college.

Application opens September 1, 2026. The application submission deadline is January 14, 2027. Please visit https://jackierobinson.org/apply/ to apply.

The Ron Brown Scholarship

The Ron Brown Scholarship honors the legacy of Ronald H. Brown through a selective scholarship program that advances higher education for community-minded and intellectually gifted African Americans. RBSP competitively awards 20 four-year $40,000 scholarships ($10,000 each year) to the most talented and economically-challenged high school seniors who demonstrate a keen interest in public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship and global citizenship – the four pillars of the late Ronald H. Brown’s mission to uplift people of all races, cultures and ethnicities – especially our disadvantaged youth.

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be Black/African American.
Must excel academically.
Must exhibit exceptional leadership potential.
Must participate in community service activities.
Demonstrate financial need.
Be a US citizen or hold a permanent resident visa card.
Be a current high school senior at the time of your application.

NOTE: Current college students are not eligible to apply.

The application deadline is December 1st, 2026. For additional information and application, please visit https://ronbrown.org/ron-brown-scholarship/.

Big Future Scholarships

Big Future Scholarships are College Board’s no‑essay awards offering monthly $500 and $40,000 drawings for students who complete college‑planning steps such as building college, career, and scholarship lists or submitting the FAFSA.

Eligibility Requirements:

Attends a public, private, or home school, located in one of the fifty (50) United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, or any other U.S. territories and possessions, or is a U.S. Citizen or resident and attends a U.S. Department of War Education Activity (“DoWEA”) school outside of the United States and U.S. territories;
As of December 2, 2024, has a high school graduation date in 2027.
Lower Income student

How to Enter:

Step 1: Eligible Students who wish to enter should create or use an existing College Board account (“Student Account” or “Account”), at bigfuture.collegeboard.org (the “Website” or the “Site”).

Step 2: Eligible Students may complete one or more of the following activities (each a “Task”) to be entered into drawings. By completing a Task, students will automatically earn one (1) entry for $500 and $40,000 scholarship drawings:

Task 1: Start a Career List
Task 2: Start your College List
Task 3: Start your Scholarship List
Task 4: Strengthen your College List
Task 5: Complete the FAFSA
Task 6: Apply to Colleges

Required Documentation:

Affidavit of Eligibility, Waiver and Consent: Potential winners must digitally sign an affidavit of eligibility and any other applicable waivers to claim their prize. If any such student is a minor, they will also need to have their parent/legal guardian sign such affidavit of eligibility and applicable waivers to claim their prize. Potential winners (and, if minor, their parent/legal guardian) will also be asked to digitally sign a publicity release.
Entry Verification: Each potential winner must, if applicable, verify their entry by submitting proof of FAFSA completion, College application, and Lower Income to the College Board.

The application deadline is November 30, 2026, at 11:59:59 p.m. For application and additional information, please visit https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org and view the Official Rules.