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


Sallie Mae Fund Completing the Dream Gap Scholarship


Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship


AFROTC Scholarship


Army ROTC Scholarship


2026 U.S. Bank Student Scholarship Sweepstakes


UNCF Scholarships


The Match Scholarship


The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship


Digital Responsibility Scholarships


Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest

Quarterly ContestQuarterly Contest Period Start DateQuarterly Contest Period End Date
(11:59:59 PM(CT))
Approximate Winner Announcement Date
Q-1 Contest01/01/2603/31/2605/31/26
Q-2 Contest04/01/2606/30/2608/31/26
Q-3 Contest07/01/2609/30/2611/30/26
Q-4 Contest10/01/2612/31/2602/28/27

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).

HOW TO ENTER

1. Complete an online Quarterly Contest application

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

3. Review and submit your Quarterly Contest application

4. Await notification


VFW Voice of Democracy Scholarship


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, 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.


Money Matters Scholarship

PayrollOrg (formerly the American Payroll Association) awards scholarships twice each year, with opportunities to apply in the spring and fall. Each scholarship cycle includes: One (1) $5,000 scholarship and Two (2) $1,000 scholarships.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • High school junior or senior
  • Pursuing or planning to pursue higher education or continuing education

Applicants must submit an essay (1,000 words or less) or a 1-2 minute video answering the following question: Why does understanding your paycheck matter, and how can it help set you up for a stronger financial future? Feel free to include personal examples. All entries must be accompanied by a completed Money Matters media release form. Essays and videos submitted without the required form will not be considered.

The scholarship program will run twice during 2026 and the deadline to enter is October 16, 2026. Please refer to the official scholarship entry terms and conditions for additional details. Visit https://www.nationalpayrollweek.com/money-matters-scholarship/ to apply.


Be Bold Scholarship

The $25,000 “Be Bold” Scholarship is a no-essay scholarship that will be awarded to the applicant with the boldest profile. boldest does not mean “best”, or “most accomplished”. Being bold means being earnest, determined, and moving. The scholarship will be awarded to the student whose profile is most bold, according to these characteristics.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Students of any education level, state, field of study, or GPA are all eligible to apply

The application deadline is Sep 30, 2026. For additional information and to apply, please visit https://bold.org/scholarships/the-be-bold-no-essay-scholarship/ and view the Official Rules.


Bisnar Chase Branch Out Scholarship

Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Lawyers, LLP, is hosting a twice-yearly scholarship, giving $1,500 to a student who demonstrates through their personal statements that they are committed to expanding their education and using their education to improve their communities.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Applicants must submit a personal essay via email.
  • Applicant must be a student enrolled in a United States university pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree, or must be a senior in high school.
  • Students must have at least a 2.5 GPA, and the winner must provide proof of GPA.

Your essay should be personal, demonstrating your passion for education. Above all, we want a sense of your motivations and personality. There are no right or wrong answers! Try to limit your essays to 500 words, but you can write as much as you need to tell your story.

The deadline is December 15, 2026 at 11:59pm PST. Upon announcing the winner on our social media, Bisnar Chase will give $500 to the 501c3 charitable organization of the winner’s choice in their name, and $1,000 to the student directly to help with their studies.*

For additional information about essay submission and essay tips, please visit https://www.bestattorney.com/giving-back/branch-out-scholarship/.


Positive Athlete Scholarship

Positive Athlete is a FREE recognition program that celebrates high character, high school student-athletes and coaches who have overcome difficult circumstances, given back to their schools and communities in a significant way, or just have an infectious positive attitude that makes everyone around them a better person.

The Positive Athlete Scholarship is available to high school students who demonstrate high character and overcome adversity are eligible for nomination. Recipients also receive access to career, character, and leadership development resources.

Eligibilty Requirements:

  • Resident of the U.S.
  • High School Student athlete
  • Seeking a professional certification, associate, or bachelor’s degree
  • Participate in schoolsanctioned or club/alternative sports, and community service
  • Overcome adversity
  • Nomination/recommendation only

Positive Athletes are individuals who embody the O.P.E.R.A.T.E. characteristics: Optimistic, Puts Team First, Encouraging, Respectful, Admits Imperfections, True Heart for Others, and Embraces Service. Any adult can nominate any number of students.

For additional information and accessing the Pre-Nomination Form, please visit https://www.positiveathlete.org/nominations/easternnc.


National Parent Volunteer Association Scholarships

Each year NPVA offers merit-based scholarships for students who are committed to volunteering and making a difference in their communities.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Be currently enrolled or plan to be enrolled part-time or full-time in an accredited U.S. college or university. Vocational/technical, two-year, four-year, or graduate institutions are eligible.
  • Be a high school junior or senior, undergraduate student, or graduate student
  • Have a grade point average of 2.5 or above on a 4.0 system
  • Recipients must provide an official transcript confirming their reported GPA and proof of enrollment. No transcript or proof of enrollment is required until after students are selected as winners.

Available Scholarships:

  • Act of Kindness Scholarship – a $1000 scholarship that supports students who are committed to helping others in their schools or communities. Essays may be a maximum of 150 words. The application deadline is February 28, 2027. Access the application form Here.
  • Altruism + All Good Deeds Scholarship – a $1000 scholarship awarded to students who participate in volunteer work and community service. Essays may be a maximum of 150 words. The application deadline is May 31, 2027. Access the application form Here.
  • Building Bridges Scholarship – a $1000 scholarship that helps students who are involved in their communities. Essays may be a maximum of 150 words. The application deadline is September 30, 2026. Access the application form Here.
  • Aaliyah Lee Scholarship – a $1000 scholarship that honors the memory of Aaliyah Lee, who committed herself to the educational opportunities of her children. Essays may be a maximum of 150 words. The application deadline is November 30, 2026. Access the application form Here.

Stewart Family Legacy Scholarship

There are limitless career opportunities in the sciences that will be taken advantage of by the bright, passionate minds of today’s students. Young people with revolutionary ideas should be empowered to complete their educational goals so they can access the careers of their dreams and create positive change in the world.

This scholarship of $1000 aims to support students who are pursuing studies in science in order to advance the field. Students with the following qualities/needs are strongly encouraged to apply: independent and critical thinkers; possess leadership skills, and require a need for financial assistance.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • High school senior
  • Pursuing a science-related field in college
  • 3.0 GPA or higher

Applicants must submit a 300-400 word essay with the prompt: How does leadership and science shape our future?

Application Deadline is March 2, 2027. For application and additional information, please visit https://bold.org/scholarships/stewart-family-legacy-scholarship/.


Designli Women in Tech Scholarship

A study by Harvard researchers found women were 4.5% more likely to rate values like privacy, safety, accountability, fairness, and human autonomy as extremely important. Even so, only 31% of women in tech work in AI, a gap that’s narrowing, though not fast enough. To help close that gap, Designli is excited to award a $3,000 scholarship to a female high school, college, or graduate student in the U.S. with an interest in technology, entrepreneurship, and AI.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Female
  • High school senior
  • U.S. citizen
  • Specify your intended field of study and your current grade or degree level within your application
  • Proof of college acceptance or a high school transcript at the time of submission

Submissions must include:

  • A short bio with your intended field of study and education level (250 word max)
  • Proof of education
  • Evidence of U.S. citizenship (valid address)
  • A 1,000-word essay

The submission deadline is November 15, 2026. For more information, essay guidelines, and submission specifications, please visit https://designli.co/women-in-tech-scholarship.


TMCF | McDonald’s Black and Positively Golden Scholarship

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) and McDonald’s are proud to offer financial assistance to outstanding students attending TMCF’s member schools that include 57 publicly supported historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), historically Black community colleges (HBCCs), predominantly Black institutions (PBIs), and medical and law schools. Sixty (60) scholars will be selected to receive a need-based scholarship of up to $15,000 for the 2027-2028 academic year. The total eligible scholarship amount will be allocated in two installments: one during the fall 2027 semester and the second during the spring 2028 semester (which can only be applied to verifiable costs associated with average tuition and usual fees).

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Be enrolled full-time as an undergraduate freshman, sophomore, junior or senior attending an HBCU during the 2027-2028 academic year
  • Current cumulative grade point average of 2.7 or higher
  • Must be able to demonstrate leadership abilities
  • Must be able to demonstrate a financial need
  • Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident with a valid permanent resident card or passport stamped I-551

All applicants must answer the following essay question in 200 words: TMCF’s vision is “changing the world…one leader at a time.” In 200 words, how do you plan to use your education to change the world? Share the actions you have taken or plan to take to create impact, and the steps you will pursue to serve and uplift your community and beyond.

The application deadline is April 23, 2027. For additional information and to apply, please visit https://tmcf.org/open-scholarships/2027-2028-tmcf-mcdonalds-black-and-positively-golden-scholarship/.


Scholar Dollars Scholarship for Black Students

This scholarship aims to help out a Black student who is passionate about their higher education journey and actively looking for ways to fund it.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • currently enrolled Black high school, undergraduate and graduate students
  • U.S. citizen

To apply, write a short essay telling us about the figure who has most inspired you on your educational or personal journey. This figure can be from African American history, from your personal life (such as a family member, teacher, mentor, or community leader), or a contemporary person making an impact today.

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.

The application deadline is March 1, 2027. For more information and to apply, please visit https://scholarships360.org/scholarships/search/scholar-dollars-essay-scholarship-for-black-students/


Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship

Amazon Future Engineer students can boost their future for themselves and their community with the support of college funding, paid internships, and industry mentors. Last year, hundreds of students selected from nearly 40 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico were awarded this $40,000 scholarship, along with a paid internship at Amazon.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be a high school senior in the U.S. who is currently enrolled in or who has completed a high school or college dual degree course where computer science is the subject. Students who have not taken this course can opt-in to take an assessment offered by Amazon.
  • Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Example: Employment Authorization Document holder, Permanent Resident, or U.S. Citizen.
  • Must demonstrate financial need. This opportunity is to support students with a substantial need for financial assistance.
  • Must be planning to attain a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or other computer science related field of study from an accredited 4-year college or from a 2-year college with the intent to transfer to a 4-year college.
  • Must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.3 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent).

Application Process:

  1. Visit the Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship page to access the online application
  2. Provide academic records and proof of computer science/engineering course enrollment
  3. Submit documentation of financial need and authorization to work in the U.S.
  4. Complete essay or short-answer questions about career goals and interests
  5. Submit your application by the posted deadline to be considered

The application deadline is January 15, 2027. For additional information and to apply, please visit https://www.scholarships.com/scholarships/amazon-future-engineer-scholarship.


Kopfler & Hermann Overcoming Adversity Scholarship

We’ve practiced personal injury law on the Gulf Coast for over 40 years. We’ve seen how difficult life can get after an accident or injury. But we’ve also seen how strong people can be when they don’t give up. That’s why we started this scholarship—because we believe in resilience. This $1,000 award is for a student who faced a tough challenge and came out stronger.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Students currently enrolled in a trade school, college, or university program, including high school seniors planning to start one. Applicants must be legal residents of the United States and live in any of the 50 states or Washington, D.C.
  • To qualify, applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA and be in good academic standing.

Application Requirements:

  • The candidate must fill out the form on the Web Page with all necessary information
  • The candidate must submit a 750-1,000 word essay response to the prompt: Tell us about a difficult challenge you’ve faced. What happened, how did it affect you, and what steps did you take to move forward? We want to hear how you pushed through and what you learned from the experience.
    • 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, as well as 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 December 31, 2026. For additional information and to apply, please visit https://kopflerhermann.com/kopfler-hermann-attorneys-at-law-overcoming-adversity-scholarship/.


Champions of Valor Scholarship

The Bob Feller Act of Valor Award Foundation, through the unique intersection of baseball and the US Navy, recognizes and honors those who support our nation’s service and uses the Bob Feller story to educate the youth of today on the lessons of citizenship, service to country and sacrifice in times of great national need.

The Champions of Valor Scholarship supports students, service members, veterans, and military spouses who embody the pillars of Citizenship, Service, Sacrifice, and Legacy. It honors the legacy of 39 Major League Baseball Hall of Famers who served in WWII.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Currently enrolled or accepted at a nationally or regionally accredited college, university, or technical/vocational school on a full-time basis and on a successful graduation track toward a vocational/technical, associate’s, bachelor’s, or graduate degree.
  • A parent with an honorable discharge and a DD-214 who served in the Navy, Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, or in the National Guard or Reserve Component.
     
  • Parent currently serving with the Navy, Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, or in the National Guard or Reserve Component.
     
  • Graduated or will graduate from an accredited U.S. High School or High School Equivalency/General Education Diploma Program with a 3.0 or better cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale.
     
  • ​Awardees will receive the scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s nationally or regionally accredited college, university, or technical/vocational school.
     
  • Submit an essay of at least 500 words or create a short video on how you were inspired by the lessons learned from one of the 39 Hall of Famers and the four pillars of Citizenship, Service, Sacrifice, and Legacy to future generations. To learn more about the 39 Hall of Famers who served in WWII and the four pillars, visit our website at
    https://www.actofvaloraward.org/profiles-of-valor.
     
  • Examples of community service, letters of recommendation, or certificates from community groups, clubs, and charity organizations for whom you have supported in the past two years.
     
  • Special consideration will be given to applicants who demonstrate leadership or mentoring qualities through participation in their communities’ extracurricular or civic activities.

The application deadline is October 1, 2026. For more information and application, please visit https://www.actofvaloraward.org/bob-feller-act-of-valor-scholarships.