So, You are High School Senior!
Hey there, high school seniors! Ready to embark on the college journey of your dreams without the crushing weight of student debt? It’s time to dive into the world of national scholarships that can make this dream a reality. Buckle up and get ready to explore some of the best national scholarships available for high school seniors, how to apply, and some pro tips to help you stand out. Let’s get this scholarship party started!
Why National Scholarships Rock
National scholarships are like golden tickets. They recognize your hard work, leadership, and community service, and they can significantly reduce or even eliminate the need for student loans. Plus, winning a national scholarship is a serious bragging right that looks awesome on your resume. Let’s dig into some of the top scholarships out there!
Top National Scholarships for High School Seniors
Here are some of the top national scholarships you should definitely check out:
1. Coca-Cola Scholars Program
Overview: One of the most prestigious and competitive scholarships around, the Coca-Cola Scholars Program rewards high school seniors who show leadership, academic excellence, and a commitment to making a difference in their communities.
Award Amount: $20,000
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- US citizen or permanent resident
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
Application Process: Submit academic records, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and an essay.
Website: Coca-Cola Scholars Program
2. Gates Scholarship
Overview: Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this scholarship supports outstanding minority high school seniors with significant financial need.
Award Amount: Covers full cost of attendance not covered by other financial aid and the expected family contribution.
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- From at least one of the following ethnicities: African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian & Pacific Islander American, and/or Hispanic American
- Pell-eligible
- Minimum GPA of 3.3
Application Process: Includes academic records, letters of recommendation, and personal essays.
Website: The Gates Scholarship
3. National Merit Scholarship Program
Overview: This scholarship honors academically talented high school seniors based on their PSAT/NMSQT scores.
Award Amount: $2,500 (one-time award)
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- US citizen or permanent resident
- High scores on the PSAT/NMSQT
Application Process: Automatically entered when you take the PSAT/NMSQT during junior year.
Website: National Merit Scholarship Program
4. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship
Overview: A highly selective scholarship providing financial support to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need.
Award Amount: Up to $40,000 per year
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- Minimum GPA of 3.5
- Demonstrate significant financial need
Application Process: Includes academic records, extracurricular activities, financial information, essays, and letters of recommendation.
Website: Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship
5. Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship
Overview: The Elks National Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors who demonstrate leadership and financial need.
Award Amount: Ranges from $1,000 to $12,500 per year
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- US citizen
- Demonstrate financial need
Application Process: Includes academic records, an essay, and letters of recommendation.
Website: Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship
6. Ron Brown Scholar Program
Overview: Dedicated to supporting African-American high school seniors who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
Award Amount: $40,000 (distributed over four years)
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- African-American
- US citizen or permanent resident
- Demonstrate financial need
Application Process: Includes academic records, essays, and letters of recommendation.
Website: Ron Brown Scholar Program
7. Horatio Alger Scholarship
Overview: Assists high school seniors who have overcome significant personal challenges and demonstrate financial need.
Award Amount: Up to $25,000
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- US citizen
- Minimum GPA of 2.0
- Demonstrate financial need and perseverance in overcoming adversity
Application Process: Includes academic records, financial information, and an essay.
Website: Horatio Alger Scholarship
8. Davidson Fellows Scholarship
Overview: Recognizes and awards high-achieving young people who have completed significant work in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, literature, music, philosophy, or outside the box.
Award Amount: $50,000, $25,000, and $10,000
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- US citizen or permanent resident
- Work must be the applicant's own and demonstrate the potential to make a positive contribution to society
Application Process: Requires a detailed application, project documentation, and letters of recommendation.
Website: Davidson Fellows Scholarship
9. AXA Achievement Scholarship
Overview: Provides scholarships to students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in school, community, or work activities.
Award Amount: $2,500, $10,000, and $25,000
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- US citizen or legal resident
- Demonstrate ambition and self-drive
Application Process: Requires an application, including academic records and extracurricular achievements.
Website: AXA Achievement Scholarship
10. Burger King Scholars Program
Overview: Awards scholarships to high school seniors based on their grade point average, work experience, extracurricular activities, and community service.
Award Amount: $1,000 to $50,000
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- US or Canadian citizen
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
Application Process: Requires an application, academic records, and community service information.
Website: Burger King Scholars Program
11. Prudential Spirit of Community Awards
Overview: Honors students in grades 5-12 for outstanding volunteer service to their communities.
Award Amount: $1,000 and a trip to Washington, D.C., with potential for additional awards up to $5,000
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- US citizen or legal resident
- Significant volunteer work
Application Process: Requires an application detailing volunteer activities and a certification by the head of a qualifying organization.
Website: Prudential Spirit of Community Awards
12. GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program
Overview: Honors students who demonstrate exemplary leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship with financial assistance for their higher education.
Award Amount: $10,000 per year, renewable for up to 4 years
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- US citizen
- Demonstrate leadership, integrity, and citizenship
Application Process: Requires academic records, essays, and letters of recommendation.
Website: GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program
13. Dell Scholars Program
Overview: Provides students who have overcome significant obstacles with comprehensive support to ensure they have the tools they need to complete college.
Award Amount: $20,000
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- US citizen or permanent resident
- Demonstrate financial need and resilience in overcoming adversity
Application Process: Requires an application, academic records, and personal statement.
Website: Dell Scholars Program
14. American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest
Overview: Awards scholarships to students who develop and deliver an original oration on some aspect of the US Constitution.
Award Amount: $1,500 to $18,000
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- US citizen or legal resident
- Participation in the oratorical contest
Application Process: Involves participating in a series of oratorical contests at the local, state, and national levels.
Website: American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest
15. Microsoft Imagine Cup Global Competition
Overview: Encourages high school seniors to use their imagination and passion for technology to create innovative and original projects.
Award Amount: Varies, with cash prizes and the opportunity to meet industry leaders
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- US citizen or permanent resident
- Team up with others to develop a technology-based project
Application Process: Requires submission of a project that demonstrates innovation and potential impact.
Website: Microsoft Imagine Cup Global Competition
Pro Tips for Nailing Your Scholarship Applications
Securing a national scholarship is competitive, but there are several strategies you can use to boost your chances. Start your search and application process early—deadlines can creep up faster than you think. Staying organized is crucial; track deadlines, required documents, and application statuses with a spreadsheet or planner to keep everything in order. Customize your essays and applications to reflect the specific values and goals of each scholarship organization.
Showcase your leadership roles and community involvement, as these are often key criteria for selection. Proofreading is essential; avoid spelling and grammar mistakes by having someone else review your application before submitting it. Finally, seek out strong recommendations from teachers, counselors, and mentors well in advance. Provide them with all the necessary information to write a compelling letter that highlights your strengths and achievements. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to nailing your scholarship applications.
Ready, Set, Apply!
Imagine graduating from college with a degree in hand and zero student debt. With these national scholarships, that dream can become your reality. Start exploring your options, get those applications in, and put your best foot forward. Your debt-free college adventure awaits—go seize it!