📘 De Jure Legacy Scholarship Starter Guide

This guide is here to remind you: money is out there, and your story matters. Scholarships aren't just for 'perfect' students — they're for bold ones. Let's get started.

3–5 fast tips to set students up for scholarship success:

• Start early and stay organized. Use a calendar or app to track due dates.

• Reuse your best essays. Save personal statements and tweak as needed.

• Apply even if you’re unsure. You miss 100% of the scholarships you don’t apply for.

• Look local first. Community orgs and state programs are often less competitive.

• Ask for help. You don’t have to do this alone . Build a support team.

Scholarships to Watch

• Macy’s Emergency Scholarship Fund

  • A short-term financial award offered through a partnership between the LULAC National Educational Service Centers (LNESC) and Macy’s to help full-time college students facing sudden economic hardships that could otherwise force them to interrupt or stop their education. To qualify, students must be enrolled full-time at an accredited college with a minimum 3.0 GPA, reside in eligible states/territories, and submit an application explaining their immediate financial need.

  • Award: $500

  • Deadline: Ongoing

• IMANA Professor & Mrs. Musahib‑UD‑Din Khan Scholarship

  • This scholarship is part of IMANA’s healthcare scholarship offerings for students pursuing medical or allied health careers, especially those committed to serving humanity in health‑related fields. Applicants must be enrolled in a U.S. accredited college or university and submit required materials such as transcripts, recommendations, and an essay. The program supports future health professionals and encourages leadership in healthcare education and service.

  • Award: $5,000

  • Deadline: March 29, 2026

• MANA de San Diego Scholarship Program

  • This scholarship program supports Latina students in the San Diego area who are pursuing higher education—from community college to graduate and doctoral studies—by providing financial assistance and recognition for academic effort. Applicants are selected based on leadership, community engagement, educational and professional goals, financial need, and special circumstances, with recipients celebrated at an annual scholarship reception.

  • Award: $1,500

  • Deadline: March 29, 2026

• 1,000 Dreams Scholarship Fund

  • The 1,000 Dreams Scholarship Fund provides one-time financial support to women in the U.S. who are currently enrolled in high school, college, or graduate school. Unlike traditional scholarships, it helps cover educational costs outside of tuition, such as textbooks, exam fees, conferences, or creative programs.

  • Award: Up to $10,000

  • Deadline: March 31, 2026

• LULAC National Scholarship Fund (via LNESC)

  • This scholarship program, administered by the League of United Latin American Citizens and its National Educational Service Centers, supports graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, and part‑time graduate students who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or have DACA status and are enrolled (or accepted) in accredited colleges or vocational programs. Applicants are evaluated on academic performance (GPA), motivation, leadership, community involvement, and personal essays, with awards distributed through local LULAC councils participating in the scholarship fund.

  • Award: Up to $2,000

  • Deadline: march 31, 2026

• Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships

  • These scholarships are for women and non‑binary students pursuing engineering, engineering technology, and computer science degrees at the undergraduate or graduate level. Applicants must be current SWE members and demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership, and financial need. Awards vary in amount and are distributed annually across many engineering disciplines, helping support tuition and related college expenses.

  • Award: $5,000

  • Deadline: March 31, 2026

• UNCF/Teradyne STEM Scholarship

  • This scholarship supports college sophomores, juniors, and seniors from historically underrepresented backgrounds who are majoring in STEM fields at a UNCF member institution or other HBCU. Applicants must have at least a 2.75 GPA, demonstrate financial need (FAFSA required), and submit an essay explaining their interest in a STEM career. The award provides up to $5,000 to help with undergraduate costs.

  • Award: $5,000

  • Deadline: March 31, 2026

• Mae & Mary Legacy Foundation Scholarship

  • Supports African American graduating high school seniors in the United States who are planning to pursue careers in the health care profession and will attend a two‑ or four‑year college, university, or technical school. Applicants submit a single PDF with a personal essay, letters of recommendation, transcripts, photo, cover letter, and resume., and awards are based on academic merit and financial need.

  • Award: Varies (around $1,000)

  • Deadline: March 31, 2026 (11:59pm EST)

• LTS Student Advocate Scholarship

  • Letters to Strangers offers this scholarship to applicants at least 13 years old, who plan to enroll in a post-secondary institution for the 2026–2027 school year (or take a pre-approved gap year), and intend to study a mental health–related field or actively advocate for mental health. Priority consideration is given to applicants under 26 and/or those from underrepresented groups within the mental health field.

  • Award: 8,000

  • Deadline: March 31, 2026

• ACHE Dent & McGaw Graduate Student Scholarship

  • This scholarship supports graduate students pursuing healthcare management, policy, or related fields and is offered through the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). It’s designed for students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential in healthcare administration, helping offset graduate education costs. Applicants typically must be enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program in a relevant field.

  • Award: Up to $5,000

  • Deadline: March 31, 2026

• Chicana Latina Foundation Leadership & Scholarship Program

  • This scholarship supports Chicana and/or Latina college students enrolled at accredited community colleges, undergraduate, or graduate programs in select Northern California counties who demonstrate leadership, academic promise, and a commitment to equity and justice for Latina women. Applicants must show involvement or service to the Latinx community, clear educational and career goals, resilience in overcoming challenges, and participate in a year‑long leadership development program as part of the award.

  • Award: $1,500

  • Deadline: March 31, 2026

• ETS Lenora M. Green Scholarship

  • For graduate students who show a strong commitment to civic engagement and advocacy for individuals who’ve faced systemic exclusion.

  • Award: $5,000 for Community College Students; $10,000 for 4-Year College Students

  • Deadline: March 31, 2026

• ETS Robert “Bob” Moses Scholarship

  • For graduate students from underrepresented groups pursuing a master’s or PhD in mathematics, education, or a STEM discipline.

  • Award: $20,000

  • Deadline: March 31, 2026

• ETS Dr. Lillian M. Lowery Scholarship

  • For students pursuing a master’s degree in education who demonstrate dedication to advancing educational opportunities for all students.

  • Award:$20,000

  • Deadline: March 31, 2026

• ETS Presidential Scholarship for HBCU Students

  • Awards eight outstanding juniors and seniors at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for academic achievement, leadership, and potential.

  • Award: $15,000

  • Deadline: March 31, 2026

• ETS Trenton Central High School (TCHS) Scholarship

  • For Trenton Central High School graduating seniors with strong academics, community engagement, and school leadership.

  • Award: $5,000 for Community College Students; $10,000 for 4-Year College Students

  • Deadline: March 31, 2026

• LTS Mental Health Care Scholarship

  • Letters to Strangers offers this scholarship to students at least 18 years old, who have demonstrated difficulty due to finances, location, or other restrictive means to access or utilize professional mental health services. Priority will be given to applicants age 18-26 or are part of the Letters to Strangers network (completely free).

  • Award: $3,000

  • Deadline: March 31, 2026

• Folds of Honor Scholarships

  • Folds of Honor offers yearly scholarships to spouses and children of U.S. military members and first responders who have fallen or been disabled while serving their country or community. The goal is to honor their sacrifice and help families pursue education without financial barriers.

  • Award: Up to $2,500 per semester

  • Deadline: March 31, 2026

• LTA Foundation Scholarship Program

  • The Lambda Theta Alpha Foundation awards annual scholarships to undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students who demonstrate academic success and a commitment to advancing their communities through service. Applicants should be enrolled in or planning to attend an accredited institution and show leadership, community involvement, and scholastic achievement as part of the selection criteria.

  • Award: $1,000

  • Deadline: March 31, 2026

• Latino Actuarial Association Scholarships

  • These scholarships support students of Latino/Hispanic heritage who are pursuing degrees in actuarial science, mathematics, statistics, or related fields. Applicants are typically undergraduate students who demonstrate academic achievement, interest in the actuarial profession, and leadership potential.

  • Award: $7,500

  • Deadline: March 31, 2026

• Cary Woman’s Club Mature Woman’s Scholarship

  • This award supports adult learners returning to higher education who demonstrate academic achievement, determination, and community involvement. Applicants are typically non‑traditional students pursuing a degree later in life and must submit required documentation and essays. Applicant must be a senior (male or female) residing in Cary, Apex, or Morrisville and attending a high school in the Wake County Public School System, NC.

  • Award: $2,500

  • Deadline: April 1, 2026

• The Heinlein Society Scholarship Program

  • This scholarship supports undergraduate students pursuing majors in engineering, math, or the biological or physical sciences at accredited four-year colleges or universities. Applicants must be full-time students entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year and submit a 500–1,000 word essay related to science, technology, or the influence of science fiction on innovation.

  • Award: $4,000

  • Deadline: April 1, 2026

• Davis‑Putter Scholarship Fund

  • This need‑based scholarship supports undergraduate, graduate, and trade/technical students who are actively involved in progressive movements for social, economic, and racial justice—especially those organizing for liberation, self‑determination, and systemic change in their communities. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited program and demonstrate both financial need and meaningful activism toward peace, equity, or justice issues.

  • Award: Up to $15,000

  • Deadline: April 1, 2026

• Alexandra Rowan Voices of Tomorrow Scholarship

  • This scholarship supports female undergraduate students pursuing degrees in English or creative writing who want to develop their craft and share their voices through original nonfiction, fiction, or poetry work. Applicants must submit creative writing pieces in their chosen genre and demonstrate ambition and potential as a storyteller.

  • Award: $3,000

  • Deadline: April 1, 2026

• Alexandra Rowan Resilience in Writing Scholarship

  • This scholarship is specifically for female undergraduate students majoring in English or creative writing who have personally experienced a blood clot or live with a genetic clotting disorder, honoring resilience through storytelling. Applicants must submit original writing and attest to their personal clotting experience while showing how writing reflects their strength and creative perspective.

  • Award: $1,000

  • Deadline: April 1, 2026

• Herbert Lehman Education Fund Scholarship (NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.)

  • This scholarship supports students of color who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to public service and social justice. Applicants are evaluated based on financial need, community involvement, and their demonstrated potential to contribute to their communities through their educational and career goals.

  • Award: $3,000

  • Deadline: April 1, 2026 (undergraduate)

• Lanford Family Transportation Construction Worker Memorial Scholarship

  • This scholarship provides financial assistance to the children of transportation construction workers who were killed or permanently disabled on the job, helping them pursue college, trade school, or other post-secondary education. It is a competitive, nationally awarded program honoring the legacy of fallen workers while supporting students with demonstrated need and eligibility in the transportation construction field.

  • Award: Up to $10,000

  • Deadline: April 3, 2026

• SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund

  • Offered by the Specialty Equipment Market Association, this scholarship provides financial support to students pursuing careers in the automotive industry, including those enrolled in college, university, or technical programs. Applicants must demonstrate a strong passion for automotive work and meet eligibility criteria such as age, enrollment status, and citizenship, with awards supporting education and career development in the field.

  • Award: Up to $2,000

  • Deadline: April 3, 2026

• CCAI (Connecticut Chapter of the Appraisal Institute) Scholarships

  • This scholarship is open to undergraduate students and high school seniors planning to attend a university or technical college who have a minimum 2.5 GPA and are enrolled in a program related to engineering, chemistry, management, quality control, or other fields tied to the industrial finishing and coatings industry. It supports students with a demonstrated interest in the coatings/finishing field and helps prepare them for careers in supervision, production, processing, and related technical or managerial roles.

  • Award: Up to $5,000

  • Deadline: April 10, 2026

• NPFDA Scholarship Foundation

  • This scholarship is open to students who are either employees of NPFDA member companies or the dependents of those employees, including high school seniors and current undergraduate or technical college students enrolled full-time in a U.S. institution. Applicants are evaluated through a blind selection process based on materials such as transcripts, essays on goals and aspirations, recommendation letters, and overall academic and extracurricular achievement.

  • Award: Up to $5,000

  • Deadline: April 10, 2026

• Cameron Impact Scholarship

  • Prestigious merit award covering full tuition, fees, and books at any U.S. college of your choice. High school seniors with outstanding leadership, service, and extracurricular records and at least a 3.7 GPA are encouraged to apply. Act fast, as only the first 3,000 complete applications will be reviewed. Recipients become part of a community of future change-makers who are selected for their potential to create meaningful positive impact.

  • Award: Full-Tuition

  • Deadline: Technically the deadline is May 1, 2026, but I recommend you shoot for April 15 as they are only reviewing the first 3,000 applications.

• Daniel G. Calugar Foundation

  • The Daniel G. Calugar Foundation offers the Academic Achievement Merit Scholarship, awarding ten incoming college freshmen $10,000 each to be applied toward tuition at a U.S. college or university. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, plan to enroll full‑time, and have earned at least 1500 on the SAT or 34 on the ACT; essays about career goals and an economic prompt are required. Applications for the 2027 fall term open September 1, 2026 and are reviewed on a rolling basis, so applying early is encouraged.

  • Award: $10,000

  • Deadline: Rolling basis. Shoot for April 15, 2026

• LPGA Foundation Women on Par Scholarship

  • Education award provided through the LPGA Foundation to help non-traditional female students (age 30+) fund their college education. It’s designed for women returning to school or pursuing higher education later in life, helping them get “on par” with peers who completed college earlier.

  • Award: Varies (Up to $4,000)

  • Deadline: April 15, 2026

• Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Foundation

  • Offers multiple scholarships for undergraduates and graduate students with strong academics, leadership, and community involvement. Awards include Merit, Financial Need, Launch, and Youth PAC scholarships, supporting students who demonstrate achievement, financial need, or unique leadership contributions. These programs provide financial assistance to help students continue their education while fostering civic engagement and professional growth.

  • Award: Up to $2,000

  • Deadline: April 15, 2026

• Charles Shelton Foundation Scholarship

  • This scholarship supports Black/African American high school seniors, current college students, or returning students who plan to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine or veterinary technology. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA, plan to enroll full-time in an accredited program, and submit an essay, transcript, references, and a resume demonstrating academic achievement and commitment to the field.

  • Award: $2,000

  • Deadline: April 15, 2026

• American Bar Association (ABA) Legal Opportunity Scholarship

  • This scholarship supports incoming first‑year law students who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession and meet the minimum academic eligibility criteria. Applicants must be starting law school at an ABA‑accredited institution, have a qualifying undergraduate GPA, and show personal, educational, or community contributions that reflect their dedication to broadening access to legal careers.

  • Award: $15,000

  • Deadline: April 15, 2026

• Williams‑Franklin Foundation HBCU Scholarship

  • This scholarship supports undergraduate students currently enrolled at accredited Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) who demonstrate academic achievement, financial need, and U.S. residency. In addition to financial support, recipients gain access to professional development, mentorship, and career networking opportunities designed to help them succeed academically and beyond.

  • Award: $5,000

  • Deadline: April 15, 2026

• LEAGUE Foundation LGBTQ Scholarship

  • This scholarship supports high school seniors who identify as LGBTQ (or allies in some cases) and are graduating and entering their first year of higher education at an accredited college, university, or vocational program in the U.S. Applicants must demonstrate academic achievement (including a minimum GPA requirement), submit essays, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and documentation of community involvement as part of a competitive review process.

  • Award: Up to $3,000

  • Deadline: April 15, 2026

• ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship Fund

  • This scholarship supports first-year law students who demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession while entering an ABA-accredited law school in the United States.

  • Award: $15,000

  • Deadline: April 15, 2026

• Equity for the Future Scholarship (Alliance for Greater Equity)

  • This scholarship supports students from underrepresented or historically marginalized communities who are pursuing a post-secondary education, including associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or technical programs. It is designed to increase access to higher education by providing financial support to BIPOC students and others committed to continuing their academic journey while helping build more equitable pathways into college and career success.

  • Award: Up to $2,500

  • Deadline: April 15, 2026

• Walker‑Williams‑Wilson Memorial Scholarship

  • This scholarship supports African American male students heading to or currently attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Eligible applicants include high school seniors accepted to an HBCU (minimum 2.7 GPA) and current full‑time HBCU students (minimum 3.0 GPA). Selection focuses on academic performance, leadership, community service, and personal statements about passion, life experiences, and why the scholarship matters to the applicant. Awards are given annually as funds allow, and recipients are selected through essays or short videos.

  • Award: Up to $20,000

  • Deadline: April 21, 2026

• Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society Scholarship

  • This scholarship suite supports adult learners and non‑traditional undergraduate students who are working toward or completing their associate or bachelor’s degrees while balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. Applicants must meet academic criteria such as completed college coursework and a solid GPA, demonstrate leadership and perseverance, and show financial need as part of the selection process for awards through their local Alpha Sigma Lambda chapter and national honor society.

  • Award: Up to $3,000

  • Deadline: April 24, 2026

• Dr. May Hope Wilkins Legacy Scholarship

  • This scholarship honors the legacy of Dr. May Hope Wilkins by providing financial support to college students, especially those attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and pursuing careers in education. Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to the field of education and financial need, reflecting the scholarship’s goal of supporting future educators and continuing Dr. Wilkins’ lifelong impact on students and communities.

  • Award: Up to $12,000

  • Deadline: April 25, 2026

• Ayn Rand Essay Contest- Atlas Shrugged & Fountainhead

  • The Ayn Rand Institute runs annual essay contests for students based on her novels, including Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead. The competition encourages critical thinking, strong textual analysis, and independent reasoning. This contest is open to high school and college students (depending on the contest).

  • Award: Up to $25,000

  • Deadline: April 30, 2026

• AISES Scholarships

  • AISES offers scholarships for Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and other Indigenous students pursuing STEM degrees. Awards vary and support both undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate academic achievement and community involvement.

  • Award: Up to $5,000

  • Deadline: April 30, 2026

• On A Dragonfly’s Wings Scholarship Program

  • This scholarship supports graduating high school seniors who plan to pursue a college or technical program in a mental-health–related field such as psychology, counseling, social work, or recreational therapy. Applicants must submit high school transcripts and write a short essay explaining why a career in mental health is important to them and how they hope to make an impact in the field.

  • Award: $500

  • Deadline: April 30, 2026

• Woman’s Club of Cranbury Scholarship (Woman Student Scholarship)

  • This scholarship supports a woman pursuing post-secondary education after having taken time away from school, with an emphasis on financial need and clearly defined educational and career goals. Applicants are evaluated on their ability to articulate their aspirations and commitment to continuing their education.

  • Award: $3,000

  • Deadline: April 30, 20206

• Earl Warren Scholarship (NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.)

  • This scholarship supports law students who demonstrate a strong commitment to racial justice, civil rights, and public interest law. Applicants are evaluated holistically based on academic achievement, leadership, personal background, recommendations, and demonstrated dedication to advancing equity through the legal profession.

  • Award: $15,000

  • Deadline: May 1, 2026

• Women in Federal Law Enforcement (WIFLE) Foundation Scholarships (WIFLE Foundation)

  • This scholarship program supports students pursuing careers in federal law enforcement, particularly those majoring in criminal justice or related fields. Applicants are evaluated on academic achievement, a demonstrated commitment to public service, and supporting materials such as essays, transcripts, and letters of recommendation.

  • Award: Up to $2,500

  • Deadline: May 1, 2026

• Herbert Lehman Education Fund Scholarship (NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.)

  • This scholarship supports students of color who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to public service and social justice. Applicants are evaluated based on financial need, community involvement, and their demonstrated potential to contribute to their communities through their educational and career goals.

  • Award: $3,000

  • Deadline: May 1, 2026 (Law School Applicant)

• The Mahoney Family Foundation Scholarship

  • This scholarship supports licensed nurses and teachers who are pursuing continuing education or advanced degrees to further their professional development. Applicants are selected based on their professional experience, a detailed development plan, supervisor endorsement, and how their proposed education will impact their career and community.

  • Award: $5,000

  • Deadline: May 1, 2026

• Dr. Angela E. Grant Memorial Scholarship

  • This scholarship supports U.S. high school seniors, current undergraduate, or graduate students who have been personally affected by cancer or who have an immediate family member diagnosed with cancer. Applicants should demonstrate leadership, community service, academic achievement, and share their personal story and goals through an essay, recommendations, and other application materials while planning to pursue or continue a college education.

  • Award: Up to $5,000

  • Deadline: May 1, 2026

• All Things College GT Visionary Scholarship

  • This scholarship supports high school seniors who demonstrate leadership, ambition, and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities. Applicants should show a visionary mindset and a strong desire to pursue higher education while working to create opportunities for themselves and others.

  • Award: $1,000

  • Deadline: May 1, 2026

• ABA Survivor Scholarship (American Bus Association Foundation)

  • This scholarship supports survivors of human trafficking by providing financial assistance that can be used for education, housing, healthcare, and other essential needs tied to rebuilding stability and independence. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and submit a personal statement along with supporting references, with recipients selected based on strength, determination, and readiness for long-term recovery and growth.

  • Award: $5,000

  • Deadline: May 1, 2026

• Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation Scholarships (Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation, Inc.)

  • This scholarship program offers multiple merit-based awards to high school, undergraduate, and some graduate students pursuing a bachelor’s degree or higher across a variety of fields. Applicants are evaluated based on academic achievement, financial need, leadership, community involvement, and supporting materials such as essays, transcripts, recommendations, and FAFSA documentation.

  • Award: Up to $2,000

  • Deadline: May 15, 2026

• Dear Aliens (Dear Aliens / deARaliens.net)

  • This project is a public, community-driven collection of open letters written by people addressing extraterrestrial life, often blending reflection, humor, fear, hope, and philosophical questions about humanity’s place in the universe. It serves as a creative space where contributors imagine how humans would present themselves to an alien audience and what message we would want to leave behind.

  • Award: $2,000

  • Deadline: May 15, 2026

• SMYAL Scholarship (SMYAL LGBTQ Youth Leadership Awards)

  • This scholarship supports LGBTQ+ youth leaders in the D.C. metro area who demonstrate advocacy, community involvement, and personal growth while working to create positive change in their schools or communities. It is open to students 24 and under who are entering or currently enrolled in post-secondary education, including college, technical, or vocational programs, and recipients are selected based on leadership, essays, and impact.

  • Award: $5,000

  • Deadline: May 17, 2026

• SMYAL Youth Leadership Award (YLA)

  • This award recognizes LGBTQ+ youth leaders in the D.C. metro area who demonstrate personal growth, advocacy, and meaningful impact within their schools or communities while staying authentic to themselves. Open to students ages 24 and under who are entering or currently enrolled in post-secondary education, it highlights leadership through essays, recommendations, and demonstrated community engagement.

  • Award: $5,000

  • Deadline: May 17, 2026

• Doug Murphy Law Firm, P.C. Criminal Justice Scholarship

  • This scholarship supports law students enrolled full‑time in an accredited U.S. law program who have a clear interest in improving the criminal justice system. Applicants should submit academic materials and a short essay outlining how they plan to help increase access to legal representation, rehabilitative services, or public understanding of justice issues.

  • Award: $1,000

  • Deadline: May 18, 2026

• ABA Foundation Scholarships (American Bus Association Foundation)

  • The ABA Foundation offers a range of scholarships that support students connected to the motorcoach, travel, tourism, and transportation industries, with opportunities available to both ABA members and non-members. Awards are based on academic achievement, leadership, extracurricular involvement, and financial need, and include multiple categories such as academic merit, diversity, and industry-specific scholarships designed to strengthen future professionals in the field.

  • Award: Up to $5,000

  • Deadline: May 30, 2026

• Marie Barney Foundation Scholarship

  • The Marie Barney Foundation Scholarship provides financial support to students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement.

  • Award: Up to $2,000

  • Deadline: May 31, 2026

• CAPTRUST Scholarship

  • Awards five scholarships to undergraduate students across the U.S. who are currently enrolled or planning to enroll full‑time with a 3.7+ GPA. Applicants must submit thoughtful essay responses (max 200 words each) on personal goals, accomplishments, career goals, and community impact.

  • Award: $2,000

  • Deadline: May 31, 2026

• Against The Grain – Groundbreaker Leadership Scholarship

  • This scholarship supports Asian American and/or Pacific Islander students who demonstrate visionary leadership and a commitment to creating positive change within their communities. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents with a minimum 3.5 GPA and submit a video presentation along with supporting materials showcasing their leadership, academic achievement, and impact.

  • Award: $1,500

  • Deadline: May 31, 2026

• Altruism + All Good Deeds Scholarship

  • This scholarship supports high school juniors and seniors, as well as undergraduate or graduate students, who demonstrate a strong commitment to volunteer work and community service. Applicants must plan to enroll in an accredited U.S. college or university and submit a short essay describing a good deed or act of service they have performed.

  • Award: $1,000

  • Deadline: May 31, 2026

• Dr. Bessie Delaney Fellowship (National Dental Association Foundation)8882

  • This fellowship supports female post‑doctoral dental professionals pursuing advanced clinical training or further studies in areas like dental specialties, public health, research, administration, or law with a demonstrated commitment to improving oral health in underserved communities. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, active members of the National Dental Association, and able to articulate their professional goals and community impact through application materials.

  • Award: $10,000

  • Deadline: May 31, 2026

• Jonathan and Barbara Silver Foundation Grants

  • This foundation offers an annual $20,000 grant that alternates between supporting writers on sculpture (even years) and sculptors (odd years), with a focus on projects that engage deeply with the history, theory, and meaning of sculpture. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or O-1 visa holders, and are selected based on the strength of their proposal, creative vision, and contribution to the field of sculpture.

  • Award: $20,000

  • Deadline: May 31, 2026

• Amie Dansby Women in Tech Scholarship

  • Aimed at empowering and encouraging women pursuing careers in technology and videogame design. Applicants must be a Female U.S. Resident, and plan to pursue a career path in technology or videogame design. Scholarships are open to students planning to enroll full time at a four‑year college or university.

  • Award: Up to $5,000

  • Deadline: June 1, 2026

• National Videogame Museum Scholarship

  • Five scholarship opportunities for high school graduates and college undergraduates pursuing careers in gaming, technology, or STEM fields — including awards specifically for women nationwide and several for Texas residents.

  • Award: Up to $5,000

  • Deadline: June 1, 2026

• ASPIRE HIGHER Scholarship (Ortho Dermatologics)

  • This scholarship supports U.S. students who have been diagnosed with and treated for a dermatologic condition and are pursuing higher education at an accredited college, university, or technical program. Applicants are selected based on essays, letters of recommendation, and involvement in school and community activities.

  • Award: Up to $10,000

  • Deadline: June 10, 2026

• ExtremeTerrain Scholarship

  • The ExtremeTerrain Scholarship offers financial awards to students who are passionate about off‑road culture, outdoor adventure, or STEM topics related to automotive or mechanical fields. Applicants usually complete a short essay or creative response demonstrating how their interests align with ExtremeTerrain’s values.

  • Award: $2,500

  • Deadline: June 15, 2026

• INSPIRIT Scholarship Fund (ISF) Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships

  • These scholarships supports high school seniors of Iranian descent, and current undergraduates and graduates who are committed to community service and leadership. Applicants must demonstrate academic achievement, financial need, and a dedication to giving back. Selections are based on essays, leadership experience, and service impact.

  • Award: Varies

  • Deadline: June 30, 2026

• Restoration of America Foundation — The Constitution Scholarship

  • A scholarship program that lets students earn up to $10,000 by completing free online Hillsdale College constitutional study courses and then applying with certificates of completion and short responses. Applicants must be U.S. citizens age 16 or older enrolled in school (high school, college, trade, or homeschool), and awards can be used for tuition at high schools, colleges, universities, or trade programs.

  • Award: Up to $10,000

  • Deadline: July 31, 2026

• Coca-Cola Scholars Program

  • One of the most prestigious merit-based scholarships for graduating high school seniors in the United States who demonstrate strong leadership, service, and community impact. Each year, 150 students are selected to receive a scholarship to attend an accredited U.S. college or university. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA, be graduating during the current academic year, and plan to pursue higher education full-time. The scholarship focuses less on financial need and more on students who are actively making a difference in their schools and communities through leadership and service.

  • Award: $20,000

  • Deadline: September 30, 2026

• Building Bridges Scholarship

  • This scholarship supports high school juniors and seniors, as well as undergraduate and graduate students, who are actively involved in their communities and committed to making a positive impact through service. Applicants must plan to enroll in an accredited U.S. college or university and submit a short essay describing their community involvement and efforts to build connections or support others.

  • Award: $1,000

  • Deadline: September 30, 2026

• Aaliyah Lee Scholarship

  • This scholarship supports high school juniors and seniors, as well as undergraduate and graduate students, who demonstrate academic commitment and a dedication to community service. Applicants must plan to enroll in an accredited U.S. college or university, have at least a 2.5 GPA, and submit a short essay as part of the application.

  • Award: $1,000

  • Deadline: November 30, 2026

• ASHRAE Undergraduate Engineering Scholarships

  • These scholarships support full‑time undergraduate engineering or pre‑engineering students pursuing degrees in programs that prepare them for careers in HVAC, refrigeration, and related engineering fields. Applicants must meet academic standards such as a minimum GPA and/or class rank and typically be enrolled in an accredited program or one with an active ASHRAE student branch, with additional opportunities available through society, chapter, or university‑specific awards.

  • Award: Up to $10,000

  • Deadline: December 1, 2026

More Opportunities (Grants and Professional)

• Islamic Scholarship Fund (ISF)

  • Offers a range of paid internship and fellowship programs for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients who are active members of the Muslim community and pursuing law, policy, media, or related careers. These include summer and semester congressional internships with stipends (e.g., roughly $2,500–$5,000) working in Congressional offices, a nine‑month Congressional Fellowship with a competitive $40,000 stipend, and media fellowships that provide paid newsroom internships and stipends for professional development (up to about $5,000), as well as public interest legal fellowships offering a year of supported work with a host organization and a $70,000 stipend.

  • Stipend: Up to $70,000

  • Deadline: April 1, 2026

Common scholarship questions and sentence starters:

"Describe a time you overcame a challenge." (general)

• “When my family had to…”

• “This experience taught me that I am…”

• “Even when I wanted to give up…”

“What kind of legacy do you want to leave and how will you build it?”

• “For me, legacy isn’t just about what I achieve. It’s about who I uplift along the way. Through education, I plan to…”

“Describe a challenge you’ve faced and how it shaped your sense of purpose.”

• “Growing up, I didn’t always see people who looked like me succeeding. But one moment that changed how I saw myself was…”

“Tell us about a time you took initiative to solve a problem or support your community.”

• “I didn’t wait to be called a leader. When I saw ____________ happening in my community, I decided to…”

“Why are YOU the right person to receive this scholarship? How will you use the opportunity?”

• “This scholarship wouldn’t just support my future, it would strengthen the mission I’ve already started: to…”

Important Links

• Naviance 

• SAT College Board Registration

• ACT Registration

• FAFSA  - Free Application for Federal Student Aid

• FAFSA 4Caster - Estimates of your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) to your college expenses

• FAFSA PIN - Register for your PIN for electronic signin

• CSS Profile - Financial aid application required by some colleges in addition to the FAFSA

• Net Price Calculators

• 529 Plans - College Savings Plan information (Fidelity)

• Fast Web  - National free scholarship search

• finaid.org  - A comprehensive student guide to financial aid

• NACACnet  - Complete family financial aid resource

• studentaid.ed.gov - The guide to Federal student aid

• NAEHCY - Resources for students

• eduPASS - Financial aid resources for international students