đ 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 â they're for bold ones. Let's get started.
3â5 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 youâre unsure. You miss 100% of the scholarships you donât apply for.
Look local first. Community orgs and state programs are often less competitive.
Ask for help. You donât have to do this alone . Build a support team.
Scholarships to Watch
A Better Financial Future â No Essay Scholarship
The A Better Financial Future Scholarship, sponsored by Juno and featured through NSHSS, gives one student a $2,000 scholarship each month. The application is short and does not require an essay, making this a great one to add to your scholarship list.
Award: $2,000
No deadline date. Running through August: Apply ASAP
1st Financial Bank USA Financial Goals Scholarship
Scholarship recognizes students who are committed to achieving both their educational and financial goals. Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents age 18 or older who are currently enrolled or planning to enroll in a college degree program, applicants must submit an original 500-word essay responding to the monthly financial goals prompt.
Award: $2,000
Deadline: Every month***
Macyâs Emergency Scholarship Fund
A short-term financial award offered through a partnership between the LULAC National Educational Service Centers (LNESC) and Macyâs 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
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 fullâtime, 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 SeptemberâŻ1,âŻ2026 and are reviewed on a rolling basis, so applying early is encouraged.
Award: $10,000
Deadline: Rolling basis. I recommend submitting ASAP
Tuskegee Airmen Scholarship Foundation (TASF)
The Tuskegee Airmen Scholarship Foundation provides $1,500 one-time scholarships to graduating high school seniors who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and financial need. Applicants must typically have a minimum 3.0 GPA and submit their application through a local Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (TAI) chapter, since all materials must be routed through regional chapters rather than submitted directly online.
Award: $1,500
Deadline: Varies: Submit ASAP with local chapter deadlines.
NSHSS Scholarship Opportunities
The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) offers a large collection of scholarship opportunities for its members, with awards covering everything from STEM and academic achievement to leadership, entrepreneurship, arts, activism, sustainability, athletics, and more. New opportunities open throughout the year, so students should check the scholarship page regularly rather than waiting for one application cycle.
NSHSS Nobel Academic Excellence Scholarship â 10 awards of $5,000
James W. Lewis High School Global Leader Scholarship â 3 awards of $5,000
NSHSS Hometown Hero Scholarship â 3 awards of $2,000
NSHSS Nonprofit Leaders Scholarship â 3 awards of $2,000
NSHSS Future Educators â 6 awards of $1,000
NSHSS Student Athlete Scholarship â 5 awards of $2,000
NSHSS Activism & Advocacy Scholarship â 3 awards of $1,000
Claes Nobel Good Earth Sustainability Scholarship â 5 awards of $2,000
NSHSS Visual Arts Scholarship â multiple $2,000 awards
Performing Arts Scholarships â $2,000 awards in dance, theater, and music
Awards: Up to $10,000
Deadlines: August 11- November 26
Professional Beauty Association Scholarships
The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) offers multiple scholarships for students and licensed professionals pursuing careers in cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, nail technology, and massage therapy. There are several 2026 opportunities with deadlines throughout the fall, so this is a great page to bookmark if you're entering or continuing your career in the beauty industry.
My Salon Suite Student Scholarship â $1,500 or $250 awards; deadline August 15, 2026
Schwarzkopf Professional Shaping Futures Scholarship â $2,000; deadline October 31, 2026
PBA Minerva Beauty Scholarship â $2,000 student award + $500 continuing education awards; deadline October 15, 2026
Joseph L. Weir Memorial Scholarship â $500; deadline September 30, 2026
Milady RISE Scholarship â $500; deadline November 15, 2026
Moroccanoil Scholarship â $2,500; deadline November 30, 2026
Awards: Up to $2,500
Deadlines: August 15- November 30
Varsity Tutors College Scholarship Contest â August
The Varsity Tutors College Scholarship Contest gives students a chance to win a $200 scholarship by submitting an original essay. The August prompt asks: âThink about a time you had to learn from feedbackâhow did it shape your approach to learning or personal growth?â The essay must be between 200 and 900 words.
Award: $200
Deadline: August 15, 2026
HPFY Beyond Disability Scholarship
For high school seniors and college students who are living with a documented disability and continuing their education despite the challenges they have faced. Applicants must be attending or planning to attend a U.S. college, university, or technical school, either full- or part-time.
Award: $1,000
Deadline: August 15, 2026
HPFY Make a Difference Scholarship
Recognizes students who have made a meaningful impact through community service. Applicants must be high school seniors or college students with at least a 3.0 GPA and 100+ documented volunteer hours providing care, comfort, or service to people in need.
Award: $1,000
Deadline: August 15, 2026
GlobalAir Calvin L. Carrithers Aviation Scholarship
The GlobalAir Calvin L. Carrithers Aviation Scholarship supports students pursuing careers in aviation. Four scholarships are awarded annually to full-time U.S. students enrolled in an accredited aviation program, including professional pilot, aviation management, aviation maintenance, and related fields.
Award: $1,000
Deadline: August 15, 2026
Rainbow Chamber Foundation Scholarship
The Rainbow Chamber Foundation Scholarship supports LGBTQ+ students and allies pursuing a college degree or vocational certificate. Open to graduating high school seniors, vocational students, undergraduate students, and graduate students, the scholarship recognizes students who have demonstrated leadership, community involvement, and a commitment to advancing the LGBTQ+ community.
Award: $1,500
Deadline: August 15, 2026
Capital Auto Auction Annual STEM Scholarship
The Capital Auto Auction Annual STEM Scholarship supports undergraduate students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and related fields.
Award: $1,000
Deadline: August 15, 2026
Intuitive Digital Inclusion in Digital Marketing Scholarship
supports students from underrepresented communities pursuing careers in digital marketing, communications, graphic design, UX, web development, coding, and related fields.
Award: $2,500
Deadline: August 15, 2026
Ventana Ocean Conservation Scholarship
This scholarship supports students who are passionate about protecting our oceans and preserving surf breaks. This annual scholarship is open to California-based students who have completed at least one year of university or college and are pursuing studies related to ocean conservation, marine science, environmental science, marine biology, or related fields.
Award: $3,000
Deadline: August 15, 2026
The Scholarships4Moms Scholarship helps mothers and expectant mothers pursue their educational goals by providing financial support for college or career training. Eligible applicants must be 18 or older, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and be a mother or expectant mother who is currently enrolled or planning to enroll in a U.S. college or university within three months.
Award: $10,000
Deadline: August 15, 2026
Oliver Law Office Law School Scholarship
The Oliver Law Office Scholarship supports students pursuing a career in law. Eligible applicants include students who are planning to enroll in law school or current law students attending an accredited U.S. law school.
Award: $1,000
Deadline: August 15, 2026
Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Foundation (AKA EAF) Graduate Scholarships
The Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Foundation (AKA EAF) offers merit-based and need-based graduate scholarships to help students pursuing advanced degrees.
Award: Varies
Deadline: August 15, 2026
Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Scholarship
The Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Scholarship, administered by UNCF, supports undergraduate students attending selected Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Indian, Ohio, and Kentucky. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and be enrolled full-time in a bachelor's degree program.
Award: $5,312.50
Deadline: August 17, 2026
Harris Personal Injury Injury Scholarship
Supports students who have experienced a serious injury or accident and have demonstrated resilience in continuing their educational journey. Applicants must be current high school seniors or college students enrolled at an accredited U.S. institution and submit an essay explaining how their injury impacted their education, how they overcame challenges, and how college represents their path forward.
Award: $1,000
Deadline: August 21, 2026
RADM (Ret.) Jeffrey A. & Linda J. Cook Scholarship
RADM (Ret.) Jeffrey A. & Linda J. Cook Scholarship, administered by UNCF, supports second-, third-, and fourth-year dental students who have demonstrated financial need and a commitment to the dental profession.
Award: Up to $4,250
Deadline: August 24, 2026
ConocoPhillips Last Dollar Scholarship
The ConocoPhillips Last Dollar Scholarship, administered through UNCF, supports full-time college sophomores, juniors, and seniors attending a UNCF member institution or another accredited four-year HBCU. Students pursuing STEM, accounting, finance, human resources, or information technology are eligible, with preference given to students studying engineering or geosciences.
Award: $3,250
Deadline: August 27, 2026
Rustic Pathways Global Perspectives Scholarship
The Rustic Pathways Global Perspectives Scholarship encourages students to reflect on meaningful life experiences and their impact on the world around them. Open to high school and college students attending an accredited college or university, applicants must submit a 500-word (or less) essay answering the annual prompt about their most meaningful summer experience.
Award: $1,000
Deadline: August 27, 2026
Johnson & Johnson Scholarship Program
Merit-based scholarships to New Jersey residents pursuing nursing degrees or other health sciences related degrees. Applicants MUST be a resident of New Jersey and currently enrolled as a junior or senior at any accredited UNCF Member Institution, other accredited HBCU, or any other accredited four-year institution.
Award: $5,000
Deadline: August 28, 2026
Richard F. Freeman Scholarship
The Richard F. Freeman Scholarship, administered by UNCF, provides financial assistance to college freshmen from Southeast Michigan pursuing a bachelor's degree at an accredited four-year college or university.
Award: Varies
Deadline: August 27, 2026
The 2026 Gravitate Scholarship, offered by Siniard Law, asks students to explore what makes their hometown special and how its identity, history, culture, or values bring the community together. Applicants will submit a 750â1,000 word essay, rĂŠsumĂŠ, and transcript.
Award: $2,500
Deadline: August 31, 2026
Lincoln Financial Scholars Program
The Lincoln Financial Scholars Program, offered through UNCF, is a competitive program designed to support high-achieving students attending HBCUs while also preparing them for professional careers. UNCF describes it as a career-development program focused on students studying at HBCUs.
Award: Up to $3,000
Deadline: August 31, 2026
Fales & Fales Law Enforcement Family Member Scholarship
Supports undergraduate and graduate students who have a family member who is or was a law enforcement officer. The scholarship recognizes the impact that law enforcement service can have on the families of officers.
Award: $1,000
Deadline: August 31, 2026
Stephen Francis McNally Scholarship Fund
Supports historically underserved undergraduate students pursuing a bachelor's degree. Students attending a UNCF member institution, HBCU, or other accredited four-year college or university are encouraged to apply. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA, and be enrolled full-time in a bachelor's degree program.
Award: Up to $4,250
Deadline: August 31, 2026
Rapid Formations Entrepreneur Scholarship Programme
Applicants must be accepted into or currently enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate program at a recognized institution and submit an 800-word essay explaining their entrepreneurial idea and why they need financial support. Scholarships are awarded based on entrepreneurial potential, academic achievement, and the strength of the application.
Award: $700
Deadline: August 31. 2026
Driver Education Initiative Award
Open to high school, college, and university students worldwide, applicants must submit a 750-word essay responding to the current prompt about safe driving and driver education.
Award: $500
Deadline: August 31, 2026
DiscoverÂŽ Student Scholarship Sweepstakes
One winner is selected each month through August 2026. Eligible applicants include high school seniors, GED recipients, undergraduate and graduate students, as well as parents or legal guardians entering on behalf of an eligible student. Winners must enroll at least half-time at an eligible accredited college or university within one year of being notified.
Award: $5,000
Deadline: August 31, 2026
Summit Physical Therapy Scholarship
Open to students in any field of study who are planning to attend college full-time. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and submit an essay explaining at least three ways physical therapy can improve an individual's ability to live an active, healthy lifestyle.
Award: $500
Deadline: August 31, 2026
1st Financial Bank USA Financial Goals Scholarship
Scholarship recognizes students who are committed to achieving both their educational and financial goals. Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents age 18 or older who are currently enrolled or planning to enroll in a college degree program, applicants must submit an original 500-word essay responding to the monthly financial goals prompt.
Award: $2,000
Deadline: August 31
Supports students affected by childhood hemiplegia, hemiparesis, or pediatric stroke as they pursue higher education. Eligible applicants must be 25 years old or younger and enrolled in a college, university, certification, or vocational education program.
Award: Varies
Deadline: August 31, 2026
McCready Law Cyberbullying Awareness Scholarship
Scholarship recognizes students who are passionate about creating safer online communities. Open to high school seniors, vocational students, undergraduate students, and graduate students, applicants must submit a 750â1,000-word essay discussing the impact of cyberbullying and practical ways to raise awareness and prevent harm.
Award: $1,000
Deadline: August 31, 2026
Open to graduating high school seniors and current undergraduate students pursuing an associate or bachelor's degree, applicants must submit a 500-word (or less) essay describing a home listed on RealtyHop where they envision living in 10 years and explain which room or feature best represents their future goals.
Award: $1,000
Deadline: August 31, 2026
College Is Power (C.I.P.) Scholarship
Open to students 17 years and older who are currently enrolled in college or plan to begin a higher education program within the next 12 months. Applicants may attend full-time or part-time, on campus or online, and simply submit a 150-word (or fewer) statement describing their primary goal for going to school.
Award: $1,000
Deadline: August 31, 2026
Apprentice Ecologist Initiative Scholarship
The Apprentice Ecologist Initiative Scholarship, offered by the Nicodemus Wilderness Project, recognizes high school students who take action to improve the environment. Applicants must lead or participate in an environmental stewardship project, such as a cleanup, habitat restoration, recycling initiative, or conservation effort, then submit a photo of their project and an essay reflecting on their experience.
Award: Up to $1,000
Deadline: August 31, 2026
All Star Verified Scholarship Program
The All Star Verified Scholarship Program supports students pursuing higher education by providing a merit-based scholarship that can be used toward tuition or education-related expenses.
Award: $1,000
Deadline: August 31, 2026
The Achieve Today Scholarship supports students who are passionate about personal growth, leadership, and high performance. Applicants must be 18 years or older and currently enrolled at an accredited U.S. college or university. Students can apply by submitting either a 3â5 minute video/audio submission or an 800+ word essay discussing a personal development principle.
Award: $1,000
Deadline: August 31, 2026
AFSA Second Chance Scholarship
The AFSA Second Chance Scholarship gives students another opportunity to fund their educationâwhether they are returning to school, changing career paths, or starting their educational journey after earning a high school diploma or GED.
Award: $1,000
Deadline: August 31, 2026
The Atlas Prize is an international competition for exceptional young minds (ages 16-22) willing to think independently and engage deeply with the ideas of Ayn Randâs Atlas Shrugged. Participants respond to challenging essay prompts requiring serious engagement with the novelâs philosophical themes, including reason, freedom, ambition, and the moral purpose of life.
Award: Up to $100,000
Deadline: August 31, 2026
Center for Freethought Democracy Scholarships
The Center for Freethought Democracy is offering multiple scholarship opportunities in 2026, giving students several creative ways to compete for fundingâincluding essays, haiku, speeches, videos, and artwork.
Essay Scholarship: $2,500+ â recent California public high school graduates
Haiku Scholarships: $100 each â 10 awards for U.S. high school or college students
Speech Scholarship: $1,000 â California high school students
Video Scholarship: $1,500 â U.S. high school or college students
Art Scholarships: $500 each â 2 awards for California high school or college students
Award: Up to $2,500
Deadline: August 31, 2026
McCraw Law Group First Responders Scholarship
The McCraw Law Group First Responders Scholarship recognizes students who have a personal connection to first respondersâas an aspiring first responder, a first responder continuing their education, or someone whose life has been significantly impacted by a first responder.
Award: $1,000
Deadline: August 31, 2026
Florida Rentals Annual Dream Vacation Scholarship
Eligible students must be 18 or older and accepted to or enrolled full-time at a college or university. Applicants submit a 1,000-word essay describing their dream vacationâincluding where they would go, what they would do, who they would take, and where they would stay. Essays are judged on content, style, and creativity.
Award: $1,000
Deadline: August 31, 2026
The Breakthrough Junior Challenge is a global science video competition that challenges students to creatively explain a major concept in physics, mathematics, or life sciences. Students ages 13â18 can submit a short video (maximum 2 minutes) explaining a complex scientific idea in an engaging and original way.
Award: The winner receives a $250,000 post-secondary scholarship, while their inspiring teacher receives a $50,000 prize and their school receives a $100,000 science lab
Deadline: September 15, 2026
Varsity Tutors College Scholarship Contest â September
The next Varsity Tutors essay contest gives students another opportunity to compete for a $200 scholarship. The September prompt asks: âWhat study strategy or learning method has had the greatest impact on your academic success, and why?â
Award: $200
Deadline: September 15, 2026
Ascent $10,000 Summer Scholarship Giveaway
The Ascent $10,000 Summer Scholarship Giveaway, featured through NSHSS, is a particularly easy one to add to your scholarship list because thereâs no essay. One winner will be selected at random for a $10,000 scholarship that can help cover tuition, books, or everyday education expenses.
Award: $10,000
Deadline: September 29, 2026
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
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
Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards
The Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards support women who are the primary financial providers for themselves and their dependents and are pursuing an undergraduate degree or vocational/skills training.
Award: $16,000
Deadline: November 15, 2026
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
SBB Research Group Foundation STEM Scholarship
The SBB Research Group Foundation STEM Scholarship supports students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) who are using their education to create meaningful impact.
Award: $2,500
Deadline: November 30, 2026
The Boster Bio Scholarship supports graduate students conducting research in biology, biotechnology, or related life science fields. This opportunity is designed for students pursuing a Masterâs or Ph.D. program who are actively working in a biological or medical research lab and demonstrating excellence in scientific research.
Award: $1,000
Deadline: November 30, 2026
Open to students who are currently enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited college, university, or trade school. Applicants must be 18 years or older and submit a 300-word essay answering the prompt: "How does writing impact today's world?"
Award: $1,000
Deadline: November 30, 2026
ASHRAE Undergraduate Engineering Scholarships
These scholarships support fullâtime undergraduate engineering or preâengineering 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 universityâspecific awards.
Award: Up to $10,000
Deadline: December 1, 2026
This need-based scholarship supports students at TMCF member schools, including HBCUs and PBIs, who are close to completing their degree but are facing an unmet financial gap that could prevent graduation. Applicants must be full-time undergraduates majoring in Business or STEM, maintain at least a 3.0 GPA, demonstrate financial need, and submit a short video explaining their core values and how they will use them to create positive change.
Award: Up to $5,000
Deadline: December 1, 2026
Sallie Mae Fund Completing the Dream Scholarship
This gap scholarship supports students at accredited postsecondary institutions who are close to completing a two-year, four-year, or vocational/technical program but are at risk of not finishing due to an unexpected financial need or emergency. Applicants must be in good academic standing with at least a 2.75 GPA, be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and submit a short video explaining their financial situation and why the funding is critical to completing their education.
Award: Up to $2,500
Deadline: December 1, 2026
This need-based emergency âgapâ scholarship supports students at TMCF member institutions who are close to completing their degree but are at risk of stopping out due to an unexpected financial shortfall. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and academic standing, and submit a short video explaining their current financial situation and why this support is critical to staying enrolled and finishing their degree.
Award: Up to $1,000
Deadline: December 1, 2026
The NSHSS + DECA Scholarship is for high school juniors and seniors who are DECA members and plan to pursue a college major in marketing, finance, hospitality, or business. Both U.S. and international students are eligible.
Award: $1,000
Deadline: January 7, 2026
More Opportunities (Grants and Professional)
Common scholarship questions and sentence starters:
"Describe a time you overcame a challenge." (general)
âWhen my family had toâŚâ
âThis experience taught me that I amâŚâ
âEven when I wanted to give upâŚâ
âWhat kind of legacy do you want to leave and how will you build it?â
âFor me, legacy isnât just about what I achieve. Itâs about who I uplift along the way. Through education, I plan toâŚâ
âDescribe a challenge youâve faced and how it shaped your sense of purpose.â
âGrowing up, I didnât always see people who looked like me succeeding. But one moment that changed how I saw myself wasâŚâ
âTell us about a time you took initiative to solve a problem or support your community.â
âI didnât wait to be called a leader. When I saw ____________ happening in my community, I decided toâŚâ
âWhy are YOU the right person to receive this scholarship? How will you use the opportunity?â
âThis scholarship wouldnât just support my future, it would strengthen the mission Iâve already started: toâŚâ
Important Links
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
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