📘 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
HBCU Connect Student Scholarship Program
For high school, undergraduate, or transfer students attending or planning to attend an HBCU.
Award: $1,000
Deadline: September 1, 2025
For high school and undergraduate students attending or planning to attend an HBCU. Must have community service experience.
Award: $1,500
Deadline: September 16, 2025
YoungArts National Writing Competition
This writing contest is for youth (grades 10-12) submitting fiction, non-fiction, plays, scripts, poetry, and spoken word.
Award: $250-$10,000
Deadline: October 8, 2025
Voice of Democracy Audio Essay Contest
Submit an audio essay answering the following question: “How Are You Showing Patriotism And Support For Our Country?” (Grades 9-12)
Award: Up to $35,000
Deadline: October 31, 2025
FX Storytelling Legacy Scholarship
For college students pursuing a degree in film production, directing, or screenwriting.
Award: $5,000
Deadline: October 31, 2025
College-bound graduating high school seniors who can demonstrate commitment to helping their rural community.
Award: $1,000
Deadline: November 30, 2025
For students interested in going into the restaurant or culinary industry. Must be attending a culinary school or attending college with a restaurant management major. Must have worked in the restaurant industry for at least 2 years.
Award: Up to $5,000
Deadline: December 1, 2025
For undergraduate students, majoring in in a STEM field, at an HBCU, HBCC, or PBI who demonstrate financial need.
Award: Up to $5,000
Deadline: December 1, 2025
For undergraduate students at an HBCU, HBCC, or PBI who demonstrate financial need.
AwardL $1,000
Deadline: December 1, 2025
🧠 Essay Prompts + Ideas
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 scholarshp? How will you use the opportunity?”
“This scholarship wouldn’t just support my future, it would strengthen the mission I’ve already started: to…”
📬 Bonus – Free Scholarship Tracking Template
🎓 Ready to get organized and start stacking that scholarship money?
📥 Grab your Scholarship Tracker now — designed to help you stay on top of deadlines, requirements, and wins.
Want weekly scholarship spotlights, financial tips, and real talk about wealth-building?
👉 [Sign-up below]
You’re not just applying. You’re building a legacy.
