The American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest – The American Legion announces the Department of Alabama’s, 21st District High School Oratorical Contest. High school students with exceptional speaking skills and a thorough knowledge of the Constitution of the United States of America are encouraged to participate. Scholarships are presented to finalists of both the national and state levels. Contestants must be under the age of twenty, enrolled in a high school or junior high school, and a citizen of or lawful permanent resident of the United States. For more information about the contest, visit the Legion’s website.
The John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award: High school students are invited to consider the concept of political courage by writing an essay on a U.S. elected official who has chosen to do what is right, rather than what is expedient. Students are asked to write a creative essay of 1,000 words or less that demonstrates an understanding of political courage as described by John F. Kennedy in Profiles in Courage. The winner of this competitive annual contest is awarded a $10,000 prize and is invited to accept the award at the Profile in Courage Award ceremony held each May at the Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston. For more information visit the website. All entries must be postmarked or received by January 5, 2015.
WACE Advancing Cooperative & Work-Integrated Education National Co-Op Scholarship: To be eligible for a scholarship you must apply to one of the eleven WACE Partner Institutions: Clarkson University, Drexel University, University of Cincinnati, State University of New York Oswego, Johnson & Wales University, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Rochester Institute of Technology, University of Toledo, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Merrimack College, and Kettering University. To qualify for this scholarship, students must have a cumulative GPA of at least a 3.5, and have applied and been accepted for the 2015-2016 academic year at one of the WACE Partner Institutions listed. For a scholarship application or to complete your application online, click here. Application deadline is February 15, 2015.
The Washington Crossing Foundation – Scholarships of $500 to $5,000 for students planning careers in government service, for study at the college of the recipient’s choice. Open to all high school seniors who are U.S. citizens and are planning careers of service to the United States in local, state, or federal government. Application must include (3) letters of recommendation, resume, transcript, as well as a one-page essay stating why applicant is planning a career in government service, including inspiration to be derived from the leadership of George Washington in his famous crossing of the Delaware. See website for more information. Deadline is January 15, 2015.
QuestBridge – QuestBridge provides a single, internet-based meeting point which links exceptional students with colleges, scholarship providers, enrichment program employers, and organizations seeking students who have excelled despite obstacles. QuestBridge takes the following factors into account when considering a College Prep Scholarship application: academic achievement, financial need, and personal circumstances. For more information, such as complete eligibility guidelines, visit their website. Deadline to apply is September 26, 2014.
SMART (Science, Mathematics, & Research for Transformation) Scholarship: This program is part of the National Defense Education Program - Eligible applicants must be a U.S. citizen, 18 years of age or older as of August 1, 2015, able to participate in summer internships at Department of Defense (DoD) laboratories, willing to accept post-graduate employment with the DoD, a student in good standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (as calculated by the SMART application) and pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in one of the disciplines listed here. See the STEM website for application instructions and to apply. Deadline: December 15, 2014
First Freedom Student Competition: This is a national essay and video contest. It offers high-school students an opportunity to compete for $2,500 awards as they examine the history and current-day relevance of religious freedom. We invite 9th - 12th grade students at all levels of academic placement to participate. For information about this year’s topic, and for guidelines, please visit their website. Online registration deadline: November 17, 2014
Prudential Spirit of Community - The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards was created to recognize students in middle and high school grades who have demonstrated exemplary community service. These prestigious awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, are presented locally on the local, state, and national levels. Students must be a legal resident of the U.S., Please visit their website for more information and the application. Applications must be submitted to Mrs. Craig in Guidance no later than November 4, 2014
Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation: The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Scholarship is an achievement-based scholarship awarded to graduating high school seniors each year. Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, and their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities. To be eligible, students must be current high school seniors; U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, U.S. Permanent Residents, Temporary Residents (in a legalization program), Refugees, Asylees, Cuban-Haitian Entrants, or Humanitarian Parolees; planning to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution; have a minimum 3.00 GPA at the end of their junior year of high school. For more information, please visit their website. Deadline: October 31, 2014
Wendy’s High School Heisman Scholarship: Wendy's is looking for the next class of remarkable students who excel in academics, athletics, and community involvement. To be eligible, a student must have maintained at least a "B" grade point average, participate in one of 27 sports officially sanctioned by the National Federation of State High School Associations, and demonstrate active involvement in his or her community. National winners will receive recognition during ESPN’s national telecast of the college Heisman Memorial Trophy presentation in New York City, a Wendy’s High School Heisman trophy and Heisman Patch, $10,000 for their high school, and a $500 Wendy’s gift card. For more information and to apply, click here. Deadline: October 3, 2014
Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) Program: Each year, the GMS Program presents 1,000 talented students with the opportunity to complete an undergraduate college education in any discipline area of interest. Students are eligible to be considered for a GMS scholarship if they meet all of the following criteria: African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian & Pacific Islander American, or Hispanic American; a citizen, national or legal permanent resident of the United States; have attained a cumulative high school GPA of 3.3; will enroll for the first time at a U.S. located, accredited college or university in the fall of 2015 as a full-time, degree-seeking, first-year student; have demonstrated leadership abilities through participation in community service, extracurricular or other activities; meets the Federal Pell Grant eligibility criteria. Click here for more information and to apply. Deadline: January 14, 2015
Horatio Alger Association Scholarship: Eligibility requirements - a senior with at least a 2.0 GPA, critical financial need, involvement in co-curricular and community activities, demonstrating perseverance & integrity in overcoming adversity, progressing normally towards graduation in spring/summer of 2015 and seeking to complete a Bachelor's Level degree in post-graduate collegiate studies. Please visit their website for details. Deadline: October 25, 2014
VFW Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition: Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, almost 40,000 high school students compete for more than $2.1 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is “Why Veterans are Important to our Nation’s History and Future?” The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12. Please visit their website for more information. Deadline: November 1, 2014
Megan Meier Memorial Scholarship Fund: The Megan Meier Foundation is seeking high school seniors that have made a positive impact in regards to issues of bullying and cyberbullying in their own school environment and community. The hope is to honor students that, like the Foundation, aim to bring awareness, education and promote positive change to children, parents, and educators in response to the ongoing bullying and cyberbullying in our children’s daily environment. Applicants must possess a minimum GPA of 2.50. Click here for more information. Deadline: November 7, 2014.
P.L.A.Y Scholarship: P.L.A.Y. has always made a point to promote compassion towards animals in both our personal and professional lives. In an effort to encourage and promote this cause, P.L.A.Y. will be awarding a $1,000 scholarship to a high school student who best exemplifies these core beliefs. All participants must be enrolled as full-time high school juniors or seniors. To apply, students will submit an essay with 2-3 photos of their volunteer efforts to help animals in need and how that involvement has changed their lives or shaped their perceptions on the importance of animal welfare. For more information, please visit their website. Deadline: December 3, 2014
The John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award: High school students are invited to consider the concept of political courage by writing an essay on a U.S. elected official who has chosen to do what is right, rather than what is expedient. Students are asked to write a creative essay of 1,000 words or less that demonstrates an understanding of political courage as described by John F. Kennedy in Profiles in Courage. The winner of this competitive annual contest is awarded a $10,000 prize and is invited to accept the award at the Profile in Courage Award ceremony held each May at the Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston. For more information visit the website. All entries must be postmarked or received by January 5, 2015.
WACE Advancing Cooperative & Work-Integrated Education National Co-Op Scholarship: To be eligible for a scholarship you must apply to one of the eleven WACE Partner Institutions: Clarkson University, Drexel University, University of Cincinnati, State University of New York Oswego, Johnson & Wales University, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Rochester Institute of Technology, University of Toledo, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Merrimack College, and Kettering University. To qualify for this scholarship, students must have a cumulative GPA of at least a 3.5, and have applied and been accepted for the 2015-2016 academic year at one of the WACE Partner Institutions listed. For a scholarship application or to complete your application online, click here. Application deadline is February 15, 2015.
The Washington Crossing Foundation – Scholarships of $500 to $5,000 for students planning careers in government service, for study at the college of the recipient’s choice. Open to all high school seniors who are U.S. citizens and are planning careers of service to the United States in local, state, or federal government. Application must include (3) letters of recommendation, resume, transcript, as well as a one-page essay stating why applicant is planning a career in government service, including inspiration to be derived from the leadership of George Washington in his famous crossing of the Delaware. See website for more information. Deadline is January 15, 2015.
QuestBridge – QuestBridge provides a single, internet-based meeting point which links exceptional students with colleges, scholarship providers, enrichment program employers, and organizations seeking students who have excelled despite obstacles. QuestBridge takes the following factors into account when considering a College Prep Scholarship application: academic achievement, financial need, and personal circumstances. For more information, such as complete eligibility guidelines, visit their website. Deadline to apply is September 26, 2014.
SMART (Science, Mathematics, & Research for Transformation) Scholarship: This program is part of the National Defense Education Program - Eligible applicants must be a U.S. citizen, 18 years of age or older as of August 1, 2015, able to participate in summer internships at Department of Defense (DoD) laboratories, willing to accept post-graduate employment with the DoD, a student in good standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (as calculated by the SMART application) and pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in one of the disciplines listed here. See the STEM website for application instructions and to apply. Deadline: December 15, 2014
First Freedom Student Competition: This is a national essay and video contest. It offers high-school students an opportunity to compete for $2,500 awards as they examine the history and current-day relevance of religious freedom. We invite 9th - 12th grade students at all levels of academic placement to participate. For information about this year’s topic, and for guidelines, please visit their website. Online registration deadline: November 17, 2014
Prudential Spirit of Community - The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards was created to recognize students in middle and high school grades who have demonstrated exemplary community service. These prestigious awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, are presented locally on the local, state, and national levels. Students must be a legal resident of the U.S., Please visit their website for more information and the application. Applications must be submitted to Mrs. Craig in Guidance no later than November 4, 2014
Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation: The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Scholarship is an achievement-based scholarship awarded to graduating high school seniors each year. Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, and their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities. To be eligible, students must be current high school seniors; U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, U.S. Permanent Residents, Temporary Residents (in a legalization program), Refugees, Asylees, Cuban-Haitian Entrants, or Humanitarian Parolees; planning to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution; have a minimum 3.00 GPA at the end of their junior year of high school. For more information, please visit their website. Deadline: October 31, 2014
Wendy’s High School Heisman Scholarship: Wendy's is looking for the next class of remarkable students who excel in academics, athletics, and community involvement. To be eligible, a student must have maintained at least a "B" grade point average, participate in one of 27 sports officially sanctioned by the National Federation of State High School Associations, and demonstrate active involvement in his or her community. National winners will receive recognition during ESPN’s national telecast of the college Heisman Memorial Trophy presentation in New York City, a Wendy’s High School Heisman trophy and Heisman Patch, $10,000 for their high school, and a $500 Wendy’s gift card. For more information and to apply, click here. Deadline: October 3, 2014
Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) Program: Each year, the GMS Program presents 1,000 talented students with the opportunity to complete an undergraduate college education in any discipline area of interest. Students are eligible to be considered for a GMS scholarship if they meet all of the following criteria: African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian & Pacific Islander American, or Hispanic American; a citizen, national or legal permanent resident of the United States; have attained a cumulative high school GPA of 3.3; will enroll for the first time at a U.S. located, accredited college or university in the fall of 2015 as a full-time, degree-seeking, first-year student; have demonstrated leadership abilities through participation in community service, extracurricular or other activities; meets the Federal Pell Grant eligibility criteria. Click here for more information and to apply. Deadline: January 14, 2015
Horatio Alger Association Scholarship: Eligibility requirements - a senior with at least a 2.0 GPA, critical financial need, involvement in co-curricular and community activities, demonstrating perseverance & integrity in overcoming adversity, progressing normally towards graduation in spring/summer of 2015 and seeking to complete a Bachelor's Level degree in post-graduate collegiate studies. Please visit their website for details. Deadline: October 25, 2014
VFW Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition: Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, almost 40,000 high school students compete for more than $2.1 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is “Why Veterans are Important to our Nation’s History and Future?” The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12. Please visit their website for more information. Deadline: November 1, 2014
Megan Meier Memorial Scholarship Fund: The Megan Meier Foundation is seeking high school seniors that have made a positive impact in regards to issues of bullying and cyberbullying in their own school environment and community. The hope is to honor students that, like the Foundation, aim to bring awareness, education and promote positive change to children, parents, and educators in response to the ongoing bullying and cyberbullying in our children’s daily environment. Applicants must possess a minimum GPA of 2.50. Click here for more information. Deadline: November 7, 2014.
P.L.A.Y Scholarship: P.L.A.Y. has always made a point to promote compassion towards animals in both our personal and professional lives. In an effort to encourage and promote this cause, P.L.A.Y. will be awarding a $1,000 scholarship to a high school student who best exemplifies these core beliefs. All participants must be enrolled as full-time high school juniors or seniors. To apply, students will submit an essay with 2-3 photos of their volunteer efforts to help animals in need and how that involvement has changed their lives or shaped their perceptions on the importance of animal welfare. For more information, please visit their website. Deadline: December 3, 2014