Your teen has worked so hard — on his grades, his extracurriculars, his community service — so he’ll look good on college applications. Well guess what: all of your teen’s achievements look good to the organizations and competitions that are giving away thousands of dollars in scholarships, too. So while it may feel like you’re piling on to ask your teen to fill out a few more applications and complete a few more short essays, that effort could really pay off. Check out this list of vetted scholarships for teens. (Read more about how to avoid scholarship scams.)
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Horatio Alger Association Scholarships
Amount(s): 106 national scholarships at $25,000 each; state scholarships at $6,000 to $10,500 each; and 1,020 scholarships for $2,500 each.
Prerequisite(s): Overcome adversity; U.S. citizen; family income of $55K or less; minimum 2.0 GPA; involved in extracurricular or community service activities
Effort involved: Application; essay; adult to verify hardship
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to enter a two-year or four-year nonprofit public or private college in the fall -
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program
Amount(s): Up to 40 winners will receive up to $40,000 per year for four years
Prerequisite(s): 3.5 GPA; 1200 SAT score or 26 ACT composite score; family income up to $95K
Effort involved: Application; two letters of recommendation; short answers; essay
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to enter an accredited four-year college -
GE Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program
Amount(s): Many winners will receive $10,000 and can renew for up to three years
Prerequisite(s): Demonstrate leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship; 3.0 GPA; U.S. citizen
Effort involved: Application; nomination from a community leader
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to enroll in four-year college -
Blacks at Microsoft Scholarships
Amount(s) available: Two winners will receive $5,000 and can renew for up to four years
Prerequisite(s): Must be of African descent; 3.3 GPA; financial need; leadership at school or in the community; plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, computer information systems, or select business programs (such as finance, business administration, or marketing)
Effort involved: Application; two essays; two letters of recommendation; transcript; resume; picture of yourself
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend 4-year college -
Generation Google Scholarship
Amount(s): Multiple winners will receive $10,000
Prerequisite(s): Intend to study computer science or a closely related field; from an underrepresented group in computer science (e.g. African American, Hispanic, American Indian, Filipino/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, female, a person with a disability); strong academic record; exemplify leadership; demonstrate a passion for computer science and technology
Effort involved: Application; resume; transcript; letter of recommendation from a STEM teacher; multiple short answers
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend four-year college -
Wendy’s High School Heisman Award
Amount(s): Multiple winners will receive $1,000 to $10,000
Prerequisite(s): Proven leader or role model; participant in a school sport; 3.0 GPA
Effort involved: Application; essays; high school official to review your application
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend four-year college -
Golden Door Scholars
Amount(s): Covers up to full tuition, room, and board for a four-year degree at Golden Door partner schools
Prerequisite(s): Undocumented and DACA students; preference given to students from states that require undocumented students to pay out-of-state tuition; high GPA; challenging high school classes; leadership positions
Effort involved: Application
Who’s eligible: 12th graders and recent high school graduates planning to attend college -
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Scholarships
Amount(s): Multiple winners will receive $500 to $8,700
Prerequisite(s): African-American student; leadership; academic talent; community service; financial need; 2.5 GPA; extracurricular activities
Effort involved: Application; letter of recommendation; transcript
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to go attend two- or four-year college -
The Bonner Program
Amount(s): Multiple winners will receive funds that cover the student’s documented need for tuition, room, and board
Prerequisite(s): Low-income, under-represented, or first-generation college student; if you win, you must perform 10 hours each week of meaningful community service (and 280 hours during the summer)
Effort involved: Application with the college and the Bonner Program; requirements vary
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend associated four-year colleges -
GOGO Charters National Scholarship for Immigrants and Refugees
Amount(s): $10,000
Prerequisite(s): First-generation U.S. citizens (born outside the U.S.), refugees, or immigrants (legal documentation is not required); 3.4 GPA
Effort involved: Application; short essay; letter of recommendation; transcript
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college in the fall -
Sixt Scholars Program
Amount(s): Five $5,000 scholarships
Prerequisite(s): 3.7 GPA; financial need; extracurricular activities
Effort involved: Application; transcript; application appraisal form; copy of 1040 tax form
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college in the fall -
United States Tennis Association (USTA) Scholarships
Amount(s): Multiple winners will receive between $2500 and $15,000
Prerequisite(s): Requirements vary; high school tennis players; sportsmanship; academic record
Effort involved: Applications vary
Who’s eligible: 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders planning to attend college -
USA Waterskiing and Wake Sports Foundation
Amount(s): Seven winners will receive between $1,500 and $10,000
Prerequisite(s): USA Water Ski member; academic record; financial need; work, school, and community involvement; contributions to water sports
Effort involved: Application; 500-word essay; two letters of recommendation
Who’s eligible: 12th graders entering college -
Ford Family Foundation Ford Scholars Program
Amount(s): 120 winners will receive up to $25,000 per year
Prerequisite(s): Must be a residents of Oregon or Siskiyou County, CA; 3.0 GPA; demonstrated financial need; leadership potential; good character; volunteer work or helping your family; strong work ethic; strong writing and speaking skills; the ability to succeed academically
Effort involved: FAFSA; application
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college in the fall -
Glenn Miller Scholarship Competition
Amount(s): Vocalists and instrumentalists will be awarded a $3,000, $2,000, and $1,000 scholarship
Prerequisite(s): Promising talent in any field of applied music
Effort involved: Application; audition CD; essay
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college in the fall -
Nitro College Scholarship
Amount(s): $5,000
Effort involved: Survey questions; three short answers; participate in social media activity
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college in the fall -
Generation Hope
Amount(s): Multiple winners will receive up to $2,400 per year in tuition assistance and one-on-one mentoring until graduation
Prerequisite(s): 2.5 GPA
Effort involved: Application; transcript; Student Aid Report or FAFSA; meeting with program staff
Who’s eligible: Teen parents (up to age 25) who live in the Washington, DC area who are planning to attend college -
Navy and Marine Corps ROTC Scholarships
Amount(s): Full tuition and fees, stipends for books and living expenses, but comes with commitment to active duty Navy or Marine Corps service after graduation
Prerequisite(s): 1200 SAT (Navy); 1000 SAT (Marines); physical fitness test
Effort involved: Application
Who’s eligible: 12th graders and recent high school graduates between the ages of 17 and 23 planning to attend college -
Spirit of Anne Frank Awards
Amount(s): $10,000
Prerequisite(s): Proven commitment to social justice
Effort involved: Application; essay; two letters of recommendation; supporting materials
Who’s eligible: 12th graders who have been accepted into a four-year college -
Life Lessons Scholarship Program
Amount(s): Multiple winners will receive between $5,000 and $15,000
Prerequisite(s): Applicants must have experienced the death of a parent or legal guardian
Effort involved: Application; essay or three-minute video
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college -
Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship
Amount(s): Two winners will receive $5,000; one winner will receive $10,000
Prerequisite(s): Students who have promoted vegetarianism in their school and/or community
Effort involved: Application; short essays; report cards; three letters of recommendation; documentation of vegetarian activity
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college -
New York Times College Scholarship Program
Amount(s): Multiple winners will receive $15,000 annually for up to three years, mentoring, and a summer internship at The New York Times
Prerequisite(s): Must live in the five boroughs of New York City; high-achieving academic record; financial need
Effort involved: Application; transcript; test scores; essay; list of activities and achievements; family information
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college -
National Eagle Scout Association Scholarships
Amount(s): Multiple winners will receive between $2,000 and $50,000
Prerequisite(s): Must be an Eagle Scout; minimum 1290 SAT or 28 ACT score; community service (for merit scholarships)
Effort involved: Application; reference letter
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college or vocational school (but not military academies) -
Helen Gee Chin Scholarship
Amount(s): Multiple winners will receive between $1,000 and $3,000
Prerequisite(s): At least five years study of Chinese martial arts; 3.0 GPA; U.S. citizenship; academic achievement; participation and leadership in school and community activities
Effort involved: Application; essay
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college -
Foot Locker Scholar Athletes
Amount(s): 20 winners will receive $20,000 each
Prerequisite(s): Student athlete involved in a team sport, intramurals, martial arts, etc.; 3.0 GPA; sportsmanship; good character; academic excellence; from a diverse background
Effort involved: Application; interview
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college -
Air Force ROTC Scholarships
Amount(s): Multiple winners will receive tuition, most lab fees, annual textbook allowance, $500/month stipend
Prerequisite(s): 1240 SAT or 26 ACT score; 3.0 GPA
Effort involved: Application; winners must enroll in Air Force ROTC and serve four years active duty
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college -
AMVET Scholarships
Amount(s): Six winners will receive $4,000 ($1,000 per year for four years); one JROTC winner will receive $1,000
Prerequisite(s): Must be the child or grandchild of a veteran, active duty, guard/reserve who has served honorably; financial need; show academic promise and merit
Effort involved: Application; proof of family member’s honorable service
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college -
Anchor Scholarship Foundation
Amount(s): Multiple winners will receive annual scholarships ranging from $2,250 to $5,000
Prerequisite(s): Child of Navy sailors; financial need; character; academic record; extracurricular activities. Some scholarships have specific requirements (e.g. pursue a STEM degree)
Effort involved: Application; specified checklist and proof of family member’s service; essays; three letters of recommendation; transcript; registering and then waiting up to 10 days for an applicant ID number
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college -
Apartment List Scholarship
Amount(s): $500
Effort involved: Application; 300-word essay; short answer
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college -
Six Star Scholarship
Amount(s): Two winners will receive $15,000
Effort involved: An essay and photo or a short video (creativity highly recommended)
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college or trade school -
Military Family Support Trust Scholarships
Amount(s): Multiple winners will receive between $2,000 and $12,000
Prerequisite(s): Descendant of a military officer or Purple Heart recipient; 21 ACT or 1,000 SAT score; 3.0 GPA; leadership skills
Effort involved: Application; one (up to three) letters of recommendation from a high school official; at least one letter of endorsement; 400- to 600-word essay; 300-word notarized parent financial statement
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college -
Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarships
Amount(s): 500 winners will receive between $4,000 and $50,000
Effort involved: Application; SAT or ACT scores; FAFSA; participation in a leadership weekend; interview
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college -
Army ROTC Scholarships
Amount(s): Full tuition for four years at 600 colleges; recipients commit to eight years of Army service — four years active duty and four years in the reserve
Prerequisite(s): 2.5 GPA; 1000 SAT or 19 ACT; GED or high school diploma; meet physical standards
Effort involved: Application
Who’s eligible: Kids ages 17 and up who are planning to attend college -
AXA Achievement Scholarships
Amount(s): 52 winners will receive $10,000; 10 of these winners will receive an additional $15,000; 300 winners will receive $2,500
Prerequisite(s): Achievement in school, community, or work
Effort involved: Application; essays; transcript
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college next year -
Burger King Scholars
Amount(s): Multiple winners will receive between $1,000 and $50,000
Prerequisite(s): 2.5 GPA; passionate about serving the community; be a high school senior or a Burger King employee or the child or spouse or partner of an employee
Effort involved: Application; work, school, or community involvement; transcript; copy of parents’ most recent tax form
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college -
Children of Warriors National Presidents’ Scholarship (American Legion Auxiliary)
Amount(s): 15 winners will receive $5,000
Prerequisite(s): Must be the daughter, son, grandson, granddaughter, great-granddaughter, or great-grandson of veterans who served in the Armed Forces; 50 hours of volunteer service; leadership and character; financial need; academic achievement
Effort involved: Application; 1,000-word essay; four short answers; four letters of recommendation; proof of volunteer service hours; transcript; ACT or SAT score report; FAFSA; statement of relative’s military service or copy of discharge papers
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college -
Central Intelligence Agency’s Undergraduate Scholarship Program
Amount(s): Multiple winners will receive up to $18,000 for tuition, fees, and books each year; plus a daily allowance for meals and incidentals during summer sessions working at the CIA in Washington, DC; recipients are required to work of the CIA for 1.5 times the amount of time that they received college aid, during that time they’ll earn an annual salary, health benefits, etc.
Prerequisite(s): 3.0 GPA; 1000 SAT or 21 ACT score; financial need; U.S. citizen
Effort involved: Application; cover sheet; test score report; copy of family W2 or FAFSA; transcript; two letters of recommendation; essay, short answers; medical exam; psychological exam; polygraph interview; background check
Who’s eligible: 12th graders ages 18 and up who are planning to attend college -
Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
Amount(s): 150 winners will receive $20,000
Prerequisite(s): 3.0 GPA; financial need
Effort involved: Application; school information; transcript
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college -
Daughters of the Cincinnati Scholarship
Amount(s): Multiple winners will receive between $16,000 and $20,000
Prerequisite(s): Must be the daughter of military officers; academic merit; financial need
Effort involved: Application; essay; transcript; letter of recommendation; Student Aid Report
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college -
American Indian College Fund
Amount(s): Varies
Prerequisite(s): Must be Native American/Alaska Native; 2.0 GPA
Effort involved: Application; digital photo; tribal affiliation; transcript; financial needs analysis form; essay
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college -
Dell Scholars Program
Amount(s): 400 winners will receive $20,000, laptop and textbook credits, ongoing support and assistance
Prerequisite(s): Overcome significant obstacles to pursue educations; participated in a Michael & Susan Dell Foundation-approved college-readiness program in 11th and 12th grades; 2.4 GPA; financial need
Effort involved: Application; transcript; test scores; short answers; Student Aid Report (SAR) or FAFSA; letter of recommendation
Who’s eligible: 11th and 12th graders planning to attend college -
Scholarship Detective Scholarship
Amount(s): Two winners will receive $1,000
Prerequisite(s): None
Effort involved: Application; 140-character statement
Who’s eligible: 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders -
QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Program
Amount(s): Hundreds of College Prep Scholars will receive full tuition, room, and board for four years
Prerequisite(s): Academically outstanding applicants; 26 ACT or 1270 SAT score; high GPA in a rigorous course load; financial need and/or extenuating personal or family circumstances
Effort involved: Application; essays; short answers; letter of recommendation; transcript; test score reports
Who’s eligible: 11th graders planning to attend college -
Signet Essay Contest
Amount(s): Five winners will receive $1,000
Prerequisite(s): None
Effort involved: Typed, two- to three-page essay on one of five topics about this year’s competition book; must be submitted by an English teacher on behalf of the student; cover letter must accompany essay
Who’s eligible: 11th and 12th graders -
MoolahSpot Scholarship
Amount(s): $1,000
Prerequisite(s): None
Effort involved: Application; 400-word essay
Who’s eligible: Students ages 16 and older planning to attend college -
The Coolidge Scholarship
Amount(s): Two or three winners will receive a full-ride scholarship covering four years of tuition, room, board, and expenses. Ten finalists are eligible for a one-time scholarship.
Prerequisite(s): Academic excellence, interest in public policy, and appreciation for Calvin Coolidge’s values of humility and service
Effort involved: Application; two letters of reference; essay questions (one requires applicants to read The Autobiography of Calvin Coolidge); transcript; interview
Who’s eligible: 11th graders planning to attend college -
Global Citizen Scholarship
Amount(s): Winners go on a July 2018 journey to Berlin to explore the topic of the Influence of Technology on Society
Effort involved: Short (three-minute) video that highlights one way that technology can improve the lives of those around you
Who’s eligible: 9th, 10th, and 11th graders -
Jumpstart Scholarship
Amount(s): $1,000
Prerequisite(s): Strong academic record; goals for higher education
Effort involved: Application; short essay
Who’s eligible: 10th, 11th, and 12th graders planning to attend college -
Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest
Amount(s):$1,000 to $10,000
Effort involved: Contestants must attend high school prom wearing clothes made of duct tape and mail color photographs with photographer release form
Who’s eligible: 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders -
Dirk Derrick Car & Truck Accident Injury Scholarship
Amount(s):$1,000
Effort involved: Essay
Who’s eligible: 12th graders planning to attend college and current undergraduates
Siemens Competition in Math, Science, and Technology
Amount(s): Multiple winners will receive $1,000 to $100,000
Prerequisite(s): Individual and team research projects that foster student understanding of the value of scientific study
Effort involved: Participate in the competition; report limited to 18 pages, not including abstract and references
Who’s eligible: 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders