In 2025, as you're thinking about college, you need to be active when it comes to navigating the landscape of scholarship opportunities. This entails utilizing online platforms, consulting with educational advisors, and tapping into community networks. You can actively seek specialized scholarships aligned with your passions, cultural background, or academic pursuits to enhance your chances of securing financial assistance. Having a methodical approach to the application process is essential. We're here to help!
This award is open to all U.S. students who are 14 and older and who are currently enrolled (or enroll no later than fall of 2027) in an accredited postsecondary institution of higher education. One scholarship winner will receive a $1,500 scholarship.
As personal injury lawyers at The Law Offices of David W. Holub, we have seen first-hand the dangers posed by motor vehicle accidents. Whether a car, truck, motorcycle, or other accident, the repercussions felt from incidents on the road can linger for years or even life.
Acknowledging the pressing need for greater vehicle safety measures, we challenge you to contribute to the conversation. How can society improve on vehicle safety, preventing injuries and deaths from roadway accidents? The Innovation in Vehicle Safety Scholarship will award a $1,000 scholarship to a selected student with the strongest essay plan.
We invite you to join us in envisioning a safer future for our roadways. Share your innovative ideas on revolutionizing vehicle safety, be it through developing new technology, mitigating risk in existing vehicles, or other transformative ideas.
U.S. incoming freshmen with a 3.0 grade point average and an ACT score of 25 or higher or an SAT score of 1200 or higher are eligible for this award. Students must attend Bellarmine University in Kentucky.
This scholarship is available for U.S. students who are planning to attend Marist College. Applicants must demonstrate superior academic achievement in the high school and/or college courses they have completed.
This award is open to all U.S. students who are 14 and older and who are currently enrolled (or enroll no later than fall of 2027) in an accredited postsecondary institution of higher education. One scholarship winner will receive a $1,500 scholarship.
This award is open to all U.S. students who are 14 and older and who are currently enrolled (or enroll no later than fall of 2026) in an accredited postsecondary institution of higher education. One scholarship winner will receive a $2,500 scholarship.
Step into a world where every language is a key to a new adventure with the Polyglot Scholarship!
Have your multilingual skills opened up worlds within our world? Did mastering menus in Madrid, trading jokes in Jakarta, or solving puzzles in Paris enhance your identity or change your perspective? Tell us your most colorful stories and transformative experiences brought to life through your journey in languages. Your tale could be just the ticket to further fuel your educational voyage.
Get ready to express yourself in every tongue you know—your multilingual journey could not only enrich your life but also help fund your future.
Apply now and show us how your command of multiple languages is helping to connect and illuminate the world.
Are you an athlete who’s jumped higher, run faster, or pushed harder through the sweat and setbacks?
The Next Generation Athlete Scholarship is calling your name! We’re on the hunt for spirited contenders who’ve tackled sports or fitness challenges with a smile and unyielding determination. This is your chance to sprint into the spotlight, share your triumph-over-trial tale, and possibly boost your college fund while you’re at it. Dust off your cleats, tighten your goggles, and get ready to dazzle us with your resilience.
Let's see how you turned a challenge into your personal championship. Grab this opportunity to shine—game on!
Step into the shoes of a trailblazer with the Harriet Tubman Campus Explorer Scholarship!
Ever ventured beyond your usual boundaries and found something amazing? We're seeking spirited adventurers like you, who've dared to step out of their comfort zones, channeling the courage of Harriet Tubman herself.
Whether it was diving into a new culture, tackling a daunting challenge, or standing up for what's right, tell us how that leap into the unknown has shaped your path and pumped up your ambitions. This is your chance to reflect on your journey of growth and share how it's preparing you to make your own mark on the world. If your story is one of bold moves and transformative experiences, we can’t wait to hear it.
Ready to explore the possibilities? Dive in—the adventure is just beginning!
Are you ready to chart a course to your dream career with the Benjamin Franklin Career Pathway Scholarship?
Imagine a future where your career isn't just a job, but a calling that leaves a lasting imprint on the world. What’s your vision? Perhaps you're the next tech guru who’ll bridge digital divides, a healthcare hero battling global pandemics, or an eco-warrior steering us towards sustainability.
Tell us about the path you plan to blaze, the milestones along the way, and how your professional dreams will enrich your community or even the globe. This is your invitation to inspire and be inspired, turning your aspirations into action with a little help from us. If you've got a plan that’s as electrifying as Ben Franklin’s kite, we're all ears.
Let’s hear how you intend to light up the world with your career!
Step up and speak out with the Abraham Lincoln Voice of Purpose Scholarship!
Inspired by Honest Abe’s wise words, we challenge you to envision your role in carving out a brighter tomorrow. How will you use your unique voice and bold leadership to foster change and shape a future that dazzles us all?
Whether you're aiming to revolutionize technology, spearhead social justice, or lead environmental conservation, we want to hear your audacious plans! This is your platform to demonstrate how you’ll lead like Lincoln, merging vision with action to make a substantial impact on the world. If you're ready to roll up your sleeves and show us how you plan to turn your dreams into reality, then your journey starts here.
Let’s see how you plan to create your future and perhaps change ours, too!
Are you ready to change the world with your bright ideas? Dive into the Galileo Visionary Scholarship where your imagination is the blueprint for tomorrow!
Imagine you’ve just invented a groundbreaking technology. Maybe it’s a gadget that ends hunger, an app that erases language barriers, or perhaps a fun new way to recycle anything into clothes! How would it work, and what would it do? Sketch out your vision, share how it transforms lives, and you might just fund your journey towards making it real. Whether you’re a budding inventor or a creative thinker, here’s your chance to dream big and make an impact.
Get those gears turning and let your ideas soar—your innovation could light up the world!
Step into the lab of innovation with the Marie Curie Breakthrough Award!
Are you driven by curiosity and fueled by the desire to unravel the mysteries of science? Here's a platform where your zeal for solving the knottiest scientific puzzles shines. Whether it's conquering climate change, revolutionizing robotics, or pioneering new pathways in medicine, we want to hear about the scientific conundrum you're itching to tackle.
Share with us the steps you'd embark on to carve your mark in the annals of science. This is your chance to ignite a spark of change and contribute to a brighter, smarter world. Grab your lab coat, adjust your goggles, and prepare to dazzle us with your vision for the next big scientific breakthrough.
Ready to channel your inner Curie? Let's see what explosive ideas you bring to the table!
Imagine a world where your wildest math and science dreams can come true.
Here's your chance to dive into the mysteries and marvels of breakthroughs that have reshaped our universe, from Newton's apple-inspired insights to today's quantum quirks. The Newton Laws of Motion Scholarship invites you to reflect on these monumental moments in science and math. How have they revolutionized our understanding? Better yet, how will you push the boundaries of what we know? So, if you're someone who gets starry-eyed over equations, or if tinkering with theories thrills you more than a triple-coffee shot, we're looking for you!
Unleash your inner Newton and tell us how you plan to leave your mark on the scientific world. Your journey might just start with this application.
Unleash your quill for The William Shakespeare Scholarship!
Ever dreamt of walking the hallowed halls of Verona, or pondered the tempests of the human heart? Here’s your stage to explore identity, love, or conflict through the dramatic lens of the Bard himself. Whether it’s a spirited short story, a profound poem, or a personal essay, weave your narrative with a touch of Elizabethan flair.
We’re seeking imaginative souls ready to delve deep into Shakespeare’s themes and bring forth creations as captivating as a star-crossed romance. If your pen is mightier than the sword, and your words dance as gracefully as Juliet, we invite you to apply. Who knows? Your creative voice might just be the thing that enchants the committee.
Step into the spotlight—your literary adventure awaits!
Dive into the depths of modern dilemmas with The Aristotle Humanities Scholarship!
Ever wondered how timeless wisdom could tackle today’s turbulence? We're calling on bright minds to merge philosophy and ethics, injecting fresh solutions into our societal quandaries. Whether it’s navigating digital privacy, balancing freedom with security, or redefining fairness in an AI-driven age, here’s your stage to shine!
Present your boldest ideas, rooted in human values and critical thinking. Let's get imaginative and perhaps even a little audacious. Grab this chance to not only voice your vision but potentially fund your academic journey through it. Ready to influence the future?
This scholarship is open to any applicant who is 14 years of age or older and is a legal resident of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia. Applicants must submit creative, original responses to the scholarship question, using the online application form.
Channel your inner Da Vinci with the Da Vinci Creator Scholarship!
Are you the kind of thinker who sketches out ideas on napkins, sees art in equations, or dreams up inventions before breakfast? We're looking for modern-day renaissance minds who merge creativity with innovation to craft solutions or spin tales.
Perhaps you’ve engineered a robot with personality, designed an eco-friendly fashion line, or animated a short film that touches hearts. If your projects dazzle like Da Vinci’s, blending the strokes of art with the gears of science, we want to spotlight your genius. This is your stage to flaunt how you turn imaginative sparks into spectacular realities. Ready to show us your masterpiece?
Paint your way into our panel's hearts and sculpt your path to success!
This award is open to all U.S. students who are 14 and older and who are currently enrolled (or enroll no later than fall of 2026) in an accredited postsecondary institution of higher education. One scholarship winner will receive a $1,500 scholarship.
This award is open to all U.S. students who are 14 and older and who are currently enrolled (or enroll no later than fall of 2026) in an accredited postsecondary institution of higher education. One scholarship winner will receive a $1,500 scholarship.
This award is open to all U.S. students who are 14 and older and who are currently enrolled (or enroll no later than fall of 2025) in an accredited postsecondary institution of higher education. One scholarship winner will receive a $1,500 scholarship.
Coca-Cola Scholars are well-rounded, passionate, service-oriented, and demonstrate a sustained commitment to bettering their communities. U.S. High school seniors are eligible to apply. Children or grandchildren of employees, officers or owners of Coca-Cola bottling companies or subsidiaries are ineligible.
The Make Me Laugh Scholarship, offered by UNIGO, is open to all U.S. students who are 14 and older and who are currently enrolled (or enroll no later than fall of 2025) in an accredited postsecondary institution of higher education. One scholarship winner will receive a $1,500 scholarship.
This creative and fun scholarship program is open to all U.S. students who are 14 and older and who are currently enrolled (or enroll no later than fall of 2026) in an accredited postsecondary institution of higher education. One scholarship winner with an imaginative and well-written response to the scholarship question about the Zombie Apocalypse will receive a $2,000 scholarship.
The Education Matters Scholarship is open to US students who are 14 years of age and older and who are currently enrolled (or enroll no later than fall of 2025) in an accredited postsecondary institution of higher education. One winner will receive a $5,000 scholarship.
EXPERT INSIGHT
Many students I mentor are the first in their family to go to college. These students and their families often lack awareness when it comes to paying for college. College and guidance counselors are a great resource if they are available. The reality is that counselors often have a large case load of students they support. This is where other resources become very important. Using a credible scholarship search site such as unigo.com is a must. These resources can be extremely informative and best of all they are free and always available. Families should also consider attending college fairs at their high school or in their community.
-John Hall (BA, MBA, EdD)
As a high school student in 2025, finding funding for college has probably crossed your mind. As you search for scholarships, grants, and other options, you’ve probably found an array of scholarship opportunities that pertain to academic achievements. While scholarships may just seem like monetary rewards, they are also about acknowledging your hard work and dedication and considering your financial situation.
With various organizations extending support for high school students, many scholarship opportunities out there cater to different talents and needs. Whether you excel in academics, sports, or the arts, there’s likely a scholarship out there that’s just right for you. Now, let’s dive into scholarships specifically for high school students!
Explore Available Scholarships for High Schoolers
Scholarships for high school students can be a great way to help with college costs. Many high school scholarship programs offer you different opportunities and benefits. They can match up with your interests, goals, and who you are. So, whether you’re a star athlete, a straight-A student, or someone who loves community service, there are scholarships out there waiting just for you!
Many scholarships offer significant financial assistance, helping to alleviate the financial burden of higher education. So, don’t underestimate the value of applying for scholarships, even if you think you may not qualify for need-based aid. These opportunities can open doors to experiences and resources that might otherwise be out of reach.
By actively seeking out and applying for scholarships, you’re taking proactive steps toward securing the support you need to pursue your academic goals. Don’t hesitate to explore the opportunities available to you and make the most of them. Your dedication and hard work deserve to be recognized, and scholarships can help turn your educational aspirations into reality.
Let’s take a look at some of the scholarships available to you, based on your grade:
Scholarships for High School Seniors
As you prepare for your college education as a high school senior, it’s important to understand the distinction between a few types of scholarships, such as merit-based versus need-based scholarships.
Merit-based scholarships, as the name suggests, are awarded based on your achievements and accomplishments. These achievements could include academic excellence, leadership qualities, extracurricular involvement, artistic talents, or athletic prowess. Essentially, merit-based scholarships recognize your hard work, dedication, and outstanding performance in various areas.
On the other hand, need-based scholarships are awarded based on your financial circumstances. These scholarships take into account factors such as your family’s income and financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or other financial aid applications. Need-based scholarships aim to ensure that every student has access to higher education, regardless of their financial background.
Scholarships for High School Juniors
You’re a high school junior – college applications are coming up and you want to better understand which scholarships to apply for and which to avoid. If you’re an athlete, athletic scholarships offer a unique opportunity for you to pursue higher education while showcasing your athletic talents.
These scholarships are awarded to those who excel in sports and demonstrate exceptional skills and potential in their chosen athletic endeavors. Whether it’s basketball, football, soccer, track and field, or any other sport, athletic scholarships provide financial support for tuition, fees, and other expenses associated with college.
These scholarships can give you the chance to compete at the collegiate level, hone your skills, and potentially even pursue a career in professional sports.
Scholarships for High School Sophomores
If you’re a high school sophomore, college is probably on your radar but might not be your biggest priority. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t start thinking about what kind of college you’d like to attend or what types of scholarships you’d like to apply for.
Consider your interests. Are you passionate about giving back to your community and making a difference in the world around you? By actively participating in local nonprofit organizations or working on service projects, you can demonstrate a commitment to improving the lives of others. If you’re actively involved in community service, you can apply for service-based scholarships.
These types of scholarships are tailor-made for students like you who embody the spirit of volunteerism and civic engagement. On top of giving back to society and benefiting from personal growth, you can also earn money for school!
Scholarships for High School Freshmen
As a high school freshman, college likely feels like a lifetime away. However, it never hurts to get a jump start on your educational goals. You may find that some scholarship opportunities are not available yet since many have a grade level requirement. However, many scholarships are, in fact, available to you! Don’t wait until later years to start thinking about your scholarship options. When you sign up for a Unigo account, you can specify that you’re a freshman, and we’ll match you with scholarship options for high school freshman!
10 High School Scholarships You Should Apply For in 2025
As a high school student, you have plenty of options when it comes to scholarships. You can find awards given by organizations, companies, and even the government to help pay for college. Don’t overlook ones like Navy Seal Foundation Scholarships if you are the child of a military service member.
Here are the 10 high school scholarships in 2025 that you should apply for:
1. Coca-Cola Scholars Program
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program offers scholarships to high-achieving students based on leadership, service, and academic excellence.
2. Burger King Scholars Program
The Burger King Scholars Program provides financial assistance to employees, employees’ spouses, and high school seniors based on academic achievement, work experience, and community involvement.
3. Gates Millennium Scholars Program
The Gates Millennium Scholars Program awards scholarships to minority students, covering tuition, fees, books, and living expenses throughout their undergraduate education.
4. Google Lime Scholarship
The Google Lime Scholarship supports students with disabilities pursuing degrees in computer science or related fields through financial aid and professional development opportunities.
5. National Merit Scholarship Program
The National Merit Scholarship Program recognizes high school students with exceptional PSAT/NMSQT scores, offering scholarships for college tuition and other expenses.
6. QuestBridge National College Match Program
The QuestBridge National College Match Program connects low-income high school seniors with full-ride scholarships to top colleges and universities in the United States.
7. Ron Brown Scholar Program
The Ron Brown Scholar Program provides scholarships, mentorship, and leadership training to academically talented African American high school seniors demonstrating financial need.
8. Tall Clubs International Scholarship Program
The Tall Clubs International Scholarship Program awards scholarships to students who meet specific height requirements and excel academically, financially aiding their pursuit of higher education.
9. UNCF Scholarships
UNCF Scholarships offer financial assistance to African American students attending UNCF-member colleges and universities, supporting their educational endeavors and career aspirations.
10. Executive Women International Scholarship Program
The Executive Women International Scholarship Program empowers women pursuing higher education by providing scholarships based on academic achievement, leadership potential, and community involvement.
When Should Students Start Applying For Scholarships?
Navigating the realm of scholarship applications can be daunting, especially with varying deadlines and eligibility criteria. However, the earlier you start, the better positioned you’ll be to maximize your opportunities. Ideally, high school students should begin exploring scholarship options as early as their freshman year.
During your freshman and sophomore years, focus on building a strong academic and extracurricular foundation. While some college scholarships for high school students may have eligibility requirements that are only applicable to upperclassmen, starting your research early allows you to familiarize yourself with the process, understand what types of scholarships are available, and identify those that align with your interests, achievements, and background.
Start honing your writing skills by practicing your essay writing. Many scholarship applications require essays, so by practicing now, even if the scholarship pool is smaller, you’ll get better at crafting compelling essays when you become eligible to apply in later years.
As you progress into your junior and senior years, ramp up your scholarship search and application efforts. By this time, you’ll have a better understanding of what scholarships you qualify for and what materials you need to submit. While you’re in your junior year of high school, start thinking about which colleges you want to apply to and what major you’d like to pursue.
Beginning your search early, staying organized, and diligently working on your applications will increase your chances of securing financial aid to support your educational goals. During your senior year, keep track of college and scholarship application deadlines and make a timeline to ensure you submit your applications well in advance. Don’t forget to leverage resources such as a school’s guidance counselor, scholarship databases, and online search engines to uncover additional opportunities.
The Best Ways to Get Scholarships For High School
Getting scholarships for high schoolers can be a time-consuming process. There are many different types of scholarships, and it can be challenging to know where to start your search. However, here are a few tips that you can follow to help you find the best scholarships for your needs.
Start early: The sooner you start looking for scholarships, the better your chances will be of finding one that suits your needs.
Talk to your guidance counselor: Your guidance counselor knows you as a person and may be able to help you find scholarships specifically related to your interests and goals.
Look online: There are many different scholarship databases available online. You can search for scholarships by keyword, type of scholarship, or even location.
Ask for help: If you’re having trouble finding scholarships, don’t be afraid to ask for help from your parents, teachers, or even friends. They may know of scholarships that you haven’t found yet.
Fill out and file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid: The FAFSA could help you qualify for federal and state aid based on financial need. Some grantors also use it to narrow the applicant pool to those who can’t afford higher education.
Start applying: Once you’ve found some scholarships to apply for, make sure you understand the eligibility requirements and deadlines. Then, put together a strong application that includes your best academic work, extracurricular activities, and personal statement.
Documents Needed To Apply For Scholarships
A scholarship provider is likely to ask for various documents along with a complete scholarship application. For easy scholarships, this could be as simple as your name and email. Many high school scholarship applications tend to ask for the following supporting documents:
Official high school transcripts that show your cumulative GPA and classes you’ve taken.
Standardized test scores if you need them. Many colleges are now test optional and don’t require the ACT or SAT.
Recommendation letters from a coach, teacher, boss, or someone other than family. These references help a scholarship committee get to know you more as a person.
A resume with a list of work experience, awards, honors, and extracurricular activities. This could be a place to discuss what clubs you belong to, sports teams you’re on, and community service you participate in.
An essay. Some applications ask for a personal essay where you express your goals, why you deserve to win, and what you’ll do with the funds.
Identification. Some providers may also want a color photo of you. You might also need to prove residency, US citizenship, and/or ethnicity.
College plans, such as what kind of bachelor’s degree program you plan to enroll in as a full-time undergraduate student.
What Mistakes Should High School Students Avoid When Applying For A Scholarship?
There are some common mistakes many high school students make when they apply for scholarships. Here is a list of mistakes you should avoid when you’re applying for college scholarships for high school students:
Applying for too many scholarships: Applying for too many scholarships can actually hurt your chances of winning any of them. Stick to a few that you are really interested in and that you have a good chance of winning.
Not meeting eligibility requirements: Make sure you understand the eligibility requirements for each scholarship you apply for. If you don’t meet the requirements, your application will likely be rejected.
Waiting until the last minute: Start working on your scholarship applications early so that you can take your time and do a good job. Applications that are rushed tend to be of lower quality and are less likely to be successful.
Not proofreading: Always proofread your essays and other materials before submitting them. Typos and other errors can make you look careless and can hurt your chances of winning a scholarship.
Applying for scholarships you don’t qualify for: Don’t waste your time applying for scholarships that you don’t qualify for. Stick to scholarships that are a good fit for you and your situation.
How To Increase Your Chances Of Getting Scholarships
To increase your chances of landing a scholarship, you can do a few things in and out of the high school classroom. Here are some tips:
Start early. The sooner you start looking for scholarships, the better. Many scholarships have early deadlines, so it’s important to get a head start.
Pay attention to your grades. Many colleges use your high school GPA when giving out academic merit scholarships. Maintain good grades throughout all of your classes. You could also show initiative and take Advanced Placement courses.
Get organized. Create a system for keeping track of the scholarships you’re applying for. This will help you stay on top of deadlines and ensure that you don’t miss any important steps in the process.
Help out to stand out. Some scholarships go to students who volunteer or do community service work. These efforts show leadership and that you care about your environment – all great qualities to have when applying for scholarships.
Build professional relationships. At some point, you may need a recommendation letter and it typically must come from a school counselor, teacher, or employer who has known you for a period of time.
Look for jobs that relate to what you’ll be majoring in. It could be as simple as starting an online business which shows an entrepreneurial spirit. You could also be a tutor, cashier, or lifeguard. These part-time jobs may help you save for college and build up your resume at the same time.
Fill in the financial gaps with state and federal grants. Let’s say the worst-case scenario is that you don’t get big scholarship bucks. Many American students file the FAFSA (and state paperwork) to access government aid. As of January 2024, over 3.1 million high school students filled out the FAFSA for the 2024/25 school year, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
List of Best Scholarships for High School Students in 2025
Check out our list of 611,809 Best Scholarships for High School Students in 2025 worth $2B.
Now that you’re in high school, hundreds of scholarships have instantly become open to you! But, you have to apply in order to win. Get an early start with these scholarships for high school freshmen, and help build your college savings fund before you graduate.
You’ve finally made it to your senior year and are ready to rule the school! Just make sure your savings for school ready to take on college, too. Scholarships for high school seniors can help! Check out this list of scholarships for 12th graders and apply online.
Don’t let the sophomore slump set in. Continue your search for free college dollars with this list of scholarships for high school sophomores. There could be hundreds, even thousands, of scholarship dollars that you may be qualified for. Browse our directory here, and apply online today.
Written by McKenna Deen
✔️
Edited by Dave Moniz
