Scholarships For High School Freshmen

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You may be just starting your high school career. Yet, now is a great time to start thinking about available scholarships for a high school freshman. Doing so could put you ahead of other students who are also looking for access to scholarships for 9th graders.

Can High School Freshman Apply for Scholarships? 

Not all college scholarships are available to a high school freshman, but some programs open up at this time. Scholarships for 9th graders may be available to students through some programs and offers. Some organizations begin to offer scholarships to these young students to help guide them in taking courses that may benefit them specifically later in college. Other times, the scholarship programs are available to students at any age in high school. So, can high school freshmen apply for scholarships? The answer is often yes. 

Why Should High School Freshman Scholarships Be a Priority?

Once a student decides they may wish to pursue college, they may wish to start considering scholarships. Applying to them early may allow students to get in some practice. It also allows them more time to apply for scholarships, which may take a great amount of time and research. For students that want to take advantage of any opportunities available to them, there’s no reason to put off getting a look at available options.

10 Scholarships for High School Freshman 2024 

Take a look at these 10 scholarships for high school freshman. You may be able to apply to them now to use them for college later.  

Cappex Easy College Money Scholarship

This is a $1,000 one time scholarship. To be eligible, students need to be in high school, a US citizen or permanent resident, and a US student.

Cirkled In “No Sweat” Scholarship

This is a $2,500 non renewable scholarship. Students in grades 8 thru 12 are eligible for the scholarship and need to provide a full portfolio as part of the application.

Voice of Democracy Scholarship

This is a one time $30,000 scholarship for students in grades 9 thru 12 and under 19 years old. Students need to submit a written essay and record themselves reading it as well.

One Earth Award

This is a $1,000 one time scholarship available to 4 different students. The students need to be in grades 7 thru 12 and need to be a citizen of the US or Canada.

Humanity Rising Scholarship

This scholarship varies in value from $500 to $2,000. Students need to be at least 13 and have a 2.5 GPA to be eligible, as well as finish an application and service project.

Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship

This scholarship has a value of $1,000 as a one time award. Applicants need to be in high school, undergrad, or grad school and provide a short response and application.

Humanity Rising Scholarship

This scholarship has a $2,000 award for a high school student age 13 and over. To be eligible, the student needs to submit a service project either in writing or video.

BulkOfficeSupply.com Scholarship

This scholarship is for $1,000 for one time and is available to all high school students as well as college freshmen and sophomores. The student needs to be interested in teaching, art or owning their own business.

Young Innovators to Watch

This scholarship is for $1,000 for one student and is non renewable. Students need to be between 13 and 19 years old and submit a project or an innovation that revolves around technical or scientific creativity.

MIT Think Scholars Program

Three students will each receive $500 for a scholarship for one year as long as they are in grades 9 thru 12. Students need to submit a proposal for a new idea that involves engineering, science, or technology.

When Should You Apply for High School Freshman Scholarships?

Students may wish to begin applying for scholarships for high school freshman as soon as they are eligible for them. Many scholarship providers outline the specific requirements based on grade level, age, or other factors. It may be a great idea for students to start looking at their options throughout their freshman year.  

Tips for Applying for Scholarships for 9th Graders 

Scholarships for high school freshman may be intense. It helps to have a few tips to help you to navigate this process with success. 

  • Read through all of the content provided by the scholarship provider. Following the rules are a big factor when it comes to submitting these scholarships. A simple mistake could cost you. 
  • Don’t apply early if you do not meet the age or grade level requirements. Seek out specific scholarships for a high school freshman and not just any scholarship out there.  
  • Always have someone else proofread your essays and the application. That second set of eyes may help you catch simple mistakes that could cost you the scholarship.

Don’t overlook the benefit of applying for high school freshman scholarships. Even though college seems far away now, you may want all the chances available to secure this opportunity.

List of 2024 Scholarships for High School Freshmen

There are awards worth below. Apply now to our list of scholarships.

Scholarships For High School Freshmen 2025 List

Pivotal Essay Contest

We live at a pivotal moment in history. Urgent challenges and rapidly developing technologies confront society — the choices we make now will shape humanity’s long-term future. It is in this context that Pivotal, in partnership with the Global Priorities Institute at Oxford University, is proud to announce a global essay contest focused on the world’s most pressing problems. With $25,000 in prizes, a panel of world-class judges, and no entry fee, this contest provides an unparalleled opportunity for young minds to engage with critical global issues. To aid in their exploration, participants may also request a free copy of William MacAskill’s “What We Owe The Future,” a seminal work that dives into our responsibilities to future generations. Any queries can be directed to [email protected].
Award Amount

Total:  $75,000

Awards:  3

Deadline

Deadline:  October 10

Dissident Project National Essay Contest

Have you ever stood tall in the face of injustice? When did you realize the value of your American freedoms? What caused this realization? What does it mean to be free? On our trips to schools around the country, we’ve heard from hundreds of incredible young people. You’re a dissident, too — and it’s time to tell the world your story. In our first national essay contest, the Dissident Project wants to award the bravery and resilience of three high schoolers whose essays touch our hearts. The final five contenders will be judged by a panel of esteemed guests who do important work in the journalism and human rights space. Scroll down to pick your prompt, meet our guest judges, read the rules, and check out the prizes.
Award Amount

Total:  $18,000

Awards:  3

Deadline

Deadline:  December 31

Buildgirls ACE scholarship

In 2022, buildgirls.org was founded in Bethesda, Maryland to empower, educate and engage females in high school about FACE (Females in Architecture, Construction & Engineering) . Recognizing the lack of female representation in the industry drove us to become passionate to cause change in this large and growing industry. Since early 2022, we have been developing new approaches to tackle both the attitudes surrounding women in ACE and also the limited exposure available for women, especially in high school. We support several initiatives, including facilitating discovery experiences, informative discussions, guest speakers, hosting events, creating inspiring competitions, partnering with universities and partnering with companies to join FACE by creating experiences specifically for talented young women. The gender disparity in infrastructure has been widely recognized, but few initiatives have been established at a younger age when girls decide what they want to pursue. We aim to empower and engage girls through offering a variety of opportunities at the high school level. We hope that through this program, not only will there be an increased awareness of women’s potential, but also that girls will be able to recognize their own.
Award Amount

Total:  $27,000

Awards:  3

Deadline

Deadline:  January 15

Niche $25,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

“Help cover the cost of college without writing a single essay! Niche is giving one student $25,000 to help pay for tuition, housing, books and other college expenses — no essay required!”
Award Amount

Total:  $25,000

Awards:  1

Deadline

Deadline:  June 15

Sallie Mae Scholarship Sweepstakes

Sallie Mae cares about providing you the resources needed to successfully navigate financing college. That’s why we’re offering you the opportunity to earn a $2,000 scholarship. We know that college is a big step forward in achieving your goals and we want to help you get there using all the tools Sallie Mae has to offer.
Award Amount

Total:  $2,000

Awards:  1

Deadline

Deadline:  April 30

Appily Easy Money Scholarship

At Appily, we’re not just a college search platform; we’re your steadfast ally and a beacon of light in the sometimes bewildering world of college. The path to higher education can be a maze of uncertainties and questions, where each turn leads to more confusion. That’s why we’re here, standing strong as your guiding star, ready to illuminate your way to success. We’ve built Appily with one purpose in mind: to empower students like you to conquer the world through the power of education. The world is vast and full of opportunities, and your education should be the springboard that propels you toward your dreams.
Award Amount

Total:  $1,000

Awards:  1

Deadline

Deadline:  April 30

Christian Connector $2,000 Catholic College Scholarship Drawing

The Christian Connector offers a “one-stop-shop” for receiving free information from Christian colleges and Bible colleges. There are over 80 Christian colleges that students can conveniently choose from – all in one place! Completing the free information request form is like attending a huge Christian college fair without ever leaving home.
Award Amount

Total:  $2,000

Awards:  1

Deadline

Deadline:  May 31

Nitro College Student Scholarship

The Nitro College Scholarship is available for U.S. high school students and college freshmen. This scholarship is offered every month. This $2,000 award is only open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, age 17 or older at the time of entry. Click here to learn more and apply today!
Award Amount

Total:  $2,000

Awards:  1

Deadline

Deadline:  December 31

MHG Compassion Scholarships

MHG Charitable Foundation is non-profit and 501(c)3 organization. Our foundation is dedicated to empowering individuals and fostering opportunities for a brighter future. By initiating our efforts with Scholarships & Grants for Southern California students in Grades 8 through 12, we aim to advance education and personal development. As we evolve, we are committed to addressing broader societal challenges, including, but not limited to, supporting people without stable housing, enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities, and advocating for mental health. Guided by compassion and collaboration, we strive to uplift lives and cultivate a more inclusive and caring communit
Award Amount

Total:  $5,000,000

Awards:  100

Deadline

Deadline:  May 15, 2025

AOPA Student Pilot Scholarship

The AOPA Student Pilot Scholarship is open to U.S. students who are pursuing a private, recreational, or sport pilot certificate and already have a student pilot certificate. Students must be members of Women in Aviation, International (WAI); both men and women are eligible to join WAI. Click here to learn more and to apply today!
Award Amount

Total:  $3,000

Awards:  1

Deadline

Deadline:  February 10