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 2024 List

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:  $2000

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:  $1000

Awards:  1

Deadline

Deadline:  April 30

“Cirkled In – No Sweat” No Essay Scholarship

Cirkled In Scholarship is available for 8th grade, homeschooled and high school students. Applicants must be 13 and older to apply. Click here to learn more and apply today!
Award Amount

Total:  $2500

Awards:  1

Deadline

Deadline:  September 30

American Legion Oratorical Contest

American Legion is the nation’s largest Veterans agency. Central to its mission is to mentor youth, sponsor wholesome programs, advocate patriotism and promote national security. The American Legion Oratorical Contest is an academic speaking challenge. It teaches Many things. Like key leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship. Over $188,000 in scholarships can be awarded each year. The overall national contest winner gets a $20,000 scholarship. Second place takes home $17,000, and third gets $15,000. Each department (state) winner who is certified into and participates in the national contest’s first round receives a $2,000 scholarship. Those who advance past the first round receive an additional $2,000 scholarship. The American Legion’s National Organization awards the scholarships, which can be used at any college or university in the United States.
Award Amount

Total:  $752000

Awards:  4

Deadline

Deadline:  September 30

Foreign Service High School Essay Contest

Students whose parents are not in the Foreign Service are eligible to participate if they are in grades nine through twelve in any of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territories, or if they are U.S. citizens/lawful permanent residents attending high school overseas. Students may be attending a public, private, or parochial school. Entries from home-schooled students are also accepted.
Award Amount

Total:  $5000

Awards:  1

Deadline

Deadline:  April 06

Jane Austen Society of North America Essay Contest

This essay contest is open to all high school, undergraduate and graduate students.
Award Amount

Total:  $5250

Awards:  3

Deadline

Deadline:  June 01

Voice of Democracy Scholarship Program

U.S. high school students in grades nine through twelve who are 19 years of age or younger are eligible for this scholarship. To apply, the applicant must write an essay on the theme listed on the Veterans of Foreign Wars website and record the reading of that essay; submit both essay and CD/flash drive to be considered for this scholarship.
Award Amount

Total:  $30000

Awards:  1

Deadline

Deadline:  October 31

Army ROTC Four-Year Scholarship

U.S. students who are between the ages of 17 and 26 and have a high school diploma and a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher are eligible for this award. Applicants must have SAT/ACT scores of 1000/19 or higher.
Award Amount

Total:  $16875000000

Awards:  1500

Deadline

Deadline:  February 04

Stephen J. Brady Stop Hunger Scholarships

U.S. students who are enrolled in an accredited educational institution (kindergarten through graduate school) in the United States are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Students must have demonstrated commitment to their community by performing volunteer services impacting hunger within the last 12 months.
Award Amount

Total:  $125000

Awards:  5

Deadline

Deadline:  February 04

Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship

Calling all high school, college, and graduate students, let us help you get the money you need for college. The Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship is a merit-based program that helps students fulfill their dreams of higher education. The scholarship is named for Gen and Kelly Tanabe, best-selling authors on education, whose generous donations fund this program.
Award Amount

Total:  $1000

Awards:  1

Deadline

Deadline:  July 31