Are you in your junior year? Now is the perfect time to start thinking about your life beyond high school. College might seem like a distant dream, but it’s closer than you think! Embarking on the journey from high school to college is an exciting time filled with possibilities, and junior year is a good time to start planning the next chapter of your academic career. Amidst the whirlwind of SATs, extracurricular activities, and college visits, one essential aspect often overlooked is securing scholarships.
Check out our list of 24,562 College Scholarships for High School Juniors worth $128M.
$2,400
Award Amount
400
Awards
Oct 16
Deadline
This award is for U.S. students 15 to 18 years old, or those in grades 10 through 12, who have a talent for the arts.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 6
Deadline
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.
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$11,403
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 7
Deadline
This award is available to Massachusetts high school sophomores or juniors who demonstrate difficult personal circumstances and high financial need. Students must enroll full time at a Massachusetts college or university and have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
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$1,750
Award Amount
3
Awards
Jun 1
Deadline
This essay contest is open to all high school, undergraduate and graduate students.
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$333
Award Amount
12
Awards
Jan 31
Deadline
High school students who are 13 to 18 years of age and have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher are eligible for this award. Students must live or work in the California counties of Santa Clara, San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco or in Pima County in Arizona, or be members of the Meriwest Credit Union.
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$32,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 15
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. high school seniors who plan to attend the University of Maine at Orono. Students must be National Merit Scholarship semi-finalists or finalists.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Massachusetts high school seniors. Applicants must submit a portfolio with three original pieces of art.
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$583
Award Amount
9
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. students in grades 4-12 who are 19 years of age or younger. Students must be a resident of Clay County, Florida and be a student in a Clay County School (grades K-12, public or private).
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$1,000
Award Amount
4
Awards
Apr 15
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. students in grades six through twelve who are residents of Clay County, Florida and attend a Clay County school. Students must be 19 years of age or younger and demonstrate an interest in music.
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$6,400
Award Amount
181
Awards
May 20
Deadline
This award is for North Dakota high school students who are planning to attend a postsecondary institution in North Dakota. The student must score in the upper fifth percentile of all North Dakota ACT test takers prior to July 1 of the junior year.
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$15,450
Award Amount
10
Awards
May 31
Deadline
This writing contest is available to U.S. high school juniors and seniors who consider themselves to be free-thinkers/non-religious.
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$30,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Oct 31
Deadline
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.
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$5,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Mar 31
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. high school juniors who are the sons or daughters of an active member of the Utility Workers Union of America. Students must plan to enroll in college full time.
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$350
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 30
Deadline
This award program is offered to African-American students in grades nine through eleven who attend schools in one of the following school districts in Tacoma/Pierce County, Washington: Bethel, Clover Park, Franklin Pierce, Puyallup, Steilacoom, Tacoma, or University Place. Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
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$300
Award Amount
17
Awards
Apr 30
Deadline
This award is available for high school students in Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties who are under the age of 19. Students must submit an original essay accompanied by photographs, create a Blog/Facebook page, or create an original video that examines either the mistreatment of one animal species or one cause of animal suffering, occurring anywhere in the world, and possible measures to reduce it.
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$6,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is available to Mississippi high school seniors who plan to enroll full time at a Mississippi public community college or university. Students must have high school grade point average of 2.5 or higher, and scored a 20 or higher on the ACT or a 940 or higher on the SAT.
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$2,216
Award Amount
3
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This award is available for male U.S. high school seniors or adults entering their freshman year of college as first-time students. Students must be residents of Waterbury, Connecticut for five years or more and have a grade point average of B- or higher.
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$1,000
Award Amount
10
Awards
Dec 31
Deadline
This contest is open to band students in grades four through twelve who submit an essay of up to 250 words on the current year's band-related topic.
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$12,000
Award Amount
8
Awards
May 1
Deadline
U.S. high school juniors and seniors and college freshmen who are either residents of Connecticut or New York City or enrolled or planning to enroll in a Connecticut or New York City institution are eligible for this award. Students must have come up with creative solutions to problems faced by their schools, communities, or families, or who have solved artistic, scientific or technical problems in distinctive ways.
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$750
Award Amount
3
Awards
Dec 27
Deadline
This essay contest is open to all high school students in the United States and United States Territories. Students must submit a 1,000-word essay on the current year's topic.
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 1
Deadline
Massachusetts residents enrolled full-time in a state college or university are eligible for this award. Students must be entering their junior year, have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, demonstrate financial need, and intend to pursue a career as a certified public accountant.
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$8,165
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 24
Deadline
This scholarship is for high school juniors who have achieved excellent academic results and are from a low-income family.
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$11,250,000
Award Amount
1,500
Awards
Feb 4
Deadline
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.
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$850
Award Amount
3
Awards
Dec 31
Deadline
International and U.S. students at any level of undergraduate study are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Students must be 13 to 21 years of age and complete an environmental project.
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$5,800
Award Amount
15
Awards
Jan 20
Deadline
High school students in grades 10 - 12 who are enrolled in a Michigan high school are eligible to enter this scholarship poster contest. Students must create and submit a poster with an automotive theme.
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While you may think that many scholarships are geared toward seniors, there are numerous opportunities specifically tailored to high school juniors. These scholarships not only offer financial support but also recognize academic achievements, leadership potential, and community involvement. Scholarships aren’t just about money (though that’s a big part of it); they’re about taking control of your future and showing colleges what you’re made of.
By applying for scholarships now, you’re not only paving the way for your college education but also gaining valuable experience in the application process. So, let’s dive in together and explore the world of scholarships for high school juniors!
Can High School Juniors Apply for Scholarships?
High school juniors can definitely apply for scholarships, and it’s never too early to start exploring opportunities available to you! While scholarships for high school juniors may not be as widely advertised as those for seniors, there are still plenty of options out there.
Many colleges and universities offer scholarships specifically for juniors, aiming to attract top talent early on in the college application process. These scholarships often have varying criteria, including academic achievement, leadership qualities, extracurricular involvement, and community service. By starting your scholarship search early, you give yourself a competitive edge and increase your chances of securing financial aid for college.
Additionally, there are external scholarship programs and organizations that welcome applications from high school juniors. These programs may focus on specific areas of interest, such as STEM fields, the arts, or community engagement. By exploring these opportunities, you can not only potentially fund your college education but also gain valuable experience in the scholarship application process – setting yourself up for success in your senior year and beyond.
What Scholarships Are Available for Juniors?
Exploring scholarship opportunities as a junior can be a strategic step toward securing funding for your future college education. Despite not accessing the funds immediately, many organizations offer scholarships specifically for juniors, providing financial support for their upcoming college years. These scholarships can originate from various sources, including your school, local community organizations, professional associations, and even major corporations aligned with your chosen field of study.
With such diverse avenues available, high school juniors have the opportunity to identify and apply for multiple scholarships that align with their academic and personal achievements, helping to alleviate the financial burden of college tuition.
10 Scholarship Opportunities For High School Juniors 2025
Here are ten scholarship opportunities specifically tailored for high school juniors in 2025. Keep in mind that eligibility for these scholarships typically hinges on whether you successfully enroll in a college program:
- The Flavor of the Month Scholarship offers a one-time award of $1,500 and is available to high school students 14 and older.
- For those interested in gaming, the $2,000 Minecraft Scholarship requires applicants to submit a 500-word essay on how Minecraft can contribute to education and career development.
- Another option is the Niche No Essay Monthly Scholarship, which awards $2,000 to 12 recipients every month and is open to high school, college students, or adult learners.
- The Nitro College Student Scholarship provides $2,000 to legal US resident high school students and college freshmen who are at least 17 years old.
- The Cappex Big Money Scholarship offers $3,000 to four high school students annually, as long as they are US citizens attending US schools.
- For those interested in budgeting, the Coupon Chief Scholarship Program awards $1,000 to high school and college students who create a video on saving funds and spending less.
- ExpressVPN’s Future of Privacy Scholarship presents a one-time award of $5,000 and is open to high school or college students, including international applicants.
- The Don’t Text and Drive Scholarship offers $1,000 to high school, college, or grad school students for submitting a short response on texting and driving.
- The Voice of Democracy Scholarship stands out with a $30,000 award for a high school student in 9th to 12th grade, requiring applicants to complete an essay and entry form.
- The Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship provides a one-time award of $2,000 to students 14 and older, requiring them to submit an essay on a question related to a zombie apocalypse.
Essay Scholarships for Juniors
Essay scholarships are opportunities for students to showcase their writing skills while competing for financial aid. These scholarships typically require applicants to submit a well-written essay on a specific topic or prompt. Writing an essay allows you to express your thoughts, creativity, and unique perspectives – making it a popular format for scholarship competitions.
As a high school junior looking for essay scholarships, you have several options available to showcase your writing abilities and potentially earn financial assistance for college. One example is the Fountainhead Essay Contest, which invites students to explore Ayn Rand’s novel The Fountainhead and respond to prompts related to its themes.
Another option is the Profile in Courage Essay Contest, which challenges students to research and write about political courage as demonstrated by a US elected official. Additionally, the Optimist International Essay Contest offers juniors the opportunity to reflect on a designated topic and share their views on the importance of optimism in today’s world.
How Do You Find Scholarships?
As a high school junior gearing up for senior year and college, searching for scholarships can be fun! Scholarships not only help pave the way for your educational pursuits but can also recognize your hard work and dedication from what you’ve accomplished so far in high school as a freshman and sophomore. Here are some tips for finding high school junior scholarships:
- Check with Guidance Counselors: Meet with your school’s guidance counselor or college advisor for assistance in finding scholarships. They often have valuable resources, information on local scholarships, and guidance on the application process.
- Research Local Organizations: Investigate scholarship opportunities offered by local businesses, community organizations, religious institutions, and civic groups in your area. These scholarships may have less competition and may be tailored to students from specific schools or communities.
- Attend College Fairs and Events: Attend college fairs, financial aid workshops, and scholarship seminars to learn about available opportunities and connect with representatives from colleges and scholarship organizations. These events can provide valuable insights and networking opportunities.
- Tailor Your Search: Focus your scholarship search on opportunities that align with your interests, achievements, and background. Look for scholarships related to your academic strengths, extracurricular activities, community service involvement, and career goals to increase your chances of success.
- Explore Specialty Scholarships: Investigate scholarships specifically designed for students with unique talents, interests, or backgrounds. These could include scholarships for athletes, artists, musicians, STEM enthusiasts, LGBTQ+ students, first-generation college students, and more. Don’t overlook niche scholarships that may cater to your individual strengths and experiences!
- Network and Ask for Recommendations: Reach out to teachers, mentors, family members, and friends for recommendations on scholarship opportunities. They may be aware of scholarships not widely advertised or have connections with organizations offering financial aid. Networking can help uncover hidden gems and increase your chances of finding suitable scholarships.
Other Ways Juniors Can Find Scholarships
On top of what we listed above, you may be able to find scholarships for 11th graders through professional organizations, hobby organizations, clubs you belong to, and colleges and universities. Begin by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The FAFSA is an online form available at no cost, designed for students and their families to apply for federal student aid before each academic year. By gathering information about a family’s income, assets, and other relevant factors, the FAFSA assesses their financial need. Colleges use this data to determine the amount and types of financial aid you are eligible to receive. This aid encompasses federal grants, work-study opportunities, and loans.
Also make sure to explore scholarship databases, websites, and search engines dedicated to connecting students with financial aid opportunities. Websites like Unigo can help you discover scholarships tailored to your interests and qualifications. You just input the specific information you are looking for and can see a list of available scholarships that meet your specific needs. There is no limit to the number of scholarships you can apply for!
Tips for Applying to Scholarships in 11th Grade
As you embark on your journey through junior year, now’s the perfect time to start exploring scholarship opportunities to ease the financial burden of higher education. Here are some invaluable tips to help you navigate the scholarship application process and maximize your chances of success:
Tip #1: Start Early
Begin researching scholarships early in your junior year to identify opportunities that align with your interests, achievements, and future goals. This will give you ample time to gather required documents, complete applications, and meet deadlines without feeling rushed.
Tip #2: Create a Scholarship Calendar
Keep track of application deadlines and requirements using a dedicated scholarship calendar or spreadsheet. Organizing this information will help you stay on top of submissions and ensure you don’t miss out on valuable opportunities.
Tip #3: Tailor Your Applications
Customize your scholarship applications to highlight your unique strengths, experiences, and aspirations. Tailoring your essays and personal statements to each scholarship’s specific requirements demonstrates your genuine interest and increases your chances of standing out to selection committees.
Tip #4: Secure Strong Recommendations
Request letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, employers, or mentors who can speak to your academic achievements, character, and potential. Choose individuals who know you well and can provide insightful and compelling endorsements to support your application.
Tip #5: Proofread and Revise:
Take the time to carefully proofread and revise your scholarship applications before submitting them. Ensure that your essays are well-written, free of errors, and effectively communicate your message. Consider seeking feedback from trusted advisors to refine your application materials and make them as strong as possible.
What to Expect as a High School Senior
As you transition into your senior year of high school, you’re embarking on a significant phase of your academic journey. This year is marked by crucial decisions, including finalizing college applications, exploring financial aid options, and preparing for the transition to higher education. It’s essential to approach your senior year with a sense of purpose and determination, recognizing the opportunities it presents for personal and academic growth.
One of the primary focuses of your senior year will be completing and submitting college applications. Take the time to research potential colleges and universities, considering factors such as academic programs, campus culture, and location. As you compile your list of schools, be mindful of application deadlines and requirements, aiming to submit your applications well in advance to alleviate any last-minute stress.
In addition to college applications, senior year also involves navigating the financial aspects of higher education. Explore financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and student loans, and complete the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for federal and state financial assistance. Keep track of scholarship deadlines and requirements, actively seeking out opportunities that align with your achievements and aspirations.
Senior year comes with its own set of responsibilities and commitments, including maintaining academic excellence and participating in extracurricular activities. Balancing your academic workload with extracurricular pursuits demonstrates your dedication to personal and academic growth and enhances your college applications. Embrace this time of self-discovery and growth, leaning on your support network of family, friends, teachers, and counselors for guidance and encouragement!
While your senior year may bring its share of challenges and uncertainties, it’s also a time to celebrate your accomplishments and cherish the moments leading up to graduation. Make the most of your final year of high school by creating lasting memories, participating in meaningful experiences, and embracing the journey ahead. Remember that the transition to college is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter in your life, filled with endless possibilities and opportunities for success!
Our Scholarships
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$1,500 – I Have a Dream
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$10,000 – Unigo $10K Award
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$1,500 – Sweet and Simple
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$2,500 – Superpower
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$3,000 – All About Education
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$1,500 – Fifth Month Scholarship
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$1,500 – Do-Over
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$1,500 – Flavor of the Month
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$1,500 – Make Me Laugh
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$1,500 – Shout It Out
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$2,000 – Zombie Apocalypse
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$5,000 – Education Matters
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$1,500 – Top Ten List
Written by McKenna Deen
✔️
Edited by Dave Moniz