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.
$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 30
Deadline
This award is for U.S. high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. Students must submit a short response and be selected as a semi-finalist to compete for the available scholarships.
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$2,750
Award Amount
831
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available to U.S. students who have been accepted for enrollment in an accredited postsecondary educational program. Students must be the spouse or dependent of a military member who has been killed or disabled, is classified as a POW or MIA, or received a Purple Heart.
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$20,000
Award Amount
4
Awards
Feb 5
Deadline
This competition for original musical compositions is open to citizens of countries in the Western Hemisphere that are 27 years of age or under as of the application deadline. Entrants must be studying music either in an educational institution or with a private teacher.
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$1,500
Award Amount
2
Awards
Feb 5
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. students who submit a two to four minute video on current issues in American transportation.
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$2,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Oct 25
Deadline
This scholarship is available for high school women in Oregon and southwest Washington who have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and an interest in pursuing a career in transportation. Applicants must be between the ages of 13 and 18.
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$738
Award Amount
141
Awards
Oct 11
Deadline
This awards program is open to international and U.S. high school students who reside in the following California counties: Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, Santa Barbara, or San Diego. Students must audition in one of the following categories: acting, ballet, non-classical dance, classical voice, non-classical voice, jazz instrumental, classical instrumental.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Jul 1
Deadline
This essay scholarship is open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$4,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Dec 31
Deadline
This scholarship contest is available for U.S. high school students, aged 13 and over, with GPA of at least 2.5. Applicants must be prepared to submit a service story in writing or video.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is open to high school students and college freshmen and sophomores who reside in the United States. Students must have an interest in teaching, art, or owning their own business.
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$1,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Dec 31
Deadline
This scholarship contest is available for U.S. students who submit a statement through Twitter.
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$42,000
Award Amount
28
Awards
Jun 13
Deadline
This scholarship contest is available for middle school and high school students in the U.S. Applicants must submit an original work of art, poetry, prose, or film that discusses a specific aspect of ocean pollution.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jul 31
Deadline
All of us here at Apex Hosting believe that education is a fundamental part of living a full and joyful life. In the past, we have partnered with educational institutions and libraries as part of our commitment to education in the classroom and the power of Minecraft through our minecraft server hosting service. This typically has been in the form of sponsored get togethers, class projects, and similar programs and colleges, high schools, middle schools and libraries.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Sep 15
Deadline
The ExpressVPN Future of Privacy Scholarship is available for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students who reside in the U.S.
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$12,000
Award Amount
8
Awards
Dec 1
Deadline
The Herrman & Herrman Innovation Scholarship is available for high school juniors, seniors, and undergraduate students who submit an original essay on the topic of social media and distracted driving.
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$1,000
Award Amount
10
Awards
Nov 22
Deadline
The Young Innovators to Watch contest is open to U.S. students between the ages of 13 - 19 who submit a project or innovation that shows technical or scientific creativity. Applicants may work individually or in small teams.
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$540,000
Award Amount
15
Awards
Jan 5
Deadline
The Tikkin Olam Award is available for U.S. Jewish students who are between the ages of 13 and 19. To be eligible, students must demonstrate leadership through the completion of unpaid community service project(s).
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Nov 16
Deadline
The Dr. Ghozland Scholarship is available for U.S. students who are majoring in biology, chemistry, anatomy, or another degree related to medicine and physiology.
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$1,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Oct 31
Deadline
The Harley and Geneva Anderson Memorial Scholarship Fund, K-12 is available for Kansas City area students who are planning to study in a Scandinavian Country, as well as students from Scandinavian Countries who are planning to study in the Greater Kansas City metro area.
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$6,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 31
Deadline
This scholarship is open to 13-17 year olds and we're looking for students who are driven, ambitious, and want to make a big impact on the world. No pre-requisites or grades necessary.
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$12,000
Award Amount
12
Awards
May 8
Deadline
Americans United for Separation of Church and State is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit educational and advocacy organization that brings together people of all religions and none to protect the right of everyone to believe as they want — and stop anyone from using their beliefs to harm others. We fight in the courts, legislatures, and the public square for freedom without favor and equality without exception.
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$1,500
Award Amount
2
Awards
Aug 31
Deadline
The Pedestrian Education Video Scholarship Competition is available for high school juniors and seniors, as well as college freshmen and sophomores, who reside on Long Island, New York. To apply, students must create and submit an original video on the topic of pedestrian safety.
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$500,000
Award Amount
100
Awards
Mar 31
Deadline
State farm recognizes the academically talented children and or legal dependents of their employees. This scholarship is to help fund their educational expenses. Students attending junior colleges are also eligible as long as the student is pursuing a baccalaureate degree and is enrolled as a full-time undergraduate. Applicants should be high school juniors (11th grade/third year) who will be completing or leaving high school and entering college in the fall of 2022.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Aug 15
Deadline
Drummond Law Firm offers a $1,000 scholarship. Eligible applicants must be high-school students currently in a JROTC or Boy Scout Explorer program that has been accepted to and will be attending a post-high school institution in the United States. Click here to learn more and apply today!
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Aug 31
Deadline
Applicants must be enrolled in either high school or college in the United States, maintain a GPA with at least a B average. The submission deadline August 31, 2020.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Aug 31
Deadline
The Greg Baumgartner Annual Scholarship is available for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students in the U.S. who have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and unmet financial need. Click here to learn more and apply today!
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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 2024
Here are ten scholarship opportunities specifically tailored for high school juniors in 2024. 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