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.
$5,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Apr 15
Deadline
TechWaste Recycling is a progressive electronics recycling company focused on providing businesses with responsible electronics recycling and IT asset disposition solutions helping to meet short and long-term corporate and environmental goals.
TechWaste Recycling was founded in 2002. With over a decade of experience, the company has developed itself as a progressive electronic waste and recycling company that helps businesses and organizations incorporate and maintain various electronic waste management strategies. It’s mission has been to provide electronic waste and recycling services with focus on environmental sustainability and effective reuse methods to minimize the amount of electronic waste being accumulated in landfills.
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$10,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 31
Deadline
As part of our core mission of democratizing data skills globally, DataCamp is launching its Everyone Can Learn Python Scholarship. https://www.datacamp.com/scholarship/learn-python
Python is one of the fastest-growing programming languages in the world and it's an excellent skill for students of all disciplines to add to their skill set. DataCamp would like to help students get starting learning this vital technical skill for free.
How to Participate:
Fill out the brief application form https://www.datacamp.com/scholarship/learn-python/form.
Once you submit the form, you will create your free DataCamp account.
Complete the free Introduction to Python and Introduction to SQL courses to prepare you for the challenge.
Use your newfound knowledge to complete the 2 challenges and submit your responses!
There is no cost to participate and your contact information will not be shared with a third party.
Prizes:
$5,000
for the winner to use towards further learning or formal education
$1,000
for 5 runners-up to support their education
Winner Selection Criteria:
The entrant who scores the highest in the scholarship challenge will be deemed the winner - please see the scholarship application page for a full breakdown of the marking criteria. In the event of a tie, DataCamp reserves the right to determine a winner based on other criteria, such as XP.
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$12,000
Award Amount
12
Awards
Jan 12
Deadline
A leadership experience that lasts. There’s no experience like the Bezos Scholars Program— a transformative, year-long, no-cost leadership development program that amplifies youth voice and action so young people with passion can start making a difference today. Each year, 17 exceptional juniors, 12 from the U.S. and five from Africa, along with educators from each of their schools, are selected as Bezos Scholars.
At the center of the program are Community Change Projects—fresh, achievable, and sustainable approaches to solving urgent problems, conceived and launched by Scholars with our support. Student scholars receive leadership training from noted experts along with free college advising and $1,000 to fund their projects with the ability to reapply annually. Apply and become the leader we need.
Must apply through the Kaleidoscope link provided here: https://apply.mykaleidoscope.com/scholarships/BezosScholars2023Cohort?
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$9,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Jan 15
Deadline
The YouthCon Scholarship is hosted by AASuccess, a Falls Church-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering the youth to gain confidence while fostering leadership skills by living our motto of “perfecting the act of giving back”. Our scholarship allows innovative high school and middle school students living in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area with ideas to be actively involved with philanthropic work to make a difference in neighborhoods, with the support of AASuccess. We award innovative and driven students with the mindsets of giving back, and those seeking to strengthen their skills such as writing, presentation, and leadership.
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$10,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 19
Deadline
Seeds of Fortune is an online platform that helps young women of color in high school prepare for college by helping them apply for Scholarships, build financial skills like saving and budgeting, and career opportunities
In order to apply, students must create an account on the Seed Online Network Ed-Tech Platform and choose their intended program when registering. Once a student completes their registration, their application will be submitted.
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$36,000
Award Amount
15
Awards
Aug 31
Deadline
We are looking for people who are passionate about science and/or social science and who are going to be active in the community and work towards bettering their academic success. We do not select students based on academic or sports excellence but rather we focus on students who may not have the same resources by giving them these resources. Whether that is through the help of peer mentors, student advisors, stipends, etc., we are working towards giving you more experiences that you may not have received. That is what differentiates us from other scholarship programs and their selection criteria.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 30
Deadline
This scholarship is open to high school students in the graduating class of 2025 who are proactive about broadening their horizons. To broaden your horizons means to expand your range of knowledge and experiences. It means putting yourself out there, trying new things, and meeting new people. To apply for this scholarship, tell us about one thing you have done in the past year to broaden your horizons. Whether you picked up a new hobby, learned a new skill, traveled to a new place, or spent time with different people – we want to know what you’re doing to foster growth in your life. See the “Application Information” section below for details regarding the short answer response. We look forward to reading your application!
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 31
Deadline
In offering the “Scholar Dollars” Essay Scholarship for Black Students, we want to help offset the cost of attending college for Black students. Open to high school students in the graduating class of 2024 and undergraduate and graduate students enrolled during the 2023-24 academic year, this scholarship aims to lighten your financial worry and allow you to take fewer loans. Remember, scholarships are essentially “free money” that need not be paid back. This scholarship, specifically, aims to help out a Black student who is passionate about their higher education journey and actively looking for ways to fund it. The “Scholar Dollars” Scholarship will be awarded to students based on both the quality of their essays and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. With that in mind, why not spend a little time applying for a $500 scholarship now for more financial freedom from loans later? We look forward to reading your application, and wish you much success on your academic journey!
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 31
Deadline
Are you a woman in high school, college, or graduate school enrolled during the 2023-24 academic year? If so, let us help you! Our $500 “Making Waves” Scholarship for Women aims to help women cover the costs of pursuing their dreams. Whether that dream is starting a business, learning a foreign language, or attending college on the path to fulfilling your dream, the scholarship will cover those costs and make your journey a little easier. No matter your goals, we want to help out a woman who is passionate about their higher education journey and actively looking for ways to fund it. Thus, this scholarship will be awarded to students based on both the quality of their essays and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. In order to apply, simply write an essay about how the $500 “Making Waves” Scholarship for Women will help you fulfill your dreams. We encourage you to apply and look forward to reading your essays. Good luck!
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$6,000
Award Amount
4
Awards
Oct 31
Deadline
Money Metals Exchange, a national precious metals dealer recently ranked “Best in the USA,” has teamed up with the Sound Money Defense League to help qualified students pay for the ever-rising costs of tuition, fees, books, and supplies.
These groups have just introduced the first gold-backed scholarship of the modern era, setting aside 100 oz of physical gold for scholarships to outstanding undergraduate and graduate students who display deep understanding of economics and monetary policy.
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$4,000
Award Amount
4
Awards
Dec 15
Deadline
Tailon Leitzsey is an athlete, entrepreneur, community leader and father. Throughout his academic, athletic, and personal journeys, he has experienced ups and downs of all shapes and sizes.
"Adversity helped shape me into the person I am today. Throughout my life, I have been faced with obstacle after obstacle, and sometimes wondered why but I made the decision to keep going. It wasn't until I got to the other side that I realized I was being prepped for greater. Nothing worth having comes easy."
To add on to his long list of endeavors centered around giving back to his community, Tailon is excited to be partnering with Access Scholarships to do exactly that once again! For the Perseverance is Key Scholarship, we will be awarding 4 scholarships worth $1,000 each will be given to students who have demonstrated perseverance throughout their lives.
High school and undergraduate students of all years studying in the US are encouraged to apply. Special consideration will be given to minority students, students who have experienced foster care, and students who are or will be the first in their family to attend college.
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$1,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Oct 17
Deadline
The College JumpStart Scholarship is an annual, merit-based competition— financial need is not considered—that is open to 10th-12th graders, college students and non-traditional students. The main requirement is that you are committed to going to school and can express your goals for getting a higher education. The first place prize is a $1,000 scholarship to help cover educational expenses. This award can be used at any college or university in the United States.
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$6,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Dec 31
Deadline
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.
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$100,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 15
Deadline
The Imagine Cup Games Competition is a global contest for the best new student games and the winning team will take home $50,000 (US). Create a desktop or tablet game using Windows, or a mobile game using Windows Phone, or a browser game using Windows Azure and you could win big at the Imagine Cup World Finals in Seattle.
Many of our competitions are intended for teams, so you may also need to create a team to participate. If a competition requires a team, you'll be able to pick your team right on the Submission page. If you don't have a team yet, you can create one in just a few moments - you just need a team name and team country, and you're ready to go.
This competition is intended for a team of experienced coders. As part of this competition, you'll submit a complete piece of software, usable by our judges, as well as supporting documentation.
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$9,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Jan 15
Deadline
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.
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$25,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 15
Deadline
"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!"
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 31
Deadline
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.
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$3,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 10
Deadline
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!
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
May 15
Deadline
Angels On The Move is commited to improving the quality of life by helping students fund their education. This scholarship is open to all students and can be used for any kind of academic endeavor. There are no restrictions on citizenship, residency, age, level of study, school/college, GPA, scores, finances, activities, or major.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Sep 30
Deadline
Niche prides itself on helping students discover the schools and neighborhoods right for them.This scholarship is available for U.S. and international high school and college students enrolled in U.S. academic institutions. Applicants must apply online by creating a free account or logging in on the provider site.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 10
Deadline
This scholarship is available for international and U.S. high school juniors and seniors, and students who are currently registered in a postsecondary institution.
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$35,500
Award Amount
50
Awards
Aug 14
Deadline
The Planet Fitness High School Summer Pass Sweepstakes is open to students between the ages of 14 and 19. Students are invited to register for a High School Summer Pass, which will allow them to workout at the Planet Fitness location of their choice for free, all summer long. All participants in this free summer program are entered into a scholarship sweepstakes. A $500 winner is selected from each state, along with one $5,000 grand prize winner.
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$10,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Aug 20
Deadline
If you're a minority or a woman with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, in need of financial aid and are interested in studying computer science, data science, or a related field in tech, this scholarship is for you! Click to learn more and apply today!
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Jan 1
Deadline
CRC will select the scholarship winner based on the strength of their total application package. The student will be evaluated on academic performance, extra-curricular activities, and on their essay, response addressing the way they handled the challenges associated with relocating to the Chicagoland area and a new high school.
Applicants must meet all five of these requirements:
Relocated between grades 9 and 12
Relocated more than 50 miles
Changed schools due to relocation to the Chicagoland area
Currently and enrolled Senior in good standing in a Chicagoland area high school (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Will counties in Illinois)
Currently have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 (or equivalent achievement on a different scale)
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$1,500
Award Amount
53
Awards
Jun 15
Deadline
Students who are in grade 12 and below in the United States, in CEGEP or below in Quebec, Canada, or in grade 13 or below in the Caribbean are eligible to enter this speech/sign language contest. Students must have a hearing loss of 40 decibels or more to qualify.
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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