It’s your final year of high school, and you’re ready to take on a new adventure, college! As high school senior, you still have hundreds of college scholarships for high school seniors opportunities available to you. So, as you’re making plans on what college you want to attend and what major you want to study, be sure to add these scholarships for high school seniors 2022 to your college to do list.
What Types Of College Scholarships Can High School Seniors Apply For?
There are many different types of high school senior scholarships that you can apply for. Some scholarships are based on your academic achievement, while others consider your extracurricular activities, community service, or even your financial need. Here are some of the most popular college scholarships for high school seniors:
Academic Scholarships
Athletic Scholarships
Merit-Based Scholarships
Need-Based Scholarships
Minority Scholarships
Community Service Scholarships
It’s worth looking into each program individually because not alone may be available at any given time but knowing what type they offer could help when it comes down deciding whether this opportunity suits YOUR needs best.
10 High School Senior Scholarships for 2024
We’ve created a short list of college scholarships for high school seniors. Apply by the application deadline and make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements.
The Horatio Alger Scholarship Program
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Scholarship Program
The Gates Millennium Scholars Program
The Golden Key International Honour Society Scholarship Program
The Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund
The National Merit Scholarship Program
The Posse Foundation Scholarship Program
The QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship Program
The Ronald McDonald House Charities Scholarships
How Do You Find High School Senior Scholarships?
In order to find scholarship opportunities for high school senior, you may want to look at local, state and national sources. Military, private organizations, and nonprofits may also provide scholarships for seniors.
Local
If you are starting with a local search, you may want to ask your high school counselor or see whether any student organization offer college scholarships for high school seniors. Your place of worship, community center or local businesses may extend scholarships to eligible residents.
Schools
During your senior year, you’re probably searching and applying to your perfect college. While you’re searching, you might contact the financial aid office of these prospective schools. Many may offer scholarships for college students once you are admitted. These tie to academic achievement and grade point average.
Military
Do you come from a military family or interested in pursuing a military career? There are a wide range of colleges that partner with ROTC programs. For example, ARMY ROTC scholarships are for high school students attending a four year college program. You may also serve on the Army full time. Some military awards could also be for children of active duty service member or Veterans.
Scholarship Organizations
Do you have specific interests or a minority student? There are many professional organizations like The Elks that offer scholarships to high school students. You typically need to be an exclusive member. Many minority organizations like UNCF also fund scholarships to make higher education more affordable.
Businesses and Nonprofits
Many businesses and non profits offer annual scholarships. These may be open to high school seniors who plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree. You may also show qualities of leadership and advocate for a good cause. If your parent works for a big company, they may also offer scholarships as a benefit to employees’ dependents.
When Should I Start Applying for Scholarships?
You should start your search for scholarship opportunities for high school senior as early as possible. Many high school seniors wait until the last semester to start the process. By this time, many deadlines have already passed. You want to give yourself enough time to gather materials and fill out applications completely.
Scholarship Application Tips for Seniors in High School
Applying for scholarships can be a daunting task. High school seniors often wonder how to stand out among the competition. Here are some tips:
Start early: You should start your search as early as possible. This way, you can ensure that you don’t miss any deadlines.
Get organized: Create a system to keep track of deadlines, requirements and materials. This way, you can ensure that you’re completing everything on time.
Follow directions: Many providers disqualify late and incomplete application. Follow the scholarship rules, word count, essay topic and don’t omit any required documents.
Gather references and letters of recommendation: Many scholarships providers ask for at least one recommender. It could be a teacher, mentor, employer, or coach. Cultivate a relationship and have one recommendation letter ready.
Ask for help: If you’re having trouble with any part of the application process, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You can ask your guidance counselor, teachers or parents for assistance.
List of Scholarships for High School Seniors
Check out our list of scholarships worth .
Scholarships for High School Seniors for 2024-2025 2024 List
This undergraduate award is for current high school seniors and college stduents of Latino descent studying at a community college or university in Chicago, IL. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
This scholarship is open to high school juniors and seniors as well as students currently enrolled in postsecondary institutions. Students must write an essay of less than 1,000 words on the current year’s topic.
This scholarship is open to residents of Lincoln, Rhode Island, who are or will be pursuing undergraduate or graduate study. Students must demonstrate financial need.
The Lime Connect Pathways Scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors who have a visible or invisible disability. To apply, students must create an account at Lime Connect and must submit an original essay on what it means to live a successful life while facing the challenges created by disability.
U.S. graduating high school seniors are eligible for this award. Students must submit a five-minute video explaining what the United States flag means to them.
This scholarship is available for U.S. and international students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or as a straight ally. Applicants must reside in Wayne, Oakland, or Macomb counties in Michigan, and must enroll in an accredited institution of higher education in the semester following application.
U.S. citizens who are high school seniors planning to enroll full time as college freshmen are eligible for this award. Students must be the child or grandchild, including stepchild or legally adopted child, of an active member, APWU Retirees Department member, or deceased member of the American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO.
U.S. citizens who are high school seniors planning to pursue a postsecondary occupational education (vocational/technical) program are eligible for this award. Students must be the child or grandchild, including stepchild or legally adopted child, of an active member, Retirees Department member, or deceased member of the American Postal Workers Union.
U.S. students who are high school seniors with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher are eligible for this award. Students must be the children of COMTO members.
This award is available for current high school seniors and college freshman residing in Sacramento, California. Applicants must be LGBT or a committed ally dedicated to positive change through community service and advocacy.
