Scholarships For High School Students

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Scholarships given based on academic achievement and your financial aid info from the FAFSA can open up college scholarship opportunities for high school students. 

High school students should take advantage of every opportunity to apply for high school scholarships. Many organizations offer scholarships for high school students and the awards may be very generous. Even if you don’t think you’ll qualify for need-based financial aid, it’s often still a good idea to fill out the college opportunities that otherwise wouldn’t be available without these awards! 

What Scholarships Are Available for High School Students?

A number of scholarship programs are available to those who have achieved good grades in their studies. You could also use interests and goals to find scholarships for minority students, the sport you play, by state or college major. Don’t overlook ones like Navy Seal Foundation Scholarships if you are the child of a military service member. 

Scholarships for high school students can be a great way to help with college costs. There are many types of high school scholarships 2024 programs, each giving you different opportunities and benefits! 

10 Scholarships For High School Students You Should Apply For in 2024

As a high school student, you have plenty of options when it comes to scholarships. You can find awards given by organizations, companies, and even the government to help pay for college. Here are the 10 high school scholarships 2024 that you should apply for:

1. Coca-Cola Scholars Program

2. Burger King Scholars Program

3. Gates Millennium Scholars Program

4. Google Lime Scholarship

5. National Merit Scholarship Program

6. QuestBridge National College Match Program

7. Ron Brown Scholar Program

8. Tall Clubs International Scholarship Program

9. United Negro College Fund Scholarships

10. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc./Frederick Douglass

When Should High School Students Start Applying For Scholarships?

Scholarships are a great way to fund your education. If you have been thinking about college scholarships for high school students, don’t wait until it’s too late! Deadlines can range from one year before college starts up through senior year in some cases so make sure that you apply as soon as possible and work on scholarship searches during summer break or after grades come out each semester.  

How To Get Scholarships For High School?

Getting scholarships for high schoolers can be a difficult process. There are many different types of scholarships, and it can be hard to know where to start your search. However, there are a few tips that you can follow to help you find the best scholarships for your needs.

1. Start early: The sooner you start looking for scholarships, the better your chances will be of finding one that suits your needs. 

2. Talk to your guidance counselor: Your guidance counselor may be able to help you find scholarships that are specifically for high school students. 

3. Look online: There are many different scholarship databases available online. You can search for scholarships by keyword, type of scholarship, or even location. 

4. Ask for help: If you’re having trouble finding scholarships, don’t be afraid to ask for help from your parents, teachers, or even friends. They may know of scholarships that you haven’t found yet. 

Once you’ve found some scholarships to apply for, make sure you understand the eligibility requirements and deadlines. Then, put together a strong application that includes your best academic work, extracurricular activities, and personal statement. 

Don’t forget to fill out and file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The FAFSA could help you qualify for federal and state aid based on financial need. Some grantors also use it to narrow the applicant pool to those who can’t afford higher education.

Documents Needed To Apply For Scholarship

A scholarship provider is likely to ask for various documents along with a complete scholarship application. For easy scholarships, this could be as simple as a name and email. Many high school scholarship applications, tend to ask for the following supporting documents:

  • Official high school transcripts. Ones that show your cumulative GPA and classes you’ve taken.  
  • Standardized test scores. If you have them but many colleges are now test optional.  
  • Recommendation letters. Usually from a coach, teacher, boss or someone other than family are often among these requirements. These references help a scholarship committee get to know you more as a person.
  • Resume. A list of work experience, awards, honors and extracurricular activities. This could be a place to discuss what clubs you belong to, sports teams and or community service you do.&
  • An essay. Some applications ask for a personal essay. Expressing your goals, for e.g., and why you deserve to win. 
  • Identification. Some providers may also want a color photo of you. You might also need to prove residency, US citizenship, and / or ethnicity. 
  • College plans. What kind of bachelor’s degree program you plan to enroll in as a full time undergraduate student.

What Mistakes Should High School Students Avoid When Applying For A Scholarship?

There are some common mistakes many high school students make when they apply for scholarships. Here is a list of mistakes you should avoid when you’re applying for college scholarships for high school students:

1. Applying for too many scholarships: Applying for too many scholarships can actually hurt your chances of winning any of them. Stick to a few that you are really interested in and that you have a good chance of winning. 

2. Not meeting eligibility requirements: Make sure you understand the eligibility requirements for each scholarship you apply for. If you don’t meet the requirements, your application will likely be rejected. 

3. Waiting until the last minute: Start working on your scholarship applications early so that you can take your time and do a good job. Applications that are rushed tend to be of lower quality and are less likely to be successful. 

4. Not proofreading: Always proofread your essays and other materials before submitting them. Typos and other errors can make you look careless and can hurt your chances of winning a scholarship. 

5. Applying for scholarships you don’t qualify for: Don’t waste your time applying for scholarships that you don’t qualify for. Stick to scholarships that are a good fit for you and your situation. 

How To Increase Your Chances Of Getting High School Scholarships?

To increase your chances of landing a college scholarship for high school students, there are a few things you could do in and out of the high school classroom. Here are some tips: 

  1. Start early. The sooner you start looking for scholarships, the better. There are many scholarships that have early deadlines, so it’s important to get a head start.
  1. Grades matter. Many colleges use your high school GPA and test scores when giving out academic merit scholarships. Maintain good grades throughout all of your classes. You could also show initiative and take Advanced Placement courses.
  1. Get organized. Create a system for keeping track of the scholarships you’re applying for. This will help you stay on top of deadlines and ensure that you don’t miss any important steps in the process.
  1. Help out to stand out. Some scholarships go to students who volunteer or do community service work. These efforts show leadership and that you care about your environment. All great qualities to have when applying for scholarships.
  1. Build professional relationships. At some point, you may need a recommendation letter and it typically must come from either your school counselor, teacher, or employer who knows you for a period of time.
  1. Look for jobs that relate to what you’ll be majoring in. It could be as simple as starting an online business which shows an entrepreneurial spirit. You could also be a tutor, cashier, or lifeguard. These part time jobs may help you save for college and build up your resume at the same time.
  1. Fill in the financial gaps with state and federal grants. Let’s say worst case and you don’t get big scholarship bucks. Many American students file the FAFSA (and state paperwork) to access government aid. Find out if you qualify!

College Scholarships For High School Juniors

High school juniors who get a head start on applying for scholarships can have fewer things to worry about during their senior year. Plus, there are hundreds of scholarships available for high school juniors! So, discover the opportunities waiting for you.

AWARDS: 24,494
TOTAL: $128M

Scholarships For High School Freshmen

Now that you’re in high school, hundreds of scholarships have instantly become open to you! But, you have to apply in order to win. Get an early start with these scholarships for high school freshmen, and help build your college savings fund before you graduate.

AWARDS: 23,969
TOTAL: $99M

Scholarships for High School Seniors

You’ve finally made it to your senior year and are ready to rule the school! Just make sure your savings for school ready to take on college, too. Scholarships for high school seniors can help! Check out this list of scholarships for 12th graders and apply online.

AWARDS: 539,155
TOTAL: $2B

Scholarships for High School Sophomores

Don’t let the sophomore slump set in. Continue your search for free college dollars with this list of scholarships for high school sophomores. There could be hundreds, even thousands, of scholarship dollars that you may be qualified for. Browse our directory here, and apply online today.

AWARDS: 24,503
TOTAL: $103M