Scholarships are a great way to recognize students for their high school accomplishments. With these scholarships, students can apply to raise their chances in making college funds as stress-free as possible.
The Gates Scholarship
Established in 2017, the Gates Scholarship Program is a competitive scholarship for high school minority seniors who demonstrate academic excellence, outstanding leadership, and financial needs. Scholars will receive funding for the cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room and board, books, transportation, etc.) not already covered by other financial aid. Ideal candidates are those who stand in the top 10% of their class, demonstrate leadership abilities, and exemplify personal success, such as overcoming obstacles and emotional maturity. Candidates must be of African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian & Pacific Islander American, and/or Hispanic American ethnicity. Scholars must enroll in a full-time 4 year degree program at an accredited private/public college or university in the United States. This scholarship is not limited to any field of study; the funds will be used for the bachelor’s degree in the scholar’s chosen major.
Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
Sponsored by the Coca-Cola foundation itself, this program awards 150 seniors with $20,000 worth of scholarships. These funds can be used to pay for a student’s tuition, on-campus housing, technology, or other school-related expenses that are approved by the Foundation. In order to be eligible for this scholarship, students must have at least a 3.0 GPA, hold U.S. citizenship/be a Permanent Resident, and plan to pursue a degree at an accredited US post-secondary institution. As an achievement-based scholarship, “Coca-Cola Scholars are well-rounded, bright students who not only excel academically, but are also actively involved in their schools.”
National Merit Scholarship Program
Credited as one of the most popular scholarship competitions of all time, the National Merit Scholarship recognizes and awards academically-exceptional students. In order to qualify for this scholarship, students must be one of 50,000 top scores on the PSAT/NMSQT. Qualified students will receive a notification and undergo an application process to list their accomplishments and extracurricular activities. Out of these 50,000, approximately 8,050 students are selected to receive the scholarship that is used to fund their undergraduate studies. Winners are awarded without regard to race, gender, or religious preferences.
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
The Cooke College Scholarship Program is an undergraduate scholarship awarded to high-achieving high school seniors who demonstrate financial need. This scholarship intends to assist in funding for a student’s tuition, living expenses, books, etc. In order to be eligible, students must provide evidence of financial need, attend high school in the United States, maintain strong academic standing (minimum of 3.5 GPA), and demonstrate leadership. Applications for this program will be submitted through the Common App. Winners will be able to use the scholarship for any area of study at any accredited four-year institution.
Foot Locker Scholar Athletes
This program awards scholarships to 20 student athletes who plan to pursue the next stage of their education. The scholarship money is directly billed to the winner’s accredited university, and can be used for tuition, room, and boards. In order to be eligible for the scholarship, students must be involved in high school athletics, have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, be a United States citizen/Permanent Resident, and not be an employee/ family member of an employee associated with Foot Locker. Foot Locker Scholars do not have to pursue athletics in college, but they must enroll in a four-year university or community college.
Equitable Excellence Scholarship
This program aims to provide financial security assistance to college-bound students through renewable scholarship funds. 100 of the chosen scholars will be awarded $5,000 annually for four consecutive years. Awardees will also gain access to Equitable’s engagement programs, which will allow them to network and mentor. In order to be eligible for this scholarship, students must submit an essay describing how their display courage and strength of character in their everyday lives. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and strong leadership capabilities.
CollegeBoard BigFuture Scholarship
Students in the class of 2023, 2024, and 2025 are eligible for the BigFuture Scholarship program. By taking steps in planning for their education after high school, students are eligible to win either a $500 or $40,000 scholarship from BigFuture. There is no essay, minimum GPA, or minimum test score to apply. However, to be entered in the scholarship drawings, applicants must complete steps on the BigFuture dashboard. Every step equals one drawing– the earlier one completes a task, the more likely they are to win a scholarship. Students from families who earn less than $60,000 a year can receive two drawings per task they complete. Students can apply for these scholarships until February of their senior year. BigFuture scholarships can be used at two or four year institutions.
