Best Scholarships for High School Students in 2024

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As a high school student in 2024, finding funding for college has probably crossed your mind. As you search for scholarships, grants, and other options, you’ve probably found an array of scholarship opportunities that pertain to academic achievements. While scholarships may just seem like monetary rewards, they are also about acknowledging your hard work and dedication and considering your financial situation. With various organizations extending support for high school students, many scholarship opportunities out there cater to different talents and needs. Whether you excel in academics, sports, or the arts, there’s likely a scholarship out there that’s just right for you. Now, let’s dive into scholarships specifically for high school students!

Explore Available Scholarships for High Schoolers

Scholarships for high school students can be a great way to help with college costs. Many high school scholarship programs offer you different opportunities and benefits. They can match up with your interests, goals, and who you are. So, whether you’re a star athlete, a straight-A student, or someone who loves community service, there are scholarships out there waiting just for you! Many scholarships offer significant financial assistance, helping to alleviate the financial burden of higher education. So, don’t underestimate the value of applying for scholarships, even if you think you may not qualify for need-based aid. These opportunities can open doors to experiences and resources that might otherwise be out of reach. By actively seeking out and applying for scholarships, you’re taking proactive steps toward securing the support you need to pursue your academic goals. Don’t hesitate to explore the opportunities available to you and make the most of them. Your dedication and hard work deserve to be recognized, and scholarships can help turn your educational aspirations into reality. Let’s take a look at some of the scholarships available to you, based on your grade:

Scholarships for High School Seniors

As you prepare for your college education as a high school senior, it’s important to understand the distinction between a few types of scholarships, such as merit-based versus need-based scholarships. Merit-based scholarships, as the name suggests, are awarded based on your achievements and accomplishments. These achievements could include academic excellence, leadership qualities, extracurricular involvement, artistic talents, or athletic prowess. Essentially, merit-based scholarships recognize your hard work, dedication, and outstanding performance in various areas. On the other hand, need-based scholarships are awarded based on your financial circumstances. These scholarships take into account factors such as your family’s income and financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or other financial aid applications. Need-based scholarships aim to ensure that every student has access to higher education, regardless of their financial background.

Scholarships for High School Juniors

You’re a high school junior – college applications are coming up and you want to better understand which scholarships to apply for and which to avoid. If you’re an athlete, athletic scholarships offer a unique opportunity for you to pursue higher education while showcasing your athletic talents. These scholarships are awarded to those who excel in sports and demonstrate exceptional skills and potential in their chosen athletic endeavors. Whether it’s basketball, football, soccer, track and field, or any other sport, athletic scholarships provide financial support for tuition, fees, and other expenses associated with college. These scholarships can give you the chance to compete at the collegiate level, hone your skills, and potentially even pursue a career in professional sports.

Scholarships for High School Sophomores

If you’re a high school sophomore, college is probably on your radar but might not be your biggest priority. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t start thinking about what kind of college you’d like to attend or what types of scholarships you’d like to apply for. Consider your interests. Are you passionate about giving back to your community and making a difference in the world around you? By actively participating in local nonprofit organizations or working on service projects, you can demonstrate a commitment to improving the lives of others. If you’re actively involved in community service, you can apply for service-based scholarships. These types of scholarships are tailor-made for students like you who embody the spirit of volunteerism and civic engagement. On top of giving back to society and benefiting from personal growth, you can also earn money for school!

Scholarships for High School Freshmen

As a high school freshman, college likely feels like a lifetime away. However, it never hurts to get a jump start on your educational goals. You may find that some scholarship opportunities are not available yet since many have a grade level requirement. However, many scholarships are, in fact, available to you! Don’t wait until later years to start thinking about your scholarship options. When you sign up for a Unigo account, you can specify that you’re a freshman, and we’ll match you with scholarship options for high school freshman!

10 High School Scholarships 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. Don’t overlook ones like Navy Seal Foundation Scholarships if you are the child of a military service member. Here are the 10 high school scholarships in 2024 that you should apply for:  

1. 1. 1. Coca-Cola Scholars Program
      • The Coca-Cola Scholars Program offers scholarships to high-achieving students based on leadership, service, and academic excellence.

 

1. 1. 2. Burger King Scholars Program
      • The Burger King Scholars Program provides financial assistance to employees, employees’ spouses, and high school seniors based on academic achievement, work experience, and community involvement.

 

1. 1. 3. Gates Millennium Scholars Program
      • The Gates Millennium Scholars Program awards scholarships to minority students, covering tuition, fees, books, and living expenses throughout their undergraduate education.

 

1. 1. 4. Google Lime Scholarship
      • The Google Lime Scholarship supports students with disabilities pursuing degrees in computer science or related fields through financial aid and professional development opportunities.

 

1. 1. 5. National Merit Scholarship Program
      • The National Merit Scholarship Program recognizes high school students with exceptional PSAT/NMSQT scores, offering scholarships for college tuition and other expenses.

 

1. 1. 6. QuestBridge National College Match Program
      • The QuestBridge National College Match Program connects low-income high school seniors with full-ride scholarships to top colleges and universities in the United States.

 

1. 1. 7. Ron Brown Scholar Program
      • The Ron Brown Scholar Program provides scholarships, mentorship, and leadership training to academically talented African American high school seniors demonstrating financial need.

 

1. 1. 8. Tall Clubs International Scholarship Program
      • The Tall Clubs International Scholarship Program awards scholarships to students who meet specific height requirements and excel academically, financially aiding their pursuit of higher education.

 

1. 1. 9. UNCF Scholarships
      • UNCF Scholarships offer financial assistance to African American students attending UNCF-member colleges and universities, supporting their educational endeavors and career aspirations.

 

1. 1. 10. Executive Women International Scholarship Program
      • The Executive Women International Scholarship Program empowers women pursuing higher education by providing scholarships based on academic achievement, leadership potential, and community involvement.

When Should Students Start Applying For Scholarships?

Navigating the realm of scholarship applications can be daunting, especially with varying deadlines and eligibility criteria. However, the earlier you start, the better positioned you’ll be to maximize your opportunities. Ideally, high school students should begin exploring scholarship options as early as their freshman year. During your freshman and sophomore years, focus on building a strong academic and extracurricular foundation. While some college scholarships for high school students may have eligibility requirements that are only applicable to upperclassmen, starting your research early allows you to familiarize yourself with the process, understand what types of scholarships are available, and identify those that align with your interests, achievements, and background. Start honing your writing skills by practicing your essay writing. Many scholarship applications require essays, so by practicing now, even if the scholarship pool is smaller, you’ll get better at crafting compelling essays when you become eligible to apply in later years. As you progress into your junior and senior years, ramp up your scholarship search and application efforts. By this time, you’ll have a better understanding of what scholarships you qualify for and what materials you need to submit. While you’re in your junior year of high school, start thinking about which colleges you want to apply to and what major you’d like to pursue. Beginning your search early, staying organized, and diligently working on your applications will increase your chances of securing financial aid to support your educational goals. During your senior year, keep track of college and scholarship application deadlines and make a timeline to ensure you submit your applications well in advance. Don’t forget to leverage resources such as a school’s guidance counselor, scholarship databases, and online search engines to uncover additional opportunities.

The Best Ways to Get Scholarships For High School

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

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

 

1. 1. Talk to your guidance counselor: Your guidance counselor knows you as a person and may be able to help you find scholarships specifically related to your interests and goals.

 

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

 

1. 1. 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.

 

1. 1. 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.

 

1. 1. Start applying: 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.

   

Documents Needed To Apply For Scholarships

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 your name and email. Many high school scholarship applications tend to ask for the following supporting documents:  

• Official high school transcripts that show your cumulative GPA and classes you’ve taken.
• Standardized test scores if you need them. Many colleges are now test optional and don’t require the ACT or SAT.
• Recommendation letters from a coach, teacher, boss, or someone other than family. These references help a scholarship committee get to know you more as a person.
• A resume with a list of work experience, awards, honors, and extracurricular activities. This could be a place to discuss what clubs you belong to, sports teams you’re on, and community service you participate in.
• An essay. Some applications ask for a personal essay where you express your goals, why you deserve to win, and what you’ll do with the funds.
• 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, such as 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. 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.

 

1. 1. 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.

 

1. 1. 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.

 

1. 1. 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.

 

1. 1. 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 Scholarships

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

1. 1. Start early. The sooner you start looking for scholarships, the better. Many scholarships have early deadlines, so it’s important to get a head start.

 

1. 1. Pay attention to your grades.  Many colleges use your high school GPA 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. 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. 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. 1. Build professional relationships. At some point, you may need a recommendation letter and it typically must come from a school counselor, teacher, or employer who has known you for a period of time.

 

1. 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. 1. Fill in the financial gaps with state and federal grants. Let’s say the worst-case scenario is that you don’t get big scholarship bucks. Many American students file the FAFSA (and state paperwork) to access government aid. As of January 2024, over 3.1 million high school students filled out the FAFSA for the 2024/25 school year, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

 

List of Best Scholarships for High School Students in 2024

Check out our list of 611,796 Best Scholarships for High School Students in 2024 worth $2B.