21+ Great Scholarships And Programs For Exceptional High School Students
Suppose you are an intellectually bright student thinking to have great scholarships and programs for exceptional high school students. In that case, you may wish to rely on scholarships to help cover the expense of your education.
Attending education is a significant commitment that is rarely affordable for everyone.
great scholarships and programs for exceptional high school students differ in eligibility, coverage, and application procedures, so it’s critical to thoroughly evaluate each opportunity to determine which one best fits your unique position and ambitions.
21+ Great Scholarships And Programs For Exceptional High School Students
Here is a list of the best great scholarships and programs for exceptional high school students to consider:
1. Google Scholarships
Google gives numerous scholarships to students in the United States, Canada, and across the world. These scholarships were established internationally to promote diversity in computer science, technology, engineering, and other related subjects. Some of the scholarships include:
Google Lime award – A $10,000 award for students with impairments planning to study computer science at a university in the United States or Canada.
Generation Google Scholarship – These scholarships are available in a variety of locales and are designed to financially help populations that have historically been underrepresented in computer science, engineering, operations research, and supply chain management.
Google Student Veterans of America Scholarship – In collaboration with ‘Students Veterans of America’ (a non-profit that promotes veteran higher education), Google is awarding $10,000 to student veterans pursuing computer science degrees.
Scholarship Amount: Varies depending on the scholarship; sums often start at $2,500.
Location: N/A
Application Deadline (2024): Varies depending on scholarship (based on previous deadlines, estimate the deadline to be in May).
Eligibility: varies depending on the scholarship, however, you should ideally come from an underserved group.
2. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is a merit-based scholarship for high school seniors. Almost 50 students (also known as Coca-Cola Scholars) are chosen each year to earn this $20,000 grant.
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must be able to lead and serve, as well as have a strong desire to make a big difference in your school and community. Previous Coca-Cola Scholars have founded consulting firms and directed schools to help neurodiverse youngsters!
Scholarship Amount: $20,000.
Location: N/A
The application deadline (2024): is October 2nd, 2023.
Eligibility:
- Current high school (or home-schooled) senior enrolled in a US school.
- Open to U.S. citizens, nationals, permanent residents, refugees, asylees, Cuban-Haitian entrants, and humanitarian parolees (based on the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Financial Aid eligibility standards).
- You must intend to obtain a degree at an eligible US postsecondary institution.
- Able to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 at university.
3. The National Merit Scholarship Program
The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and awards that was established in 1955. This competition attracts over 1.5 million students each year, with just 15,000 finalists.
To enter the competition, you must first complete the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Traditionally, this occurs during your junior year. If you qualify as a finalist, you will receive one of three merit scholarships:
National Merit ($2,500) – Each finalist competes for this scholarship, which is awarded based on state representation.
Corporate-sponsored merit scholarships – Corporate sponsors designate these rewards for the offspring of their workers or members, for inhabitants of a community where a firm operates, or for Finalists with career goals that the sponsor wishes to support.
College-sponsored merit scholarships – Each sponsor college’s officials pick award winners among Finalists who have been accepted for admission and told NMSC by the specified dates that the sponsor college or university is their first choice.
Check out our in-depth coverage of the scholarship here!
Scholarship amount: $2,500 for National Merit Scholarships.
Note: The quantity of corporate or college-sponsored scholarships depends on the company or university.
Location: N/A
Application Deadline (2024): N/A
Eligibility:
- Must be a senior in high school planning to attend university in the fall of 2024 (for 2024 eligibility).
- Attend high school in the United States, the District of Columbia, or any of the United States’ commonwealths and territories.
- To be eligible for the 2024 National Merit Program, applicants must have completed the 2022 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).
Note: If you attend a school outside of the United States, you must be a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident.
4. The Lumiere Foundation
While not a university grant, the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation is a non-profit research initiative for gifted, low-income students. The foundation sprang out of the Lumiere Research Scholar Program (one of the largest 1-on-1 research projects for high school students), and it provides the same autonomous study opportunities at no cost.
The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program is the counterpart of Lumiere Education’s Individual Research Scholar Program. In our flagship program, we match bright high school students with world-class Ph.D. mentors to collaborate one-on-one on an independent research project. After the 12-week program, you will have learned about the cutting edge of your subject and completed an independent research paper.
You can study psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and other areas.
Scholarship amount: N/A
Location: Remote – You can join this program from anywhere in the world!
Application Deadline: There are four cohorts (apply here!).
- Fall 2023: August 27th, 2023.
- Winter 2023 begins November 26th, 2023.
- Spring 2024: January 14, 2024.
- Summer, 2024:
Eligibility:
You must be presently enrolled in high school or intend to enter as a freshman in college in the fall of 2023.
Students must demonstrate strong academic achievement. (Note: Students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of four.)
There is no need to know anything about your topic of interest beforehand!
NOTE: While there is no income limit, previous scholars have often come from homes earning less than $50,000 per year (for a normal family of four) and with few assets.
5. The Presidential Scholarship
The United States Presidential Scholars Program strives to recognize the best distinguished graduating high school seniors in the country.
The program has evolved to award students who display remarkable potential in the visual, creative, and performing arts, as well as career and technical education disciplines. Each year, up to 161 students are designated Presidential Scholars, one of the nation’s most prestigious high school awards.
Unlike other scholarships, a Presidential Scholarship does not provide monetary support to its recipients. Instead, it offers academics invaluable experiences and chances that other students do not have access to. Furthermore, the academic prominence connected with this prize will set you apart from other merit-based scholarship applicants!
NOTE: The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program accepts applications solely via invitation. Students may not apply for the program or be nominated outside of the aforesaid process.
Scholarship amount: N/A
Location: N/A
Application deadline: N/A.
Eligibility:
- By the application deadline, you must be a United States citizen or a legal permanent resident.
- Graduate or obtain a diploma between January and August of the current academic year.
- Score extraordinarily well on either the College Board’s SAT or the American College Testing Program’s ACT, based on examinations taken within the recognized cycle.
- Be nominated by their Chief State School Officer (CSSO) or by one of our partner recognition organizations for exceptional scholarship.
Note that these are the general eligibility standards; additional ones apply to the arts or CTE programs.
6. Davidson Fellowships Scholarships
Davidson Fellow Scholarships are available to gifted high school students who submit projects in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, literature, music, philosophy, or other areas not previously mentioned.
Each entry will be evaluated based on its ability to make a beneficial contribution to society. Selected projects may be granted grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000!
Scholarship amounts: $10,000, $25,000, or $50,000.
Location: N/A
The application deadline (2024): has not been specified; however, it is expected to be in February.
Eligibility:
- Be 18 or younger as of the application deadline (no minimum age required).
- Be a U.S. citizen residing in the United States, a Permanent Resident of the United States resident in the United States, or stationed overseas on active military service.
- Teams of two are eligible. Both team members must fulfill the eligibility standards.
7. The Equitable Excellence Scholarship
Equitable Excellence is the flagship program of the Equitable Foundation. Equitable provides 100 students with $5,000 scholarships each year. Overall, each participant receives $20,000 for four years!
Furthermore, 100 one-time $2,500 scholarships are awarded. This can help you cover immediate expenses linked with higher education, such as tuition, books, or room & board! To apply, write an essay expressing how they demonstrate courage in pursuing what is feasible, strength in dealing with adversity, and sharing insight with others.
Equitable also provides winners with development opportunities and engagement initiatives to help them move from high school to university. These include mentoring, networking, and professional skill-building activities for Equitable’s employees and executive leadership teams.
Scholarship Amount: $20,000.
Location: N/A
Application Deadline (2024): No application deadline is given, although the portal will be available in October 2023. You can get alerted here!
Eligibility:
- Be current high school seniors who intend to attend full-time in an authorized two- or four-year college or institution in the United States for the next academic year.
- Be a US citizen or legal resident who lives or claims residency in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico.
8. The Questbridge National College Match Scholarship
The National College Match allows academically brilliant, low-income students to apply to premier universities. This college and scholarship application method allows you to apply to several universities for free! Furthermore, if you apply for early admission, you may be eligible for a complete 4-year grant through the Match grant.
The Match Scholarship is part of the college’s generous financial assistance package that covers all costs of attendance, including tuition/fees, housing/food, books/supplies, and even travel expenses! Questbridge works with over 45 colleges, including MIT, Penn, UChicago, Duke, Princeton, and others. So this grant provides an opportunity to apply to renowned universities without incurring any financial strain!
Scholarship amount: varies depending on university acceptance/terms.
Location: Not specified
Application deadline (2024): September 26, 2023.
Eligibility:
- Must be a high school senior at the time of application.
- The National College Match is open to all high school seniors, regardless of citizenship, who are currently enrolled in a high school in the United States. Additionally, US citizens and permanent residents living abroad are eligible.
- Must normally earn less than $65,000 per year (for a family of four) and have little assets.
- Must have strong academic standing. (Note: While there are no particular cutoffs, you can browse here for profiles of previous applicants.)
9. The GeneTex Scholarship Program
GeneTex, a biotechnology company, offers $2,000 scholarships to students pursuing STEM undergraduate or graduate degrees. This scholarship is incredibly exclusive, with just one recipient given twice a year!
To apply, you must write a personal essay outlining your motivation for obtaining a STEM degree. Each eligible submission will be evaluated by a committee of 3-5 GeneTex personnel.
The committee selects the application that most closely corresponds with GeneTex’s values and mission statement, as well as your academic standing. However, GeneTex has not specified a specific cut-off GPA, therefore anyone is welcome to apply!
Scholarship amount: $2,000.
Location: N/A
The application deadline (2023): is March 3rd, 2023.
Eligibility:
- A student in good academic standing enrolling in an approved college or university.
- Declared a STEM major.
- Open to both US citizens and international students.
10. The Ron Brown Scholarship
The Ron Brown Scholarship celebrates Ronald H. Brown’s legacy by providing higher education opportunities to community-minded and academically gifted African Americans.
RBSP provides 45-50, four-year $40,000 scholarships ($10,000 each year) to economically disadvantaged high school graduates who show a strong interest in public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship, and global citizenship.
This grant is highly selective, with over 4,000 applicants, and selected students receive mentoring and career advice!
Scholarship Amount: $40,000 over four years.
Location: N/A
Application Deadline: (2024)
Eligibility:
- Students must be current high school seniors at the time of application.
- Must be Black/African American, a US citizen, or a permanent resident.
11. Scholastic offers the Judy Corman Memorial Scholarship and an internship
Eligibility: -3.2 GPA
-Enter a communications-related major.
Scholastic’s Judy Corman Memorial Scholarship and Internship is an excellent opportunity to earn academic financing while also gaining experience in communication and media relations. The winner will receive a hefty $10,000 grant and the opportunity to complete a summer internship at Scholastic’s New York City offices.
12. Anhelo Project Dream Scholarship
Eligibility:
-Be an Illinois resident.
-Be a full-time student in college, university, or a vocational program (apply during senior year of high school).
-2.5 GPA
-Show leadership by participating in community organizations, projects, and so on.
-Commit to volunteering 20 hours with The Anhelo Project this year.
– Demonstrate Financial Need
-Be an undocumented student (students with DACA status are eligible, however, students on F-1 visas and overseas students are not).
The Anhelo Project developed the Dream Scholarship in 2011 to help undocumented students achieve their goal of pursuing higher education.
To apply, you must provide two letters of recommendation from different advisors, counselors, teachers, professors, or school officials. One letter must discuss your community activity, while the other must discuss your academic performance despite financial difficulties.
13. The You First Foundation Scholarship
Eligibility:
-Be a US resident.
-Be a high school graduate or a GED recipient.
-Be enrolled, or intend to enroll, part-time or full-time in a US college, university, or vocational program.
-2.7 GPA
-You or your family have experienced a traumatic medical event.
You First Foundation understands how challenging it is to remain on track with academic goals in the aftermath of a traumatic or medical incident.
They founded this award to help those who have been through this, either personally or with a family member. You will submit two letters of recommendation, and the application will require you to answer a series of questions about how your experience affected you, how you overcame it, and how the scholarship would benefit your academic and professional future. The number of awards varies and ranges in value from $1,000 to $5000.
14. The Aloha Scholarship
Eligibility:
-Be a resident of Clark County, Nevada.
-Be enrolled in a college, university, trade, technical, or vocational school.
The Island Cultural Club of Las Vegas is a collection of people dedicated to promoting local diversity and the Aloha spirit. One way they accomplish this is by offering two $500 scholarships to kids each year. Winners are chosen based on academic performance, letters of recommendation, participation in extracurricular activities, and responses to an essay explaining why they are applying for the prize.
15. The Berry Quality of Life Scholarship
Eligibility:
-Be a student in Carmichael, CA, live in the Carmichael Water District’s service area, or have prior volunteer experience in the community served by the Carmichael Water District.
-Be a senior in high school or enrolled in a postsecondary program.
-Have a lifetime minimum of 130 hours of volunteer experience.
-3.0 GPA
-Not be related to any Carmichael Water District personnel or Board of Directors members.
The Carmichael Water District is committed to the health and well-being of all community members. This is why they support the Berry Quality of Life Scholarship.
Bill and Peggy Berry were longtime volunteers in the Carmichael community, therefore a clear description of volunteer experience and its significance is essential for earning this grant. Additionally, applicants must provide two letters of recommendation.
16. The Daniel A. Terry Scholarship
Eligibility:
-Be the child of a California firefighter killed in the line of duty.
-Be below the age of 27.
-Have a high school diploma, GED, or be a senior in high school.
For the past few years, the nation has watched in horror as California has battled blaze after wildfire. People have lost their houses, pets, and loved ones in these fires.
Many of the heroic men and women who combat these flames have died, leaving their families in grief and financial struggle. The California Firefighter Association established this prize to honor Daniel A. Terry, past president of the California Professional Firefighters. Each award totals $2000 in compensation for academic expenditures.
17. Grant for DeSales University Catholic School
Eligibility:
-Have graduated from a Catholic high school.
-2.5 GPA
DeSales University of Pennsylvania is a Catholic university that follows the teachings of Sir Francis de Sales. This institution provides a Catholic School Grant to students who have graduated from Catholic high schools.
Options include a general grant of $3000 and a $5000 scholarship for those who graduated from Allentown Diocesan and Oblate High Schools.
18. The Dr. Kyle Hornby Annual Scholarship
Eligibility:
-Be interested in pursuing a profession in dentistry.
-Be enrolled in a North American pre-graduate college or university program leading to a profession in dentistry.
-3.5 GPA
The Kitchener Family Dental Practice is devoted to assisting the growth and success of the next generation of dental professionals.
They established the Dr. Kyle Hornby Annual Scholarship to help reach this aim while also giving back to the dental community.
Applicants are chosen based on a 1000-word essay outlining why they want to work in dentistry and which characteristics they believe are most important for becoming the finest dental professional. One $1000 award is granted each year.
19. The Elmer Carver Scholarship
Eligibility:
-Prepare to pursue an undergraduate degree in physics, chemistry, materials science, or engineering at a California college or university.
-Be interested in a career with the Southern California Chapter of the AVS (SCCAVS).
Funding an academic career in physics, chemistry, materials science, or engineering is no easy task. Neither is it a simple intellectual challenge.
This is why the SSCAVS provides a $1500 annual stipend. The winner will be chosen based on their academic success as proven by their transcripts, their character and merit as represented by a letter of recommendation, and the integrity of their response to an essay showing their devotion to the profession and their future career objectives.
20. Scholarships provided by the First Responders Children’s Foundation
Eligibility:
-Be the child of a first responder.
-Be prepared to pursue your first college degree or occupational certificate at a school approved for financial help by the Department of Education.
-2.7 GPA
-Be a United States citizen or permanent resident.
First responders devote their lives to assisting others in crises. The First Responders Children’s Foundation established many scholarships to give back to the individuals whom first responders care about the most their children.
They provide various general scholarships for up to $6250 each year. Winners are chosen based on a combination of academic merit, financial need, and extracurricular performance in athletics or the arts, as well as a history of community service. They also provide a variety of specialty scholarships to consider.
What is a scholarship?
To put it simply, a scholarship is free money that you may use to pay for college.
Scholarships, unlike other sorts of financial aid (such as loans), do not need repayment, which is why they are so great.
I am a high school senior. Is it too late to start applying for scholarships?
No, not at all! You’re in a great position to apply for scholarships because you can not only apply for high school scholarships but also start preparing for college scholarships.
Starting the process as a senior in high school allows you to become fully acquainted and comfortable with what is involved, so when you arrive on campus in the fall, you will know exactly what you need to do to secure the bag!
How can I manage scholarship applications while still doing academics and college applications?
As a senior, I understand you must have a lot on your plate that you are attempting to balance. My number one recommendation for getting everything done (and being as successful as possible in the process) is to create goals and keep organized – more on this in the tips area below the scholarships!
How can I make my application stand out?
Great question! One of the most important ways to stand out in your application is to present additional requirements.
Whether it’s an essay, a video, letters of recommendation, or other supplementary submissions, you’ll want to take the extra time and effort to ensure that what you’re bringing in is YOU, unique, eye-catching, and unforgettable.
How can I acquire a scholarship to study abroad in high school?
Academic Excellence – An excellent academic report will improve your chances of receiving a scholarship. Language Proficiency – If you are fluent in the language of instruction in the country where you wish to receive a scholarship, you have a good chance of success.
Can an international student receive a scholarship in high school?
They understand that international students can contribute their culture, customs, beliefs, and a variety of other benefits to their communities. With this in mind, several colleges are willing to provide generous scholarships to international students. In many circumstances, overseas students receive more financial aid than US students.
Where can I find scholarships to apply to?
In addition to Access Scholarships, there are numerous more websites and tools available to assist you with your scholarship search and application.
You should begin by visiting your state’s website(s), which describes state-based financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
Then, contact your school counselor (and research on Google) to find out about local scholarships that you can apply for.
Another innovative technique to locate potential scholarship possibilities tailored to you is to use social media (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and even Pinterest!).
You can follow hashtags on Instagram, such as #TexasScholarships (if you reside in Texas), so that if an organization posts a relevant scholarship with that hashtag, you can find it and apply if you’re interested!
