no essay scholarships for high school juniors

Top 35 Scholarships for High School Juniors 2024

Introduction: Scholarships for High School Juniors

For most high school students, junior year is a year of big-time transitions, studying, and decisions, because it's generally the time where students start to think about all things college-related.

When you're a junior, hopping on this college journey includes things like taking the PSAT (and even the SAT or ACT ), researching colleges (maybe even going on some tours), preparing for college applications, and speaking with your family and guidance counselor about what options might be right for you. 

Since this is the year where you're discussing college (and likely also discussing how to pay for it), leaving scholarships out of the picture would be doing yourself a disservice!

It's important to know that it is almost NEVER too early to begin applying for scholarships. There are tons of great scholarships for high school juniors to apply for.

In this post, we have highlighted some of the best scholarships for high school juniors to apply for in 2024. 

Top Scholarships for High School Juniors in 2024

Collegevine no essay $2,000 scholarship.

Award Amount : $2,000

Scholarship Deadline : Monthly

Open to high school students of all years who are residents of the US.

ScholarshipPoints No Essay $2,500 Monthly Scholarship

Amount : $2,500

Deadline : Expires on the last day of each month

Eligibility: The ScholarshipPoints Scholarship is a monthly no essay scholarship open to all high school students ages 16 and older, who are US residents!

ScholarshipOwl No Essay $50,000 Scholarship

Award Amount : $1,000 (4 awards per month)

Scholarship Deadline : Last day of each month

$1,000 Campus Dream Scholarship

Award Amount : $1,000

Open to high school juniors in the US.

Scholarships360 No Essay $10,000 Scholarship

Award Amount : $10,000

Scholarship Deadline : Rolling

• Christian Connector $2,500 Scholarship 

Award Amount : $2,500

The Christian Connector scholarship is open to high school juniors and seniors who are interested in or planning to enroll in a Christian college or university .

CampusReel $2,000 No Essay Scholarship 

Scholarship Deadline : Monthly 

The CampusReel No Essay Scholarship is awarded monthly and all you have to do is sign up on their website. It's that easy!

Niche $50,000 No Essay Scholarship

Amount:  $50,000

Deadline: Monthly

Eligibility: Open to high school juniors - no essay required!

Community Impact Scholarship

Amount:  $1,000 each (5 awards)

Deadline: April 30

Eligibility:

-Open to high school students of all years

-No transcript or minimum GPA required to apply!

CollegExpress Monthly Scholarship 

Award Amount : usually $1,500

Answer the question:  If you could have any celebrity or influencer visit your school, who would it be?

Niche $2,000 No Essay Scholarship

Amount:  $2,000

Appily Easy Money Scholarship

Scholarship Deadline : Continuous   

The Cappex Easy Money Scholarship is open to all students - no minimum GPA or essay required.

Be Bold $25,000 No Essay Scholarship 

Award Amount : $25,000

Bold.org has a lot of great scholarships, but while you're there, make sure you enter to win this $25,000 scholarship they have going on!

Nitro $2,000 No Essay Scholarship 

The Nitro No Essay Scholarship is awarded monthly and all you have to do is sign up on their website. Doesn't get any easier!

• Too Cool to Pay for School Scholarship

Scholarship Deadline : Quarterly

The Too Cool to Pay for School Scholarship is our own contribution to helping students fund their higher education. Simply fill in some easy info about yourself and you're entered to win!

Humanity Rising Scholarships 

Award Amount: $500 - $2,000

Scholarship Deadlines: Rolling

Humanity Rising awards scholarships to high school students who tell their stories with community service through a video.

Survey Junkie Brand Influencer No Essay

Award Amount : Varies

Scholarship Deadline : Rolling 

Survey Junkie invites students to share their opinions on topics they care about, with the potential to earn big rewards $.

• Distinguished Young Women Scholarship 

Award Amount : Varies 

Scholarship Deadline : Continuous 

The Distinguished Young Women Scholarship program is for female high school juniors and seniors.

• United States Senate Youth Program

Scholarship Deadline : Varies by state

The United States Senate Youth Program is a scholarship open to high school juniors and seniors holding elected student offices. Two students are selected from each state.

• Live Más Scholarship

Award Amount : $5,000 - $25,000

Scholarship Deadline : January 11

The Live Mas Scholarship is Taco Bell's contribution to helping students achieve their higher education goals. It's not a full-ride, but it's certainly something! To apply, students must submit a video telling the story of their real, true passion.

• Carson Scholars Program

Scholarship Deadline : January 13

The Carson Scholars Program is a merit-based scholarship program that is open to high school students who excel academically and are committed to serving their communities.

• Profile in Courage Essay Contest

Award Amount : $500 - $3,000

Scholarship Deadline : January 12

The Profile in Courage Essay Contest is open to all high school students. Essays will be judged on the overall originality of the topic and the clear communication of ideas through language.

Coolidge Scholarship

Award Amount : Full-ride !

Scholarship Deadline : January 18

The Coolidge Scholarship is a full-ride scholarship that covers a student’s tuition, room, board, and expenses for four years of undergraduate study.

Hamilton Award/Scholars Program for High School Juniors

Scholarship Deadline : January 31

The Hamilton Award is open solely to underserved high school juniors in the US. Students do not need to be US residents.

Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship 

The Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship is designed to help you understand the negative effects that technology and too much screen time can have on our lives. Open to high school and college students, along with graduate school students .

EngineerGirl Essay Contest

Award Amount : $500

Scholarship Deadline : February 1  

The EngineerGirl Essay contest is open to high school students and asks for an essay discussing the vital contribution of engineers in responding to the pandemic.

Americanism Essay Scholarship 

Award Amount : $100 - $1,200 

Scholarship Deadline : First Friday in February  

The Americanism Essay Scholarship is open to Illinois high school students and requires an essay on Americanism and good citizenship.

• Be the Boss Scholarship

Scholarship Deadline : March 15

The "Be the Boss" Scholarship is designed to empower entrepreneurial women to give their business ideas a go!

• E-Waste Scholarship 

Scholarship Deadline : April 30 

The E-Waste Scholarship, sponsored by Digital Responsibility, challenges students to learn about the impact of e-waste and what can be done to minimize it.

Think for Yourself Scholarship 

Award Amount : up to $5,000

This scholarship, open to all high school students in the US, asks students to consider the value of free speech, curiosity, and open mindedness in their everyday lives.

Fountainhead Essay Contest 

Award Amount : $500 - $1,000

Scholarship Deadline : June 7

The Fountainhead Essay Contest is for high school students in their junior and senior years and has three essay prompt options.

Stuck at Prom Scholarship

Award Amount : up to $10,000

Scholarship Deadline : June 9

The Stuck at Prom Scholarship is open to high school students in the US and Canada who are 14 and older.

Prudential Emerging Visionaries Award

Amount:  up to $15,000

Deadline:  November 4

Eligibility:  Open to young leaders ages 14-18 who are bringing powerful vision and real change to their communities. Must be legal residents of the US or Puerto Rico.

Around the Corner from College Scholarship

Scholarship Deadlines:  December 31, June 30

This is another one of Access Scholarship's ways of giving back! The Around the Corner from College Scholarship is an easy opportunity that is open to all high school students, including international students who are planning to attend college in the US.

• National High School Poetry Contest

Scholarship Deadline : December 31

• Gen & Kelly Tanabe Scholarship

Scholarship Deadline : December 31 and July 31

The Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship is a merit-based program that helps students fulfill their dreams of higher education.

• Cirkled In’s “No Sweat” Scholarship
• WiseGeek Mental Health Well-Being No-Essay Scholarship

The WiseGeek Mental Health Well-Being Scholarship is meant to provide awareness to mental health challenges and assist those who have had to face those issues with a $500 award to help pay their tuition.

Quick Links - Scholarships for High School Juniors

• Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship
• ScholarshipPoints $10,000 Scholarship 
• CollegExpress Monthly Scholarship  
• Be Bold No Essay Scholarship 
• Survey Junkie Brand Influencer No Essay Scholarship
• Direct Textbook Photo Essay Scholarship 
• DoSomething.org Go There Greener Scholarship
• Cappex Easy Money Scholarship
• Courage to Grow Scholarship
• Scholarship Owl “You Deserve It!” Scholarship
• Fountainhead Essay Contest
• Fire Memes Scholarship
• Nitro No-Essay Scholarship
• GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program
• Flavor of the Month Scholarship

Frequently asked questions about scholarships from high school students

What is a scholarship.

A scholarship is, to put it simply, free money that you can earn to put towards paying for college.

Unlike other types of financial aid (aka, loans), money that you earn from scholarships doesn't ever need to be repaid!

Can juniors in high school even apply for scholarships?

As you can see from the scholarships listed above, high school juniors certainly can apply for scholarships!

If you're a junior and you haven't started yet, don't worry, because you're definitely not too late. In fact, you're quickly approaching one of the prime times to be applying, since junior year is the time where lots of scholarships tend to become available for high school students.

One major pro of starting to apply for scholarships as a high school junior is that, by the time senior year rolls around, you will already be familiar with the process, and ready to go out there and submit applications for even more opportunities.

Where can I find scholarships for juniors to apply for?

In addition to this post and the entire  Access Scholarships  platform, there are tons of other places and resources you can check out to help you search for scholarships for juniors.

You'll want to start by heading over to the website(s) run by your state that outlines  state-based financial aid  and scholarship opportunities.

Then, you'll want to reach out to your school counselor (and do research on Google) to learn about local scholarship and merit scholarship opportunities.

Another more unique way to find potential scholarship opportunities that are specific to you is actually through utilizing social media (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, even Pinterest!). You can follow hashtags on Instagram such as # TexasScholarships (if you live in Texas) so that anytime an organization posts a relevant scholarship with that hashtag, you can see it and apply if you're interested!

How do I make my scholarship applications stand out?

One of the best ways that you can stand out through your application is through the extra requirements that you submit.

Whether it's an essay , a video, letters of recommendation, or other additional submissions, these are all places where you will want to dedicate extra time and effort to make sure that what you're sending in is authentically YOU, unique, eye-catching, and memorable.

Applying for scholarships while juggling high school and extracurriculars is a lot of work. Is it worth it?

In my opinion, ABSOLUTELY! While the process can be a long one, it can certainly pay off if you are able to earn a few thousand dollars (or even more!) in scholarships to help you pay for school. Think about how many hours of time you'd have to work at a part-time job to earn a few thousand dollars. Probably quite a lot!

Additionally, not only is the process a humbling one (mostly everyone who applies will get rejected from at least one scholarship at some point) but it also helps you to refine key skills along the way, such as organization, essay-writing, and professional communication.

For more tips on navigating the process of writing essays for scholarships, check out our blog post on How To Write a Winning Scholarship Essay .

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

40 College Scholarships for High School Juniors in 2023

What’s covered:, why scholarships matter, college scholarships for high school juniors, tips for applying for scholarships.

Think it’s too early to apply for a scholarship? If you’re a high school junior, think again. There are many college scholarships open to 11th graders and other students who aren’t yet seniors. 

So, what’s available? Here’s your guide to top scholarships for juniors.

Are you applying to schools and want to know your admissions chances? Calculate your chances right now and understand your odds before applying.

Scholarships can help offset the cost of college tuition and other expenses, such as room, board, and textbooks. Unlike loans, you don’t have to pay them back, so they can be enormously helpful to you throughout your education.

Receiving a merit scholarship is also an honor that can help you get into a college. If you receive the award as a junior, you’ll be able to include it on your college application.

It’s a good idea to start early because you’ll save time during your busy senior year. It can also give you peace of mind to know that you have supplemental income to add to your college fund. You may even be able to attend a college you may not have been able to afford otherwise.

1. Alexander Hamilton Awards

Scholarship award: $1,000

Open to: High school juniors

Thirty-five awards are given to underserved students based on academic, personal, service, and entrepreneurial accomplishments. Honorees participate in a five-year empowerment program at no cost to them. They also receive two $500 monetary awards — one at the beginning of the program and one at the end.

2. American Legion Oratorical Contest

Scholarship award: 18,000 (top prize); each state winner receives a $1,500 scholarship, and those who advance past the first round receive an additional $1,500 scholarship

Open to: High school students under age 20

This oratorical contest has a mission of instilling a deeper knowledge of and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students. Students must speak about some aspect of the Constitution and ways that citizens can serve the nation.

3. Carson Scholars

Open to: Students in grades 4-11

Carson Scholars give back to their communities through community service. They must have a minimum GPA of 3.75 and a demonstrated track record of community service. Only one student per high school may apply.

4. The Coolidge Scholarship

Scholarship award: Full ride, including tuition, room, board, and expenses for four years of undergraduate study

Open to: High school juniors 

Coolidge scholars display academic excellence and a demonstrated interest in and appreciation for public policy and the values of Calvin Coolidge. Award recipients participate in an orientation in Plymouth Notch, Vermont, the summer before their senior year of high school. They return for one week for the next three summers.

Top applicants are designated “Coolidge Senators” and are invited to participate in the Senators Summit in Washington, D.C.

5. Doodle 4 Google

Scholarship award: $30,000 plus $50,000 tech grant for the recipient’s school

Open to: K-12

Open to young artists, Google announces a theme for the competition each January and features the National Winner’s artwork on the Google homepage after the contest closes in March.

6. Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship

Scholarship award: $1,000 (first place)

Open to: Students in grades 9-12

For this scholarship, students submit a personal statement responding to a prompt or topic of their choice. Applicants may reuse an essay used for another purpose, such as a class or other scholarship application.

7. National Merit Scholarship Program

Scholarship award: $2,500

Your PSAT scores qualify you to be considered for this prestigious award. Semifinalists will complete applications through their school, once notified of their status by National Merit. Scores are ranked within states, so students from higher-scoring states are less likely to become semifinalists. Approximately 7,250 students receive scholarship awards. To learn more about the process, read How to Qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program .

8. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

Scholarship award: $5,000-$15,000

Open to: Students between the ages of 14-18

This award recognizes students for outstanding service to others at the local, state, and national levels. (Find more community service scholarships here .)

9. Samsung American Legion Scholarship

Scholarship award: $10,000 each (National Scholars, two from each region)

Open to: High school juniors and seniors

In order to qualify for this scholarship, you must have attended one session of The American Legion Boys State or American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program. You must also be a direct descendant of a wartime U.S. military veteran who served on active duty during at least one of the periods of war officially designated as eligibility dates. The scholarship is awarded based on academic record, involvement in school, and community service.

10. United States Senate Youth Program

Scholarship award: $10,000

Open to: Rising high school juniors and seniors

Students apply for this competition by contacting their state selection coordinators. They must display leadership by serving in an elected or appointed position within an organization related to student government, education, public affairs, or community service. Two student leaders from each state, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity school system, will spend a week in Washington, DC.

11. Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Science Competition

Open to: Students in grades K-12 (separated by age groups)

Students submit projects that show engagement in real-world problem-solving with a strong emphasis on STEM. All entries must include an abstract, description, bibliography, and five sample web pages.

For more STEM scholarships, check out A Guide to STEM Scholarships .

12. Voice of Democracy Youth Scholars

Scholarship award: $35,000 (first place)

Students produce an audio-essay to respond to a theme regarding their democratic and patriotic values.

13. “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

Scholarship award: $25,000

Open to: All students 

Students at all education levels from high school to graduate school are challenged to create the boldest profile according to these characteristics: earnest, determined, and moving. Carpe diem—preference is given to applicants who apply early. 

14. $1,000 Cappex Easy College Money Scholarship

Open to: High school, community college, and college students 

Truly an easy scholarship to apply for, the short, simple-to-fill-out application asks a few basic questions such as your GPA, the colleges you’re considering applying to, and what you intend to major in. 

15. The Fountainhead Essay Contest

Scholarship award: $5,000 first place, $1,250 second place, and $250 third place 

Open to: 11th and 12th graders 

Perfect for students who love to read, write, and think about books, the Fountainhead Essay contest challenges applicants to write an 800 to 1,600-word essay about Ayn Rand’s novel, The Fountainhead . 

16. SelectBlinds $1,000 Scholarship

Open to: High school and college students 

Show off your innovative spirit and highlight what you’re passionate about for the opportunity to win this $1,000 award. To enter, share a unique way to use window coverings (other than covering windows) or highlight a technology that you think can improve window coverings. Additionally, applicants are asked to submit a 250 to 750-word essay answering one of five prompts. 

17. Unigo Flavor of the Month Scholarship

Scholarship award: $1,500

Open to: Students ages 14+

Ice cream lovers and creative writers rejoice—there’s a scholarship just for you! To enter, submit an essay no longer than 250 words answering the question: “If you were an ice cream flavor, which would you be and why?” 

18. American College Foundation Visionary Scholarship

Scholarship award: $5,000

Open to: High school students in grades 9-12 

Write a 500-word essay on why college is important to you, and submit your most recent high school transcript for a chance to win this robust award. Financial need is not considered when choosing a winner, but punctuation, grammar, ability to follow guidelines, originality, and overall quality are—so be sure to submit your best work.  

19. The Christian Connector Scholarship

Scholarship award : $5,000 

Open to: High school students with interest in attending a Christian college or university

A can’t-miss scholarship opportunity for students thinking about attending a Christian college, university, or Bible college, simply fill out the form on their website to put yourself in the running for this award. Note, the scholarship can only be used at qualifying schools—any school that is a member of the CCCU , NACCAP , or ABHE automatically qualifies.

20. CollegeXpress One Question Scholarship  

Scholarship award: $1,000 or $10,000

Open to: Students ages 13+ 

Applicants must fill out a registration form and answer the following question in one sentence: “What is your favorite college mascot?”

21. Courageous Persuaders Video Scholarship Competition

Scholarship award: $2,000 grand prize 

Open to: High school students

Create a 30-second (or shorter) commercial delivering a message about the dangers of drinking or texting while driving—the grand prize-winning video will be run on television. Looking for ideas? Check out last year’s winning video . 

22. Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) Americanism Essay Contest

Scholarship award: $1,500 grand prize 

Open to: Grades 7-12

The FRA—a group representing the sea Services: U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard—welcomes students to write a 350-word essay promoting the spirit of Americanism and patriotism. Submissions must be made through an FRA member of a local FRA branch. If you’re looking for inspiration, you can find past winning essays on the FRA’s website . 

23. Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes

Open to: Students ages 8 to 18

A scholarship for inspiring, public-spirited young people, the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes rewards students who have positively impacted their community and environment. Past winners of the award have organized and led extraordinary service activities, and demonstrate characteristics such as positivity, courage, generosity, and high moral purpose. 

24. Jane Austen Society of North America (JANSA) Essay Contest

Open to: High school students in grades 9-12

Literature lovers will welcome this opportunity to win an award for college. To compete, write an essay on a work of Jane Austen’s (the topic changes yearly; 2020’s contest is focused on her female villains). In addition to a scholarship, winners also receive a one-year JANSA membership, a set of Norton Critical Editions of Jane Austen’s novels, and their winning essay is published on JANSA’s website.

25. The James Alan Cox Foundation for Student Photojournalists

Open to: High school students, college students, and graduate students 

Tell a story with still photography—think newspaper, not art gallery—to earn a chance at a $2,500 scholarship from the James Alan Cox Foundation for Student Photojournalists. In addition to their photo submission, applicants are asked to include an essay, two letters of recommendation, their transcript, and a portfolio. 

26. Annual DNA Day Essay Contest

Scholarship award: $1,000 for first place and a $1,000 genetics material grant for winner’s school; $600 for second place and a $600 genetics material grant for winner’s school; $400 for third place and a $400 genetics material grant for winner’s school; $100 for ten honorable mentions

The American Society of Human Genetics hosts an annual scholarship competition to support National DNA Day. Students must write an essay that answers a unique question each year that displays an understanding of important concepts in genetics.

27. Teen Entrepreneur Scholarship

Scholarship award: $3,200

Are you a young entrepreneur or interested in starting a business one day? The Teenage Entrepreneur Society is awarding one high school student $3,200 to further your education or business. To apply, you must talk about the support systems in your life that have helped you succeed in entrepreneurship.

28. $500 High School Junior Scholarship

Scholarship award: $500

Are you a high school junior in the Class of 2023? If so, this might be the easiest scholarship you apply for. Visit niche.com , create an account, and you’ll be entered to win $500! If you win, you can use the money to pay for the college search process or apply the funds to your future education expenses.

29. CollegeXpress “Grill & Chill” Scholarship

CollegeXpress’s “Grill and Chill” Scholarship has a quick and easy application process. Simply answer one question—“What’s your favorite summertime food?”–in one sentence for your chance at winning a $1,000 scholarship. 

30. Americans United’s Student Essay Contest

Scholarship award: $1,500 for first place, $1,000 for second place, and $500 for third place

This annual essay contest by Americans United challenges students to write a 750 to 1,000-word essay about why religious freedom and the separation of church and state is important for them and their communities.

31. Speak Up! Scholarship

Scholarship award: $2,000

The National Society of High School Scholars is awarding five students involved in communications classes like Yearbook, Public Speaking, or Visual Design a $2,000 scholarship. Students must answer the following two questions in a 500 to 800-word essay: “What do you think are the most important aspects of clear and effective communication? What have you done to practice and perfect the art of communications?”

32. Claes Nobel Good Earth Sustainability Scholarship

The National Society of High School Scholars is awarding five students with a passion for sustainability, conservation, and preserving the Earth a $2,000 scholarship. Students must answer the following question in a 500 to 800-word essay: “Mr. Claes Nobel said: ‘I hope soon, you shall gain a new world view that fosters global stability and the cultivation of love and virtue.’ What do you think Mr. Nobel meant by this statement, and what does it mean to you personally?”

33. Annual Catholic College Scholarship

Open to: High school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors

The $2,000 Catholic College Scholarship Drawing is open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors interested in attending a Catholic college or university.

34. Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship

Open to: High school students, undergraduate students, graduate students

To raise awareness about technology addiction, Digital Responsibility requests students to answer this prompt in 140 characters: “Instead of spending time with technology, I’d rather…” Ten finalists selected will be asked to write a 500 to 1,000-word essay about technology addiction, and the winner will receive the $1,000 scholarship.

35. Minecraft Scholarship

Open to: High school and college students

Do you love playing Minecraft? If so, this annual scholarship awarded by Apex Hosting is the perfect opportunity for you. To enter, students with a 3.0 or higher GPA must write a 500-word essay about how Minecraft can positively influence the future of education and the workforce.

36. UniMovers Working Student Scholarship

Open to: College-bound seniors, college students, and non-traditional students

UniMovers understands the challenges of balancing school and work, so they want to award working students a $1,000 scholarship. To enter, students must write an essay about how they represent one of the core values of UniMovers in both their personal and professional life.

37. Phyliss J. McCarthy Scholarship for Excellence in Writing

Open to: High school juniors or seniors

A scholarship for aspiring writers, the Phyliss J. McCarthy Scholarship by Learncurious is offering one grand-prize winner a scholarship of $1,000 for answering one of three prompts in a 2,000-word essay.

38. Courage to Grow Scholarship

This scholarship that renews each month is simple—students must explain why they believe they should be awarded the scholarship in 250 words or less. Students must be juniors or seniors in high school with at least a 2.5 GPA.

39. NSHSS-DECA ICDC Conference Scholarship

Students who are members of both the National Society of High School Scholars and the Distributive Education Clubs of America can apply for this scholarship. Students must also have at least a 3.5 GPA and an interest in pursuing a career in marketing, finance, hospitality, or business. The scholarship requires one 500-word personal statement that asks students to describe their career plans and explain how DECA and NSHSS have prepared them to succeed.

40. Walgreens Expressions Challenge

Scholarship award: $2,000 (first place)

High school students between the ages of 13 and 18 are invited to create an artistic project about anything that is having an impact on them. Students can enter the contest as individuals or in groups of up to five people in total.

41 (Bonus). CollegeVine Scholarships

Amount: $2,000

Deadline: Quarterly

Eligibility: high school student and US resident

Application Requirements: create a free CollegeVine account or fill out chancing profile if you already have an account. 

CollegeVine provides a quarterly, no-essay scholarship of $2,000. All you have to do is sign up for a free account, which allows you to see your chances of acceptance at 1,600+ schools, get your essays reviewed by a peer, ask questions in our community forum, and more. If you already have an account, just make sure your chancing profile is filled out.

Awards will be paid out directly to students to help them cover any educational costs. Learn more about the CollegeVine scholarships .

Explore your options.

There are many other niche scholarships and resources available. Do your research to find find scholarships that are most applicable to your interests and strengths. The more specific the scholarship, the better your chances of winning. Similarly, local awards are easier to win than big, national competitions.

Know the terminology.

A need-based scholarship is awarded based on demonstrated financial need. A merit-based scholarship is awarded based on academic or extracurricular talents. Most external scholarships, such as the ones listed above, are merit scholarships, though some do take into account a student’s financial need.

The best way to win merit scholarships, however, is not by applying to external scholarships. You’re much more likely to win more scholarship money by applying to lower-ranked schools where your profile is especially strong. 

Read the rules carefully.

An error can lead to your disqualification from a scholarship. Make sure you understand all the rules and submit all the necessary components. Be sure to submit them before the deadline as well!

Want access to expert college guidance? When you create your free CollegeVine account, you will find out your real admissions chances, build a best-fit school list, learn how to improve your profile, and get your questions answered by experts and peers—all for free. Sign up for your CollegeVine account today to get a boost on your college journey.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

20 No Essay Scholarships You Should Apply For

With the rising cost of higher education, it’s important to secure as much financial aid for school as possible. You may not realize it, but you probably already qualify for dozens of scholarships.  You may be a competitor for awards because of your strong GPA, academic area of interest, hobbies, or even because you graduated high school in a particular county.

While there are many scholarships that require you to submit a long list of supporting documentation, not all applications are so taxing. The list below offers information on 20 scholarships that do not require you to write a personal essay or statement of academic goals. 

These no essay scholarships save you time and energy and could result in you garnering hundreds or thousands of dollars in free money for school.

Tips When Applying To These Scholarships

Here are a couple of things to consider while compiling your no essay scholarship applications. Bear in mind that even no essay scholarships will require you to submit at least a few important documents. Be sure that you meet all of the submission requirements for each scholarship, as each one will ask for specific information. If you don’t submit all of the required documents, they may toss out your application. 

Secondly, in addition to searching for scholarship opportunities at the local level and students in your county, state, or region, do not overlook scholarships that offer smaller awards. No matter the size of the scholarship, all of the money you receive means taking on less debt through loans or paying out of pocket.

1. Richard J. Seif Technical Sales and Marketing Scholarship

This $3,000 award is reserved for learners pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business or engineering with a concentration in marketing or sales. Applicants should possess a 2.5 or higher GPA and be U.S. or Canadian citizens. This one is closed for the year but will reopen again in early 2024 so mark your calendars!

2. Honeywell Scholarship

Offered by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), this award is for students in a graduate or undergraduate program preparing for a career in computer science , engineering , or engineering technology. Awards range from $1,000-$15,000. Applicants must identify as women and be enrolled in an ABET-accredited program. Applications will be open in December and February and are due in February or May, depending on the applicant’s grade level.

3. Reisher Scholars Program

The Reisher Scholars Program offers both merit- and need-based scholarships for sophomores and transfer students in Colorado. Awards range from $4,000-$11,000, with the average being $7,984. Applicants should be full-time students at one of the seven Reisher partner universities 3.0 or higher GPA. Application due dates vary depending on the student’s institution.

4. Alwin B. Newton Scholarship

The $5,000, one-year Newton Scholarship requires applicants to possess a 3.0 or higher or be in the top 30% of their class. Applications must include three letters of recommendation and documents that demonstrate the student’s financial need. Applications are due on December 1 for awards granted the following fall semester.

5. Welder Training Scholarship

This $2,500 award is reserved for students studying welding engineering. Applicants must be at least 18 years old with a 3.0 or higher GPA and enrolled in a four-year undergraduate welding engineering technology program. Applicants must include two letters of recommendation and be submitted by November 30, 2023. 

6. Tang Scholarship

Established by Edward C. Tang, this scholarship is designed to help Asian and Pacific Islander students who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community . Up to four awards are given each year, with each award being up to $15,000. Applicants must have graduated from a high school located in one of the nine Bay Area counties with a 3.0 or higher GPA. This application is closed for the 2023-2024 academic year, but should reopen in early 2024. Applications are due in April.

7. Western Digital Scholarship Program

This award is reserved for any undergraduate student who is a biological dependent of a Western Digital employee. Applicants must be enrolled, or plan on enrolling, in a four-year college or university program as a full-time student. Competitive applicants possess a 3.0 or higher GPA. Awards range from $2,000-$5,000. The application opens in January and is usually due at the beginning of April.

8. Cathay Bank Foundation Scholarship Program

The foundation offers up to 20 scholarships of $1,000 to outstanding high school seniors each year. Applicants must reside in California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Texas, or Washington. The need-based award is for learners who plan on attending a four-year program in one of the states previously listed and possess a 3.0 or higher cumulative high school GPA. Applications are due at the beginning of April each year.

9. James R. Bullock Scholarship

Reserved for students residing in North Carolina, South Carolina, or Georgia, the Bullock Scholarship is a one-year award for undergraduates in architectural or mechanical engineering worth up to $5,000. Applicants should possess a 3.0 or higher GPA or be in the top 30% of their class. Applications are due by December 1, 2023.

10. Project Grant

Offered by the Connecticut Space Grant Consortium, the Project Grant is worth up to $1,000. The award is designed to offset the cost of materials for students completing their senior capstone projects or undergraduate research projects. Applicants need a 3.0 or higher GPA and must be enrolled at a Consortium Member Institution. Applications are open in January for spring scholarships, and in September for fall scholarships. 

11. Coca-Cola Scholars Program

Prospective recipients must be current high school students in one of the 50 states or Puerto Rico with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Applicants must have plans to attend a degree-granting, accredited college or university in the U.S. Up to 150 scholars are chosen each year for this $20,000 award. Applications will be open from August 1-October 2, 2023 for students who will graduate during the 2023-2024 academic year.

12. ASHRAE General Scholarship

The ASHRAE General Scholarship award is worth $5,000. Applicants must be full-time undergraduate engineering or pre-engineering students with a 3.0 or higher GPA at an ABET-accredited institution. Applications must include official academic transcripts and three signed letters of recommendation. Applications are due by December 1, 2023.

13. Tennessee HOPE Scholarship

Funded by the proceeds from the Tennessee State Lottery, this award is for new college freshmen enrolling in one of 16 eligible colleges or universities in the state. The award is for $1,500-$2,250 per semester, depending on whether the student is attending a two- or four-year school. Students with a 3.0 or higher GPA planning to pursue a bachelor’s or associate degree are eligible to apply. Standardized test scores may be required. Applications are due by September 1 each year.

14. Children of Veterans Tuition Grant

Applicants must be biological or adopted 16-26-year-old children of veterans living in Michigan. Their veteran parents must have passed away or become disabled as a result of their military service. Applicants should have a 2.25 or higher GPA and be enrolled at least half-time at a participating institution in Michigan. Full-time students can receive up to $2,800 per academic year. The application deadline varies per year.

15. Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program

Applicants must be Florida residents and a U.S. or eligible citizen to apply. Prospective recipients must have graduated from a Florida high school with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Applications must include documentation of at least 75 hours of community service. Competitive ACT or SAT scores are also required. This award is worth up to $212.71 per credit hour. Applications are due by August 31 after high school graduation.

16. The Scott McClean Love Scholarship

This award is for undergraduate learners with a 2.0 or higher GPA who are children of former U.S. Army personnel. Eligible students have graduated high school, currently attending a college or university, and are 24 years old or younger. Awards range from $500-$2,000 per year. Applications open every January and close in April.

17. Robert W. White, Sr. Scholarship

The Robert W. White, Sr. Scholarship is for full-time students who are juniors or seniors in a four-year welding engineering degree program. Applicants must be at least 18 years old with a 3.2 or higher GPA. This need-based scholarship requires proof of financial need and is renewable for up to two years. The $2,500 award may be used for tuition and fees only. Applications are due by March 1 each year. 

18. Pearl Scholarship

The Pearl Scholarship is for students in Oregon who have lived or remain in foster care and want to attend a public college or university in the state . The award is for those interested in studying health sciences. Applicants should be 26 years old or younger and plan to enroll at least half-time in school. The amount awarded varies per year. Applications are open from November - March for the upcoming academic year. 

19. General Mills Internship and Scholarship

This program is open to graduate students enrolled in a food science program who want to take on a paid summer research and development internship. The scholarship portion of the award is worth $4,800 for one academic year. Prospective recipients should have a 3.0 or higher GPA and must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program for fall 2022 to be eligible. Applications are due by September 30. 

20. Scholarship America Dream Award

Applicants for the American Dream Award must be 17 years of age or older with at least one year of college completed. Prospective recipients must be currently enrolled as a full-time student in an associate or bachelor’s degree program with a 3.0 or higher GPA. These awards are need-based and worth between $5,000-$15,000. The application will reopen February 2024. 

Data Source: Peterson’s Databases copyright 2023 Peterson’s LLC All rights reserved

22 Scholarships for High School Juniors to Apply for Right Now

Most people think of college prep as a task reserved for high school seniors, but junior year is arguably the better time to begin. After all, senior year can get extremely busy. Between finals, SAT prep, and college visits, high school seniors don’t usually have the time they need to devote to scholarships, since they’re bogged down by the college application process . Plus, there are a number of great scholarships available to students in their junior year or younger. That means that if you wait too long to start applying for scholarships, you could be missing out on free money. 

If you’re ready to get a head start on college prep, check out this list of 25 college scholarships for high school juniors just like you.

1. The Paradigm Challenge

Amount: Up to $100,000

Provider: Project Paradigm

Eligibility Requirements:

• Ages 4 to 18

Application Requirements: Work sample, bio

The Paradigm Challenge is a unique opportunity to help solve some of the world’s biggest problems — and to earn a good chunk of change to put toward college costs. Each year, the challenge invites students from ages four to 18 to think outside the box. Your application can address problems in any of the following areas: home fires, waste reduction, personal health, food security, or biodiversity. You can either work in a team or alone, and your entry can be any medium, from a traditional essay to a video or mobile app. Each year, 100 finalists receive awards ranging from $200 to $100,000. 

2. Breakthrough Junior Challenge

Amount: $50,000

Provider: Khan Academy

• Ages 13 to 18

Application Requirements: Video essay

If you’re a high school junior who loves physics, math, or life sciences, take a look at the Breakthrough Junior Challenge . One of the top scholarships on our list in terms of dollar value, this competition asks curious high school students to create a 90-second video explaining a complex topic in one of the aforementioned fields. The winner will receive a $50,000 college scholarship as well as a $50,000 award for their teacher and a $100,000 grant to put toward a new science lab for their school. Your video can be in whatever format you wish: live-action, animation, or documentary. Entries will be judged according to several criteria, including the creativity of the video and the complexity of the subject covered. 

3. Davidson Fellows Scholarship

Amount: Up to $50,000

Provider: Davidson Institute

• 18 years of age or younger

Application Requirements: Letter of recommendation, personal statement, work sample, bio

The Davidson Fellows Scholarship is essentially a prestigious science fair for high-achieving high school students. To apply, you’ll have to submit a project in one of these categories: science, technology, engineering, mathematics, literature, music, or philosophy. Your project must have the potential to make a significant impact in its field and to benefit society in some way. (Unfortunately, artistic submissions like photography, art, or film proposals are not permitted). Students can apply on their own or in teams of two. Each year, three top winners take home $50,000, $25,000, and $10,000, respectively. 

4. Ocean Awareness Contest

Amount: $1,500

Provider: Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs, Inc.

Application Requirements: Essay and short answer question

The annual Ocean Awareness Contest is a platform for young people to learn about environmental issues through art-making and creative communication, explore their relationship to a changing world, and become advocates for positive change. Students ages 11-18 from around the world are invited to participate. Your voices, visions, and stories of hope are needed to help transform the world.

Each year brings a different creative prompt – check out the themes for this year!

5. Doodle for Google

Amount: Up to $30,000

Provider: Google

• Currently enrolled in an elementary, middle, or high school

Application Requirements: Work sampleOften catch yourself doodling in the margins of your notes? Put those artistic skills to good use by applying for the Doodle for Google scholarship contest . Open to current students enrolled in grades K-12, this competition evaluates original illustrations for use on Google’s homepage. Top prize winners will receive $30,000 to help pay for their undergraduate studies. Your work will be judged based on its artistic merit, creativity, and how well your drawing communicates your chosen theme.

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6. “Be Bold” No Essay Scholarship

Amount: $25,000

Provider: Bold.org

• Enrolled or planning to enroll in a college or university

Application Requirements: None

The founders of scholarship platform Bold.org are on a mission to help students tackle the next step of their education without taking on undue student debt. That’s where their “Be Bold” No Essay Scholarship comes in. This scholarship program is open to high school students (and current college students) of all ages. All you have to do to apply is create a profile on Bold.org and fill it out with the facts and perspectives that make you unique. This selection committee won’t look at your GPA or test scores; they only care that your profile is interesting and unique. 

7. Live Más Scholarship

Provider: Taco Bell

• Ages16 to 26

Taco Bell’s annual Live Más Scholarship isn’t a needs-based or merit-based scholarship; instead, it’s awarded based entirely on passion. To win, applicants must create a video about their personal passion and explain how a college education will help them pursue it. Your video must be between 30 seconds and two minutes. Everything else is up to you. This scholarship is open to high school juniors and seniors, undergrads, and graduate students. As long as you’re younger than 26 years of age, you’re welcome to apply. 

8. Eon Essay Contest Award

Amount: Up to $15,000

Provider: Eon

• Enrolled in a high school, college, or university
• 13 years of age or older

Application Requirements: Essay

If you’ve always been partial to writing book reports, the Eon Essay Contest Award is for you. Open to a wide range of students (including those in their junior year of high school), this scholarship asks applicants to read a book called The Precipice . You’ll then need to write a 1,200-word essay about a dream piece of technology that could transform the world. If you can’t find the book at your local library, you can reach out to the scholarship provider via their website to get a free copy. 

9. Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship

Amount: $10,000

Provider: Prudent Publishing Company

• Currently enrolled in a high school, college, or university
• 14 years of age or older

Application Requirements: Work sample

Greeting cards have the power to connect, motivate, and inspire. So does higher education. As an ode to those shared missions, the Prudent Publishing Company founded its Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship to help students earn money toward their college tuition. To enter the contest, submit a piece of original artwork designed to be the front of a greeting card. You could win $10,000 to fund your own education and $1,000 for your school. (Both high school students and undergraduate students are welcome to apply.)

10. Profile in Courage Essay Contest

Amount: Up to $10,000

Provider: John F. Kennedy Library Foundation

• Currently enrolled in high school 
• 20 years of age or younger

Application Requirements: Letter of recommendation, essay

John F. Kennedy was a beloved and courageous American leader. In his honor, the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation created its annual high school scholarship, the Profile in Courage Essay Contest . To apply, you’ll write a 700- to 1,000-word essay about an act of political courage by an elected leader between 1917 and today. As you might expect of a library-sponsored essay contest, a little research is required: you must cite a minimum of five sources in your essay. (You’ll also need to include a bibliography as part of your scholarship application.) This selection committee encourages students to choose original subjects. Try researching political leaders from your hometown to discover exciting, untold stories of courage. Going the extra mile could pay off big: the winner will take home $10,000 to put toward their college tuition. 

11. Sean Carroll’s Mindscape Big Picture Scholarship

Provider: Sean Caroll

Application Requirements: Transcript, essay

Sean Caroll, a physicist, philosopher, and host of the Mindscape podcast, lives to help people understand and appreciate the complexity of our universe. Now, he wants to help students with similar interests pay for their higher education. Open to all current students, the Sean Carroll’s Mindscape Big Picture Scholarship will grant two $10,000 scholarships. To win, you must demonstrate a deep passion for a field that seeks to understand and explain human existence. You’ll have the chance to explain that passion in your essay: simply write 1,500 words on why you think it’s important to comprehend the vastness of our universe.

12. Little Bird Scholarship for LGBTQI Immigrants

Amount: $18,000

Provider: Stonewall Community Foundation

• New York City resident
• Enrolled full-time as a high school junior or senior 
• Lack a U.S. citizenship, green card, or F-1 visa
• Identify as LGBTQ+

Application Requirements: Transcript, letter of recommendation, essay

The Little Bird Scholarship for LGBTQI Immigrants is a top scholarship program for current juniors in high school who are not legal residents of the U.S. To apply, you must be both undocumented and identify as LGBTQI. This scholarship award is sponsored by the Stonewall Community Foundation, a non-profit focused on supporting and advocating for anyone who identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ spectrum. The Stonewall Community Foundation also understands that some of these topics and documents might be sensitive; so all materials will be kept confidential, and applicants are not required to provide any information that makes them feel unsafe. 

13. KASF Scholarship

Amount: Up to $5,000

Provider: Korean American Scholarship Foundation

• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Korean or Korean American

Application Requirements: Transcript

The Korean American Scholarship Foundation (KASF) is a non-profit organization that exists to help Korean and Korean American students pursue higher education. KASF is organized into seven different chapters, and each one sponsors scholarships for the residents of its corresponding region. The KASF Scholarship is open to currently enrolled, full-time high school students of all ages. The award amount and submission details vary by region. (Students can find information for their region on KASF’s website .) 

14. Too Cool to Pay for School Scholarship

Amount: $1,000

Provider: Access Scholarships

• Must be 13 years old or older.
• Must be a current full-time high school, college, or graduate school student.
• Must be a US resident, DACA or undocumented student, or an international student currently studying in the US.

Application Requirements: 

The “Too Cool to Pay for School” scholarship is part of our contribution to helping students save money for higher education. The scholarship can be used to cover education-related expenses such as tuition, textbooks, housing, technology, and other fees.

To apply, simply enter your info into the form and cross your fingers – it’s as easy as that.

15. National High School Essay Contest

Amount: Up to $2,500 

Provider: American Foreign Service Association

• Currently enrolled as a high school student

Interested in government, history, or travel? Then don’t sleep on the National High School Essay Contest . This exciting scholarship opportunity is sponsored by the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), a nonprofit that aids the U.S. Foreign Service (USFS) in its mission to deploy diplomats and support peacemaking around the world. As the USFS gets ready to celebrate its 100th birthday, it’s asking applicants to write about an important event in the past 100 years of American foreign policy. Students’ essays should analyze an event between 1924 and today in fewer than 1,500 words. The author of the winning essay will receive a $2,500 scholarship — as well as full tuition for an AFSA-organized “Semester at Sea” voyage. Winners will also be sent to Washington D.C. (all expenses paid) to meet with a member of the State Department. 

16. National Merit Scholarship Program

Amount: Up to $2,500

Provider: National Merit Scholarship Corporation

• Currently enrolled in high school
• Have taken the PSAT 

Application Requirements: PSAT scores

The National Merit Scholarship Program is one of the best-known scholarship competitions for high school juniors — and one of the most compelling reasons to take the PSAT during your junior year of high school. That’s because anyone who takes the PSAT is automatically entered to win this prestigious award. If you’re interested in being considered, contact your guidance counselor to ensure that your school offers the PSAT (or make other arrangements to take it). The top 50,000 highest PSAT scorers will qualify for recognition. The NMSC will then narrow this pool down to 15,000 finalists. From here, winners will be chosen based upon a students’ PSAT scores, high school grades, recommendations, essays, and resumes. But you don’t have to earn finalist status to benefit: every student who makes it past the first round will be eligible for additional special scholarships .

17. INvested Scholarship

Provider: INvested

• Applicant needs to be 16 or older.
• Must live in Indiana

Application Requirements: No-Essay

Indiana Secondary Market for Education Loans, Inc. (“INvestEd”) is offering participants a chance to win one of five (5) $1,000 scholarships in the “$1,000 INvestEd Scholarship Giveaway” . This super-easy scholarship is no-essay and no-GPA required, so check it out today!

18. NextStepU No Essay Scholarship

Amount: $2,500

Provider: NextStepU

• Must be currently enrolled in college, or will be enrolled in college within three years of the scholarship deadline.
• Must be over the age of 15.
• Must be attending high school or college in the United States or Canada.

It’s no secret — college is expensive. Reduce your college expenses by applying to NextStepU’s No Essay Scholarship !

19. Wizeprep USA High School Scholarship

Amount: $500

Provider: Wizeprep

• Must be a current high school student (any age).
• Must attend high school in the United States.

The Wizeprep USA High School Scholarship is a $500 scholarship for students currently enrolled in an American high school. Students in any year (freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors) are eligible, and there is no GPA requirement.

20. The Hamilton Award

Provider: Alexander Hamilton Scholars

• Currently enrolled as a high school junior
• Household adjusted gross income of less than $100,000

Application Requirements: Transcript, letter of recommendation, tax returns, SAT and/or ACT scores, essay, list of extracurricular activities, list of honors and awards

The Alexander Hamilton Scholars Program is a five-year, needs-based program that helps high-achieving students transition from high school to college and beyond. The Hamilton Award itself is given out in two installments: $500 at the beginning of the program and $500 at the end of the five years. Hamilton Award recipients will also receive a laptop to help with their studies. To be eligible, students must attend the New York Leader Week in NYC, which is held annually in June. 

21. Don’t Text and Drive Scholarship

Provider: Digital Responsibility

• Enrolled or planning to enroll in a high school, college, or university

Application Requirements: Personal statement

Getting a driver’s license is an exciting milestone for many high school sophomores and juniors. But getting behind the wheel comes with a lot of responsibility. To help encourage smart driving habits, Digital Responsibility (a nonprofit created by Silicon Valley executives to educate the public on the impacts of tech) sponsors the annual Don’t Text and Drive Scholarship . To apply, you’ll write a 140-character response to the prompt “​​I pledge to not text and drive because…” If you’re selected as a finalist, you’ll then be asked to write a 500- to 1000-word essay about texting and driving. From here, one winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

22. Patricia W. Edwards Memorial Art Scholarship

Amount: Up to $500

Provider: Rhode Island Foundation

• Rhode Island resident
• Currently enrolled as a high school freshman, sophomore, or junior 
• Declared interest in visual arts

Application Requirements: Work sampleSponsored by the Rhode Island Foundation — which aims to strengthen the state of Rhode Island through investments in education — the Patricia W. Edwards Memorial Art Scholarship is given annually to a high school student with an interest in visual arts. The scholarship is designed to fund an art class to further the winner’s practice at a Rhode Island-based arts institution. Note that while artists of all disciplines are welcome to apply, the selection committee prioritizes students interested in painting.

Get matched to scholarships with Going Merry

The college admissions process takes a lot of time and energy. From filling out the FAFSA to preparing for the SAT or ACT , there are a ton of tasks to complete before graduation. The easiest way to reduce stress and set yourself up for success is to get started early. 

To that end, it’s best to start applying for scholarships during your junior year of high school. Scholarships can help you avoid student loans, beef up your resume, score internships, and connect you with important organizations. And the best way to find those high-dollar scholarships? Sign up for Going Merry.  At Going Merry, we use your unique profile to find and organize top scholarships that you’re already eligible for. We also help you keep track of application deadlines and allow you to apply for multiple awards at once. Simplify your college application process and scholarship search today by signing up for a free Going Merry account .

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