Paying for College
Scholarships
The scholarships listed below are legitimate scholarships that Elon Academy staff have researched. This list is not a complete list of all scholarships available, but it should help you get started.
Rules of Thumb
- If you must pay money to get money, it might be a scam.
- If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Spend the time, not the money.
- Never invest more than a postage stamp to get information about scholarships.
- Nobody can guarantee that you’ll win a scholarship.
- Legitimate scholarship foundations do not charge application fees.
- If you’re suspicious of an offer, it’s usually with good reason.
The Federal Trade Commission cautions students to look for tell tale lines:
- “The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back.”
- “You can’t get this information anywhere else.”
- “I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship.”
- “We’ll do all the work.”
- “The scholarship will cost some money.”
- “You’ve been selected by a ‘national foundation’ to receive a scholarship” or “You’re a finalist” in a contest you never entered.
General Scholarship Databases
Scholarships.com: This free scholarship search service maintains a database of over 2.7 million college scholarship opportunities. Students can fill out a questionnaire profile that will determine their eligibility for scholarships. They will then receive a customized list of scholarships for which they are qualified.
College Scholarships.org: College Scholarships.org has a general database of scholarships as well as a list of their own scholarships provided through the College Scholarships Foundation.
College Resource Network: This site is a free scholarship search engine and college planning website specializing in Minority Scholarships.
GoodCall Scholarships: Search for over $25 Million in Scholarships.
General Scholarships
BURGER KING® Scholars Program: This scholarship has awarded more than $15.4 million to high school seniors and employees across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico since the program’s inception in 2000. All high school seniors are eligible.
Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation: This foundation is one of the largest business-supported, merit-based scholarship programs of its kind in the United States. It gives 50 national scholarships of $20,000 each and 200 regional scholarships of $10,000 each. Additionally, it awards 400 scholarships to students attending two-year degree granting institutions in the amount of $1,000 and $2,000 awards. Due Date: October 31st.
Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund: Undergraduate student must be active in participating in struggles for civil rights, economic justice, international solidarity or other progressive issues are able to apply for this scholarships. Awards are given up to $10,000. US citizenship is not required. Application is due April 1. Must seach “apply.”
KFC Colonel’s Scholarship: This scholarship supports high school seniors with entrepreneurial drive, strong perseverance, and demonstrated financial need, who want to pursue a college education at an accredited public institution in the state in which they reside. Qualified students must be high school seniors who: are enrolling in a public college or university within their state of legal residence, have a high school cumulative GPA of at least 2.75, will pursue a bachelor’s degree, are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and demonstrate financial need.
Signet Student Scholarship Essay Contest: Penguin Publishing Company offers $1,000 scholarships to the winners of its essay contest based on books from the Signet Classics series.
Prudential Spirit of Community Award: Must be a legal resident of any U.S. state or Washington, D.C. Applicant must have engaged in a volunteer activity that occurred at least partly during the 12 months prior to the date of application, and submit a completed application to a school principal or the head of an officially designated local organization by November 3. Application must describe an individual’s community service activity or an individual’s significant leadership in a group activity that has taken place during the previous year. Due Date: Nov 6th.
Ellie Wiesel Prize in Ethics Essay Contest: This scholarship is available to all registered undergraduate full-time juniors or seniors at accredited four-year colleges or universities in the United States. Students are encouraged to write thought provoking personal essays that raise questions, single out issues and are rational arguments for ethical action. This $500-$5,000 scholarship is awarded in early December.
International Leader of Tomorrow: Interested in studying at the University of British Colombia in Canada? This award recognizes international (i.e. American) students who demonstrate superior academic standing and leadership through notable extracurricular involvement. The award is designed for students whose level of financial need would otherwise make it impossible for them to consider studying out-of-state or in this case, out-of-country. The award amounts are determined based on each award recipient’s level of financial need and range from CAD $10,000 to $44,000 per year of study. View a video about this award.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship: Offers awards for undergraduate study abroad and was established by the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000. This scholarship provides awards for U.S. undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study abroad programs worldwide. Must be a U.S. citizen.
Bonner Scholarship: This scholarship is for students planning to attend a college or university that participates in the Bonner Scholar Program. Applicants must have financial need and be willing to commit to ten hours of community service a week during the school year. Contact the school admission office for application information. See website for a list of participating schools.
Don’t Text and Drive Scholarship: Applicants must be US citizens or legal residents. To apply, applicants must submit an application form including a 140 character message about texting while driving. The top 10 applications will be selected as finalists and asked to write a
full length 500- to 1,000-word essay about texting while driving. Due Date: September 30th.
Writers’ Square Essay Contest: Applicants must write a 1,000 word essay, choosing from 1 of 3 topics. Essays can be written in English or Chinese language. Due Date: September 30th.
Horatio Alger National Scholarship Program: To qualify, applicants must have faced and overcome great obstacles in their lives and demonstrate the following: a strong commitment to pursuing and completing a bachelor’s degree at an accredited US college/institution; involvement in co-curricular and community activities; and integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity. On top of the award money, winners will receive an all-expenses paid trip to Washington D.C. during the spring of their senior year to participate in the mandatory National Scholars Conference. Due Date: October 25th.
Horatio Alger North Carolina Scholarship Program: To qualify, applicants must live in North Carolina, have faced and overcome great obstacles in their lives, and demonstrate strong financial need. Students must demonstrate involvement in co-curricular and community activities; and integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity. Applicants must be US citizens. Due Date: October 25th.
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship: Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholars are selected based on exceptional academic ability and achievement, financial need, persistence, a desire to help others, and leadership. A rigorous application review includes analysis of grades, standardized test scores, participation in available advanced courses, student essays, letters of recommendation, and family finances. Applicants must have at least a 1200 SAT or 26 ACT score. Due Date: November 14th.
Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship: Applicants will be considered based on leadership, academic achievement, community involvement, and financial need. Due Date: Nov 15th.
Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship Program: Applicants must be nominated by their principal or school counselor. Applicants must have a commitment to community service, academics, and demonstrated leadership. Due Date: Nov 30th.
Sixt’s Scholarship: The program is designed to assist high school students who plan to continue their education in college. Scholarships are offered each year for full-time study at an accredited institution of the student’s choice. SIXT rent a car is thrilled to contribute to higher education and support the development of exceptional students.
Scholarships for Underrepresented Students
Best Colleges.com: Best Colleges has compiled a directory of diversity scholarships and educational support programs and arranged them by category.
The Best Colleges.org: A college guide for undocumented students. Includes available scholarships.
Online Schools: A nationwide emphasis on the importance of diversity (particularly on college campuses) has generated many scholarships and grants for students who belong to underrepresented minority groups. Our comprehensive scholarship list includes financial aid opportunities exclusively reserved for African-Americans, Hispanics, women, and other specific minority groups, as well as more generalized awards that are made available to applicants belonging to any underrepresented demographic.
North Carolina Hispanic College Fund: The North Carolina Society of Hispanic Professionals, through the Triangle Community Foundation, provides scholarships annually through the North Carolina Hispanic College Fund to high achieving, recent graduates of NC high schools who are of Hispanic/Latino background. To be eligible, students must be Hispanic, Latino, or Latina; graduate from a North Carolina high school or GED program; demonstrate excellence in academic, athletics, performing arts, and/or service to humanity; and must enroll in a degree program at a community college or two or four year college or university. Applications will likely be due in January.
The Ron Brown Scholarship Program: Applicants must be Black/African American, excel academically, exhibit exceptional leadership potential, participate
in community service activities, and demonstrate financial need. Applicants who apply by the Nov. 1 deadline will also be eligible to have their applications forwarded to colleges and other scholarship providers. Due Date: Nov 1, 2018 and Jan 9, 2019.
League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Scholarships: LULAC partners with national corporations to raise money for several scholarships of varying amounts for Hispanic/Latina(o) students.
Lagrant Foundation: The Lagrant Foundation awards scholarships to underrepresented students who are CURRENT freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and non-graduating seniors and are majoring in public relations, marketing, or advertising.
American Institute of Chemical Engineers Minority Scholarship: This $1,000 scholarship is for current minority undergraduates (freshman through junior class) majoring in chemical engineering.
A Better Chance Scholarships: A Better Chance maintains a listing of scholarships for African American students.
African American College Scholarship Opportunities at CollegeScholarships.org: CollegeScholarships.org has a resource page for African American students looking for scholarships.
LatinoCollegeDollars.org: The Tómas Rivera Policy Institute maintains this website which lists resources and scholarships to assist Latino students in going to college. Their scholarship database includes some scholarships for international students.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund: This scholarship fund is the largest provider of college financial aid for Hispanic/Latino students. They have multiple scholarship programs but do not include scholarships for international students.
OEDB: A List of scholarships and grants specifically for American American students.
Latino Diamante Youth Accomplishment Award: Applicants must be NC High School graduating seniors/incoming freshmen or sophomore students attending an
institution of higher education and must be at least 50% of Hispanic Latino descent.
College Greenlight: Tool specifically geared toward helping first-generation students find scholarships.
United Negro College Fund: Scholarships for students of color.
Tom Joyner Foundation Scholarships: Scholarships for students attending HBCU’s.
EduMed: Scholarships and resources guide specifically for African American students.
Scholarships for LGBTQ and Allied Students
The SmartStudent Guide to Financial Aid for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Students: This resource page lists multiple scholarships for LGBTQ students.
CollegeScholarships.org Scholarships for LGBTQ Students: CollegeScholarships.org maintains a short list of scholarships for LGBTQ Students.
The Point Foundation: The Point Foundation awards multiple scholarships to LBGTQ students. Interested students submit one application to be considered for all scholarships. The Point Foundation does consider scholarships for students who plan to transfer from a two-year or community college to a four-year college or university.
Steps-Scholarships and Resources for LGBTQIA+ Students: Explore scholarship awards, advocacy groups, and professional networks that are making college more affordable and inclusive for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Scholarships for Students Who Plan to Attend or Are Attending 2-year Colleges and Community Colleges
Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation: This foundation is one of the largest business-supported, merit-based scholarship programs of its kind in the United States. It gives 50 national scholarships of $20,000 each and 200 regional scholarships of $10,000 each. Additionally, it awards 400 scholarships to students attending two-year degree granting institutions in the amount of $1,000 and $2,000 awards. Due Date: October 31st.
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Program: The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Program honors excellence by supporting outstanding community college students with financial need as they transfer to and complete their bachelor’s degrees at the nation’s top four-year colleges and universities. The Foundation selects up to 50 community college transfer students each year and awards each scholar up to $30,000 annually.
Scholarships for Students Interested in Technology/Engineering-Related Majors
American Institute of Chemical Engineers Minority Scholarship: This $1,000 scholarship is for current minority undergraduates (freshman through junior class) majoring in chemical engineering.
AES Engineering Scholarship: Scholarships are intended for future leaders across a wide spectrum of fields of study; applicants are not required to be taking engineering courses to be eligible. Applicants must submit an essay on a given topic. Due Date: October 6th.
Scholarships for Students Interested in Fine Arts Majors
Art Scholarships at Scholarships.com: Scholarships.com maintains a resources page with a list of scholarships for students interested in studying art.
The Online Education Database Art Scholarships: The OEDb lists scholarships for art students and also explains how art scholarships work. They are often different than other scholarships.
Create Real Impact Scholarship: Applicants are required to create an original work (video, music, artwork, or creative writing) showcasing your idea for a SOLUTION or STRATEGY to fix the very real problem of reckless and distracted driving. Due Date: October 1st.
Scholarships for Students Interested in Science/Health Related Majors
NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship Program (UGSP) offers competitive scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are committed to careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science health-related research. The program offers scholarship support, paid research training at the NIH during the summer, and paid employment and training at the NIH after graduation. Please note this scholarship is available only to scholars who are already college students; high school seniors are not eligible to apply.
NIH Summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research: Summer programs at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) provide an opportunity to spend a summer working at the NIH side-by-side with some of the leading scientists in the world, in an environment devoted exclusively to biomedical research. Internships cover a minimum of eight weeks, with students generally arriving at the NIH in May or June. The NIH Institutes and the Office of Intramural Training & Education sponsor a wide range of summer activities including lectures featuring distinguished NIH investigators, career/professional development workshops, and Summer Poster Day.
Kyle Gohr Leadership Scholarship: Applicants must write a 500-600-word essay or create a 3-5 minute YouTube video around one of the three topics listed on the site. Applicants must also major in a mental health related field. Due Date: Nov 15th.
Financial Aid Guide for Nurses: https://www.nursing.org/resources/financial-aid/
Financial Aid Guide for Minority Nurse Students: https://www.nursing.org/resources/financial-aid-for-minority-students/
Scholarships for Students Interested in Journalism/Communications Majors
Lagrant Foundation: The Lagrant Foundation awards scholarships to underrepresented students who are CURRENT freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and non-graduating seniors and are majoring in public relations, marketing, or advertising.
Scholarships for Students Interested in Education Majors
The Call Me MISTER Scholarship: This scholarship is for underrepresented students who want to go into teaching. Students must attend one of several specific colleges that participate in the program.
Scholarships for Middle-School Students
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Young Scholars Program: The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Young Scholars Program seeks high-achieving, low to moderate-income 7th grade students, and cultivates their talents and abilities throughout high school by providing the personalized advising and financial support needed to secure challenging academic opportunities. After high school, Young Scholars are also eligible to apply for continued undergraduate and graduate support from the Foundation – ten or more years of assistance total for educational pursuits.
Scholarships for Alamance County
The Aubrey Lee Brooks Foundation: The scholarship provides for an award of about one-half the cost of an undergraduate education. The maximum award for the prior academic year was $12,000.
Brooks Scholars may receive additional funding for summer internships, research or travel abroad, and a one-time computer stipend of $2,500. The scholarship is renewable, provided the recipient has continued financial need, remains enrolled full-time at an eligible institution, and maintains a 2.75 cumulative grade point average and good citizenship. Applicants must be planning to attend NC State, UNC Chapel Hill, or UNCG. This senior must maintain a 2.75 GPA, demonstrate financial need, enroll as a full time student, maintain financial assistance within their cost of attendance and demonstrate good citizenship.
Alamance County Arts Council: Four scholarships are awarded to students planning on pursuing an education in one of the arts disciplines.
Alamance County Cattlemens Association Scholarship: $1,000 scholarship awarded to a student pursuing an education in agriculture and related fields.
Alamance County Farm Bureau: A $1,000 renewable scholarships awarded to a student who is planning on pursuing an education in agriculture related courses.
Alamance County Human Relations Council: See your ABSS school counselor for more information.
Alamance County Paralegal Scholarship: A $300 scholarship for a student interested in pursuing a paralegal, legal secretarial, or criminal justice degree.
Alamance Regional Medical Center Auxillary Health Career Scholarship: A $1500 scholarships awarded to student who demonstrates financial need and is planning to pursue a degree in a Health related field.
Eli Whitney Ruritan Club Scholarship: Available to SAHS seniors who have displayed a strong academic record and will continue their education at a community college or a four year college; strong consideration will be given to seniors residing in the Eli Whitney community. See your counselor.
Graham Rotary Club: $1000 scholarship awarded to one senior from Eastern Alamance High School, Graham High School, and Southern Alamance High School. Applicants must show an excellent academic record, a commitment to civic and church activities, and financial need.
Pete and Martha Coble Scholarship Fund: $1000 scholarship per four years available to SAHS seniors who are residents of or a descendant of a long term resident of the Mt. Hermon United Methodist Church community; Applicants must be planning to attend ASU, ECU, NCSU, UNC-A, UNC-CH, UNC-Charlotte, UNC-G, or UNC-W; selection is based on academic record, extracurricular activities, and financial need. See your school counselor.
Steve Walker Golf Scholarship: A $1000 scholarship awarded to a senior on the school golf team. The criteria that will guide the selection process is academics, financial need and leadership on the golf team as well as in other areas of campus life. See your school counselor.
Tommy Spoon Memorial: $1000 scholarship awarded to a Williams High School athlete who has lettered, participated in at least one varsity sport, has financial need, and exhibits strong character. See your school counselor at Williams.
Alamance Women’s Community Scholarship: The Alamance Women’s Community, Inc. Scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to individuals that demonstrate financial need, educational merit, and community involvement. Applicants must have been accepted to a community college, college, or university. Click here for the application.
CFNC: Local scholarship.