Scholarships for High School Juniors

August 18, 2021

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    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 is 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 opportunities out there for eleventh graders to apply for. Below, we highlight some of the best scholarships for high school juniors! 

    But First...Some Frequently Asked Questions by High School Juniors

    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! 

    When can I start applying for scholarships?

    In my introduction above, I mentioned that you can (and should) start applying for scholarships as early as possible. 

    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 year where lots of scholarships tend to become available for high school students. 

    Where can I find scholarships 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 and apply for scholarships. 

    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 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 applications stand out?

    Great question! One of the main 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 is such a process. 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 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.

    Scholarships for high school juniors

    Scholarships for High School Juniors by Month 

    CollegExpress Class of 2023 Scholarship 

    Award Amount: $2,000

    Scholarship Deadline: Currently open!

    To enter to win this $2,000 scholarship, all you need to do is answer the question "Have you started your college search yet?" and hit submit!

    Tallo's Monthly Scholarship 

    Award Amount: $1,000

    Scholarship Deadline: Currently open!

    Each month, Tallo offers a monthly themed scholarship. Generally, they are for $1,000 but keep on the lookout for the occasional $15,000 scholarship as well!

    CollegExpress Monthly Scholarship

    Award Amount: Varies, but usually $1,000

    Scholarship Deadline: Continuous 

    CollegExpress offers a monthly scholarship, and when you enter this scholarship through their online application, you will also automatically be entered to win their $10,000 scholarship!

    ScholarshipPoints $10,000 Scholarship 

    Award Amount: $10,000

    Scholarship Deadline: Expires every quarter

    Each quarter of the year, Scholarship Points awards one $10,000 to a lucky student - enter each quarter for a greater chance at winning!

    Scholarship Owl “You Deserve It!” Scholarship

    Award Amount: $2,222

    Scholarship Deadline: Expires on the 29th of each month

    The You Deserve It Scholarship by Scholarship Owl is a monthly no-essay scholarship open to all high school students, as well as all college and university students.

    Too Cool to Pay for School Scholarship

    Award Amount: $1,000

    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!

    Juno / LeverEdge’s $1,000 No Essay Scholarship

    Award Amount: $1,000

    Scholarship Deadline: Monthly  

    The LeverEdge $1,000 Scholarship does not require you to write an essay, all you need to do is enter your name and email and share it with your friends to be entered.

    Be Bold $25,000 No Essay Scholarship 

    Award Amount: $25,000

    Scholarship Deadline: Rolling

    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!

    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.

    Nitro $2,000 No Essay Scholarship 

    Award Amount: $2,000

    Scholarship Deadline: Monthly 

    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!

    Survey Junkie Brand Influencer No Essay Scholarship

    Award Amount: $1,000

    Scholarship Deadline: Rolling monthly 

    Bold.org has partnered with Survey Junkie to challenge students to share their opinions on topics they care about, with the potential to earn big rewards.

    Next College Student Athlete No Essay Scholarship

    Award Amount: $1,000

    Scholarship Deadline: Rolling monthly  

    The Next College Student Athlete Scholarship is designed for high school student-athletes who are looking to compete at the next level.

    Distinguished Young Women Scholarship 

    Award Amount: Varies 

    Scholarship Deadline: Continuous 

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

    Cappex Easy Money Scholarship

    Award Amount: $1,000

    Scholarship Deadline: Continuous  

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

    United States Senate Youth Program

    Award Amount: $10,000

    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.

    GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program

    Award Amount: $10,000 - renewable for up to 4 years

    Scholarship Deadline: January 5

    The GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program is a merit scholarship for high school students who demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship. Must be planning to enroll in a full-time undergraduate course of study.

    Profile in Courage Essay Contest

    Award Amount: $500 - $3,000

    Scholarship Deadline: January 15

    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.

    Carson Scholars Program

    Award Amount: Varies

    Scholarship Deadline: January 15

    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.

    Live Más Scholarship

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

    Scholarship Deadline: January 20

    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.

    Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship 

    Award Amount: $1,000

    Scholarship Deadline: January 31

    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

    Award Amount: $2,000

    Scholarship Deadline: March 15

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

    Climate Justice Scholarship 

    Award Amount: $1,000

    Scholarship Deadline: April 15

    The Climate Justice Scholarship is our own opportunity created in collaboration with climate activist Jamie Margolin to encourage more students to learn about climate justice and take action!

    Fountainhead Essay Contest 

    Award Amount: $500 - $1,000

    Scholarship Deadline: April 29

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

    E-Waste Scholarship 

    Award Amount: $1,000

    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.

    National "Don't Wait to Reach Your Potential" Scholarship

    Award Amount: $500 - $1,000

    Scholarship Deadline: May 5

    The "Don't Wait to Reach Your Potential" Scholarship is open to high school students in the US and does not require test scores, GPA, or class ranking.

    Christian Connector $2,500 Scholarship 

    Award Amount: $2,500

    Scholarship Deadline: May 31

    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.

    SelectBlinds.com College Scholarship

    Award Amount: $1,000

    Scholarship Deadline: July 15

    Select Blinds wants to see your innovative spirit and learn what you’re passionate about. It could earn you $1,000 to use toward your college expenses!

    Phyliss J. McCarthy Scholarship for Excellence in Writing 

    Award Amount: $1,000

    Scholarship Deadline: July 23

    This writing scholarship is open to high school juniors and seniors. International students are also eligible to apply.

    Flavor of the Month Scholarship 

    Award Amount: $1,000

    Scholarship Deadline: July 31

    The Flavor of the Month Scholarship is open to all students ages 13 years and older.

    Fire Memes Scholarship

    Award Amount: $1,000

    Scholarship Deadline: October 1

    The Fire Memes Scholarship on Bold.org is open to all students - simply submit your favorite memes for the chance to win.

    Around the Corner from College Scholarship

    Award Amount: $1,000

    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 (freshmen - seniors!), including international students who are planning to attend college in the US.

    National High School Poetry Contest

    Award Amount: $1,000

    Scholarship Deadline: December 31

    Gen & Kelly Tanabe Scholarship

    Award Amount: $1,000

    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

    Award Amount: $2,500

    Scholarship Deadline: December 31

    The Free Speech Essay Contest 

    Award Amount: $500 - $10,000

    Scholarship Deadline: December 31

    This essay contest asks entrants to write an essay answering a prompt relating to the importance of the First Amendment in higher education.

    WiseGeek Mental Health Well-Being No-Essay Scholarship

    Award Amount: $500

    Scholarship Deadline: December 31

    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.

    Scholarship Search & Application Tips for High School Juniors

    Look, we know that applying for scholarships is not always a smooth-sailing process. But, the fact that you are getting started with it early is a great start in itself! Here are a few quick tips to help you along your scholarship journey.

    1. Set goals for yourself along the way.

    Your goals should be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timely). Setting goals for things such as how much you are aiming to earn from scholarships and when you will set aside time to search and apply will help you to stay on track with what you want to achieve.

    2. Know where to look.

    If you're here and you're reading this, that means you know one great place to look! The Access Scholarships Search Engine is an awesome resource with tons of scholarships. But beyond our site, be sure to reach out to your school counselor to discuss local opportunities that are open for you to apply for.

    3. Apply often.

    Don't think of the scholarship process as one that you can engage in only once every few months and see success with. If you want to have the best chance at winning scholarships, you need to be dedicated to the process and put in the effort!

    4. Be organized, thorough, and on time.

    Lots of students find it helpful to organize their scholarship application and search process using a spreadsheet (virtual or physical). These are extremely useful because you can keep track of important deadlines, requirements for each scholarship, and more.

    5. Think outside the box.

    We have provided you with a ton of great scholarships here in this post! In addition to these, don't be afraid to venture out to find scholarships that are specific to your hobbies, interests, and passions outside of academics.

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