Scholarships
Local Scholarship Database
We've compiled a list of local and national scholarships that we are aware of. Local scholarships are typically scholarships that are open to Cedar Rapids/Marion area students, Linn-Mar Students, or from local banks and organizations. The number of students applying to the scholarships tend to be a smaller number of students. There is also a tab for National Scholarships, which consist of scholarships from National Organizations. Contact your School Counselor if you have any questions on scholarships.
Please note: This is an evolving list of scholarships and the list be added to as we become aware of scholarships throughout the year. Check back frequently to see the most recent scholarships added!
Tips for Applying for Scholarships
Scholarship searching is not a 1-time activity that you can do all at once. It takes time and patience to find scholarships that you qualify for and apply to. Scholarships open almost daily and have various deadlines. Below are some tips to help guide you in your scholarship search.
Reserve at least 60 minutes each week to researching and applying for scholarships. You may need more time for scholarships with an essay or a longer application.
Fill out your profile for the large databases thoroughly. The more information you include, the better your scholarship matches will be.
Take time to write your essays. If you really want the scholarship, a 10-minute essay is probably not your best effort. Spend some time to write your essays. Not sure where to start? Check out College Essay Guy's Tips on how to write a scholarship essay HERE.
Apply for even low-dollar amount scholarships. Several smaller scholarship awards can add up to a lot of money.
Don't overlook the scholarship drawings. Scholarship or no-essay scholarships are a great way to get your name in for scholarships. A note of caution: you will likely get a lot of email from the scholarship provider.
Avoid scams: Never give out your bank account information or social security number on your application. Most scholarships will send the money directly to your college.
Don't pay for a search. Fastweb and Going Merry are huge FREE scholarship databases. Use those rather than paying someone to search for you.
Apply for scholarships in College! Most students get a lot of one-time awards and high school and aren't as diligent at searching for scholarships during college. Go back and check for scholarships for 2nd-, 3rd-, and 4th-year scholarships each year.
Check out the FTC's website to learn more about scholarship scams.
Scholarship Opportunities
Thanks to the Bryan Cameron Education Foundation for this list (https://www.bryancameroneducationfoundation.org/news-and-resources/other-resources). This list is not exhaustive.
SCHOLARSHIPS
American Indian College Fund - (Native Americans to 33 Accredited Tribal Colleges and Universities)
Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund - (Asian and Pacific Islanders)
Barry Goldwater Scholarships - (STEM focused)
Boston University Trustee Scholarship - (Boston University)
Caroline D. Bradley - (funds for high school scholarships)
Carson Scholars Program - (awarded to grades 4-11 for college)
Churchill Scholarships - (STEM at University of Cambridge)
Coolidge Scholarship - (4-year, full ride, merit-based scholarship)
Harry S. Truman Scholarships - (Government, Education, Non Profit, and Advocacy focused)
Healthline and NORD Stronger Scholarship Program - (Health/Research focused - specific theme changes from year-to-year)
Jefferson Scholarship - (University of Virginia)
Levine Scholars Program - (University of North Carolina at Charlotte)
Luce Scholars Program - (Language training focused)
Lyceum Scholars Program - (Clemson University)
Morehead-Cain Scholarship - (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
National Merit Scholarship Program - (Score Based)
Reagan Foundation Scholarships - (Student Leaders)
Rhodes Scholarships - (Oxford University)
Robertson Scholarship - (Duke University or Unirversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
Stamps Scholars Program - (approximately 40 partner schools)
The Gates Scholarship - (Minority and low-income)
Thurgood Marshall College Fund - (HBCUs)
Udall Scholarships - (Environment, tribal public policy, and Native American health care)
Voyager Scholarship - (Scholarship for Public Service)
Going Merry Scholarships
Linn-Mar Foundation Scholarships
Linn-Mar Foundation Scholarships are closed for 2023-2024-Keep an Eye out for the 2024-2025 Application Soon!
Each year, seniors can apply for Linn-Mar-specific scholarships through the Linn-Mar Foundation.
Students should prepare by gathering the following materials:
Activities resume - list of activities students have been involved in during high school in and out of school.
High School Transcript
3 Letters of Recommendation - Two from Linn-Mar Staff and one from a community member
Prepare to write an essay - each scholarship has an essay requirement. The essay topic and length vary by scholarship.