2025-2026 Scholarship Bulletin
Seniors,
Welcome to your senior year! This bulletin contains information that will assist you with various scholarship opportunities. The scholarships posted will be from various places such as community groups, websites, and other organizations. Please share this bulletin with your parent or guardian. Scholarships are organized by the month in which they are due.
Please observe all deadlines since most organizations, colleges and universities offering scholarships or awards will NOT accept late applications. Be sure you are aware if transcripts or letters of recommendation are needed with each application. Remember, you must give the Guidance Department one week to process a transcript request. The scholarship market is very competitive: do not disqualify yourself by missing a deadline. It is your responsibility to submit all required materials when submitting an application either to the committee or Mrs. Staffen.
The college/university is a primary source of scholarships and each college has its own financial aid program. Please remember to check college websites for available scholarships.
Lastly, good luck as you begin the college and scholarship application process. It takes time, hard work, and patience, but your future self will thank you!
-Mrs. Staffen
FREE INTERNET SCHOLARSHIP SEARCHES
Pittsburgh Foundation: http://pittsburghfoundation.org/scholarship_search
http://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search
http://www.guaranteed-scholarships.com
http://www.legion.org/scholarships
http://www.scholarshipguidance.com
https://www.imagine-america.org/high-school-scholarships-trade-schools-pennsylvania
Useful Post -Secondary Planning Websites
http://www.campustours.com/ (Includes video tours and interactive campus maps)
http://www.collegeclicktv.com/ (Browse hundreds of college and university videos, compare colleges, hear student reviews, etc.)
http://www.collegemajors101.com/
http://www.collegegrazing.com/(Comprehensive website that includes a survey to determine if you are ready for college, self-assessment surveys, etc.)
http://www.collegesolved.com/ (College selection process made easier and more personal through a host of interactive features)
http://www.collegebasics.com/ Provides many articles to help with college admissions)
http://www.armedforcescareers.com/ (Military Careers)
Job Corps
Job Corps is a FREE government training program that pays for your tuition, books, supplies, gas card/bus pass and clothing allowance at CCAC. It also pays a monthly stipend to attend classes. * You must be eligible for the Pell Grant for this opportunity. Eligibility is determined through applying for your FAFSA.
Contact: http://pittsburgh.jobcorps.gov
Pittsburgh Technical College
Offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for accepted students
https://www.ptcollege.edu/admissions-financial-aid/financial-aid/grants-and-scholarships
The College Board
Offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for completed steps in the college application process
https://opportunity.collegeboard.org/?SFMC_cid=EM110805-&rid=47596321
Washington County Chapter Of School Retirees Scholarship March 9, 2026
The Washington County Chapter is offering one scholarship in the amount of $1200 each to a senior graduating from a Washington County school district and majoring in education. Please see Mrs. Staffen for an application.
Catholic Women's College Club Scholarship March 14, 2026
Scholarship available for a senior girls active in her Catholic Parish with a dedication to service in her community through scholastic participation, independent affiliations or activities related to parish of membership. Must have a GPA of at least 3.50 overall.
Richard Lenio (Ray & Dorthy Jozwiak Memorial Scholarship) March 14, 2026
Maintain at least a cumulative 3.0 Grade Point Average on a 4.0 scale and provide proof of enrollment/acceptance in a full-time course of study at an accredited post-secodary institution or technical school. Provide documented proof of volunteerism.
Pennsylvania Elks State Association Career and Technical Education Scholarship March 31, 2026
The Pennsylvania Elks Career and Technical Education Scholarships are available to Pennsylvania residents who are planning to pursue vocational/technical training in an accredited post-secondary school.
Who may apply:
Citizens of the United States residing in Pennsylvania
High School Students who will graduate in 2026.
The program being pursued must be one that will culminate in a certificate, diploma, or associates degree.
The Scholarships:
The application must be complete, including guidance counselor form and transcript.
The Scholarship winners ten (10) males and ten (10) females will receive a one time $1500 Scholarship.
The monies will be sent directly to the school of enrollment and can be used for tuition, fees, books, and supplies, as well as room and board if the student is living in on-campus housing. The award can only be used toward the expenses of the academic year for which it was intended and not for prior student debts.
* Applications must be submitted by: Midnight March 31, 2026.
Application Can Be Found At:
https://www.paelks.org/cte-application
Giant Oaks Garden Club Scholarship Due: April 1, 2026
The Giant Oaks Garden Club in McMurray, PA is offering a $1,500 scholarship to a student who plans to study gardening and/or it related field such as: Agronomy, Biology, Botany, City Planning, Conservation, Environmental Control, Floriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Land Management, Landscape Architechture, Plant Patology or and allied subject.
See Mrs. Staffen for an application
The Washington County Community Foundation (WCCF) Due: April 1, 2026
The Washington County Community Foundation (WCCF) is pleased to announce the availability of more than $250,000 in post-secondary scholarships for local students pursuing higher education.
Scholarships are available for all levels of post-secondary education, including certificate programs, trade school programs, and associates, bachelors, and advanced degree programs. Interested students are encouraged to review the criteria online at www.wccf.net, where a convenient search feature allows students to view available scholarships by high school.
While each scholarship opportunity has its own criteria and requirements, the WCCF utilizes a universal application which will indicate any necessary supporting documentation required such as an essay response, FAFSA Student Aid Report, and/or a transcript.
Applications are to be submitted via the website by April 1 and questions may be directed to the Foundation at 724-222-6330 or scholar@wccf.net.
There is no fee to apply, ensuring every eligible student has the opportunity to access these funds.
Anica D. Rawnsley Scholarship Fund
For a current year graduating senior who resides within the boundaries of any Washington County school district and plans to enroll in a certificate, associate, or bachelor's degree program. In the selection process, preference shall be given to students not receiving substantial government aid and/or who are not normally selected for other scholarships.
Carol L. Berthold Scholarship Fund for Dance
For a current year graduating senior who is pursuing a degree in dance at an accredited post-secondary educational institution and demonstrates both financial need and academic excellence. Qualified applicants from Washington County will be given preference. The award is renewable annually, provided the recipient remains enrolled in the dance program and in good academic standing (as defined by the institution).
CAS/Dr. Kim Stacher Scholarship Fund
For a student who resides within the boundaries of any Washington County or Greene County school district, demonstrates financial need, and who plans to enroll in a certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree program. Qualified applicants who participated in the Headstart program will be given special consideration.
Chapman Family Scholarship Fund
For current year graduating seniors of any Washington County or Greene County high school who demonstrate financial need. Preference will be given to certificate, trade, or technical school applicants. Awardees may be eligible for up to three subsequent-year scholarships, provided they maintain eligibility.
Curtis Wachter Scholarship Fund
For a current year graduating senior who resides within the boundaries of any Washington County or Greene County school district, who intends to study photography, photojournalism, or a related discipline.
Douglas T. Corwin, M.D. Memorial Scholarship Fund
For a current year graduating senior who resides within Washington County, and who is pursuing any bachelor’s degree program.
John & Sophie Choratch Scholarship Fund
For current year graduating seniors of any Washington County high school, whose parent or guardian is employed as, or who volunteers as, a first responder (e.g., fire, emergency/rescue, police). Special consideration will be given to those students whose parent or guardian has been killed in the line of duty or who have otherwise been affected by local tragedy.
McDonald Family Cookie Jar Scholarship Fund
For a current year graduating senior who resides within the boundaries of any Washington County school district, who plans to enroll in a certificate, associate, or bachelor's degree program, and who demonstrates financial need. In the selection process, preference shall be given to students from under-represented, disadvantaged and/or diverse populations.
Olivia Scott Scholarship Fund
For current year graduating seniors of any Washington County high school, who demonstrate academic excellence, sportsmanship, and/or the ability to work with others towards a common goal.
Ralph W. Young Family Scholarship Fund
For graduating seniors from Bethlehem-Center High School or Ringgold High School who demonstrates financial need and good citizenship, and who plan to attend a public post-secondary educational facility within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to pursue a bachelor's degree in any field of study. Students selected to receive a scholarship as a graduating senior may be eligible for up to three subsequent year scholarships, provided they maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 for each semester.
Ringgold Alumni Scholarship Fund
For a current year graduating senior of the Ringgold School District who demonstrates financial need and academic excellence, and who plans to enroll in a certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree program.
Washington County Gay Straight Alliance Scholarship Fund
For graduating seniors from a Washington County high school, a non-traditional senior living in Washington County, or a young adult through age 21 having completed high school requirements who has advocated for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Transsexual, Questioning, Queer, Asexual, or Allied (LGBTQA) community. Students may be planning to enroll/enrolled in a certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree program. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate financial need. Essay responses will also be given particular consideration. With regards to the publicity of the scholarship, students selected to receive an award will be provided with an opportunity to allow or decline the release of their name.
Washington Hospital School of Nursing Alumnae Scholarship Fund
For a current year graduating senior of any Washington County high school who is pursuing a nursing degree at the Washington Hospital School of Nursing.
William and Sara Litle and Roy and Sara McCullough Scholarship Fund
For a current year graduating senior of Washington County or Greene County who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Washington & Jefferson College in music or economics.
Range Resources Scholarship Due: April 10, 2026
1. Range Resources: https://forms.gle/JHjnimTLj7WsfcLg6
Eligibility: there are specific counties make sure to double check.
Award Amount: $2,000
Deadline: April 10, 2026
Notes: available for up to 2 High School Seniors in your district.
Tips for Supporting Students
Encourage students to gather recommendation letters early. These are letters not just a document with who to contact.
Have them prepare a short “scholarship resume” (activities, awards, community service).
Remind them to review essays for clarity, grammar, and personal voice.
Ringgold Education Association Future Teacher Award 2025-2026 Scholarship Due: April 17, 2026
Scholarship for a member of the Class of 2026 planning on becoming a teacher.
Valley 1st Community Federal Credit Union Scholarship Due: April 17, 2026
2026 High School Graduate Scholarship Application
Three Awards: $2,000 each *
To qualify the applicant must be graduating this year from an area high school. The applicant or a direct relative (mother, father, brother, sister, stepparent, grandparent) must be a member of Valley 1st Community Federal Credit Union. **
Applicants are asked to send 1) a copy of their high school transcript, 2) an acceptance letter from the post-secondary school they will be attending this year 3) a letter of reference from a teacher and 4) a 250+ word essay on a topic chosen from list on next page.
Please send all materials to Valley 1st Community Federal Credit Union (Monessen office) c/o Lauren by the April 17TH, 2026 deadline.
2026 Jake Hudak Memorial Scholarship Due: April 24, 2026
The Applicant must be a graduating senior from RINGGOLD HIGH SCHOOL that has taken a least ONE ART Related Class while attending RHS. Applications are available in the Guidance Office.
Matthew Smelser Memorial Foundation EMS Schorship May 4, 2025 Scholarship for a graduating senior planning a career in EMS field. Please see Mrs. Staffen for an application.
The Valley Inn Sportsmen’s Association Scholarship Application May 4, 2026
Two scholarships have been established by the Valley Inn Sportsmen’s Association to encourage the conservation and appreciation of the outdoors for graduating Seniors in the Spring of 2026. The Scholarship is geared towards students who have an interest in outdoor activities such as, but not limited to, hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, etc. Furthermore, Ringgold students who will be completing any program at the Mon Valley CTC, and students who are seeking a career involving environmental efforts are encouraged to apply. This scholarship will be awarded as a one-time scholarship to two senior students. Winning awards will be made out to students schools.
Scholarship guidelines are as follows:
1. Graduating Senior
2. Completed application (GPA to be verified by school counselor)
3. A short statement (not to exceed one typed page) on the following topics: (MUST ANSWER ALL THREE) Grammar will be considered!
q “How my love for the outdoors has helped shape me as a person”
q “How I plan on continuing to support outdoor conservation efforts”
q If chosen as the scholarship recipient, “How I plan on using the scholarship funds”
Application must be turned in with required materials to Mrs. Staffen by May 4th 2026