Things to keep in Mind!
Some institutions require that you first submit you FAFSA (Federal Financial Aid form) to be considered for scholarships.
Turn in applications on time! If they are being mailed make sure you mail them about a week ahead of time. If you are not sure if they are due back to Mrs. Malmquist or being mailed just ask.
Give your recommenders at least 2 weeks to write your letters and give them an idea of what the scholarship is about.
Check back as new scholarships are posted regularly!
Happy Scholarship Season!
Planning to attend NC State? Please utilize their Pack Assist search engine to find scholarships that meet your needs.
NC State University’s scholarship application portal for Undergraduate, Agricultural Institute and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students. New students may apply upon admission. Apply by February 15 for priority consideration.
The State of North Carolina established the NC Promise Tuition Plan to increase access to a quality university education by reducing student costs. Undergraduate students at four UNC System campuses, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, and Western Carolina University, pay only $500 for in-state tuition and $2,500 for out-of-state tuition each fall and spring semester. To find out more information, please visit this site.
NextGen offers scholarships for training for in-demand jobs in Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba counties. Training opportunities could include short term or long-term training (up to 2 years). The purpose is to develop a talent pipeline for job opportunities in our area. If you are interested in pursuing a scholarship opportunity through NextGen, please contact Nathan Boesken at nboesken@rossworks.com
LA Tutors awards students who showcase their creativity and make positive impacts with a $500 Innovation in Education scholarship. On an ongoing monthly basis, this scholarship is open to all currently enrolled high school and college students who showcase their creativity while helping those around them (whether that be in a creative fundraiser, inventive new app, series of blog posts on a particular theme, or another idea). The application deadline is 11:59 pm PST on the 20th of each month. For full application criteria and the online application, please visit this site
DEADLINE: Applications due January 15th
This year-long leadership development program is available to current high school juniors. The Bezos program provides an all-expenses paid trip to the Aspen Ideas Festival, mentorship, leadership development, and $1,000 to fund students' community change projects. If selected, scholars will receive free individual, professional college advising services that will assist in the college application and financial aid process. Students interested in applying must demonstrate academic rigor, maturity, curiosity, and community leadership. For more information and to access the online application, please visit bezosscholars.org.
DEADLINE: Applications due January 31st
The NROTC scholarship not only provides most or all tuition costs, it also covers other college fees, provides book stipends, and allowances to students ranging from $250-$400 each month. NROTC students gain valuable skills and abilities in leadership experience from a Navy perspective. For more information and step-by-step procedures for the application, please visit this site.
DEADLINE: Applications must be received by January 31st
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) offers 26 national scholarships for graduating high school seniors, and college, graduate and medical students. Awards are given up to $5,000 for various scholarships. All applications are available online through this website.
DEADLINE: Applications must be received by January 31st
12th grade females are encouraged to apply for this scholarship with an award of $1000. All females wishing to pursue further education are encouraged to apply. Please contact Mrs. Malmquist for an application.
** Three letters of recommendation and a 250-word essay are required. Please plan accordingly.**
DEADLINE: Applications due January 31st
The North Carolina Teaching Fellows program is designed for students who want to pursue the teaching field and provides a way for the best and brightest in NC to have a place of influence and distinction by elevating them to the vital role of a teacher (partnering schools are Elon University, Meredith College, NC State, UNC Chapel Hill, and UNC Charlotte). Awards are up to $8,250 a year and are eligible for 4 years of renewal. For more information and the online application please visit this site.
DEADLINE: Applications due January 31st
The UCB Myasthenia Gravis Scholarship™ program helps people living with myasthenia gravis (MG) or their immediate family members to pursue further education. Whether you’re continuing your education or exploring a new career, you can apply to win $10,000 to help cover educational expenses. For more information and to apply online, please visit this site.
DEADLINE: Applications due February 1st
Telco is proud to be awarding six deserving high school students entering college with $1,000 scholarships for Fall 2025. Students must possess a 3.0 GPA and be a Telco Community Credit Union member. For more information and to apply online, please visit this site.
DEADLINE: Materials may be requested starting January 26th, all materials must be submitted between February 1st and February 28th
The Patrick Beaver Scholarship Foundation provides scholarships to high school students who demonstrate an A/B average, extraordinary character, are focused on an enriching school experience and achieving expected educational and extracurricular goals. The Foundation plans to award four scholarships this year, in the amount of $5000, renewable for four years. For more information and to apply when the application window opens, please see or email Mrs. Malmquist (kali_malmquist@catawbaschools.net.
**Two reference letters must be included, so please plan to apply with plenty of time**
DEADLINE: Applications due February 2nd
Legacy Awards are $4,000 scholarships available to children and grandchildren of Elks members. For the 2025 contest, any child or grandchild (or step-child, step-grandchild, or legal ward) of a living Elk who joined the order on or before April 1, 2023, or a charter member of a Lodge that was instituted on or after April 1, 2023, is eligible to apply. The Elk must also be a paid-up member through March 31, 2026. For more information and the online application, please visit this site.
DEADLINE: Students must have been admitted to NCSU and complete the essays required by February 11th
The Shelton Scholars Program is a four-year, cohort-based opportunity for students to develop their skills as values-based leaders. The program seeks applicants who are intellectually curious, motivated to improve their communities, and keenly focused on personal development. Applicants should have a demonstrable history of community engagement efforts, instances of leadership, and interest in academic pursuits. The application is available through PackAssist portals. For more information, please visit this site.
DEADLINE: Applications due February 15th
ECU’s Global Fellows program is a new initiative of the Office of Global Affairs designed to position high achieving students for success in today’s global, multicultural economy. This is for incoming first year students. In addition to a $1,500 scholarship towards a credit bearing study abroad program, ECU Global Fellows are offered an opportunity to participate in a number of special activities that will prepare you academically and enhance your professional resume. A limited number of students are invited to participate each year, you will make lifelong connections while learning skills essential to success. For more information and to apply online, please visit this site.
DEADLINE: Applications due February 28th
Applications are open to undocumented immigrant students with or without DACA or TPS who came to the U.S. before the age of 16 and before Nov. 1, 2019. The National Scholarship Award will cover your tuition and fees at one of our Partner Colleges up to a maximum of $33,000 for a bachelor’s degree. Some Scholars may receive an additional stipend for books, supplies, and transportation for up to $6,000. While we consider your GPA, we place great emphasis on your dedication to community service and your commitment to academic and career success despite the barriers and challenges that undocumented students face daily.
For the online application and more information on the partnering schools, please visit this site.
DEADLINE: All materials must be submitted to Mrs. Malmquist by March 11th
This scholarship is valued at $10,000. The SECU Foundation People Helping People Scholarship is only available to graduating public high school seniors who are either current members of State Employees' Credit Union (SECU) or the child of a parent/guardian who is a member of SECU at the time of application. Students need to exemplify the "People Helping People" philosophy, demonstrating leadership, excellence of character, integrity, and community involvement. Applicants must be accepted to one of the 16 constituent campuses of the University of North Carolina System; (copy of acceptance letter must be provided). Scholastic achievement of a 2.5 unweighted GPA (or higher) must be demonstrated as well. For application materials and instructions, please see or email Mrs. Malmquist (kali_malmquist@catawbaschools.net)
DEADLINE: Applications due March 14th
Students planning to attend a four-year school in North Carolina are encouraged to apply for this $20,000 scholarship. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial need and academic accomplishment, but additional criteria will be evaluated, including applicant’s character in school and community activities, ability to express him/herself on the application in written form, personal motivation and personal interview. If interested in applying, please contact Mrs. Malmquist (kali_malmquist@catawbaschools.net).
**Two recommendation letters are required, please plan accordingly**
DEADLINE: Applications due April 1st to Mrs. Malmquist
Students who have been involved in the SSHS Music Program are encouraged to apply for this $1000 scholarship. Students must have a minimum weighted GPA of 3.25, have been enrolled in a minimum of one semester per year in the band or chorus program for four consecutive years in high school and be attending a 2- or 4-year college or university after graduation. If interested in applying, please contact Mrs. Malmquist for an application (kali_malmquist@catawbaschools.net).
** 3 letters of recommendation and an essay are required, please plan accordingly **
DEADLINE: Scholarships are due varying dates
The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina is a host for varying scholarships for the Western NC region. Scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $20,000+. Please visit this site to see which scholarships are available for your individual circumstances and to apply online.
DEADLINE: Application due December 18th by 4pm
The Equitable Excellence Scholarship offers college scholarships of $2,500, $10,000 and $25,000 to high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their activities in school, the community or the workplace. These scholars are ambitious, driven, set and reach goals, are respectful of themselves, their families, communities and others, and are ready and able to succeed at a two or four-year institution. To apply, please visit this site.
DEADLINE: Application due December 15th
The BURGER KING℠ Scholars program assists employees, employees' spouses or domestic partners, employees' children and high school seniors in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada in continuing their education. Integrity, high standards, entrepreneurial spirit, good citizenship and education were the values that defined BURGER KING® brand co-founder James W. McLamore. It was those values that helped realize a dream and it is those same values that are the core of the BURGER KING® Foundation, which will continue to build on his legacy and his commitment to education. To apply online, please visit this site.
DEADLINE: Applications due December 7th
Open to incoming freshmen of any major, the Lyceum Scholars Program uses a great books approach to studying the moral, political, and economic foundations of a free society. All Lyceum Scholars receive a $10,000 scholarship, which is disbursed over their four years at Clemson University. Those interested in becoming Lyceum Scholars should apply in their senior year of high school to the Lyceum Scholars Program and separately to Clemson University. Please note: Lyceum scholarship awards are contingent upon being admitted to Clemson University. For more information and to apply online, please visit this site.
**Essays are required for this application. Please plan accordingly**
DEADLINE: School Nomination due December 1st
The Jefferson Scholarship is the premier undergraduate scholarship at U.Va. Out of state students have the opportunity to be awarded $333,000. The scholarship covers the entire cost of attendance for four years and provides opportunities including study abroad programs. Students must be able to demonstrate leadership, scholarship, and citizenship to be considered.For more information, please visit this site. If you would like to be considered for nomination, please see or email Mrs. Malmquist (kali_malmquist@catawbaschools.net).
DEADLINE: Application due December 1st
The Hagan Scholarship is a nationwide need-based merit scholarship. The scholarship provides a $2,000 stipend to purchase college essentials and an award up to $7,500 each semester for up to eight consecutive semesters ($60,000 total scholarship potential). Applicants must have a 3.5 GPA, enroll in an eligible four-year school, and have a household income that does not exceed $100,000. If interested in a Hagan Scholarship brochure, please see Mrs. Malmquist, or for more information and to apply, please visit this site.
DEADLINE: Applications due December 1st
The American Association for Physics Teachers offers $3,000 scholarships for students who are pursuing, or planning to pursue, a course of study leading toward a career in physics teaching in the high schools. The scholarship may be granted to an individual for each of four years. For more information, qualification details and the online application, please visit this site.
DEADLINE: Application to NC State due by November 1st, Nomination due by December 1st
The Goodnight Scholars Program offers full-tuition scholarships, and invests in students from low- and middle-income families in North Carolina studying in STEM or STEM education disciplines. The Program empowers Goodnight Scholars to “pay it forward” as transformational leaders at NC State University, in North Carolina, and in the world. For applicant criteria and nomination process, please visit this site.
DEADLINE: Applications due by November 1st
The Park Scholarships program focuses on and encourages students to seek their potential in scholarship, leadership, service, and character. The four-year award is valued at up to $124,000 including tuition, fees, books, personal expenses, educational trips, retreats, seminars, and enrichment grants for research, service, and international projects. For more information, visit this site. A school endorsement is no longer required. If interested in applying, please do so at park.ncsu.edu/apply.
DEADLINE: Essay entry Due October 31st
Students grades 9-12 are encouraged to enter this audio essay contest for the chance to win a $35,000 award. The 2025-26 entry theme is "How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?". Students will need to submit a recorded essay on an audio CD or flash drive ranging from 3-5 minutes in length. For further details and/or a copy of the Official Entry Form, please visit this site.
DEADLINE: Essays and Videos due October 24th
The John Hoyle Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is hosting their American History Essay Contest as well as a new Video Contest for 9-12th grade students. For more information and contest prompts, please contact Mrs. Malmquist (kali_malmquist@catawbaschools.net).
DEADLINE: Early notification deadline of October 15th, regular notification application due November 15th
The Robertson Scholars Program is a unique opportunity to earn financial benefits as well as leadership experience, summer programs, mentorship, and community from both UNC Chapel Hill and Duke University. Eligible applicants can obtain financial scholarships covering up to eight semesters of full tuition, room and board, and most mandatory fees. Additional funding is also available for summer experiences. Applicants exhibit leadership, academic curiosity, strength of character, and spirit. If interested in applying, please visit this site
[NOTE: students who have applied for the Morehead-Cain (UNC Chapel Hill] are not eligible to apply for the Robertson at UNC, but may still apply to the program at Duke University)
DEADLINE: Applicants must apply to UNC by October 15th, Scholarship Applications due November 15th
The Thomas Wolfe Scholarship is offered by the UNC Chapel Hill’s Creative Writing Program and Department of English. The Scholarship program offers full four-year funding for tuition, room and board, textbooks, and a new laptop, along with a $5,000 annual summer stipend to support the recipient's creative work. The Thomas Wolfe Scholarship’s level of support is comparable to that of the University’s well-known Morehead Scholarships. Thomas Wolfe Scholarship seeks to identify and reward students with exceptionally focused literary ability and promise. For more information on the scholarship and to submit your application, please visit this site.
DEADLINE: Please let Mrs. Malmquist know if you would like to be nominated by October 10th
This four-year scholarship is estimated at over $124,000 for students wanting to engage deeply in their communities and excel in their studies at UNC-Charlotte. Levine Scholars are expected to engage through volunteerism, internships, grant projects, and customized curricula. For more information, please visit this site. If you would like to be nominated by SSHS, please email Mrs. Malmquist (kali_malmquist@catawbaschools.net).
DEADLINE: Applications due by September 30th
This $1000 scholarship is for students interested in web development, hosting, and IT. It is an essay-based award and can be located here at this site.
DEADLINE: Applications due September 30th
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program scholarship is an achievement-based scholarship awarded to students in their final year of high school. Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities. 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected each year to receive this $20,000 scholarship. To learn more and apply online, please visit this site.
DEADLINE: Applications due September 30th
The QuestBridge College Match Program works to pair students with elite colleges across the country. Additionally, QuestBridge provides the Match Scholarship which awards selected students over $200,000 in a full four-year scholarship. For more information, and to sign up to get updates on application opening and deadlines, please visit this site.