Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut:  Since 1983, the Community Foundation has awarded over $11.9 million in scholarships from 136 funds established by generous individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits to help area students pursue an education and establish rewarding careers! The Community Foundations offers a multitude of scholarships to students. A list of all of their scholarships can be found here and more information about their general application can be found here.

Deadline: Date varies based on scholarship

United States JCI Senate Foundation Scholarship:  The United States Junior Chamber International (JCI) Senate Foundation will award $1500 or $2000 scholarship grants to graduating high school seniors who will continue their education at an accredited post-secondary college or university. Scholarships of $1000 will be awarded to graduating high school seniors who will attend an accredited vocational, technical or trade school program. More information a the online application can be found here.

Deadline: January 12th, 2026

Big Y Scholarship:  In tribute to both its employees and its customers, Big Y offers an annual scholarship program. Established in 1981, the program includes a series of scholarships which honor Big Y's founders; the late Paul H. D'Amour and his brother, Gerald D'Amour. All Big Y scholarships recognize academic merit and achievement. Big Y has awarded over $6.4 million dollars to over 8,600 recipients through the scholarship program. More information a the online application can be found here.

Deadline: February 1st, 2026

SAR Knight Essay:  The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) invites all high school students (9th through 12th grades) interested in the American Revolution to participate in the George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest. To participate, students must submit an original 800- to 1,200-word essay based on an event, person, philosophy or ideal associated with the American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the United States Constitution. More information a the online application can be found here.

Deadline: February 1st, 2026

ELKS Legacy Awards:  For the 2026 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 have paid Lodge dues for the last two contiguous years through March 31, 2026. Great-grandchildren are not eligible. More information a the online application can be found here.

Deadline: February 2nd, 2026

Howard Jennings Scholarship:  This is a one-time grant to a CT student, who has been accepted by the University of Connecticut, majoring in the field of Horticulture in either the 2 or 4-year program. More information a the online application can be found here.

Deadline: March 9th, 2026

Michael Johnson Scholarship:  This scholarship is for students who are a non-traditional learner. They will be considered on their enthusiasm, diligence, aspirations, and potential as a valued member of the horticultural field.  The CT Nurserymen’s Foundation believes that these factors should not be considered limitations to success in our industry.  Instead, we want to offer an opportunity to allow all individuals who are looking for assistance to have a fair and unbiased chance to be recognized for what they can offer the industry. If you have a love of plants and are interested in going into the nursery/horticulture field and this describes you, we urge you to apply for this scholarship. CNF will fund one student in the amount of $2,500 per semester/$5,000 per year. More information a the online application can be found here.

Deadline: March 9th, 2026

Lud and Marie Hoffman Scholarship:  The applicant must be accepted into a course of study beneficial to the Horticultural industry.  This includes, but is not limited to:

• Ornamental Horticulture

• Landscape Design

• Nursery Management

• Greenhouse Management

The scholarship grant will be $5,000 per year, renewable if the student maintains academic eligibility in college. More information a the online application can be found here.

Deadline: March 9th, 2026

Justin Wisniewski Firefighters' Scholarship Fund:  to be eligible to apply for this scholarship you must meet at least one of the following criteria:

1) Be a firefighter in Connecticut, or

2) The child, step child, sibling, spouse or grandchild of a Southington firefighter, or

3) the child, step child, sibling, spouse or grandchild of a firefighter in another city or town in Connecticut. 

More information a the online application can be found here.

Deadline: March 15th, 2026

Charter Oak College Bound Scholarship Program: Charter Oak Federal Credit Union is committed to helping the youth in our communities achieve lifelong success by providing financial support to deserving high school seniors and college students attending two-year or four-year accredited institutions of higher education. To be eligible to apply for this scholarship you must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Applicant (student) must be a primary member of Charter Oak Federal Credit Union.

• Applicant must be a graduating high school senior, or a student planning to attend or currently attending an accredited institution of higher education such as a two-year or four-year college; or a technical, vocational or business college in September 2026. (Previous winners may submit an application for continued financial support.)

• Applicant must excel academically, be involved in extracurricular activities and/or be involved in his or her local community.

More information a the online application can be found here.

Deadline: March 18th, 2026

Glenn Moon Scholarship: Are you interested in a career in education? For the 47th consecutive year the Association of Retired Teachers of Connecticut is offering financial help to qualified high school seniors who are pursuing a teaching degree. Any Connecticut resident who will be a 2026 graduate of a secondary school in Connecticut is eligible to apply, provided he/she is committed to entering the field of education.

More information a the online application can be found here.

Deadline: March 31st, 2026

The Dr. George Mantikas Achievement Scholarship:  The Comprehensive Achievement Scholarship, sponsored by Dr. George Mantikas, is granted to one or more students for the term of one year. To qualify, applicants must be high school seniors who plan to attend a two or four year college. Financial need will not be a criterion. Applicants must show superior academic standing, dedication to community service, and involvement with extracurricular activities. Finalists will be contacted for an interview with the scholarship committee.  More information a the application can be found here.

Deadline: April 1st, 2026

Meggie Dawn Memorial Scholarship:  This scholarship awards one $1,000 scholarship to a graduating high school senior attending an accredited 4-year college in Education, Therapy Services, or Social Work. Selection will be based on academic achievement, leadership, contributions to school, community service, and interest in assisting others to reach their full potential in living a productive life.

 More information a the application can be found here.

Deadline: May 1st, 2026

New London County Fire Chiefs Association Scholarship:  The New London Country Fire Chiefs Association is proud to again provide two $1,500 scholarships to deserving high school seniors who meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. Must be an active member in good standing with a fire company/department in membership with the New London County Fire Chiefs Association AND must submit verification of Active Status from the student's fire company Chief.

2. Pursuing a degree in Fire Science or medical services- any year of college

3. Must be continuing their education immediately after high school

 More information a the application can be found here.

Deadline: May 1st, 2026

The Stephen Phillips Memorial Scholarship Fund:  The Stephen Phillips Memorial Scholarship Fund offers renewable, four-year scholarships to students with financial need who display academic achievement, a commitment to serving others, and a strong work ethic. More information a the online application can be found here.

Deadline: May 1st, 2026