Scholarships
Scholarships sent to the school will be posted both here and to the applicable class of google classrooms. Typically the school begins to receive the most local scholarships in the Spring.
Scholarship Tips
When it comes to the scholarships:
pay attention to exactly what they are asking,
do exactly what they are asking,
do exactly what they are asking by the deadline.
Your amazing application can get thrown out simply by not following directions!
The essays, when they are included, are an important component. They may be the only chance to show them who you are and what sets you apart. If you can try to make your essay stand-out, make it personal, and/or make it different, then you have a better chance of winning. Above all else: make it personal to you!
Essay reviewers read so many essays that it is vital to make the essay stick out in their mind so that they will remember yours and want to give you the scholarship. Compelling stories are key. Using active voice, instead of passive voice, is critical; saying things like, "I earned a 4.0" instead of "I have a 4.0". This reads much differently. Do you get to choose from essay topics? Choose a topic that you don't think as many others will write about. Don't go with your first choice, unless you know you can make it truly unique and compelling. Likely, your first choice is many other writers' first choices, as well, so the reviewers will be reading a lot on that topic!
It is important to have multiple people proofread, proofread, proofread your essays and your scholarship applications before submitting them. This will ensure you have a better chance of submitting a quality application!
If it asks for letters of recommendation, you need to ask people who know you well and will give you a glowing and personal recommendation. Try to give those writing recommendations for you ample time to submit your recommendation so that they are not rushing to complete a rec for you. Likely, this will not be their best work. If you need Guidance to give you a recommendation letter, please fill out this recommendation form at least 2 weeks in advance.
Local/Civic Scholarships
A lot of the scholarships we post are local and/or civic scholarships, meaning the pool of applicants are usually smaller and you have a better chance of receiving the scholarship! Not all local scholarships come to us, however, so be sure to check with local places you may receive a scholarship from, such as your job, your church, a community club or organization, or even places in which your parents or grandparents are involved. Get creative and ask around! You never know who may be providing scholarships.
*Most of these will not come out or be posted/updated until second semester*
*Students can also find hard copies of these applications in Student Services*
Leaders Education Foundation Scholarships
$25,000 in Collegiate Scholarships Available
Leaders Education Foundation will award scholarships of various amounts to students attending an accredited college or university of their choice. Scholarships will be awarded to graduating seniors in West Tennessee who: are members themselves or have a parent or guardian who is a member of Leaders Education Foundation. For more information about Leaders Education Foundation membership, please visit leadersgives.org.
The scholarship proceeds may be used at each student's discretion: to help cover costs associated with their education, including tuition, books, fees, and various living costs. Applications must be submitted no later than March 10, 2024. Students may access and submit the application completely online by visiting www.leadersgives.org/scholarships
Two scholarships are available for students who provide a video submission providing tips or suggestions on “How to be Financially Fit.” First place- $2,500, runner up- $2,000. These two scholarships will be awarded based on the applicant’s financial needs. First place- $2,500, runner up- $2,000.
$1,000: This scholarship will be awarded based on the applicant’s community service.
$1,000: This scholarship will be awarded based on the applicant’s academic achievement.
Community Scholarships (13) - $1,000 each: Scholarships are designated for at least one student from Obion County, TN (1); Gibson County, TN (1); Dyer County, TN (1); Shelby County, TN (1); and nine (9) additional scholarships for students from all counties in West Tennessee including Madison County, TN.
Entry requirements, judging criteria, application steps, and the scholarship timeline are available on our website. If you have any questions, please contact me at 731.664.1784 ext. 1209 or sbrown@leaderscu.com.
Deadline: March 10
Community Resource Development
(CRD) Scholarship
Community Resource Development Organization will offer an excellent opportunity for seniors who have worked hard and excelled academically. We would like to extend to you the opportunity to apply for the Community Resource Organization Scholarship. The C.R.D Organization Scholarships are available to any limited resource graduating member of Dyer County High and Dyersburg High senior class.
Deadline: March 15
Trimble Area Women's Club Scholarship
Former Trimble Elementary students; please see attached scholarship application.
Deadline: March 15
FMY Orthodontics Scholarship
This year FMY Orthodontics will award a total of $2,000.00 in college scholarships with a division between 2 to 3 high school seniors. Applicants should submit a typed essay (800-1200 words) on the topic "Where I Am Going and How I Plan to Get There". The essay must include a cover sheet with the student's name and high school.
Eligibility:
Currently be or have previously been an orthodontic patient of FMY Orthodontics under the care of Dr. Dan Merwin, Dr. Preston Miller, Dr. Carol Mccraw, Dr. Eric Buchner, Dr. Chip Trammell, or Dr. Chloe Mauney
Maintain at least a B average during your senior year
Complete and document a minimum of 12 hours community service during your senior year
Be accepted for full time enrollment to attend either:
(a) an accredited junior or community college
(b) an accredited four-year college or university
Deadline: April 1
Trimble Lions Club Scholarship
Scholarship available for former Trimble Elementary students or active members of LEO Club.
Deadline: April 12
Tyson-Newbern FFA Agriculture Scholarship
The Tyson-Newbern FFA Agricultural Scholarship will be awarded for the 2nd semester to a Dyer County High School graduating senior. The applicant must be a member of the FFA, have a GPA of 2.75 or higher in high school and the 1st semester of college, and plan to major in an agricultural field. The scholarship value is $1,000.00. The applicant will be judged on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and future plans.
Deadline: April 12
The Nicole Rae Incrocci Memorial Scholarship
The Nicole Rae Incrocci Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to at least two Dyer County High School Seniors who meet the following qualifications: plan to attend college, participate in at least one extra-curricular activity at school, and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The applicants will be judged on academic achievement, ACT scores, character, personal goals, and an essay. The monies are intended to be used for tuition, a dorm room, books/supplies, or meal ticket fees and will be sent directly to the college when necessary. The amount of the scholarship will be determined.
Deadline: April 19
Newbern Elementary Scholarship
Newbern Elementary is offering a scholarship opportunity for previous students of NES. Please see the attached application and return with a brief essay about your memories from Newbern Elementary School.
Deadline: April 22
Newbern Rotary - Bill Adcock Scholarship
This scholarship award is made available to a Dyer County High School senior who has demonstrated qualities of a strong personal initiative, good character, and academic achievement.
Criteria:
• Work History
• Character
• Academic Achievement (Min. 2.5 GPA and 20+ on ACT)
Deadline to apply: April 22
Newbern Rotary - Jimmy Flowers Scholarship
This scholarship award is made available to a Dyer County High School senior who has demonstrated qualities of strong personal initiative, good academic achievement, forceful and unselfish character.
Criteria:
• Personal Initiative
• Character
• Academic Achievement ( Min. 3.0 GPA and 25+ on ACT)
Deadline: April 22
The Greg and Selena Dozier Scholarship
The Greg & Selena Dozier Scholarship is awarded for one semester to a Dyer County High School graduating senior that is planning to major in either business or science. The applicant will be judged on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and work experience.
Deadline: April 22
Addison Swims SMA Awareness Scholarship
The Addison Swims SMA Awareness Scholarship is sponsored by Addi’s Haunted Trail and the YMCA of Dyer County. It will go to a senior who wants to major in Special Education The winner of the scholarship will pick up their scholarship check the first week of August at the YMCA of Dyer County.
Deadline: April 25
Autumn March Scholarships
The Autumn March for ALS Committee offers a one-time scholarship for the Autumn March & Cookie Scholarships. These scholarships are funded through the Annual Autumn March in Dyersburg. The ALS Committee would like to encourage more involvement from students at Dyer County High School. This event is always held the third Saturday in October. More contact information about this event can be received from Mr. Robert Cupples. The scholarship recipient(s) will receive a one-time award valued between $500 - $1000.
Deadline: April 25
Dyersburg-Dyer County Arts Council Arts Scholarship
As part of the Dyersburg-Dyer County Arts Council’s commitment to arts education, we offer annual scholarships of $1000 each to graduating students in the Dyer County area who are pursuing an education in the arts.
Applicants eligible for consideration must meet the criteria listed below:
Exhibit a history of participation in the arts in at least one of these ways:
Involvement in school band, choir, dance, theatre, art, etc.
Involvement in community arts programs
Independent study in a specific area of the arts
Pursue a degree major or minor within an accredited college or university, in a fine or performing arts, or related field such as architecture, photography or graphic design.
The applicant is a graduating senior from DHS or DCHS (One applicant will be selected from each school.)
Applicant must have a 3.0 or higher cumulative grade point average.
Deadline: April 26
Dyersburg Kiwanis Club Scholarship
The Kiwanis Club of Dyersburg is offering a scholarship to:
a student graduating from the Dyersburg/Dyer County high schools in 2024, or are home-schooled, living in Dyer County,
whose goals are consistent with Kiwanis values of leadership and community service, and
who will attend a college or university or vocational school full-time
Each selected applicant will have:
demonstrated potential for successful post-secondary academic study as evidenced by test scores, academic class standing or grade-point average;
a record of extra-curricular activities, volunteerism, and academic achievement--consistent with Kiwanis standards, as well as work experience (if applicable).
Students must return the completed application:
Dyersburg Kiwanis Club
Attn: Scholarship Committee
P.O. Box 22
Dyersburg, TN 38025
Deadline: Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 5 p.m.
Rides 4 Rugrats Scholarship
Rides 4 Rugrats is a 501C3 nonprofit organization that hosts one of the best car shows in West Tennessee. R4R’s primary focus is to give back to the children in the community. With that being said, R4R has decided to give away two $1,000 sponsorships to students who wish to pursue a career in a vocational trade.
The Rides 4 Rugrats Sponsorship is available to graduating seniors in the following counties: Dyer, Lauderdale, Crockett, Lake, Obion, and Gibson. The sponsorship recipient must be enrolled or in the process of enrolling in a vocational or trade school.
Criteria for applying for sponsorship:
Extra-curricular or student work history demonstrating commitment and perseverance.
GPA of 2.5 or above.
Satisfactory attendance record
Two references (one personal and one from education background)
Completed R4R Sponsorship Application, essay, and transcript.
Deadline: May 1st
AKA Sorority Scholarship
Scholarship awards "recognize outstanding high school seniors who demonstrate proven leadership, have actively participated in community service, have applied to an accredited 4-year college or university, and have a financial need". Please see the application for more detailed applicant criteria.
Your completed application must be submitted to XLOScholarshipCommittee@gmail.com by (NO EXCEPTIONS)!
Deadline:
Alaina Katherine Gant Memorial Scholarship
The Alaina Katherine Gant Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a DCHS senior who plans to attend college in the fall. The money will be awarded to this individual to help with the costs of tuition, books, or housing. The amount of the scholarship will be $500.00.
Deadline:
H&R Agri-Power James Hendrix Scholarship
The H&R Agri-Power James Hendrix Scholarship will be awarded for one semester to a Dyer County High School graduating senior who is planning to major in the agriculture field. The applicant will be judged on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and future plans.
Institutional Scholarships
Institutional scholarships come directly from the college or university that you wish to attend. These are usually posted on their websites, and they will often say how they grant them. They are usually granted one of two ways:
either granted automatically based on certain qualifications (ACT, GPA, minority status, financial need, region, etc) or
a scholarship portal with both a general scholarship application and individual scholarship applications
This varies from institution to institution so learn how the colleges/universities you are interested in do things! Don't be afraid to reach out to the college reps for help!
This scholarship is to be awarded to:
1. One freshman student who graduates from Dyer County High School
2. Must have a cumulative high school GPA of at least a 3.0
3. Recipient must have a heart for service
Scholarship may be renewed if student maintains a 2.5 minimum GPA after their 1st semester on scholarship.
Deadline: February 1st
DSCC Alumni Scholarship
The members of the DSCC Alumni Association Board have established the Alumni Scholarship for deserving students. Preference will be given to children of paid members of the Dyersburg State Alumni Association. The number of scholarships awarded, as well as their monetary value, varies from year to year. For more information, contact Constance Clay in the office of Alumni Affairs at clay@dscc.edu or 731-286-3349. Additional applications may be downloaded online at www.dscc.edu/alumni
Scholarship Requirements:
Submit a 100 word or less essay with this application. The title of the essay should be “Why I feel I deserve to be awarded the DSCC Alumni Association Scholarship.”
Must have and maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.
Must enroll as a full-time student (12 or more hours). The only exception to this rule is for students accepted into the Nursing program. Students must attach a copy of their Nursing program acceptance letter with this application.
Scholarship may be retained as long as criteria is met each consecutive semester for a maximum of four semesters and funding is available.
Deadline to apply: June 1st for Fall semester
(Dec 1st for Spring)
State scholarships come from the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) for Tennessee residents who are planning to further their education in the state of Tennessee. Students must create a TSAC Student portal to access these scholarship opportunities. They are usually granted one of two ways:
either granted automatically based on certain qualifications (ACT, GPA, minority status, financial need, etc) and the student submitting their FAFSA and/or
through the applications found in their TSAC Student Portal
For a list of all the different financial aid opportunities/scholarships please visit the TSAC Financial Aid website.
Four-Year Institutions and two-year institutions with on-campus housing:
Up to $2,250 per full-time enrollment semester as a freshman and sophomore; then up to $2,850 per full-time enrollment semester as a junior and senior
Two-Year Institutions:
Up to $1,600 per full-time enrollment semester as a freshman and sophomore
Award amounts are available for summer enrollment
Class status is determined by the postsecondary institution
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Only courses leading to a student’s eligible program of study (associate or baccalaureate degree program) can be awarded under the HOPE Scholarship program
Award amounts are available for summer enrollment
Determination of class status is made by the postsecondary institution
Eligibility of Entering Freshmen
Be a Tennessee resident as classified by the Tennessee Board of Regents; pursuant to TCA 49-8-104,
Graduate from a TN eligible high school
Enroll in one of the Tennessee public colleges, universities, or private colleges within 16 months of high school graduation. Click Here for listing.
One of the following: Minimum 21 ACT; or minimum 1060 SAT; or Overall minimum 3.0 GPA
UT Promise is an undergraduate scholarship program guaranteeing free tuition and mandatory fees for qualifying Tennessee residents attending UT’s campuses in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Pulaski, Martin and Memphis.
This innovative scholarship will cover a student’s last-dollar amount of tuition and mandatory fees after other financial aid is applied (such as Pell grants, HOPE Scholarship or other institutional scholarships) to students who qualify for HOPE and whose household income is under $60,000 a year.
Starting in Fall 2024, UT Promise will increase the income threshold to $75,000 a year based on adjusted gross income. In addition to adjustments in income level, UT Promise will also guarantee a minimum $500 award per semester for qualifying students. These scholarship program enhancements represent additional steps taken by the University to decrease students’ cost to attend the UT school of their choice while also incentivizing program engagement.
Ned McWherter Scholars Program
The award is $6,000 per academic year, $3,000 from the State of Tennessee and $3,000 from the college or university attended. Awards are made in equal installments each term throughout the academic year.
The award may be renewed three times for a total of four years. The recipient must maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average and attend full-time to remain eligible.
To be eligible, the applicant must:
be a resident of Tennessee, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and attend an eligible Tennessee college or university full time, and
have at least a 3.75 unweighted cumulative grade point average, and
have a minimum composite score of 32 on the ACT (or concordant equivalent score on the SAT).
An application, in order to be considered complete, must be accompanied by:
an official high school transcript that contains the applicant’s high school grades through the first semester of the senior year, and
an official ACT/SAT score.
Applications are available by clicking on the link to the left (TSAC Student Portal). Awards are very competitive and are based on limited funding. Renewal applicants are given first priority.
TSAC must receive the completed application and required attachments by February 15.
National Scholarships
National scholarships have a larger pool of applicants. Their awards can be large or small, depending on the organization providing them, and how many applicants receive the award. As always, pay attention to the details!
Each year, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation awards 150 college scholarships worth $20,000 to high school students across the United States through the Coca-Cola Scholars Program.
Seniors need a 3.0 GPA and to fill out an online application that requires no essays, no recommendations, and no transcripts!
The deadline for completing this application is: October 2
Past Due Scholarships
These scholarships are past due and no longer valid. They are kept here for reference only.
The TSDAR Scholarship is a one-time award of $3500 ($1750 in the fall semester; $1750 in the spring) granted to a graduating senior who will be attending an accredited 4-year U.S. college or university granting a degree. A 150-300-word essay is required, plus transcripts, résumé, and two letters of recommendation from an educator, employer, minister, or youth activity leader. More information and application is attached.
The deadline for returning the Application to your school counselor is by 8am: Friday, September 30.
The Ellen Davies Rodgers/Zachariah Davies Scholarship is a one-time award of $750 granted to a graduating senior who will be attending an accredited 4-year U.S. college or university granting a degree. A 300-500 word essay is required as well as a narrative of your patriotic endeavors, plus transcripts, resume and three letters of recommendation from an educator, C.A.R. senior leader, employer, minister, or youth activity leader. Use the attached EDR/ZD Scholarship Application. Applicants must be sponsored by a DAR Chapter, be U.S. citizens and Tennessee residents. You also must supply two copies of your application. No photos are allowed with applications.
The deadline for returning the Application to your school counselor is by 8am: Friday, October 21.
Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition (9-12) Essay Contest
The Voice of Democracy competition provides high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors the opportunity to write and record an essay on a patriotic theme, competing for more than $2 million in college scholarships and incentives. State winners compete for $154,000 in scholarships - with the first place national winner receiving a $30,000 scholarship.
Write an essay on the annual theme available
online at vfw.org/VOD or by calling 816.756.3390.
Students with the best essays should record their essays, complete the entry form and forward them, with the recording and typed essay, to the local VFW Post competition.
Read all information on the attached PDF! Local VFW Info not on the PDF but found below.
The deadline for returning the Application to the Local VFW: October 31st
Local VFW Info:
Post 1972 Watkins-Finch Post
176 Glenwood Rd.
Dyersburg, TN 380242018
United States
Phone: (731) 334-0848
The TSDAR American History Scholarship is a one-time award of $1000 granted to a graduating senior who will be attending an accredited 4-year U.S. college or university granting a degree, who will have a concentrated study of a minimum of 18 credit hours in American History and/or American Government. Students must submit two copies of the application and supporting documentation (see Application for details): cover sheet, a 200-350 -word essay, photocopy of U.S. citizenship, transcripts, resume, and two letters of recommendation from 1) an educator and 2) employer, minister, or youth activity leader. This scholarship is intended to promote the study of our country’s history among our finest students. Please see the TSDAR American History Scholarship Application and School/Community Recommendation on the following pages.
The deadline for returning the Application and documents to your school counselor is no later than noon:
Deadline: January 15
Dyer Land Title Scholarship
Dyer Land Title Company, in support of our Tennessee high school graduates, has established a scholarship opportunity open to eligible students who complete all submission and in-person interview requirements. This scholarship will award $2,500.00 to the successful candidate, to be applied toward college tuition, fees, and expenses for the 2024-2025 school year.
All submissions must be received by Dyer Land Title Company no later than 5 PM on January 31, 2024.
Submissions may be mailed to, or dropped off at, any Dyer Land Title location. Any submission not received by the submission deadline will not be considered.
NSDAR offers a variety of scholarships through the DAR Scholarship Committee. Scholarships are available in General Studies, History, Nursing, Music, and more. Even though the largest number of scholarships is awarded to recent high school graduates, advance degree scholarships are also available. To receive a DAR Scholarship, no affiliation with DAR is necessary unless specified, but applicants must be citizens of the United States and must attend, or plan to attend, an accredited college or university in the United States.
Applicants can get detailed information on scholarship available and also get applications by visiting DAR's public website at dar.org public and member websites at https://dar.academicworks.com/
The Fall online submission portal will open on November 1 and will close on January 31 for applications for the next academic year.
NWTF Scholarship
The purpose of the NWTF Dr. James Earl Kennamer Academic Scholarship Program is to recognize and reward an NWTF member, who is currently a senior in high school, for their outstanding academic achievement, community involvement and leadership roles. The National Scholarship Winner will receive a $10,000 scholarship sponsored by Mossy Oak.
1. Students must apply on the official online NWTF scholarship application form by the deadline set for their state. Incomplete submissions will not be considered, students must have ALL documents available for upload before beginning the application process. No paper applications will be accepted.
2. The national scholarship committee will select the National winner by April 1.
3. Winners may not be notified until their high school awards banquet.
4. The national winner will be asked to attend the NWTF National Convention the following year to be recognized.
For assistance please contact scholarshipinfo@nwtf.net
Tennessee Deadline: February 1
Websites for Scholarships
Find your favorite one or two websites at least and stick with it. These sites often times feature more national scholarships (meaning a larger pool of applicants), but it may still be worth the time and effort to try, depending on your goals for scholarship money.
collegegreenlight.com (best for first generation, low income, or minority students)