While most other scholarships focus exclusively on academic achievement or leadership potential, Horatio Alger Scholarships are also intended for promising students who have critical financial need, demonstrate integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity, and are determined to succeed.

Current high school students who plan on pursuing a bachelor's degree should click here for more information and to apply.

Announcing

Connecticut Bar Foundation 26th Annual

Quintin Johnstone

Statewide High School

Essay Contest

Presented by the James W. Cooper Fellows 

2025-2026 Topic:

“After the Gavel Falls: Navigating Education Policy in the Wake of Mahmoud v. Taylor”

The contest is open to all Connecticut students under the age of 21 who are enrolled in grades 9-12, or their equivalent, at an accredited high school, vocational-technical school, or adult high school credit diploma program located within the State of Connecticut. The contest is also open to all Connecticut homeschooled students in grades equivalent to 9-12. 

• Grand Prize - $2,000

• Two Runner-Up Prizes - $1,000 each

Essays will be judged by federal and state court judges, law professors, and other attorneys. An awards ceremony will be held at the Connecticut Supreme Court in Spring 2026.

Deadline for submission: February 20, 2026

Entries must be submitted through the auspices of the Connecticut school the student attends, with the exception of homeschooled students. Each teacher shall select no more than three entries per class. Teachers of any subject may submit entries. There is no limit on the number of teachers who may submit entries from a single school. School counselors may submit no more than three entries per semester. There is no limit on the number of school counselors who may submit entries from a single school.

For more information, and to access contest materials and submit an entry, please visit our website by clicking the button below.

2025-2026 ESSAY CONTEST MATERIALS

Please contact us at ctbf@ctbarfdn.org 

with any questions.

The Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Connecticut is pleased to announce our 2026 Scholarship Program. Click here to apply.

The CT Nurserymen's Foundation is offering three scholarships to a student who plans to major in a 2 or 4 year program in the field of horticulture.  Click here for more information

The Hartford Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is proud to announce the Cheryl A. Hickmon Scholarship Application/Competition for talented, graduating high school African-American female students in the Greater Hartford region. This is an incredible opportunity for young women to pursue higher education with financial support that makes a difference. Click here for the application. 

The Community Foundation of Greater New Britain has several scholarship opportunities available. Their application website will be live on January 15, 2026. Below is a brief summary of the scholarships available:

• Austrian-Hungarian Singing – Sick Benefit Society Donau, Inc. Scholarship: preference given to candidates planning to enter a career related to Austrian/German culture or language or students who are of Austrian, German, or Swiss-German descent.

• Eleanor and Nathan Berry Scholarship - Preference to those planning to enter careers related to medicine or finance.

• Spencer’s Hero Academia Memorial Scholarship - Students must have previously experienced or are experiencing a life-threatening illness and wish to pursue higher education

• Festa Italiana Reverend Father Augustine Henry Giusani Humanitarian Scholarship - for students planning to major in Social Sciences with preference to students of Italian descent.

• Festa Italiana Reverend Father Augustine Henry Giusani Math & Science Scholarship - For students planning to major in Math, Science, or Engineering. Preference given to students of Italian descent or those who are members of an Italian club or organization in Connecticut.

Read the scholarship descriptions and requirements here

Applicant must be an incoming freshman currently accepted in a college, university, or technical school, in a civil/environmental engineering or construction related program. Preference shall be given to applicants who are members or student members of CSCE/ASCE or have parents or relatives who are members of CSCE/ASCE.  The application can be found on the Awards page of www.csce.org or via this link. 

The Bruce E. Douglas Scholarship for Overcoming Adversity is awarded to a deserving CREC region high school senior who is enrolled in a two or four-year college for the upcoming year. The recipient will be eligible for up to $6,000 to be used for university fees, meal plans, summer housing, books, or supplies. Equal payments will be made directly to the attending college for up to four years of active enrollment.  Click here for more information.

The AJR Nocera Memorial Fund, facilitated by Main Street Community Foundation, offers a $1,000 scholarship for an eligible Farmington High School senior. Applicants must have at least a B average, be involved in the school/community, and have faced challenges/obstacles in their life. Click here to apply

The Lawrence Scelza Memorial Scholarship Fund, facilitated by Main Street Community Foundation, offers an $810 scholarship for an eligible Farmington High School senior. Preference is given to employees or children of employees at Stop & Shop in Unionville. Click here to apply

The Association of Retired Teachers of Connecticut is again offering a scholarship for high school students who wish to pursue a career in education. Click here for more information and to apply.

Agaram Tamil Essay Contest: Many of us live between worlds: Irish-American, Student-Athlete, First Gen-College Bound. What are the hyphens that define your daily life? Tell us us about the worlds you traverse. Find the details here. 

Applications for college scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year are available from the SBM Charitable Foundation, Inc.  The Foundation annually awards scholarships in amounts up to $5000 per year to help fund undergraduate study at institutions of higher learning in Connecticut.  In June of 2025, $250,000 in scholarship assistance was awarded by the Foundation.

Applications are available at the Foundation web site: www.sbmfoundation.org, or by calling (860) 533-1067 to request that an application be sent to you by mail.

Eligibility requirements include residency in Hartford, Tolland, or Windham Counties; high school students must be in the top 40 percent of their class; college students must maintain a 2.5 GPA or better, and exhibit an exceptional commitment to school and community activities.  Applicants must be a U. S. citizen and plan to attend a College or University in Connecticut.  Full time enrollment is required.  Scholarships are renewable for students who maintain academic and other eligibility requirements in college.

The deadline for applications is March 31, 2026.  For more information, call the SBM Charitable Foundation, Inc. at (860) 533-1067.

The American Savings Foundation Scholarship is the largest independent college scholarship program from a single source of funds in Connecticut. Each year nearly 400 ASF Scholars attend community colleges, 4-year institutions, and technical or vocational programs in Connecticut and beyond.  Click here for more information.

The scholarship is open to individuals who are 17 years of age or older and are pursuing further education in either musical performance or music education at an accredited post-secondary institution. Applicants must be residents of Bristol, Wolcott, Burlington, Plymouth, Terryville, Farmington, Plainville, or Southington, or must be a relative of a current Chorale member.  Click here for the application 

A scholarship for permanent residents of New England states, with financial need, who display academic achievement, a commitment to serving others, a strong work ethic and leadership qualities. Click here for more information and to apply.

The Luke Roux Foundation was established to honor Luke who was tragically killed by a drunk driver days after graduating Farmington High School in 2022. The Foundation supports activities and organizations that  intoxicated driving. Its mission is to reduce fatalities caused by intoxicated driving today and eliminate them in the future. The scholarship selection committee, composed of Luke's family and resolute community members, seeks to understand your perspective on this crucial issue. Please submit your essay by April 4th, 2025, to be considered for this scholarship. The essay will be evaluated based on the following criteria: originality, clarity, organization, grammar, and relevance. (see attached Rubric) This scholarship not only stands as a tribute to Luke's memory but also as an opportunity for young minds to contribute ideas and strategies to combat the persisting issue of intoxicated driving. Click here to access the application materials.

Two $500 scholarships are available for current high school seniors who plan on attending college in the Fall of 2026 with a major in music, dance, or theater as a performer, educator, or designer. Click here for the application. 

This scholarship is being offered by the CTWEA (Connecticut Water Environment Association) in effort to encourage students to pursue a college degree or studies in an environmental related field. This application can also be found on https://www.ctwea.org/ or by clicking this link.

Applicants to the Joe Lieberman Connecticut Scholarship Program must:

• Be United States citizens or permanent legal residents.

• Be high school seniors who reside in Connecticut and attend public or private high schools or home school in Connecticut.

• Plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school for the entire upcoming academic year.

• Have a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent). 

• Demonstrate outstanding leadership potential and a record of community service.

Click here for more information. 

This $1,000 scholarship is available to a Farmington High School senior who participated in FHS cheerleading or has participated as part of a travel or outside cheer program and wishes to further her education after high school and may be continuing her involvement with cheer after high school. The qualified student should possess a combination of high academic standards and strong interpersonal skills, at the same time, exuding a kind and considerate nature. The recipient should also be a well-rounded student with respect to extracurricular activities.

This financial award will be presented in certificate form and will be granted upon acceptance to college or a certified trade/vocational school.

Click here to access the application. 

A scholarship has been established by the Unionville Lions Club in the memory of Ralph H. Tallmadge to encourage a deserving high school graduate to continue his/her education at a trade/technical school or program. The graduate must attend one of the following high schools: Farmington High School, Bristol Central High School, Bristol Eastern High School, and/or EC Goodwin Technical High School. The award will be given to the applicant who has met the criteria established by the Unionville Lions Club Committee, chosen as the best applicant by this Committee. Click here for the application. 

The Unionville Lions Club will be awarding one or more general assistance scholarships along with the Catherine Miniter Buteau Memorial Scholarship. Applicants are limited to residents of the Town of Farmington who are graduating from high school or who are currently pursuing a post high school degree. The Scholarships have been established to assist students or residents of the Town of Farmington who need financial assistance to pursue a course of study beyond the high school level; primary emphasis in selecting recipients is on financial need but the Buteau Scholarship gives preference to those interested in pursuing a career in public elementary school education. It is anticipated that a total of approximately $10,000.00 will be awarded in scholarships.  Click here to apply.   

DEMOCRATIC TOWN COMMITTEE - JAMES P. SMITH SCHOLARSHIP: Any member of the graduating class of Farmington High School who wishes to pursue his or her education in the field of government or community service. $1,000 Award. Farmington Democratic Town Committee  - James P. Smith Scholarship application 

The FOM scholarships are open to seniors enrolled in the music department. We hope to award students who have had an impact on the department, school, or community through their leadership and musical talents. Those students whose family is a member of the Friends of Music will receive preference. (FOM membership is $5.00.)  Click here to apply. 

The Exchange Club of Farmington, Inc. offers scholarships annually to graduating seniors who are residents of the Town of Farmington and who are planning on a post-secondary education. 

The scholarships are awarded based on: 

• Financial need 

• Academic achievement 

• Community involvement 

• Extracurricular activities 

Click here for the application. 

This scholarship will be awarded to applicants whose personal values and efforts have helped make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate in abilities or resources. Our criteria will favor academic achievement or financial need. Click here for more information.

Scholarship criteria: Presented to a Farmington High School graduating senior with good academics and strong character who has been active in the theater program at FHS. Student must be pursuing a career in the theater or law. Click here for the application. 

ALMA BAILEY-TAYLOR SCHOLARSHIP: Variable Awards. Qualified students that have attained a minimum of 93 overall average and completed the FAFSA are eligible to apply. A copy of your SAR is required for this application. Award amount varies. The Counseling Office will contact eligible students. Alma Bailey Taylor Scholarship Application

The scholarship awards are open to applicants who are high school graduating seniors who plan to attend an accredited two- or four-year college and pursue a career in park management, forestry, horticulture, agronomy, or a closely related field.

Click here for more information and to apply.

PAUL BARRIEAU SCHOLARSHIP: This scholarship will benefit an individual going to school for business or entrepreneurship opportunities or is planning on starting or running their own business with a business plan that seeks to contribute to a better future.  One $2,5000 award.  Paul Barrieau Scholarship  application.docx 

The scholarship awards are open to applicants who are high school graduating seniors who plan to attend an accredited two- or four-year college and pursue a career in park management, forestry, horticulture, agronomy, or a closely related field.

Click here for more information and to apply.

1. Scholarship applicants must be residents of the City of Hartford, CT, and are pursuing a college major in music. 

2. The top three (3) applicants will be invited for a personal interview with funder.  

3. 2026 Scholarship Award is $500. 

4. Incorrect, incomplete or unsigned applications will not be considered. Please proofread your application before submitting. 

5. The application can be completed by printing and handwriting your information or typing directly on the application using Adobe Acrobat software that can be downloaded for free from the Adobe website.  

6. Essays must be typed (see essay instructions). Electronically completed applications can then either be printed, signed, and mailed, or signed electronically by placing scanned signatures where appropriate, then attaching to an email. 

7. Applications must be received by April 13, 2026. 

Click here for application. 

The scholarship awards are open to applicants who are high school graduating seniors who plan to attend an accredited two- or four-year college and pursue a career in park management, forestry, horticulture, agronomy, or a closely related field.

Click to apply.

The Graham Foundation, Inc. administers a scholarship fund established by the late Arline Graham Wadsworth who resided in Farmington and Unionville. Mrs. Wadsworth  established the fund in memory of her family members who were active in the Unionville  community. Her family’s principal enterprise was The Upson Nut Company, which has been absorbed into the Republic Steel Company of Cleveland, Ohio. Mrs. Wadsworth  created this fund for the purpose of supporting Farmington youth who wish to attend  college and have a financial need.  

The purpose of this scholarship fund is to provide financial assistance to graduates of Farmington High School, who are or were residents of the Town of Farmington at the time of graduation from Farmington High School, in furthering their education. Click here to access the application. 

The Student-View Scholarship is a unique opportunity for high school seniors. It is open to all students regardless of academic achievement or financial need. Click here to apply.

This scholarship is open to seniors graduating this year who have been accepted in a degree or certificate program in art at an institution of higher education. Click here for the application. 

The Avon Chapter of UNICO offers a local scholarship for students who are residents of Avon, Canton, Farmington, or Simsbury, Connecticut. Avon UNICO local scholarship application.   UNICO National offers several scholarships, click here for more information.

Click here to read more about this opportunity.

Scholarships are offered annually to Farmington Valley (Unionville, Farmington, Collinsville, Avon, and Burlington) residents (and descendants of Dr. Dunne) aspiring to work in the broad field of medical science who are about to enter their studies or are already in the process of working toward their degree. This includes nursing, veterinary medicine, physical therapy, dentistry, medicine, radiological studies, and others.  Click here for more information and to apply.

This scholarship is open to young women in grade 12 who have proven leadership experience and a GPA of 3.0 or higher.  Click here for more information.  Click here to apply.  

The Hagan Scholarship is a nationwide need-based merit scholarship, providing recipients with the opportunity to achieve their goals and graduate college debt-free. Parents 2024 Adjusted Household Income must not have exceeded $125,000. The scholarship provides $2,000 to help pay for essential items to attend college and up to $7,500 each semester for up to 8 consecutive semesters. Free workshops, Free Schwab Brokerage Accounts, and Free Study Abroad provide recipients with a practical understanding of important life skills not typically covered in the school curriculum. Hagan Scholars have attended 769 colleges and universities located in 50 states and the District of Columbia, and have studied abroad in 64 countries.

The Hagan Graduate Scholarships are for Hagan Scholars who have graduated college while in the Hagan Scholarship Program and are good for up to four additional semesters in college, providing up to $7,500 each semester to attend graduate school or the first two years of a professional program.

The Hagan International Graduate Scholarships are similar to the Hagan Graduate Scholarships. International applicants must have graduated or will graduate from a foreign institution, and must have received an acceptance letter for enrollment for the upcoming fall semester as a first-time graduate student at a college or university located in the U.S. Click here to access the scholarship application.

The Milton Fisher Scholarship for Innovation and Creativity is accepting applications from high school and college students who are innovative and creative problem solvers. Are you a student who has found a distinctive solution to a problem faced by your family, school, community, or the world?  Have you solved an artistic, scientific, or technical problem in a new or unusual way? 

The Milton Fisher Scholarship is a FOUR-YEAR SCHOLARSHIP for up to $20,000 (up to $5,000 per year for four years).  It is open to HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS and COLLEGE FRESHMEN in Connecticut and the New York Metropolitan area, as well as students from outside the region going to college in Connecticut or the New York City area.  In 2025, eight scholarships were awarded.

More information and the online application can be found on the website. Applicants must complete the online application on or before May 15, 2026. 

Paper copies of the scholarship application are available in the counseling office.  Applicants must complete the application on or before May 15, 2026. 

The Horatio Alger Association’s Career & Technical Scholarship is designed for individuals who have faced and overcome significant adversity and are working toward a career or technical education certificate or degree. This need-based award recognizes those who demonstrate integrity, perseverance, and a strong commitment to building a successful future through career-focused training.

Eligible individuals with financial need who are enrolled, or plan to enroll, in a career or technical program at a not-for-profit institution should consider applying. Each year, the Association awards scholarships of up to $2,500 to support tuition, tools, supplies, and other program-related expenses.

Learn more by clicking here.

The Scholastic Awards are presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering creative teens and celebrating youth voices. To learn more, visit artandwriting.org.