There are many opportunities for ninth grade students to get involved. Each program or scholarship is listed by the deadline for application.
VFW Voice of Democracy Scholarship
Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 25,000 ninth through 12th grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program.
The national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$21,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000. Before submitting your essay, download the 2025-2026 entry form here and find your sponsoring local VFW Post as applications must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31.
American Legion Oratorial Contest
This is a speech contest offered to high school students with awards ranging from $2000 - $5,000 at the state finals. Students will compete and potentially advance to higher levels. The purpose of the contest is to develop knowledge and appreciation of the United States Constitution, the ability to think and speak clearly and critically, and the acceptance of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship. The Legion contest is a partner with the National Speech & Debate Association, the honor society for high-school students (formerly the National Forensic League).
Click here for more information.
Ranken Tech Adventure Academy
Students get fun, hands-on experiences with technology, and learn about career paths in technical industries. This program encourages middle and high school students to complete high school and further their education in a STEM-related discipline and ultimately join the technical workforce in their community by earning a STEM degree. More than 2,000 students have participated in the program since 2010.
Missouri Association of Fairs and Festivals - Public Speaking Contest
Deadline: December 29, 2025
The Missouri Association of Fairs and Festivals offers scholarships through for students associated with it's member Fairs and Festivals.
The Missouri Association of Fairs and Festivals annual Public Speaking contest which begins at the local level and continues through to the state finals which is held at the annual association convention in February of each year. The Mofairs Public Speaking Contest is designed to develop agriculture leadership, provide for member participation in public speaking activities, and stimulate interest in leadership in general. The final contest is held each year in connection with the Mofairs Annual Convention scheduled at the Margaritaville Lake Resort Osage Beach, Missouri.
GENERAL PLAN All preliminary contests are for local participation and are held under the direction of the county fair concerned. These events finalize in the state contest held at the MAFF annual convention. All county contests must follow same rules as the MoFairs Public Speaking Contest finals.
AWARD LEVELS
Three scholarships will be awarded based on the judges determination.
1st Place - $1,500.00 and award plaque
2nd Place - $ 900.00 and award plaque
3rd Place - $ 600.00 and award plaque
ELIGIBILTY
The state contest will be limited to participation by one student representing any FAIR or FESTIVAL. The sponsoring event must be a current member of the association.
The contest is open to students who are currently enrolled in grades 9 through 12 during the 2025 – 2026 school year. Previous state winners (first place, second place, or third place) will not be eligible to compete again.
Each contestants manuscript will be the result of the students OWN EFFORTS. It is expected that each contestant will take advantage of all available training facilities in their local area in developing their speaking ability. Facts and working data may be secured from any source but must be related to fairs and agriculture. Topics of a non agriculture nature will be disqualified.
Contestants who compete must submit to the MoFairs office the following materials.
a) Four double-spaced typewritten copies of their speech on 8 1/2 x 11 paper, each copy bound by a staple.
b) Date and location of qualifying contest
c) A complete and accurate bibliography used in writing the speech.
d) A signed copy of the originality form as provided.
e) All contestants in the MoFairs Public Speaking Contest shall give credit to others where any direct quotes, phrases, or special dates are used in their manuscript in order to not be guilty of plagiarism. Failure to do so will automatically disqualify a contestant
Entry deadline is December 29, 2025.
Go HERE for additional information and the application.
Missouri Fine Arts Academy
The Missouri Fine Arts Academy (MFAA) is a two-week summer residential program for highly motivated sophomore, junior and senior high school student artists. You can apply during your freshman year to participate as a rising sophomore. Categories for participation include:
visual arts/mixed media
theatre
dance
creative writing
music (instrumental and vocal)
This program is housed on the campus of Missouri State University in Springfield, MO. All costs are included and students will receive college credit with Missouri State University at no additional cost. There is an application for this program and a selection process to be considered.
Click here for more information.
Optimist International Essay Contest
Application & Essay Due to Mrs. Sides: January 9, 2026
A local scholarship can be awarded to a Hallsville student with the chance to compete for an additional $2,500 at the district level. This contest is open to all students ages 19 and under. This is not a senior only scholarship opportunity.
Between 700 - 800 words
Topic: "How My Acts of Service Help Me Understand What My Community Means to Me"
Click here for the application and information including the scoring rubric.
ATSU Truman Healthcare Academy
The ATSU-Truman Healthcare Academy offers an integrated curriculum that exposes students to the methods and skills of a variety of health professions, including:
osteopathic medicine
nursing
orthopedic surgery
prosthetics
personal training
exercise physiologist
audiology/speech pathology
physical and occupational therapy
nutrition
and other health professions
Students learn about health professions through hands-on activities and stimulating discussions. In many sessions, students will engage in simulations where they address real problems confronted by health care professionals. Students will also formally present on a medical or health issue at the end of the program.
In addition, students visit and practice skills in health care and medical training facilities including the cadaver anatomy lab, nursing patient simulators, exercise physiology lab, athletic training lab, speech and hearing clinic, osteopathic manual muscle therapy lab, and diagnostic ultrasound for a few examples. Students personally interact with a variety of health care professionals including physicians, surgeons, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, epidemiologists, athletic trainers, speech pathologists, prosthetics, anatomy instructors, and exercise physiologists.
Missouri Youth Leadership Forum
The Missouri Youth Leadership Forum (MO-YLF) is a five-day overnight program that empowers high school students with disabilities (IEP or 504). Approximately 30 Missouri students will participate in developing leadership skills and career awareness.
Experience college life:
Spend time on a college campus
Stay in the dorms with a roommate and other participants from the Forum
Participate in various social activities:
A keynote speaker, talent show, adaptive sports night, and dance with a photo booth
Meet people with disabilities from all walks of life to hear their stories and see firsthand that you can do anything in life
Learn about the legislative process and advocacy
We spend a whole day at the Capitol and get to do a mock legislative session with legislators and visit the Governor’s office:
Learn about asking for accommodations in the workplace and post-secondary education
Meet alumni and other students from other parts of Missouri
Learn about what resources can help you live your life to the fullest
Gain lots of self-determination and how to advocate for yourself
Click here for more information.
MyMo: My Missouri Scholarship Promise
This is a $10,000 scholarship that is given to ALL qualifying students. MyMO is a scholarship promise program intended to place 9th grade students from low-income backgrounds on a successful path to prepare, save and plan for college. To qualify, students and families will complete a FAFSA Forecaster and display exceptional financial need as well as open a MOST 529 College Savings account.
Please note: Only high school freshmen are eligible to apply. However, if there are current high school sophomores, juniors or seniors in your home, Missouri Scholarship & Loan Foundation has several other opportunities for students as they reach their senior year.
Columbia College Summer Camps
CC Choir Fest
For 9th-12th grade students. Led by Columbia College faculty and visiting guest artists from around the country, this four-day overnight camp is an immersive musical experience that will help students find their voice.
Click here for more information.
CC Girls Who Game
For 6th-12th grade students. Campers will grow their skillsets with Esports professionals, connect with fellow gamers, and learn about various career opportunities in the gaming industry.
Click here for more information.
Computer Professions on Demand CPoD
This program will accept 20 students each summer to attend this 5 day program. Students will stay on campus at State Technical College of Missouri and learn about career opportunities in a computer related field. Students will participate in leadership activites and attend field trips to area businesses. No computer experience is necessary. The application does require a teacher / counselor recommendation, so it is important that is requesed prior to the due date.
Pharmacy Camp
This is a one day camp for students interested in pursuing a career in pharmacy.
Take part in making actual medicine in the compounding lab
Hear from community pharmacists about their daily roles
Interact with clinical pharmacists in specialty practices such as oncology, pediatrics, cardiology, emergency room and more