Starting in 9th grade, students can create an account on Raise Me, and earn micro-scholarships that can be applied later to financial aid packages at some universities.
Please note that the vast majority of scholarships only accept applications from Seniors. Scholarships open to other students tend to be either extremely highly selective (junior, national/international scholarships), or contest-based awards.
Princeton Prize in Race Relations
Application Deadline: TBD
Grades 9-12
The Princeton Prize in Race Relations recognizes and rewards high school students who have had a significant positive effect on race relations in their schools or communities through their volunteer efforts. Open to grades 9-12.
Prize recipients receive a cash prize of $1,000 and an all-expenses-paid weekend to a Symposium on Race at Princeton University where they will meet and engage with other Prize recipients from across the country.
HHS had a winner of this prestigious award in 2024!
Bassett Award for Community Engagement, Yale University
Application Deadline: February 1
Current Juniors
Recipients of the Yale Bassett Award for Community Engagement will demonstrate a record of creative leadership and public service, academic distinction, interdisciplinary problem solving, and experience addressing societal issues that might include, but need not be limited to, race and racism. Students with non-traditional leadership experiences or significant work experiences are also encouraged to apply.
To be considered for the Yale Bassett Award, interested students in the Class of 2024 should submit an application that will include an account of their relevant experiences and aspirations, academic record, extracurricular commitments and leadership positions. Students will also be asked to identify a teacher, mentor, coach, religious leader, community-based non-profit leader, or community member who can provide them a letter of recommendation.
More Info: ritm.yale.edu/yale-bassett-award-community-engagement-application
The Coolidge Scholarship
Deadline: December 11, 2024
Grade 11
The Coolidge Scholarship is an annually awarded, full-ride, presidential scholarship that covers a student’s tuition, room, board, and expenses for four years of undergraduate study. The Coolidge may be used by recipients at any accredited American college or university. Anyone of any background, pursuing any academic discipline of study, may apply to this non-partisan, need-blind, program.
This one-of-a-kind scholarship may be used at any accredited college or university in the U.S.
The Coolidge is extremely competitive - a few scholarships (2-4) are awarded each year, but 100 of the top applicants are invited to participate in the Coolidge Senators Program, which includes an all-expenses-paid summit gathering and a $1000 scholarship.
Horatio Alger Scholarship
Deadline: March 15, 2025
Current Juniors
The Horatio Alger Association seeks to assist students who have demonstrated integrity, perseverance in overcoming adversity, strength of character, financial need, a good academic record, commitment to pursue a college education, and a desire to contribute to society. Award values range from $10,000 to $25,000.
Eligibility criteria:
Be enrolled as a HS junior, on track to graduate in June 2026 with plans to enter college in Fall 2026
Demonstrate critical financial need ($55,000 or lower adjusted gross family income is required)
Be involved in co-curricular and community service activities
Display integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity
Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0
Be a US citizen
To apply, you will need to complete an online application, supply one support form (from a non-relative who is aware of the adversities discussed in your application), n online certification form (completed by your counselor), supply a high school transcript, supply income verification.
More information and apply at: http://scholars.horatioalger.org
Cameron Impact Scholarships
The Cameron Impact Scholarship is a merit-based undergraduate scholarship for incomparable individuals who have the ability to make real, tangible contributions to their families, friends, and the greater society. This is one of the most competitive merit scholarships. Up to 3,000 applications are reviewed, and 15 scholars selected. Scholars receive full-tuition scholarships that can be used at any school, for any major. Applicants need not only an outstanding record, but also exceptional evidence of having already made a significant difference in the world around them. Before applying, click here to read profiles of the current class of scholars.
Eligibility: Must be a current junior, have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.7; excel in extracurricular activities; exhibit strong leadership qualities; demonstrate active participation in community service; be a citizen of the United States.
Early Applicant Deadline – TBD
Regular Applicant Deadline – TBD (If maximum number of 3000 applications has not yet been exceeded)
www.bryancameroneducationfoundation.org
Ronald Reagan Great Communicator Debate Series
The Ronald Reagan Great Communicator Debate Series was founded to develop engaged, informed, and conscientious citizen leaders by hosting a national series of high school debates. The debates search for students who can effectively use logic, evidence, and personality to communicate their ideas, just as Ronald Reagan did throughout his life. The Debate Series is comprised of five in-person and one online qualifying competition, culminating in the National Championship. The two finalists from each of the six regions, the top two extemporaneous speaker and orator from the National Speech and Debate Association National Tournament, and the top two debaters from the National Urban Debate League compete in the National Championship at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. Visit the web site for entry and regional competition information.
Pirates Pitch Competition, sponsored by Seton Hall University
Do you dream of starting a business? Perhaps you already have! Seton Hall University offers high school students an annual contest to teach the basics of entrepreneurship and idea generation. It's a fun way for high school students to put their entrepreneurial know-how to the test and win cash prizes and Seton Hall University scholarships.
Submit an original business idea that, in 350 words or less, describes an innovative product or service that you would like create. Or, you can tell us about a business you've already launched! Be sure to answer the following questions:
What problem does your product or service solve?
How do you propose making money?
Who are your customers and why will they buy your product or service?
Who is your competition and how are you going to be better than the competition?
Deadline: October 23, 2024
Eligibility: All high school sophomores, juniors and seniors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Norm Brodsky Business Concept Competition, sponsored by Rider University
The Norm Brodsky Business Concept Competition is designed to recognize and promote exceptional effort, skill, and creativity among high school students. The winner of the senior pitch competition receives a full four-year tuition scholarship to Rider University.
Sophomores, juniors, and seniors at any high school are eligible. While all sophomore, junior and senior high school students are eligible to apply, the competition will take place in two divisions. Sophomores and juniors will compete in the lower division while seniors compete in the higher division.
Young Writers Awards, sponsored by Bennington University
Students in the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades during the current academic year may enter in one of the following categories:
Poetry: a group of three poems
Fiction: a short story (1,500 words or fewer) or one-act play (max. 30 minutes run time)
Nonfiction: a personal or academic essay (1,500 words or fewer)
First-, second-, and third-place prizes up to $1,000 will be awarded for each genre. All entries must be original work and sponsored by a high school teacher. Judges include Bennington College faculty and students.
Young Writers Award finalists and winners are also eligible for undergraduate scholarships at Bennington.
Deadline: November 1
THINK Scholars Program
Deadline: January 1
Who: Open to grades 9-12; Must be a US resident. Students can work individually, or with one partner
What: The THINK Scholars Program is an educational outreach initiative that promotes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by supporting and funding projects developed by high school students. The program is run by a team of undergraduate students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and sponsored by technology companies and educational organizations.
How: Students apply to the program by submitting a proposal for any novel science, technology, or engineering idea. Six finalists will be selected, all of whom will receive an all expenses paid trip to MIT, as well as mentorship and funding for the projects. After the completion of the projects, three of the winning participants will receive additional scholarships.
This is an annual program, so younger students can start thinking now about next year’s entry!
More information at: https://think.mit.edu/
John F. Kennedy Library Foundation Profile in Courage Essay Contest
Deadline: January 17, 2025
Grades 9-12
Write an original and creative essay on the following topic: Describe and analyze an act of political courage by a US elected official who served during or after 1917. Essay length 700-1000 words with at least 5 varied, reliable sources
Award: First Place: $10,000. Second Place: $3,000. Five finalists: $1,000 each. 8 semi-finalists: $100 each
For more information, see: http://www.jfklibrary.org/essaycontest
FREE Speech Essay Contest (Annual Scholarship)
Who: Juniors and seniors
How: Must submit an essay of 700-900 words on an assigned topic (see web site)
Award: One $10,000 first prize, one $5,000 second prize, three $1,000 runner-up prizes, and four $500 prizes.
More Info: https://www.thefire.org/resources/high-school-network/essay-contest/
New Jersey League of Municipalities - Louis Bay II Future Municipal Leaders Scholarship
Deadline:TBD to Hillsborough Township mayor’s office
Who: Juniors and Seniors who are residents of NJ and plan to continue their education after high school
How: Write a 500 word essay on the theme ""What My Municipal Government Does Best". Your essay should be based on your perceptions and experiences with your municipality's local government. The essay should consider the public contributions of your municipal government. Judging is based solely upon the essay. Each township will select one winner, who will be designated as a state semi-finalist. The state committee will select 15 finalists and three winners.
Award: Three $1,000 scholarships statewide
Applications may be returned directly to the office of Hillsborough Township Mayor Shawn Lipani by March 11 (same building as the public library - 379 S. Branch Rd.)
Note: Navleen Boparai, HHS ‘21 won a scholarship, and we have had several finalists over the years.
Scholarships for Juniors (JLV College Counseling)
Scholarships for Sophomores (JLV College Counseling)
Scholarships for Freshman (JLV College Counseling)
FIRST Robotics (For students who have participated in a FIRST program)