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IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY TO START APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS!
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Chat and Text 988lifeline.org/chat or call or text 988
SCHOLARSHIPS
Where Can I Find Scholarships?
ALWAYS USE YOUR PERSONAL EMAIL WHEN CREATING THESE ACCOUNTS
Big Future by College Board helps you find scholarships, other financial aid and internships from over 2200 programs totaling nearly $6 billion.
CAPPEX is a search device that includes more than 3,000 colleges, videos, and scholarship opportunities. Essay writing tips, timelines, worksheets, etc., are included.
Common App is more than a college application platform. They also offer a scholarship matching system. You can create your Common App account in any grade and complete the personal information (first three sections) and it will use that information to match you with scholarships.
Fastweb is a personalized scholarship search on the web that compares your background with a database of awards. Only those awards that fit your profile are identified as matches and emailed to you.
FinAid helps you find financial aid information and several scholarship databases, as well as individual scholarships for students pursuing specific activities or courses of study.
Going Merry makes it simple to find and apply for scholarships, just like the Common App has done for college applications.
Guaranteed Scholarships includes more than 700 scholarships guaranteed by nearly 200 colleges and universities.
Niche includes lists of scholarships by state, major, and type. Search college scholarships by deadline and difficulty.
Peterson's includes 5000 scholarship providers, $10 billion in scholarship awards
Raise.Me partners with colleges and universities to offer scholarships to students as early as 9th grade.
Scholarships.com is a comprehensive source of local & national scholarships. Search free, avoid scams and find money for college.
UNCF Scholarships UNCF is the nation’s largest private scholarship provider to minority group members, annually awarding more than $100 million in scholarships to students attending more than 1,100 schools across the country.
UNIGO is a free scholarship directory, over $4 billion posted opportunities for high school students.
Naviance also has multiple scholarship search features. Log into Naviance through Clever, then click on the Colleges tab in the main menu and select one of the Scholarships options.
Scholarship Search
What is a Scholarship?
A scholarship is gifted monetary aid. It does not need to be repaid. There are thousands of them, offered by schools, employers, individuals, private companies, nonprofits, communities, religious groups, and professional and social organizations.
What kinds of scholarships are available?
Some scholarships for college are merit-based. You earn them by meeting or exceeding certain standards set by the scholarship-giver. Merit scholarships might be awarded based on academic achievement or on a combination of academics and a special talent, trait, or interest. Other scholarships are based on financial need.
Many scholarships are geared toward particular groups of people; for instance, there are scholarships for women or graduate students. And some are available because of where you or a parent work, or because you come from a certain background (for instance, there are scholarships for military families).
A scholarship might cover the entire cost of your tuition, or it might be a one-time award of a few hundred dollars. Either way, it’s worth applying for, because it’ll help reduce the cost of your education.
Students planning to attend Montgomery College can search their Academic Works scholarship database at montgomerycollege.academicworks.com.
Increase your chances of winning a scholarship!
Get personal with your essay. Tell your story. Personal stories provide unique ideas and a backdrop for scholarship committees to really get to know the applicants.
APPLY! Over $100 million goes unclaimed every year due to lack of applicants.
Don't ignore the little ones! Smaller scholarships are less competitive and can add up quickly.
Don't give up. You may not get every scholarship you apply for, but that doesn't mean you won't get something for your efforts. "Flood the market", as they say—the more you apply, the more you're likely to receive.
Keep track of your applications. Use the Scholarship Tracking Spreadsheet below to keep track of all the information you need.
CHECK YOUR EMAIL REGULARLY!
Below is a sample list of scholarships you'll find at GoingMerry.com.
Click any of them to go to that scholarship on the GoingMerry website and check it out, or start your own search!
Scholarships for Hispanic Students
Scholarships for Black/African American Students
Scholarships for First-Generation Students
QuestBridge National College Match
QuestBridge matches students with top colleges and universities and provides them with scholarships to attend their partnered college and universities. CLICK HERE for more information on how you can apply and for more information on requirements. The application will open later this summer!
POSSE Foundation
The Posse Foundation partners with colleges and universities across the country to provide full four-year scholarships for students. Nominations are for 11th Grade students who exhibit leadership abilities. If you are a junior and feel as though you meet the criteria, please email jennifer_lyons@mcpsmd.org in order to be considered.
Students will go through a series of interviews and if chosen, are a part of a pre-collegiate program.
The following colleges and universities partner with Posse, D.C.: Bucknell University, Lafayette College, University of Rochester, Sewanee: University of the South, University of Wisconsin—Madison.
IF A SCHOLARSHIP FORM IS CLOSED, PLEASE CHECK BACK.
A. R. Tilghman Scholarship Trust DC-AREA DEADLINE: MARCH 1, 2026
The $5,000 Anthony Richard Tilghman Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to high school seniors in the Washington, DC area. Anthony Richard Tilghman spent the majority of his life in institutions for the mentally impaired. The purpose of this scholarship is to help improve the quality of the education and care of the mentally challenged in either the public or private sector. CLICK HERE TO APPLY
MCPS Educational Foundation Scholarships MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Apply for all scholarships with one application. Scholarship awards range from $500 to $10,000.
Ivy Vine Charities Scholarship MONTGOMERY COUNTY
The members of Ivy Vine Charities are dedicated to providing exemplary community service activities in Montgomery County, Maryland. One way is by providing college scholarships and book awards annually to graduating high school seniors in the Metropolitan Washington, DC area. Ivy Vine Charities also promotes community service activities and contributes to local, national and international organizations.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Eta Pi Zeta Chapter Scholarship MONTGOMERY COUNTY
For high school seniors in Montgomery County, Maryland. Minimum GPA of 2.5. Applicants should embody community service and leadership qualities.
Rosemary Brinkley Business and Finance Scholarship MARYLAND
For students pursuing a career in business or finance. Rosemary was an advocate for teaching financial education throughout her 33-year career as an educator and administrator. She understood the importance of practical business skills and teaching students something they could use to manage money in their daily lives. Thirteen $3,000 scholarships will be awarded in 2025. Minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA.
NAACP Scholarship MONTGOMERY COUNTY
The Montgomery County branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) will award $1,000 scholarships to students residing in Montgomery County. These scholarships will be presented at the Annual Freedom Fund Dinner on Sunday, May 18th. Must be able to demonstrate extracurricular and/or community involvement and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Nicole Michelle Lee Memorial Scholarship ***MAGRUDER STUDENTS ONLY!***
This fund was established in January 2008 by her family soon after Nicole was involved in a fatal car accident. This fund provides scholarships and educational opportunities for individuals graduating from Colonel Zadok Magruder High School. This year's award is a one-time award of $10,000.
Generation HAND Scholarship DC, MARYLAND, AND VIRGINIA
For students from the DC, Maryland or Virginia area, as they pursue their higher education dreams at an accredited four-year college or university. The scholarship is for $10,000 ($2,500 annually for four years) and is awarded to college-bound high school seniors who demonstrate leadership, drive and a commitment to using their talents to serve our communities. Students of color, first-generation and students who demonstrate financial need are highly encouraged to apply. Awards are renewable for up to three years.
Dr. Judith Docca Academic Excellence Scholarship MONTGOMERY COUNTY
The Dr. Judith Docca Academic Excellence Scholarship is sponsored by the National Council of Negro Women, Montgomery County, Maryland Section. Awards range from $500 to $1,000. 2.5 minimum GPA. Must be planning to attend a two- or four-year college or trade school full time.
Senator Ben Kramer Scholarship ***MAGRUDER STUDENTS ONLY!***
Must have achieved significant academic improvement over your high school career and must be able to demonstrate financial need. This award will automatically renew for three years pending full-time enrollment and satisfactory academic progress. You must have created your MDCAPS account, submitted your FAFSA or MSFAA by March 1, 2025, live in Maryland’s 19th District, and plan to attend a Maryland state university. See Ms. Lyons for a copy of your transcript. CLICK HERE to see if you live within Senator Kramer's district.
Kappa Youth and Community Foundation Scholarship GAITHERSBURG AND ROCKVILLE
The Kappa Youth & Community Foundation funds scholarships awarded to male students who plan to attend a college or university. Gaithersburg-Rockville area male high school seniors can apply. Minimum 2.5 GPA.
Police Officer Noah Leotta Act Responsibly Scholarship MONTGOMERY COUNTY
The Officer Noah Leotta Act Responsibly Scholarship is awarded to local high school students committed to pursuing a career that serves the community and the public. There are many ways in which a person can have a meaningful impact on the people around them. Applicants will be evaluated on leadership, civic and volunteer activities, future goals serving the community in the future, as well as academic performance. Strong consideration will be given to essays demonstrating their belief in, and commitment to, the ideals embodied by Officer Leotta.
Class of 2023 Scholarship ***MAGRUDER STUDENTS ONLY!***
The Class of 2023 College Scholarship Fund was established in June 2023 by Magruder’s class of 2023 officers. This fund provides $1,000 scholarships for three individuals graduating from Col Zadok Magruder High School in Derwood, Maryland for the years of 2024, 2025, 2026, and 2027.
Alex Popeck Never Back Down Scholarship MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Alex Popeck was a junior at Sherwood High School, a scholar-athlete, captain of the track and cross-country teams, and a model student, friend and competitor. He created an enduring influence and demonstrated how a single individual can make a tremendous difference. This award is for $2,500.
Royster Family Scholarship ***MAGRUDER STUDENTS ONLY!***
The mission of the Royster Family Scholarship is to advance, assist, and support Black/African-American students in the pursuit of higher education. This year's award will be in the amount of $500.
Senator Nancy King Scholarship ***MAGRUDER STUDENTS ONLY!***
This award will automatically renew for three years pending full-time enrollment and satisfactory academic progress. You must have created your MDCAPS account, submitted your FAFSA or MSFAA by March 1st, live in Maryland’s 39th District, and plan to attend a Maryland school. If you live within the boundary of Senator Nancy King’s district, you can apply to this scholarship. This scholarship is targeted for students who fall between the cracks of a system that either renders academic scholarships out of their reach or makes them ineligible for grants and tuition assistance. Applications must be submitted to the Career Center. CLICK HERE to see if you live within her district.
Olney Lions Club Scholarship ***MAGRUDER STUDENTS ONLY!***
The Olney Lions Club will award their community service scholarship in the amount of $1,500 this year. This scholarship will be awarded to a student who is completing high school this year and enrolling in an accredited two or four-year college this fall. The recipient must have demonstrated a commitment to community service as well as academics. Financial need may also be considered. It is requested that candidates have not received more than one other similar scholarship.
Justin Davis Memorial Scholarship ***MAGRUDER STUDENTS ONLY!***
In honor of Pfc. Justin R. Davis (Class of 2005), a scholarship in the amount of $1,500 will be awarded to multiple students to help pay for expenses related to their initial year of education following graduation from Magruder High school.
Senator Cheryl Kagan Scholarships MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Must have completed the 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through the U.S. Department of Education. If you are eligible for in-state tuition, but ineligible to receive federal financial aid, you must submit the Maryland Higher Education Commission One-App (MHEC One-APP) instead. Students must live in District 17 to be eligible.
Delegate Vaughn Stewart Scholarship MARYLAND
The general application offers award amounts between $250-$1000 for the 2025-26 school year and are based on the determinations of our scholarship review committee. Students will be informed of award decisions by July 31, 2025. If you live within the boundary of Delegate Stewart's district, you can apply to this scholarship. CLICK HERE to see if you live within his district.
Herb Block Last Dollar Scholarship DC, MARYLAND, AND VIRGINIA
The Herb Block Foundation provides financial assistance to high school graduates, community college students, and adult learners who wish to continue their studies at D.C. area community colleges. The scholarship is “last dollar” valued at up to $8,000 per academic year not to exceed $16,000 over the life of the scholarship. The actual award amount for each recipient is determined in conjunction with the school’s financial aid office and is based on a student’s financial need after all other resources are considered. The award covers tuition, mandatory fees, books, and supplies, as well as limited transportation.
Chris Matthews Unsung Hero Soccer Scholarship ***MAGRUDER STUDENTS ONLY!***
Chris Matthews (class of 1994), played four years of Varsity Soccer at Magruder. This fund was established to provide financial support to offset a portion of college costs for deserving "Unsung Hero" soccer players.
Coach Andy Sidorick Memorial Scholarship ***MAGRUDER STUDENTS ONLY!***
To honor him and to share the love he had for teaching and coaching, the family awarded the Coach Andy Sidorick Memorial Scholarship to the first recipient in the spring of 2022.
Athletic Booster Club Scholarship ***MAGRUDER STUDENTS ONLY!***
Applicants must be current seniors and must have participated in a varsity sport during their senior year.