Bright Flight
for 2026 High School Seniors
To qualify for the Bright Flight scholarship, students must score in the top 5 percent of all Missouri students taking either the ACT or SAT exam. Award amounts are tiered based on whether the student’s score is in the top 3 percent or the top fourth and fifth percentiles. The ACT composite scores required for Bright Flight eligibility for the 2026-2027 college academic year are the same as last year for the top 3 percent and the fourth and fifth percentiles.
The following table displays the qualifying ACT scores for the 2026 high school graduates.
Top 3 Percent - 32 or above
Top 4th and 5th Percentiles - 30 or 31
Although the qualifying ACT scores have remained constant for the last several years, it is important that students and parents understand the qualifying scores are subject to change annually. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must achieve the qualifying score announced during their senior year in high school on or before the June national test date immediately following high school graduation. Since college academic years begin on July 1 and end on June 30, the July national test falls into the academic year immediately following students’ high school graduation.
The SAT scores required for 2026 high school seniors are not yet available. The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development will provide those scores as soon as we receive them from the College Board.
Students scoring in the top 3 percent are eligible for an annual award of up to $3,000. The actual award amount for the 2026-2027 college academic year won’t be available until the summer of 2026 after the governor has signed the appropriation bill. Students scoring in the top fourth and fifth percentiles are eligible for an annual award of up to $1,000.
Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship
Amazon Future Engineer students can boost their future for themselves and their community with the support of college funding, paid internships, and industry mentors. Last year, hundreds of students selected from nearly 40 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico were awarded this $40,000 scholarship, along with a paid internship at Amazon.
Scholarship Details: Up to $40,000 in college funding ($10,000 per year for up to 4 years). Paid summer internship at Amazon following the freshman year of college. Access to industry mentors and professional development
Eligibility Criteria: Must be a high school senior in the U.S. who is currently enrolled in or who has completed a high school or college dual degree course where computer science is the subject. Students who have not taken this course can opt-in to take an assessment offered by Amazon. Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Example: Employment Authorization Document holder, Permanent Resident, or U.S. Citizen. Must demonstrate financial need. This opportunity is to support students with a substantial need for financial assistance. Must be planning to attain a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or other computer science related field of study from an accredited 4-year college or from a 2-year college with the intent to transfer to a 4-year college. Must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.3 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent).
Apply online at: www.amazonfutureengineer.com/scholarships
University of Missouri-Columbia, Sam Walton Scholarship
Amount: This renewable scholarship provides $7,500 per year prior to receiving the BSBA degree.
Description: Sam M. Walton Scholarships in Business are awarded to incoming freshmen and current college students majoring in economics, finance, international business, management, or marketing at the MU College of Business. Accountancy majors are not eligible for the Walton Scholarship. Completion of FAFSA is required. You must apply to Mizzou no later than November 15, to gain access to scholarship applications.
Due date: General scholarship application is required and December 1-Sam Walton application is due January 15
University of Missouri-Columbia, Robert J. Trulaske Scholarship
Amount: The scholarship provides $9,500 per year and is renewable for a maximum of four years (eight semesters).
Description: Robert J. Trulaske (pronounced: "true-lask"), Sr. Scholarships in Business are awarded to students pursuing degrees from the MU College of Business. This scholarship assists very good students who do not meet the qualifications for Bright Flight or other excellence-based scholarship programs such as the Curator, Excellence and Brooks Scholarships. Completion of FAFSA is required.
You must apply to Mizzou no later than November 15, to gain access to scholarship applications. Due date: General scholarship application is required and due December 1-Trulaske application is due January 15
The Missouri State Fair Youth in Agriculture Scholarships
Applications should be submitted to the Missouri State Fair and must be postmarked by January 15, 2026. Applicants must submit an original copy of their application and three additional copies.
The following scholarships will be awarded in 2026:
one $5,000 S. Wayne Yokley Platinum Scholarship sponsored by Youth in Agriculture supporters,
one $3,500 Sharon Topliff Scholarship sponsored by Youth in Agriculture supporters,
one $2,500 supreme scholarship sponsored by Sydenstricker Nobbe Partners/Sydenstricker Genetics,
four $2,500 supreme scholarships sponsored by the Missouri State Fair Foundation,
and numerous $1,500 (plus) scholarships sponsored by Youth in Agriculture supporters.
Applicants must be high school seniors, active members of Missouri 4-H or FFA, and have participated at least once as a 4-H or FFA exhibitor at the Missouri State Fair. Selected students must enroll (fall and/or spring semester immediately following graduation from high school) in an accredited community college, tech/trade school, college or university.
Applications available online: MSF Youth in Ag Scholarship
Paper copies in the CHS office
Due date: Must be postmarked by January 15, 2026
New UMKC Scholarship Opportunity
We’re excited to share a new opportunity for your high-achieving students! UMKC has introduced the Blue & Gold Distinguished Scholarship, awarding $7,500 per year to first-year students who qualify.
Students with an ACT of 30+ (or SAT equivalent) and a high school core GPA of 3.65 or above will receive this award. To be considered, students must apply to UMKC by January 15.
Apply to UMKC
Scholarship information
Due date: January 15, 2026
University of Missouri-Columbia, Ponder Freshman Minority Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Description: H.R. & Alberta B. Ponder Minority Scholarships are awarded to incoming freshmen and current college students majoring in accountancy, economics, finance, international business, management, or marketing at the MU College of Business. The primary qualifications are being a minority, academic achievement, and financial need (you must fill out the FAFSA). You must apply to Mizzou no later than November 15, to gain access to scholarship applications.
Due date: General scholarship application is required and due December 1-Ponder application is due January 15
Missouri State Society Daughters of the American Revolution-Nash Music Scholarship
Applicants must prepare a 600 word essay, 4 letters of recommendation, transcript, list of activities, photocopy of birth certificate, and provide a CD or DVD of a performance. More information can be found at: https://mssdar.org/mssdar-scholarships/
Paper Copies in the CHS office
Online applications available at https://mssdar.org/mssdar-scholarships/
Due date: Postmarked by January 15, 2026
Mensa Education and Research Foundation Scholarship Essay Contest
The Mensa Education & Research Foundation college scholarship program bases its awards totally on essays written by the applicants. Consideration is not given to grades, academic program or financial need.
For more information and the online application, please go to www.mensafoundation.org/scholarships.
Due date: January 15
University of Missouri-Columbia, The Allan L. Bridgford, Jr. Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to an incoming freshman student pursuing a degree from MU’s Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business. Only one scholarship is awarded each year. The primary qualifications are academic achievement & financial need (you must fill out the FAFSA). Special emphasis is placed on students who have exhibited business interests through work experience and/or other related activities. Applicants should also evidence of leadership ability and other activities. The scholarship provides $12,500 per year and is renewable for a maximum of four years (eight semesters). Recipient must maintain a 3.25 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale. Recipient shall work 10-12 hours per week during the academic year, or 30 hours during the summer.You must apply to Mizzou no later than November 15, to gain access to scholarship applications. Due date: General scholarship application is required and due December 1-Bridgford application is due January 15
Due date: January 15, 2026
Automotive Women's Association Scholarships
Scholarships are selected by the Scholarship Committee and awarded quarterly to the women with a quest and drive for the automotive, mobility and related industries. It is our hope that with these scholarships, we can lessen the burden on students and allow them to focus on gaining knowledge and further development toward a solid career path in this ever-evolving expansion of global mobility.
Automotive Women's Association Application
Due date: January 16, 2026
Kiwanis - Earl Collins Foundation
Applicants will be rated on their academic achievement, volunteerism, honors, and financial need. Two letters of recommendation are required, along with a statement of your educational goals, which are to be attached.
Kiwanis - Earl Collins Foundation
Paper copies are available in the CHS office.
Due date: January 23, 2026, to Mrs. Scott
The Carroll County Quail Forever Scholarship
Description: Four $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to Carroll County Seniors who plan to pursue post-secondary education. Preference may be given to students pursuing an agriculture-related or conservation degree. However, other fields will be considered. Awards will be based on the following criteria: extra-curricular activities, citizenship, community service, work record, and a short essay. A copy of your transcript and ACT scores must be attached.
Applications are to be mailed to: Cathy Benson, 29148 CR 280, Carrollton, MO 64633, and must be postmarked by January 26, 2026. No late applications will be accepted.
The Carroll County Quail Forever Scholarship
Paper copies available in the CHS office.
Due date: January 26, 2026, mailed to Cathy Benson
The Missouri United School Insurance Council Dr. Darrell "Jack" Holley Scholarships
The Missouri United School Insurance Council (MUSIC) encourages you to apply for the Dr. Darrell "Jack" Holley/MUSIC Scholarships.
Only one CHS student will be selected to advance. All applications are to be turned in to Mrs. Scott by January 26, 2026. A local selection committee will select ONE applicant to be submitted for the official Holley scholarship.
The funding of the scholarships is provided by proceeds from the golf tournament and corporate donations. MUSIC members are designated into three enrollment size categories: small, medium, and large. Six scholarships (two in each category) of $2,000.00 each (nonrenewable) will be awarded to 2026 graduating seniors of districts that are MUSIC members.
The Missouri United School Insurance Council Dr. Darrell "Jack" Holley Scholarships
Paper copies are available in the CHS office.
Due date: January 26, 2026, to Mrs. Scott
Missouri Conservation Agents Association Scholarship
The Missouri Department of Conservation will be awarding three scholarships to applicants from Missouri who will be pursuing a degree in Biology, Wildlife Management, Forestry, Fisheries, Ecology, Agriculture, or Criminal Justice. Applicants must have a 2.5 GPA and provide a 50-word essay about why they want the scholarship.
Applications can be found online at MO Conservation
Due date: February 1, 2026
Elks Legacy Award
For the 2026 contest, any child or grandchild (or step-child, step-grandchild, or legal ward) of a living Elk who joined the Order on or before April 1, 2022, or a charter member of a Lodge that was instituted on or after April 1, 2022, is eligible to apply. The Elk must also be a paid-up member through March 31, 2026. Great-grandchildren are not eligible. The applicant must be a high school senior. The applicant must apply online only. If the applicant's parent and grandparent are both Elk members, the applicant must apply through the parent's Elks Lodge. We have waived the standardized test requirement for the 2026 Legacy contest.
The Elks Legacy Award Scholarship Application
Due date: February 2, 2026
The Ray-Carroll County Grain Growers Scholarship
The Ray-Carroll County Grain Growers Scholarship Fund will grant several scholarships to seniors who are children of Ray-Carroll members or members of Ray-Carroll themselves and who are graduating this year from a high school located in the Ray-Carroll trade territory.
The Ray-Carroll County Grain Growers Scholarship Application
Paper copies are available in the CHS office.
Due Date: February 6, 2026, to Mrs. Scott
MFA Foundation Scholarship
Applicant must be a child or grandchild (including step) of a member-level customer. The student will need to supply the membership number and their relation to the member on the application. Applicants must reside in Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Arkansas, or Oklahoma and live within a 50-mile radius of an MFA Scholarship Sponsor. Applications will no longer be associated with a school, and all applications will be submitted online this year.
Application available at www.MFAFoundation.com or contact your local store
Due date: February 15
Axtell Scholarship—$5,000 renewable for 3 years.
This scholarship is offered to Seniors in Carroll and Ray counties only. The scholarship is administered through the Truman Heartland Community Foundation. More information about this scholarship and the general application can be found at: https://www.thcf.org/Grant-Scholarship-Seekers/Scholarships/Apply/GeneralApplication#995295-mary-k-axtell-trust-scholarship. This is a $5,000 per year renewable scholarship that we offer for students from Carroll and Ray Counties, through the Mary K. Axtell Trust Scholarship. In order to be eligible for this scholarship, you must apply with the Truman Heartland Community Foundation. You must have a transcript that includes 7 semesters. You can’t send this in until after grades come out in January. The General Application is very basic and will take you about 15 minutes max. When you submit a general application, you will be notified by email about the scholarships for which you are eligible based on the details included in the application. These additional requirements include essays and letters of recommendation from specific people in your life. Several students receive this scholarship.
Application available online: https://www.thcf.org/scholarships/mary-k-axtell-trust-scholarship
Due date: February 16, 2026
Christopher Michael Rose Scholarship - Trades Specific - $10,000
This scholarship was established by the family of Christopher Michael Rose to serve as an enduring memorial of his life. Christopher spent his adult life in Aspen, Colorado, and had many friends who worked in the trades in their community. Christopher's family believes he would want to support people with demonstrated financial need pursuing trade certification programs with this scholarship in his name.
Student must be a graduating high school senior from KS or MO, pursuing an associate degree or technical certification in a vocational, technical, or trade field, must have demonstrated financial need (financial aid could be that the student is responsible for paying for their education), Preference given to applicants who come from underserved populations (first-generation Americans, minorities, etc.)
Application available online: https://www.thcf.org/scholarships/christopher-michael-rose-scholarship
Due date: February 16, 2026
Walters-Magee Scholarship - $5,000 renewable
The Signatry, A Global Christian Foundation, established this scholarship with a bequest from the Walters-Magee family to benefit Christian students from the Kansas City metro area who are pursuing undergraduate degrees in psychology or education. Must be an active member of a Christian church; Must have demonstrated financial need; Must have community service experience; Must have a solid "C" (2.0) or higher cumulative high school GPA; Must be pursuing an undergraduate degree in education or psychology at any accredited junior college, college or university.
Application available online: https://www.thcf.org/scholarships/walters-magee-scholarship
Due date: February 16, 2026
Gene Cable Automotive Scholarship - $5,000 renewable
Gene Cable, owner along with his wife Joanne, of Cable Chevrolet for nearly 40 years, actively served and supported the Eastern Jackson County region both with talent and treasure until his passing in 2022 at the age of 96. Gene and Joanne’s leadership and financial contributions to the community are numerous and led to great respect and admiration from many.
Joanne established this scholarship in memory of Gene in the hopes that it will support others who are pursuing careers in the automotive industry. Must be enrolling full-time in the Associate in Applied Science degree program in Automotive Technology at MCC-Longview; Must have demonstrated financial need.
Application available online: https://www.thcf.org/scholarships/gene-cable-automotive-scholarship
Due date: February 16, 2026
David Sennewald Costello Scholarship
Must be a high school graduate, GED holder, or graduating high school senior
Preference will be given to those who earned a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA in high school. Must be pursuing flight training at ATD Pilot Training LLC to obtain an airplane pilot’s license, certification, or rating. Preference will be given to students with demonstrated financial need.
This is not a renewable scholarship.
Application must include: Resume, Personal Statement Essay elaborating on your educational and career goals and why you feel you should be selected to receive a scholarship, Transcripts showing grades through Fall Semester 2025.
Application is available at: https://www.thcf.org/scholarships/david-sennewald-costello-scholarship
Due date: February 16, 2026
Bogard Living Memorial Scholarship
Criteria include: Must be a Carrollton High School senior, have good citizenship, and be highly motivated towards post-secondary education. This scholarship was established by the Bogard graduating class of ’59. Include in the essay any connections you might have with Bogard; however, if you do not have a connection, please fill out the application anyway. This application can also be found on the following website. You will have to use the fillable PDF https://lmsrandolphmo.wixsite.com/lmscholarships
PDF Copies are available at https://lmsrandolphmo.wixsite.com/lmscholarships
Paper copies are available in the CHS office
Due date: February 16, 2026, to Mrs. Scott
The Hayden Ritchhart #14#24 Scholarship
The Hayden Ritchhart #14#24 Scholarship in the amount of $1,424 will be awarded to
well-rounded students who participated in at least one sport and one other extracurricular activity-
curricular activity and have contributed to the betterment of their school, and or
Community through volunteer service. Students must have a GPA of 3.0 or better and
plan to attend a four-year college or university, or a two-year college.
The Hayden Ritchhart #14#24 Scholarship PDF
Paper copies are available in the CHS Office
Due date: February 25, 2026, to Mrs. Scott
The James L. and Nellie M. Westlake Scholarship
The James L. and Nellie M. Westlake Scholarship Foundation was established in 1981 pursuant to the provisions of the wills of James L. and Nellie M. Westlake for the purpose of assisting Missouri residents in pursuing a college education. Renewable scholarships are offered each year for full-time study at an accredited four-year institution of the student’s choice.
Be a Missouri resident.
Be graduating senior at a Missouri High School with a GPA of 2.50 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
OR
Have completed one or two full years at a Missouri Community College with sufficient credits to transfer to an accredited four-year college or university at the sophomore or junior level, respectively, with a GPA of 2.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited four-year college or university for the entire upcoming academic year.
All students attending a participating Missouri College with an eligible SAT or ACT score will automatically have the Bright Flight Award deducted as other aid.
The James L. and Nellie M. Westlake Scholarship Application
Due date: February 26, 2026, 3:00pm CT
The FCS Financial Scholarship
The scholarship program began in 2004 to support higher education for children, grandchildren, stepchildren and step-grandchildren of FCS Financial member-owners. Each year, up to 35 scholarships in the amount of $2,000 each are provided to eligible Missouri high school seniors. Since its inception, more than $948,000 and 740 scholarships have been awarded.
Complete the online application by clicking on "Log In" if you have an account or "Register" if you do not. The application must be submitted no later than March 1.
Sign and have your parent/guardian sign the Information and Photo Authorization Use form, and return it by March 1.
Any application and forms received after March 1 will not be accepted for consideration.
Applications will be reviewed by a non-partisan judging committee and recipients notified by mail, with letters being posted no later than April 15.
Once college enrollment is verified, scholarship funds will be sent directly to the college or university. The recipient is responsible for providing this information to FCS Financial’s Marketing Department or risk forfeiture of the scholarship.
To qualify, students must:
Be a Missouri high school senior and must have been a full-time student the previous year.
Be a child, stepchild, grandchild or step-grandchild of a current FCS Financial member in good standing.
Plan to attend a technical school, college or university to further their education.
Have attained satisfactory academic progress specifically having a 2.5 GPA or higher.
Relatives of FCS Financial directors and employees are not eligible for the scholarship.
Students receiving a full-ride scholarship from any other organization are not eligible for the scholarship.
Apply online at : FCS Financial Application
Due date: March 1, 2026
DU National Scholarship Program
Applicants will provide their high school transcript, DU member/volunteer history, a list of any service or academic awards received, and up to three letters of recommendation highlighting their DU involvement and commitment to conservation. In addition, each applicant will write an essay of up to 500 words describing how his or her outdoor experiences have contributed to their understanding of the importance of wetlands and wetlands conservation, and the ways in which he or she has acted and/or intends to act on this knowledge.
DU Application
Due date: March 1, 2026
Dr. John S. Poston, Jr. Scholarship
Carrollton High School Seniors are eligible for the Dr. John S. Poston, Jr. Scholarship if they are a Carrollton High School Senior intending to pursue their post‐secondary training in a health-related career, such as nursing, dental assistant, dental hygienist, physician assistant, physical or occupational therapy, radiology, physician, etc. Preference may be given to an applicant who is pursuing a career in the dental field. Students must demonstrate academic promise appropriate for their educational and career goals. This scholarship will be in the amount of $500.
Dr. John S. Poston, Jr. Scholarship
Paper copies are available in the CHS office
Due Date: March 9, 2026, to Mrs. Scott
Marguerite Brown Memorial Scholarship
Must be active in music and going into a medical or health-related career. Must be a graduating Carrollton High School Senior.
Marguerite Brown Memorial Scholarship Application PDF
Paper copies are available in the CHS office.
Due date: March 2, 2026, to Mrs. Scott
The Delany Insurance Services Scholarship
The Delany Insurance Services Scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior pursuing a degree in public education. The amount of the scholarship is $1,000. For consideration of the scholarship, the application must be completed in full and preferably word-processed.
The Delany Insurance Services Scholarship Application
Paper copies are available in the CHS office.
Due date: March 23, 2026, to Mrs. Scott
Riding for Our Veterans Scholarship
ELIGIBILITY:
Live in one of the eligible counties, be the child or grandchild of a Veteran (stepchildren are eligible), Plan on attending one of the following: 4-year college, 2-year college, tech/trade school, or join the military, and turn in all required documents on time.
Requirements: Provide a copy of the parent/grandparent DD-214 or other proof of Veteran Status, fill out the application, submit an essay as required (attach a 500-word essay + or - 5 words using the topic of: "What is the meaning of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness"
Do not put your name on the essay; staple it to your application.
Attach proof of veteran status of a qualifying veteran
You will be judged on grammar, content, and the ability to follow directions
Riding For Our Veterans Scholarship PDF
Paper copies available in the CHS office.
Due date: March 25, 2026, to Mrs. Scott
Carroll County Cattlemen’s Association (CCCA) and Pork Producers (CCPP) Scholarship
The application must be returned to Mrs. Scott by March 30, 2026
Description: Two $750 scholarships will be awarded to Carroll County seniors pursuing post-secondary education. The family must be a member of the Cattlemen’s Association or Pork Producers. The award will be based on the following criteria:
GPA (minimum of 2.5)
Extracurricular Activities
Citizenship
Community service
Work Record (including work on the family farm)
Essay
Carroll County Cattlemen’s Association (CCCA) and Pork Producers (CCPP) Scholarship
Paper copies available in the CHS office.
Due date: March 30, 2026, to Mrs. Scott
The Parker Minnick Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is in memory of Parker Minnick, a member of the Carrollton High School Class of 2024. This scholarship will award $1,000.00 to a deserving senior who plans to pursue a degree in a STEM-related field.
The Parker Minnick Memorial Scholarship
Paper copies are available in the CHS office.
Due date: April 1st, 2026, to Mrs. Scott
The Ernest Hanebaum Memorial Scholarship
Ernest Hanebaum was born in Carroll County and was a graduate of Carrollton High School and the University of Missouri. He taught Vocational Agriculture for 25 years; 20 of those years were taught at Carrollton High School. He retired from teaching and moved to his farm, where he worked as the vice president of First National Bank. Ernest was active in many civic and community affairs and had a lifelong interest in helping young farmers. This scholarship will be awarded to a student of Carrollton High School who wishes to pursue a degree in agriculture.
The Ernest Hanebaum Memorial Scholarship
Paper copies are available in the CHS office.
Due date: April 1st, 2026, to Mrs. Scott
The Carrollton Lions Club
Essay Requirement: Please attach a brief essay addressing all of the following topics. Your essay
should be typed, double-spaced, and clearly organized.
• Educational and Career Choices
• Describe your post-secondary educational goals and intended career path. Explain why
you have chosen these goals.
• Financial Plans for Post-Secondary Education and how you plan to meet the financial
costs (e.g., scholarships, employment, family support, savings, financial aid).
• What High School Has Meant to You
• Reflect on your high school experience, including personal growth, challenges, and
accomplishments, and how it has prepared you for the future.
The Carrollton Lions Club Application
Paper copies are available in the CHS office
Due date: April 10, 2026, to Mrs. Scott
Kids' Chance of Missouri Scholarship Program
Children with a parent killed or seriously injured in a work-related accident that is compensable under the Missouri Workers' Compensation Law.
Deadlines for submitting completed applications and supporting documents: May 15 Fall & Spring semesters October 30 Spring semester Applications and supporting information should be sent electronically.
Kid's Chance of Missouri Scholarship Application
Due date: May 15 & October 30