Local Scholarship Opportunities
Local Scholarship Opportunities
American Legion Scholarship for WIT/Dual Credit (Fall 2025)
DUE: November 1st
Spring Due Date: TBD
The American Legion Post #36 in Oskaloosa has a scholarship opportunity for students enrolled in dual credit courses or at Washburn Tech. This is to help with course fees or materials for the current semester.
To apply, submit a short essay that highlights the following:
Who are you? - Introduce yourself and tell a little bit about you.
What are your plans? - Explain what classes/program you are currently studying and what you plan to do with the course work in the future.
What does America mean to you?
Send your essay to Ms. Newman (mnewman@usd341.org).
Catherine and Homer Thomason
Nursing Scholarship Fund
DUE: To Be Updated
Previous Deadline has been in Spring (March)
When Mrs. Thomason passed away, she wanted to establish a Nursing Scholarship program for Jefferson County. She requested that Denison State Bank of Meriden, be the Trustee for this program. This is an Annual Nursing Scholarship that will be awarded to any graduating senior student within ANY Jefferson County High School.
For an editable application click here.
Jefferson County 4-H Foundation Scholarship
DUE: To Be Updated
Previous Deadline has been in Spring (March)
Seniors
Seniors and postgraduate students who are still 4-H members are encouraged to apply as awards can be used for many post-graduation programs including state universities, community colleges, and technical schooling.
Underclassmen
Current High school juniors and sophomores may apply for a 4-H Foundation Scholarship to help defer the costs of tools and equipment needed in a specific technical school certificate program. An example would be to help a student purchase tools in WIT Diesel Mechanics or kits needed to pursue Cosmetology education.
Jefferson County Educational Extension Unit (JCEEU) Scholarship
DUE: To Be Updated
Previous Deadline has been in Spring (April)
Eligible applicants must reside in Jefferson County, be a high school senior or college freshman, have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and attend an in-state institution. You do NOT have to be a 4-H member to apply.
The application should be mailed or delivered in person to the Jefferson County Extension Office, 100 E Washington Street, P.O. Box 326, Oskaloosa, KS 66066.
Winans Family Memorial Scholarship Application
DUE: April 1, 2026
In memory of Alvis Winans and his sister Nedra Winans-Wolnic, Mary Wildman-Winans, Alvis' wife, and Fredonna Winans-Smith, sister to Alvis & Nedra, would like to make this scholarship available each year to an Oskaloosa High School graduating senior who plans to attend a community college, technical college, or vocational program immediately after high school. The student should turn in the completed application to the counselor's office by April 1st.
Jefferson County Farm Bureau Association Scholarship
DUE: To Be Updated
Previous Deadline has been in Spring (April)
The JCFB Association will be awarding two scholarships for $1,000 each.
Agriculture related field is preferred but not mandatory. No membership required, all seniors eligible.
Marlin & Virginia Ehlers Scholarship
DUE: To Be Updated
Previous Deadline has been in Spring (April)
Marlin Ehlers graduated from Oskaloosa High School and Virginia Ehlers was a faculty members at Oskaloosa High School. The Ehlers established this scholarship to grant the recipient the chance to better prepare themselves for living in this increasingly complex society. This is a $1000 renewable scholarship.
Oskaloosa's American Legion Auxiliary Post-Secondary Scholarship
DUE: To Be Updated
Previous Deadline has been in Spring (April)
The American Legion Auxiliary is proud of all the graduates of Oskaloosa High School and wish to encourage higher education. This year we are able to offer up to three scholarships of $200 each. The winner of each scholarship will be announced at the Senior Awards Assembly in the spring. The check for the award will be made out to the chosen post-secondary establishment, after the student is enrolled.
Jefferson County Area Chamber of Commerce
DUE: To Be Updated
Previous Deadline has been in Spring (April)
The mission of the Jefferson County Area Chamber of Commerce is to serve the cities and surrounding areas of McLouth, Perry, Oskaloosa and Winchester by promoting, encouraging and developing local businesses.
How you would promote the local businesses of your community?
Teachers Supporting Future Teachers Scholarship
Oskaloosa Education Association
DUE: April 15, 2026
The Oskaloosa Education Association (OEA) Teachers Supporting Future Teachers Scholarship is open to Oskaloosa Junior-Senior High School students who plan to major in education or an education-related field.
OEA will award up to 3 scholarships.
If you have any questions, please contact an OEA member or e-mail oskaloosaeducationassociation@gmail.com.
Danny J. Petersen Memorial Scholarship
DUE: To Be Updated
Previous Deadline has been in Spring (April)
This scholarship is available for any student who is a senior seeking to further their education at a junior college, university or trade school.
Danny J Petersen of Oskaloosa literally gave his life for our Country, and his remembrance will be continued this year. The 20 year old Army SPC 4 was in an armored personnel carrier that came under heavy enemy fire in Vietnam. During the attack, Petersen carried a comrade to safety and provided cover for others to withdraw. He heroically stood alone on top of the carrier firing until he was brought down. SPC Petersen was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his valor.
Molleston and Leech Memorial Scholarships
DUE: To Be Updated
Previous Deadline has been in Spring (April)
The First Presbyterian Church in Oskaloosa offers the Nel Marie Molleston Scholarship to graduates of Oskaloosa High School. Nel Marie valued the benefits of education. She wanted young people to have an opportunity for higher education and training in order to follow their interests. Graduates of Oskaloosa High School pursuing education beyond high school are the only ones eligible for the Molleston Scholarship as stipulated in her bequest to the First Presbyterian Church.
Henry-Michener Scholarship
DUE: April 20, 2026
Jane Henry Michener set up this scholarship to assist students in their post-secondary endeavors. Oskaloosa High School provided her with many fond memories and many close friends. For the 2025-2026 school year, up to two (2) scholarships will be awarded, each in the amount of $250, once enrollment is proven. If only one application is received, the amount will be $500.00.
Lee Allen King Memorial Scholarship
DUE: To Be Updated
Previous Deadline has been in Spring (May)
Preference given to students pursuing a technical degree or attending a vocational school.
These items must be included with this application:
Completed application.
Essay describing why you want or deserve this scholarship. Include any family obligations, involvement in school and community. Please include what you plan to do with your education. Minimum of 200 words.
One letter of recommendation from school official or community member.
Photograph (to be published in local newspaper, if available).
Documentation of acceptance to school/program. If not available at time of application, please submit by June 1st, otherwise alternate applicants will be considered.
Oskaloosa United Methodist Church
DUE: To Be Updated
Previous Deadline has been in Spring (May)
The Oskaloosa United Methodist Church scholarship may provide funding for:
Tuition & fees
Books
Room and Board
To be eligible to compete for the Oskaloosa United Methodist Church Scholarship, an individual must:
Must be a member of the Oskaloosa United Methodist Church, OR
Meet our secondary requirement listed on page 1.
Must be pursuing a higher education after high school graduation.
Oskaloosa High School Alumni Scholarship
DUE: To Be Updated
Previous Deadline has been in Spring (May)
For students pursuing higher education through: College, vocational or technical schools/programs
These items must be included with application:
Completed application.
Essay describing why you want and deserve this scholarship. Please include what you plan to do with your education. Minimum of 250 words.
One letter of recommendation.
Documentation of acceptance to school/program. If not available at time of application, please submit by June 15th.
Hamm Foundation Scholarship
DUE: Anytime
Application will be reviewed within 90 days
The Hamm Foundation scholarship is open to anyone planning a career in heavy construction or industrial arts and attending a school offering a program targeted toward those pursuits.
The Hamm Foundation scholarship recipients will receive up to $2,500 for educational expenses.
Two required files to upload with your application:
Transcript or proof of graduation (If you are currently a high school student, you must upload your current transcript.)
One letter of recommendation (Must be from someone other than a family member.)
Quint Unruh Memorial Grant
DUE: To Be Updated
Previous Deadline has been in Spring (March)
This grant is available to individuals who live life with passion, kindness, leadership, and integrity. Applicants should demonstrate excellence in one or more of the following areas: academics, athletics, arts, community involvement, environmental stewardship, entrepreneurial spirit, or spiritual development.
The Quint Unruh Memorial Grant is not a scholarship. While it can be used for school, it may also support meaningful projects and experiences outside the classroom. Applicants must clearly explain the project or purpose the funding would support.
Three awards will be given each year:
1st Place – $10,000
Two Runners-Up – $2,500 each
Grant recipients will be recognized at the Wolly Farms Spring Gala on April 25, 2025.
While there are no specific age requirements, preference is given to applicants who are juniors or older.
Apply here: https://alwayswonder.org/
Statewide Scholarship Opportunities
Rudd Scholarship
Application Open:
October 1-December 1, 2025
The Rudd Scholarship is a competitive, 4-year award designed to pay any remaining costs associated with tuition and fees, books and supplies, and room and board after accounting for all other grants, scholarships and financial awards. It can be applied only towards studies at either Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University, Kansas State University or Wichita State University for full-time students in pursuit of an undergraduate degree. Selection is based on the aptitude to succeed at the collegiate level, graduate in 4 years, and be a productive and contributing member of their chosen profession, their community and society as a whole.
KSDE AEOP
Margaret Van Horn Scholarship
DUE: To Be Updated
Previous Deadline has been in Spring (March)
The scholarship program is open to current Kansas High School, College, and/or Technical School students. Applicant must intend to continue his/her education in an education or business-related program. Applicant must be enrolled in a minimum of nine semester hours (at least half-time). Enrollment must be in an accredited post-secondary educational facility within the state of Kansas.
Applications must be complete, signed, and submitted by email in pdf format or postmarked by Friday, January 10, 2025, to be accepted.
Click Here for Full Application
Delta Theta Chi Sorority National Memorial Scholarship
Applications Accepted: November 1, 2025 - February 1, 2025
Delta Theta Chi Sorority is offering four $1,600 scholarships to students who demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, and potential for success. Eligible applicants must reside in the United States or its territories, have a strong scholastic record, and be enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited college. Applications, including all required attachments, must be completed and postmarked by February 1, 2026. Recipients will be notified by May 2026.
Info needed for application:
Chapter: Alphas
Province: Electra
Completed applications should be submitted through the local Alphas Chapter and mailed to:
Karen Marsh
Delta Theta Chi Alphas Chapter
2650 SW Sherwood Park Drive
Topeka, KS 66614
karen.marsh@proesse.com
DUE: February 17, 2026
Application Opens in January
The Ellis Foundation Rooted in Rural Trades Scholarship supports graduating high school seniors and non-traditional students from non-urban areas of Kansas and select western Missouri counties who are pursuing careers in skilled trades. This scholarship provides up to $4,000 per year for up to two years, helping students gain the education and training needed to invest in their rural communities.
Applicants must submit a completed application through The Ellis Foundation website. Selected recipients can use scholarship funds for tuition, books, tools, or required materials at an accredited technical, vocational, or trade school.
For information on how to access and submit the scholarship application, please see the attached document: click here.
Kansas Masonic Foundation
Scholarship Program
Applications Accepted: December 1, 2025 - February 15, 2026
The Kansas Masonic Foundation awards scholarships to undergraduate students in Kansas to support their educational and professional growth. Applications are accepted from December 1 through February 15, with winners notified in mid-April. Scholarships are offered in three categories:
General Scholarship
Legacy Scholarship
Cynthia Ruth Russell Scholarship
providing significant financial assistance each year.
Deadline: To Be Updated
Previous Deadline has been in Spring (March)
The Kansas Crime Stoppers Association Collegiate Scholarship provides a one-time $500 award to a graduating senior from an accredited Kansas high school who plans to attend a Kansas post-secondary institution full-time (12+ credit hours).
Applicants must submit a completed application, high school transcript, letter of recommendation, recent photograph, and an original personal essay describing their future goals and objectives.
The scholarship recipient will be announced by April 21, 2025, and funds will be disbursed directly to the institution upon proof of enrollment.
Submit applications to: Jacqulyn Ashcraft at kcsa1987@gmail.com
American Petroleum Institute (API) Scholarship
Deadline: To Be Updated
Previous Deadline has been in Spring (March)
The Western Kansas Chapter of the American Petroleum Institute (API) offers $1,500 annual scholarships, renewable for up to four years, to graduating seniors of the Class of 2025. Scholarships are available for students enrolling in undergraduate programs at accredited colleges or certified trade/vocational schools.
Regular Scholarship:
Parent, guardian, or grandparent employed (or formerly employed) in the oil or gas industry.
Minimum 3.0 GPA.
Industry Scholarship:
For students pursuing oil/gas-related fields like engineering or geology.
Minimum 3.0 GPA.
Indicate scholarship type on the application.
Include a high school transcript, ACT scores, and a recent photo.
Post-award, recipients must show proof of full-time enrollment and maintain academic performance. Submit applications to:
American Petroleum Institute
PO Box 446
Great Bend, KS 67530
jill@southwinddrilling.com
Build A Better Future Scholarship
FINAL DUE: April 13, 2025 at 11 p.m.
OPTIONAL FEEDBACK FORM DUE: March 9, 2026
Ever wondered just how much of a difference high school students can make in their communities? Through our scholarship program, our past winners have proven it can be profound. That’s why our 2026 Build A Better Future scholarship will also be a design thinking community improvement project based on the LAUNCH Cycle. We will award $10,000 to five new seniors, with the top recipient receiving an additional $5,000 grant to continue funding their project.
Kansas Buffalo Association Scholarship
DUE: October 15, 2025
The Kansas Buffalo Association is offering a $1000 scholarship to a high school senior or first-year college freshman who is involved in raising bison and/or is planning to pursue a career in a field related to agriculture.
The KBA invites interested applicants to complete an application, provide one letter of reference and submit a 500-word essay outlining their relationship/interest in bison and why they should receive the scholarship.
KBA members may act as sponsors to qualify family, friends or a member of a local school or county ag-related organization (FFA, 4H, etc.) for this scholarship. Members are listed on the website. The KBA strongly encourages students to speak with potential sponsors before listing the sponsor name on the application.
For more information and to access the application, click here.
State Masonic Essay Contest
DUE: November 1, 2025
The 2025 State Masonic Public School Essay Contest has been in existence for over 60-years and has awarded more than $700,000 statewide to deserving high school students. Annually $12,000 is awarded with $4,000 given for the best essay. We would like to encourage all High
Juniors and seniors are encouraged to complete a 300-500 word essay.
True Blue KSHSAA Scholarship
DUE: To Be Updated
Previous Deadline has been in Spring (March)
In partnership with Capitol Federal Foundation, the KSHSAA will award True Blue Scholarships intended to support Kansas High School graduates in postsecondary efforts. This one-time scholarship is for students graduating during the 2024-2025 school year. These funds will be made payable to a two-year or four-year accredited college, university or technical school in the name of the selected student. Awards are non-renewable, one-time scholarships in the amount of $2,000 provided for a student in each activity administered by the KSHSAA. You may contact the KSHSAA at kshsaa@kshsaa.org or 785-273-5329 with any questions.
Kansas Board of Regents Scholarships
DUE: Varies
Students may apply for scholarships online by creating an account on the KBOR website or by submitting the paper application. The online application is open now and the priority deadline varies by scholarship.
Kansas State Scholarship
Kansas Ethinic Minority Scholarship
Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship
Kansas Career Technical Workforce Grant
Kansas Military Service Scholarship
Kansas National Guard Educational Assistance
Kansas Computer Science Educator Scholarship
Kansas Promise Act Scholarship
For More Information on KBOR Scholarships & Application Forms Click Here
Kansas Promise Scholarship
Application Deadlines by Enrollment Date:
Fall 2025: October 1, 2025
Spring 2026: March 1, 2026
Summer 2026: June 1, 2025
Fall 2026: TBA
The Kansas Promise Act Scholarship was created by the Kansas Legislature to assist students who are enrolled in specified high wage, high demand, or critical need industry programs at eligible Kansas community colleges and technical colleges, Washburn Institute of Technology, and certain private postsecondary educational institutions.
For more information visit:
https://kansasregents.org/students/student_financial_aid/promise-act-scholarship
To apply:
https://sfa.kansasregents.org/login.jsp
Other Scholarship Opportunities
SAFE Speaks Scholarship
Sign Up by: October 10, 2025
Do you have a story to share about why traffic safety matters to you? Maybe you’ve experienced something firsthand, or your community has been impacted—and now you want to make a difference. SAFE Speaks gives you the chance to share your story and compete for scholarship money in the process!
Who can participate?
High school seniors in Kansas are eligible to sign up.
What’s involved?
5–7 minute virtual presentation on Zoom
Personal stories encouraged
Visual aids optional
Judged on content, delivery, language & responses
Six winners will earn scholarships and present at the Kansas Teen Transportation Safety Conference in Manhattan, Nov. 12–13, 2025.
Sign up by October 10 - Presentations held in late October
For more information, click here.
Horatio Alger Association Scholarships
Opens: December 1, 2025
DUE: March 1, 2026
The Horatio Alger Scholarships support students who demonstrate integrity, perseverance in overcoming adversity, and financial need. These scholarships provide opportunities for students determined to succeed in their educational journey.
Undergraduate Scholarships For current high school juniors, seniors, and college students pursuing a bachelor’s degree. (Application Period: Dec. 1 – Mar. 1)
Career & Technical Scholarships
For high school seniors and non-traditional students pursuing an associate’s degree or certificate program. (Application Period: Mar. 15 – June 15)
Graduate Scholarships
For Horatio Alger Scholars who have completed a bachelor’s degree and are pursuing a master’s, PhD, or postdoctoral degree. (Application Period: Sept. 1 – Nov. 1)
Apply online: https://horatioalger.org/scholarships/
Hagan Scholarship
DUE: December 1, 2025
The Hagan Scholarship is a life-changing scholarship providing up to $7,500 each semester for up to 8 consecutive semesters. I'm attaching a copy of the information brochure that more fully explains the scholarship, eligibility criteria, responsibilities, and benefits.
Rural Gone Urban Scholarship
DUE: To Be Updated
Previous Deadline has been in Spring (March)
The Rural Gone Urban Foundation Scholarship is open to any U.S. rural female student, whether attending public, private, or homeschooling institutions, and who is pursuing post-secondary education through a traditional college or university, trade school, or professional training program. Applicants may be high school seniors who are accepted to, or any students who are currently enrolled, in an active and reputable traditional college or university, trade school, or professional training program.
Preference will be given to female students demonstrating financial need and a history of work ethic excellence.
There are no GPA requirements for this scholarship.
10 scholarships, each valued at $1,000, will be awarded in Spring 2026.
Lariat STEM Scholarship
Opens: January 31, 2026
DUE: June 15, 2026
The Lariat STEM Scholarship supports students ages 18-24 from lower-income families in rural areas who are pursuing a degree in math or science. Eligible degree programs include fields such as Engineering, Biosciences, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and more.
Scholarship recipients receive annual funding, provided they continue to meet eligibility requirements:
$6,000 as a Freshman
$6,000 as a Sophomore
$8,000 as a Junior
$10,000 as a Senior
Apply online: Lariat STEM Scholarship Application
Going Merry Proactive Scholarship
DUE: October 31, 2025
An important scholarship strategy is applying for scholarships all throughout your senior year of high school. This scholarship rewards you for being proactive and following scholarship best practices. The best part? This scholarship can pretty much only be found if your counselor, college advisor, or other contact shares it with you. This means fewer applicants and lower competition for you!
To qualify, you must have a Going Merry account linked to your current high school. This is set up when you create your account, so make sure your profile is complete and accurate!
Click Here for Full Application
DUE: End of Each Month
This simple, no-essay scholarship is open to U.S. residents aged 16 or older—including high school juniors and seniors, current college students, or parents of students—who meet eligibility criteria. Each month, one lucky entrant is selected at random to receive $2,000 toward college expenses.
Apply each month!
Click Here for Full Application
Scholarship Resources
Kansas ScholarShop
The rising cost of higher education can be a discouraging factor for many Kansans in pursuit of attending their dream college or technical school. That's why the Kansas State Treasurer’s office has launched the Kansas ScholarShop initiative. ScholarShop aims to restore hope and excitement for students seeking educational and career advancement after high school. With access to millions of scholarships, students can search and find scholarships tailored specifically to their deepest passions.
Visit https://kansasstatetreasurer.com/scholarshop.html to begin your scholarship search!
Rudd Checklist for Juniors
The Rudd Scholarship will be available to you next year as seniors. Please find the checklist attached. This is a good checklist to consider for all scholarship opportunities!
Going Merry
Going Merry is a free scholarship search and application platform designed to make finding financial aid easier for students. Instead of filling out multiple applications, students can complete one profile and apply to many scholarships directly through the site. Going Merry also offers tools for tracking deadlines, managing applications, and even exploring grants or financial aid options. It’s a one-stop resource to help students save time and maximize their opportunities for college funding.
Sign up and explore the opportunities Going Merry has to offer at https://goingmerry.com/
Sallie Mae's Scholly
Find scholarships that celebrate you! With Scholly Scholarships, you can instantly search and filter through thousands of opportunities—all refreshed monthly and tailored to your background, major, state, and more. It’s free, easy to use, and takes just minutes to start applying.
👉 Start your search at sallie.com/scholly
Scholarships360
Scholarships360 is a free, trusted scholarship search platform featuring 5,000+ vetted award opportunities and expert guidance on applying to scholarships, managing financial aid, and more. The platform is updated regularly to ensure students see the latest opportunities—like exclusive or no-essay scholarships—and match them to options suited to their background, major, state, and academic level
Why students love it:
It’s 100% free—no fees, no spam.
Easy filtering helps students quickly find aligned scholarships
Users are automatically entered into the platform’s own $10,000 No-Essay Scholarship drawing.
Scholarships360 also features a library of planning and essay-writing resources built for counselors, educators, and students who want to maximize scholarship success.
Get started at: https://scholarships360.org/