2023 College Scholarships

BEFORE YOU GET STARTED, HERE ARE SOME SCHOLARSHIP TIPS 

FEBRUARY 

AWARD: Varies│DUE: Varies│UNCF Scholarship Search
UNCF was founded in 1944 to help more African American students attend and graduate from college. Search various scholarships based on academic goals and plans.

AWARD: $1,000│DUE: February 16th│The Christopher’s Poster Contest
Create a poster interpreting the theme, “You Can Make a Difference.” Illustrate the idea that one person can change the world for the better.

AWARD: $500│DUE: February 20th│Effie McKerson Book Scholarship
This scholarship is to be awarded to a young woman for her efforts as a standout student. She must exude academic excellence and be active in her school and community. This scholarship is offered in the hope of assisting a determined young woman reach her academic and professional goals. To be eligible, applicants must be attending school in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Metro or surrounding areas. The award will be granted upon confirmation of registration in a college or university for summer or regular term of the fiscal year for which the scholarship is granted. A class schedule and a bursar’s letter or receipt must be submitted by the applicant to the chapter. Women of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

AWARD: $4,000/a Year│DUE: February 22nd│AAUW Scholarship
The Scholarship Fund of the Minneapolis Branch was established to provide financial assistance to Minneapolis Public School women graduates to continue their education with the goal of attaining a Baccalaureate degree at an accredited institution. The selection criteria are based on grades, financial need, an essay written by the applicant, information from references, and an interview.

AWARD: $3,500/a Year│DUE: February 24th│Chester E. and Marion D. Groth Scholarship
Award for qualified students desiring to attend an institution to pursue careers in music education, performance, or music therapy

AWARD: $5,000/a Year│DUE: February 24th│DGV Scholarship Program
Academic scholarship and mentorship opportunities for outstanding high school senior women, indigenous people, and people of color (BIPOC) pursuing degrees in S.T.E.M., business, or finance and considering careers in finance and investing.

AWARD: $5,000│DUE: February 24th│Richard and Louise Varco Scholarship Program
The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation has established a scholarship program to assist high school seniors who plan to continue their education at an accredited college or vocational school in Minnesota.

AWARD: $500│DUE: February 28th│Equal Opportunity No-Essay Scholarship
Open to any high school or college student with a GPA of 2.0 or higher. Fill out a short form with information about school, work, and volunteer experience.

AWARD: $1,500│DUE: February 28th│Unigo Sweet and Simple Scholarship
Think back to a time when you received a special gift that seemed unassuming yet made a strong impact in your life. Was it a present you could open in a box or a humble gesture from a stranger? In 250 words or less write about a time you received a gift and why it meant so much to you.

AWARD: $16,500 – $33,000│DUE: February 28th│TheDream.US National Scholarships
If you came to the United States before November 1st , 2016, under 16 years of age, and are undocumented, you may apply for this scholarship. Focused on a history of overcoming obstacles and performing acts of service.

AWARD: $2,000│DUE: February 28th│Youth Volunteer Scholarship
Eligible applicants are high school students in any grade have spent 20+ volunteering and impacting the lives of seniors (relative or non-relative) in a care center or within one’s community. Volunteer hours may be spent the following ways: one-on-one visits, doing household chores, raking leaves, shoveling snow, grocery shopping, etc.

MARCH 

AWARD: $1,000/ a Year│DUE: March 1st│Foundation 649 Scholarship
Scholarship for young, talented Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who are actively elevating and serving their communities across the country. Students will write a short essay or other form of media (film, photography, etc.) sharing their story.

AWARD: $2,500│DUE: March 1st│Students of Integrity Scholarship
Open to high school seniors. The BBB scholarship is primarily based on a written essay which must convey how the student has overcome a personal struggle or challenge by applying one or more of the UncommonSense principles.

AWARD: $10,000│DUE: March 2nd│Create-AGreeting-Card Scholarship
Create a unique design for a card, and you could win a scholarship and have your design made into an actual card.

AWARD: $2,000│DUE: March 2nd│ELLevation Education Scholarship Program
Open to high school seniors who have received ELL services during their K12 education. Scholarship recipients are selected based on academic record, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities, honors, a statement of educational and career goals and objectives, and a signed recommendation letter from your ELL administrator or teacher on school district letterhead indicating dates of ELL program attendance. Financial need is not considered.

AWARD: Full Cost of Tuition & Fees or Room & Board + Money for Living and Books│DUE: March 6th│Army ROTC Scholarship
Scholarships and other monetary support are available when you join Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), which allow you to focus on your education by relieving some of the financial pressure. You’ll graduate with a respected and secure career path as an Army Officer, and with less debt for the school years your scholarship covers. You’re eligible to apply for a ROTC scholarship—which could get you up to 100% tuition coverage—if you’re a high school student enrolling in college, enrolled in college, or an active duty enlisted Soldier.

AWARD: $2,000│DUE: March 10th│Courageous Persuaders Competition
Create a 30-second TV commercial about the dangers of underage drinking or texting while driving. Middle school classrooms gauge the commercial’s persuasiveness and ultimately determine winners.

AWARD: $44,000 ($11,000/Year)│DUE: March 15th│Catch a Break
A scholarship for Minnesota residents who have faced challenges in life, learned from them, and are enrolling in post-secondary education. Students will share challenges they have faced and why they are motivated to receive a college education.

AWARD: $2,500│DUE: March 15th│Horatio Alger Association
The Horatio Alger Scholarship Program specifically assist high school students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives. While many programs are directed primarily to recognizing academic achievement or leadership potential, the Horatio Alger Association seeks students who have exhibited determination, integrity, and perseverance in overcoming adversity, as well as having critical financial need.

AWARD: $1,000 – $2,500│DUE: March 24th│MnACC BIPOC Student Scholarship
Open to high school seniors who identify as BIPOC. Write a 500–1000-word essay about Leadership & Community Engagement, Diversity, or what empowers you and what completing your degree would mean to you.

AWARD: $2,000│DUE: March 31st│The Donohue Family SkillPointe Scholarship
Scholarships are available to individuals of all backgrounds pursuing vocational training in industries such as construction, communications, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, public service, technology, and transportation.

AWARD: $5,000│DUE: March 31st│Lindsey Vonn Foundation Scholarship
Showcase your ability to overcome obstacles, discover grit, and pursue a passion. This scholarship can be applied to any enrichment activity (camps, prep classes, clubs) that helps you engage in your passions.

AWARD: $3,000/a Year│DUE: March 31st│MGA Foundation Women’s Scholarship
Available to high school senior girls who intend to enroll in college the year they submit this application. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and live in Minnesota. Scholarship funds may be applied toward tuition, books, room, and board. A scholarship recipient must be enrolled and continue as a full-time student at an accredited college or university.

AWARD: $2,500│DUE: March 31st│Unigo Superpower Scholarship
Use your imagination and become the superhero, or perhaps supervillain, you’ve always wanted to be. Would you live a life in a comic book universe or use your powers here in the real world? Write about which superhero or villain you would want to change places with for a day and why in 250 words or less.

AWARD: $500 – $1,500│DUE: March 31st│Vernetta Wilson Memorial Scholarship
The Vernetta Wilson Memorial Scholarship is for African American Twin Cities high school seniors who have demonstrated leadership skills and are active volunteers (30+ hours).

AWARD: $34,000│DUE: March 31st│VFW Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest
Create a two-dimensional piece of art and write a typed explanation of patriotism expressed in the art.

April 

AWARD: $1,500 – $2,500│DUE: April 1st│Page Education Foundation Grant
Page Grants are awarded to Minnesota students of color who attend Minnesota post-secondary schools and agree to complete annual service projects with young children. The selection process highlights an applicant’s attitude toward education, willingness to provide service to children, and financial need.

AWARD: $2,500 + All Expenses Paid Voyage With Semester at Sea│DUE: April 3rd│AFSA and USIP National High School Essay Contest
Research international issues and write an essay about a topic of global significance and the key role that diplomacy can play in connecting people and ideas. Past themes have included “Partnerships for Peace in a Multipolar Era”, “Diplomats & Peacebuilder”, and “Why Diplomacy and Peacebuilding Matter”.

AWARD: $2,000│DUE: April 4th│American Indian Education Fund
Native American and Alaska Native students may apply for these scholarships if they enroll in an accredited technical, college, or university program. The fund prefers a GPA of 2.0-3.5 and an ACT score of 14+, but anyone who is otherwise eligible is encouraged to apply.

AWARD: $500│DUE: April 15th│10 Words or Less Scholarship
Open to students aged 14-25. In 10 words or less, why do you deserve this scholarship?

AWARD: $1,000│DUE: April 15th│College JumpStart Scholarship
Open to 10th -12th graders and current college students. Write a short personal statement about your educational goals, how you will achieve these goals with the scholarship or a time that hard work paid off for you.

AWARD: $10,000│DUE: April 15th│Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes
Scholarship for young people working on a service project or who have worked on a project in the last 12 months.

AWARD: $5,000/ a Year│DUE: April 15th│Village Scholars 
The Village Scholars scholarship seeks to foster the creative endeavors of graduating Minneapolis high school students by offering a recurring $5,000 scholarship to students interested in pursuing an education and career in a creative field. The essay required describing how the arts have impacted the student’s life and how the scholarship would help them achieve their goals of pursuing an education/career in the arts.

AWARD: $3,000│DUE: April 30th│Unigo All About Education Scholarship
It’s often been said that “education is the key to success.” What doors could your educational “key” open? Write an answer to the question, “How will a $3,000 scholarship for education make a difference in your life?” (250 words or less).

May 

AWARD: $1,500│DUE: May 31st│Unigo Fifth Month Scholarship
One is the loneliest number. Three is a crowd. Then there is five. What’s so special about five? Well, for starters, this lucky number could help you win a $1,500 scholarship. What is it about the number five that’s so significant to you? Write a letter to the number five explaining why five is important. Be serious or funny. (250 words or less).

June 

AWARD: Varies│DUE: June 15th│Larry Lucio Scholarship
Open to students who have been accepted to a higher education institution and who have demonstrated community service and participation in their community. Students should be e graduating high school senior from Humboldt High School, Guadalupe Area Program, Edison High School, Southwest High School, Harding High School, Two Rivers High School (aka. Henry Sibley), Richfield High School, Roosevelt High School, Washburn High School, Highland Park High School, The FAIR School, South St. Paul Secondary, St. Croix Lutheran Academy, Minneapolis South High School, Takoda Prep, or El Colegio Charter School.

AWARD: $1,500│DUE: June 30th│Unigo Do-Over Scholarship
Mistakes – we’ve all made them. Too bad life doesn’t always give you a mulligan. Or does it? What if you had the chance to “do over” a moment in your life? What would it be? How would it affect you and your future? Write a response to the question, if you could get one “do-over” in life, what would it be and why? (250 words or less)

July 

AWARD: $200│DUE: July 1st│Barbara Mandigo Kelly Peace Poetry Awards
Poetry has a way of moving us past facts and immersing us into an experience. Submit your own original poetry that explores positive visions of peace and the human spirit.

AWARD: $1,500│DUE: July 31st│Unigo Flavor of the Month Scholarship
Are you simple and sweet like vanilla, classic yet unpredictable like chocolate chip, or a little nutty like pistachio? Whatever the flavor or reasons may be, we want to know what ice cream flavor best reflects your personality and why. Write an answer to the question, if you were an ice cream flavor, which would you be and why? (250 words or less).

August 

AWARD: $1,500│DUE: August 31st│Unigo Make Me Laugh Scholarship
We don’t want to know why you deserve $1,500 or how great your grades are, we simply want to LOL. Write and describe an incident in your life, funny or embarrassing (fact or fiction), and make us laugh! (250 words or less).

October 

AWARD: $2,000│DUE: October 31st│Unigo Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship
Hone your survival tactics and imagine what your school or college campus might be like in a zombie apocalypse. Our committee wants to know your plan to avoid the zombies, where you’d hide, and the top-five things you’d bring to stay alive. Write your plan in 250 words or less.

November 

AWARD: $5,000│DUE: November 30th│Unigo Education Matters Scholarship
While continuing your education takes time and money, there’s a certain value that everyone is hoping to achieve. Why does education matter to you? What is the value you hope to receive from college? Submit a written response (250 words or less) to the question: What would you say to someone who thinks education doesn’t matter or that college is a waste of time and money?

December 

AWARD: $1,500│DUE: December 31st│Unigo Top Ten List Scholarship
With so many awards based on grades and extracurricular activities, this scholarship gives you the chance to show us what’s truly special and different about you. Get creative, be serious, or tug at our heartstrings. Create a Top Ten List of the top ten reasons you should get this scholarship.

AWARD: $10,000│DUE: December 31st│Unigo $10K Scholarship
It’s important to be happy with who you are, regardless of your wealth or intelligence level. So, tell us, would you rather be smart, funny, or rich…and why? Answer the question in 250 words or less.