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Scholarships

Smiling Latino graduates of Oregon Institute of Technology
 
Scholarships are free money for college! Apply to as many as possible.

What are scholarships

A college scholarship is money for college expenses that does not have to be paid back. You can get a scholarship for different reasons: good grades or test scores, a special talent like in music or sports, or a specific characteristic.

Scholarships may range from a few hundred dollars up to the full cost of attendance. You may have to use a scholarship at a specific college or it may be "portable," meaning that you can use the funds at any college.

How to apply for scholarships

Search for scholarships

  • Pay attention to requirements. Only apply for scholarships you are eligible for. Many scholarship search engines let you filter by specific criteria.
  • Focus locally. The more local the scholarship, the more likely you are to win! Check in with your high school's counseling office or college & career center, explore the OSAC scholarship catalog, and use our calendar of Oregon scholarships.
  • Look at your college. Some colleges award scholarships automatically. Others need an extra application.
  • Search nationally. There are many free websites to search for scholarships. For those that need a log in, be aware that they may sell your information.

Stay organized

  • Make a list. Keep track of scholarships and deadlines.
  • Plan ahead. Some scholarships ask for essays, letters of recommendation, or other information from you or your school.
  • Treat it like a part-time job. Set aside time each week and apply to as many scholarships as you can!
  • Start now. Many scholarships are open to younger students.

Make a copy of our Google Docs template and keep track of scholarships that you want to apply to.

Scholarship calendar

Find Oregon and national scholarships with upcoming deadlines. You can filter results to find ones that fit your needs.

Scholarship deadlines and details are subject to change. Check each scholarship website for the most up-to-date information.

Open to undocumented students
Deadline Scholarship More information
11/17/2024 Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship

Up to $55,000 renewable scholarships for high-performing high school seniors with financial need who want to go to the nation's best 4-year colleges and universities.

11/28/2024 Act Six Scholarship

A full scholarship to George Fox University for four years for promising urban leaders from Portland or Salem.

11/30/2024 Dr. Juan Andrade Jr. Scholarship for Young Hispanic Leaders

Up to $1,000 for students with at least one parent with Hispanic ancestry.

11/30/2024 National Honor Society Scholarship

Up to $25,000 for high school seniors who are members in good standing of an affiliated National Honor Society chapter.

12/1/2024 Dell Scholars Program

Up to $20,000 for students in college readiness programs (including AVID, College Possible, GEAR UP, and Upward Bound) and have overcome significant obstacles to pursue their education.

12/1/2024 The Hagan Scholarship

$12,000 scholarship renewable for four years for students who will graduate from a public high school having fewer than 50,000 residents.

12/4/2024 National Space Club Keynote Scholarship

$15,000 scholarship and an opportunity to give a keynote address for students who are interested in STEM fields.

12/13/2024 Science Ambassador Scholarship

A full–tuition scholarship from Cards Against Humanity for a woman in science, technology, engineering, or math who creates a three–minute video explaining a topic in STEM.

12/15/2024 Burger King Scholars Program

$1,000 to $50,000 scholarships based on grade point average, work experience, extracurricular activities and/or community service.

12/18/2024 Equitable Excellence Scholarship

$5,000 renewable scholarship for students who show potential by demonstrating the qualities of leadership, determination and resilience as critical enablers of their future success. One-time awards of $2,500 for tuition, books or room and board are also available.

12/19/2024 Point Foundation Scholarship

Renewable scholarship for promising LGBTQ students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential despite obstacles. Financial award based on need.

12/31/2024 #TransgenderFirst Scholarship

$2,500 scholarship for students who identify as transgender.

12/31/2024 Reach For Your Peak

A $2000 scholarship for a high school junior or senior living in Oregon or Washington.

1/3/2025 Live Más Scholarship

Up to $25,000 from the Taco Bell Foundation for creating a 2-minute video that tells the story of your life's passion.

1/5/2025 Pride Foundation Scholarship

60+ scholarships with one application for current and future leaders in the LGBTQ+ community facing significant barriers and from or studying in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.

1/9/2025 APIA Scholarship

$2500-$20,000 awards for AANHPI students with a minimum 2.7 GPA, with a focus on students from low income backgrounds and first-generation college students.

1/11/2025 FFA Scholarships

Over $2 million in scholarships given for a wide variety of experiences, career goals and higher education plans.

1/12/2025 Profile in Courage Essay Contest

Up to $10,000 for an essay on an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official who served during or after 1917, the year John F. Kennedy was born. Open to students in grades 9-12.

1/19/2025 The Coolidge Scholarship

Full tuition, renewable scholarship that covers a student’s tuition, room, board, and expenses. Students must apply during their junior year of high school.

1/26/2025 Truman D. Picard Scholarship

Up to $2,500 for Native American students pursuing a higher education in natural resources.