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.
Scholarship List

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
5/15/2026 DreamCatcher Curriculum Scholarship

$1000 scholarships for students with demonstrated financial need. For college or trade school.
5/15/2026 The Maude and Alexander Hadden Scholarship

Up to $10,000 renewable scholarship for high school seniors planning to attend a four-year accredited college or university with a minimum 3.5 GPA. 
5/15/2026 Women in HVACR Scholarship

$5,000 scholarships for women with a 3.0 GPA who are preparing to enter the HVACR industry.
5/31/2026 Against the Grain Scholarships

Several scholarships for Asian-American and Pacific Islander students who demonstrate leadership, community engagement, artistic talent, entrepreneurial vision, and more. See website for details.
5/31/2026 Full Circle Scholarship

Multiple scholarships through a single application for American Indian and Alaska Native high school seniors who are tribal members or descendants, have at least a 2.0 GPA, and plan to enroll full‑time at an accredited non profit college or university.
6/1/2026 Native Forward Scholars Fund

Scholarships for enrolled members or descendants of U.S. federally recognized or state-recognized American Indian Tribes or Alaska Native groups.
6/1/2026 OTEC Trade School Scholarship

$5,000 Scholarships for member-owners and their legal dependents to attend a trade, vocational, or technical school. Trade school scholarship applications are accepted throughout the year.
6/2/2026 UNCF Scholarships

Wide range of scholarships for students based on financial need or merit, with many programs requiring a minimum 2.5 GPA; see website for additional details. 
6/15/2026 Horatio Alger Association Career & Technical Scholarship

Several scholarships from $2,500 to $4,000 for students who plan to enroll in a not‑for‑profit community college or career/technical program.
6/26/2026 Navigate Your Future Scholarship

$2,500 scholarship for high school seniors planning a career in the general aviation field.
6/30/2026 Delete Cyberbullying Mental Health Awareness Scholarship

$1,000 award for a short essay on cyberbullying and mental health impacts. Open to students in grades 9-12.
6/30/2026 Korean American Scholarship Foundation Western Regional Chapter

Scholarships for students of Korean heritage who are full-time students in designated Western states (AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA), with financial need and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
8/14/2026 Generation Google Scholarship

$10,000 for high school seniors who are pursuing computer science degrees and related technical fields.
8/15/2026 The Skanner Foundation Scholarship

Up to $3,000 for a student with a 2.5 GPA who has completed at least 20 hours of community service in the last year.
10/8/2026 National YoungArts Foundation Scholarship

Up to $10,000 award and long-term professional support for high school artists (grades 10–12 or ages 15–18) with talent in cinematic arts, dance, design arts, jazz, music, photography, theater, visual arts, voice, and writing.
10/13/2026 United States Senate Youth Program Scholarships

$10,000 scholarship for a junior or senior in high school with demonstrated leadership abilities.
10/15/2026 Evans Scholars Program

Full tuition and housing scholarship for high-achieving golf caddies with demonstrated financial need.
10/20/2026 NSHSS Foundation STEM Scholarship

$1,000 scholarships for underrepresented students with a 3.5 GPA or higher who plan to study a STEM field.
10/31/2026 Golden Door Scholars

Full, renewable scholarships for undocumented or undocumented students attending partner colleges.
11/12/2026 Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship

Up to $7,500 per year for high school students planning to pursue a 4-year degree.