Scholarship Opportunities to help fund the journey after HLS

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Below is a list of local, state, and national third-party scholarships and contests available to high school students. Occasionally college specific scholarships will be listed. Each scholarship listed begins with a grade designation to denote which grade level(s) are eligible to apply or participate. Other descriptions in the grade designation may be given to determine a student’s interest and clarify his or her eligibility to the scholarship or contest. Scholarships are listed due-date / deadline Sept.-July (scholarship resources / search engines are listed at the top of the page). Notations in red may indicate the scholarship is past or has not updated yet for the current / new year.

  • Scholarship Resource:  Community Foundation of Louisville offers a variety of scholarships through competitive application processes. 
    • Award:  varies 
    • Deadline:  varies
    • To learn about scholarship opportunities through the Community Foundation of Louisville, please click  here. 
  • Scholarship Resource:  The Center for Scholarship Administration (CSA) offers a variety of scholarships on behalf of corporations, foundations, and individual philanthropists. Students should look for corporations or foundations that they may have a parent or grandparent employed by or participating in (respectively) on this list. 
    • Award:  varies 
    • Deadline:  varies
    • To learn about CSA please visit the website of the Center for Scholarship Administration here. 
  • Scholarship Resource: Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority KHEAA offers a range of scholarships and grants and resources to search for them here.
  • Scholarship Resource: Fastweb’s Top Scholarships for High School Seniors Class of 2026: to view click here.
  • 12TH GRADE MALES-Scholarship Resource: Sigma Phi Epsilon Chapters at colleges across the nation
    • To view scholarships provided by various schools, please click here.
  • 9th-12th graders: The Coolidge Foundation 2025 Economic Essay Contest for U.S. high school and college students
    • What: This essay contest asks you to consider the topics of protectionism and national security, and in particular a 1920 measure known as the Jones Act. The Jones Act was crafted to strengthen America’s naval defense in time of war. Congress also sought to give advantages to American shipping over foreign competitors. Did the Jones Act work? You decide.
    • Deadline: September 10, 2025. The 2025 application is now closed, please monitor for 2026 updates.
    • Award: $10,000 for first place; $5,000 for second place; top ten finalists receive $1,000 each
    • To learn more and enter the contest, please click HERE.
  • 10th-12th graders: Breakthrough Junior Challenge (partners: Khan Academy and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)
    • Deadline: Sept. 15, 2025. The 2025 application is now closed, please monitor for 2026 updates.
    • Award: $250,000 post-secondary scholarship
    • To learn more, please click here.
  • 5th-12th graders: Ronald Reagan Oratory Competition
    • Award for Middle School Students (5th-8th): The top 5 winners will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Southern California for the Finals on January 10, along with a discount on future Reagan Education Programs.
    • Award for High School Students 9th-12th): The top 5 winners will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Southern California for the Finals on January 10, with the chance to compete for a grand prize of $1,000.
    • Deadline: November 12. The 2025 application is now closed, please monitor for 2026 updates.
    • To learn more, please click here.
  • 12th graders who intend to pursue a bachelor’s degree: The Dellums SMART (Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation) Scholarship from the Department of Defense’s Scholarship-for-Service Program
    • Award: Recipients of either scholarship receive full tuition, annual stipends, health and book allowances, mentorship, and conduct internships at a DoD facility.
    • Important Eligibility Details: All applicants should be pursuing a degree in one of SMART’s 24 STEM disciplines, see here.
    • Deadline: December 5, 2025. The 2025 application is now closed, please monitor for 2026 updates.
    • To learn more, please click here and here.
    • Register to apply HERE.
  • 12th graders who are MATHCOUNTS alumni and will be enrolled in an accredited college/university:  2025 MATHCOUNTS Alumni Scholarship
    • Award: $3,000 award will be paid directly to the scholarship recipient’s (community) college or university.
    • Deadline: December 12, 2025. The 2025 application is now closed, please monitor for 2026 updates.
    • To learn more and apply, please click here.
  • 11th graders (graduating Spring 2026) interested in public policy:  Coolidge Scholarship through the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation 
    • Award:  The top 100 applicants are invited to the all-expense paid Coolidge Senators Program and awarded a $1,000 scholarship. The top winner receives a full-ride, four-year, merit scholarship. 
    • Click here to view the full list of criterion to participate. Click here to view application timeline. Click here to view past winners.
    • Deadline: Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 5:00 PM Pacific Time: Please note the time zone. All application materials, including letters of reference must be submitted by the deadline. The 2025 application is now closed, please monitor for 2026 updates.
    • To learn about the Coolidge Scholarship, please click  here.
  • 12th graders: GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship
    • Award: up to $10,000 renewable (totaling worth $40,000 over 4 years)
    • Deadline to apply: January 5, 2026 Noon CST
    • To learn more and apply, please click here. The 2026 application is now closed, please monitor for 2027 updates.
  • 12th grade athletes who are KY residents, their school is a member of the All “A” Classic, & are planning to attend one of the below post-secondary institutions in KY full-time: The All “A” Classic Scholarship
    • KY Institutions (# of All-A Scholarships they are awarding): Eastern Kentucky University (30), Murray State University (1), Morehead State University (10), Lindsey Wilson College (5), The University of the Cumberlands (5),Thomas More University (2), Somerset KCTCS (3), Union University (5), Campbellsville University (5)
    • Award: $1,000 toward public / private colleges / universities or vocational / technical schools. Funds will be disbursed directly to students upon proof of enrollment.
    • Deadline: Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. The 2026 application is now closed, please monitor for 2027 updates.
    • To learn more and apply, please click here.
  • 11th grade girls interested in combining the opportunity to earn college scholarships with professional development and Life Skills training to prepare for life after high school: Distinguished Young Women DYW Scholarship Program
    • What: DYW mission-to empower young women to reach their full potential by providing scholarship opportunities for college & personal development to become confident leaders.
    • When: Information meeting from this past fall can be viewed here with passcode: xBTR6=&C. Preliminaries – January 9, 2026 at 7pm & January 10, 2026 at 11am; Finals – January 10, 2026 at 7pm; Orientation occurs February 15, 2026 at 2pm. The 2026 opportunity is now closed, please monitor for 2027 updates.
    • How: Junior girls, watch for invites emailed from your College Counselor; the program involves attending meetings / workshops for 6-7 weeks through the winter and early spring and attending a dress rehearsal and final showcase on March 28, 2026.
    • Learn more and apply here.
    • Email louisville@distinguishedyw.org for more information.
  • 12th graders who apply and are accepted to Colorado Christian University by December 23, 2025 (who are also eligible to receive CCU’s Distinguished Achievement or Trustees’ Scholarship): World Changers Full-Tuition Scholarship Competition
    • Details: Apply for free to Colorado Christian University ccu.edu/apply CCU will review your
      eligibility and send you a formal invitation with additional details.
    • Award: Full tuition to CCU
    • Deadline: January 22-23, 2026. The 2026 application is now closed, please monitor for 2027 updates.
    • To learn more please click here.
  • 12th graders and older who plan to attend an accredited college / university in the U.S. (DAR chapter sponsorship not required): Daughters of the American Revolution Scholarships
    • Award: ranges from $1,500 – $5,000 (renewable)
    • Deadline: Jan. 31, 2026 The 2026 application is now closed, please monitor for 2027 updates.
    • Scholarships include: merit scholarships, history/government intended major scholarships, medical and nursing intended major scholarships, music intended majors, horticulture intended major scholarship, math intended major scholarship, English intended major scholarship, and more!
    • To learn more about available scholarships and how to apply, please click here.
  • 12th graders + pursuing continuing education and living with Myasthenia Gravis or who have an immediate family member living with the condition: The UCB Myasthenia Gravis Scholarship
    • Award: $10,000 toward your continuing education / learning new skills educational expenses
    • Deadline: January 31, 2026. The 2026 application is now closed, please monitor for 2027 updates.
    • To learn more and apply, please click here.
  • 12th graders planning to attend attend UK, UL, or WKU for Civil Engineering  /  NKU, EKU, WKU, Morehead State, & Murray State for Construction Management / BSCTC for Civil Engineering Technology: The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology & Construction Management Scholarships
    • What: scholarship opportunities to students who are interested in pursuing Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology & Construction Management.
    • Award: Students who are chosen for the Civil Engineering or Construction Management program can receive up to $59,200* (before taxes) and those chosen for Civil Engineering Technology can receive up to $14,800* (before taxes).  We also provide summer employment & full-time employment after graduation.  (*depending on the # of years in school)
    • Details: Areas of interest include: Right of Way & Utilities  /  Environmental Analysis  /  Planning; Highway & Structural Design  /  Geotech  /  Construction; Materials  /  Maintenance  /  Traffic Operations; Administration; APPLICATIONS CAN BE EMAILED TO:  KYTC.SCHOLARSHIPS@KY.GOV For more info, please contact: Marianne Sullivan, 502-782-4970, Marianne.sullivan@ky.gov
    • Deadline: February 1, 2026. The 2026 application is now closed, please monitor for 2027 updates.
    • To learn more, please click here.
  • 4th-12th grade: Sons of the American Revolution Youth Contests 
    • Award: $200-$8,000 (non-finalist national contestants to runner ups and National First Place)
    • Deadline varies January to February 2026 (email Pres. Giltner of KY SAR; email below). The 2026 application is now closed, please monitor for 2027 updates.
    • To learn about the national level of the essay contest please click here.
    • To learn about the national level of the oration contest please click here.
    • To learn more about Youth Activities at the state level please click here.
    • Please email all questions to Scott Giltner, President of KY SAR at stgilt@earthlink.net
  • 9th-12th graders: RONALD REAGAN Debate Series – Regional & Online Competition(s) (formerly The Reagan Foundation’s Great Communicator Debates )
    • What: This program emulates the style of presidential debates, moving beyond conventional formats to emphasize the practical communication skills that define great leaders: civility, personality, humor, and compelling storytelling.
    • The topic for the 2026 Regional Competition is RESOLVED:  As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary of self-governance, the Electoral College should be replaced by the popular vote in presidential elections.
    • Timeline: Regional debates March-June 2026
    • Award: $50,000 Scholarship Money Awarded
    • Two interactive Q&A sessions with Debate Program National Finalists. Gain exclusive insights into mastering our unique presidential style of debate, and learn valuable preparation techniques directly from the experts:
    • To learn more and reach links to register, please click here.
  • 12th graders:  Independence Bank Scholarship 
    • Award:  Awards range from $500 to $15,000. 
    • Deadline:  February 24, 2026 at 5pm CST. The 2026 application is now closed, please monitor for 2027 updates.
    • To learn about Independence Bank Scholarship and access the application, please click:  http://www.1776bank.com/scholarships. 
  • 9th-12th graders:  The Rotary Club of Louisville Annual Speech Contest “The Magic of Rotary”
    • Details: Speech theme: The Magic of Rotary; length: 5-8 minutes; delivery: notes may be used at the first level, but memorization preferred w/ no notes
    • allowed at subsequent levels (use will result in significant deductions).
    • Award:  $300, $200, and $100 awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place at club level. First place winners at club level may advance to sectionals, regionals, and finals (district); prize money increases at each level up to the district-wide level where first place wins $1,000 ($500 to 2nd & 3rd place). Total award possible: $2200
    • Deadline to register:  Students must submit the entry form found here to their College Counselor by February 28, 2026. The 2026 application is now closed, please monitor for 2027 updates.
    • When: Contest is March TBD
    • To learn about the Rotary Club of Louisville, please click  here.  
    • To learn about the Annual Speech Contest, please click  here. 
  • 9th-12th graders: Create a Greeting Card Scholarship Contest from Fastweb
    • Award: $10,000
    • Deadline to apply: March 9, 2026. The 2026 application is now closed, please monitor for 2027 updates.
    • To learn more and apply, please click here.
  • 12th graders: Build a Better Future Scholarship from Honors Graduation
    • Award: $10,000 to the top 5 winners and an additional $5,000 to the top winner to continue to fund their project
    • Deadlines: Strategy Plan must be submitted on March 9, 2026; Final Application on April 13, 2026. The 2026 application is now closed, please monitor for 2027 updates.
    • To learn more and apply, please click here.
  • Those graduating from high school in 2026 or have already graduated from high school, seeking higher education, who have been DIAGNOSED OR HAS IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBER W/ EPILEPSY: UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship Program
    • Award: 33 one-time scholarships to students who are studying to receive a post-high school degree. Thirty scholarships of up to $5,000 each and three scholarships of up to $10,000 each will be awarded to applicants who demonstrate academic and personal achievement.
    • Deadline: March 31, 2026. The 2026 application is now closed, please monitor for 2027 updates.
    • To learn more and register to apply, please click here.
  • 9th-12th Grades who reside in KY’s 3rd Congressional District: Congressman McGarvey invitation to The 2026 Congressional Art Competition
    • What: The Congressional Art Competition celebrates the artistic achievements of our nation’s high school students. Artists are invited to submit their piece(s) here.
    • Award: Two winners are selected – an Overall winner and a Community winner. The Overall winner will receive two roundtrip tickets to Washington, D.C., to attend the national award ceremony and have their artwork displayed in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol for one year. The Community winner also receives prizes including having their artwork displayed in Congressman McGarvey’s Louisville office for one year. 
    • Deadline: March 29th by 11:59 PM ET. The 2026 application is now closed, please monitor for 2027 updates.
    • To learn more, please click here.
  • 12th graders who demonstrate financial need: Commonwealth Credit Union Foundation Scholarships
    • Award: Five scholarships awarded annually at $2,500 per recipient, per year; renewable for up to four years; total potential value per student: up to $10,000
    • Renewal contingent upon:
    • Deadline: April 15, 2026. The 2026 application is now closed, please monitor for 2027 updates.
    • To learn about the CCUF Scholarship please click here.
  • 12th graders who are Roman Catholic with either Italian Descent or has a parent or grandparent who is a member of the “Italian Catholic Federation with a 3.2 GPA and higher: Italian Catholic Federation Scholarship
    • Award: First year scholarships in the amount of $500 will be awarded to approximately 130 applicants. First year scholarship winners are eligible for second, third, and fourth year awards of $600, $700, and $1,000 respectively.
    • Deadline: April 10, 2026. The 2026 application is now closed, please monitor for 2027 updates.
    • To learn more and monitor this year’s scholarship posting, please click here.
  • DEPENDENTS of US COAST GUARD enlisted or commissioned officer: active duty, reserve, OR retired: Coast Guard Foundation Scholarship
    • Awards: vary
    • Deadline: varies, scholarships are now being posted for the 2026 year’ most deadlines fall April 2026.
    • To learn more, please click here.
  • 5th-12th graders (KY students): The McConnell Center’s Student Citizenship Project student of groups no larger than 4 and sponsored by a teacher formulate an answer (recorded on video – as if presenting to panel) to provided prompt
    • Award: a civic seal from the KY Secretary of State and shared prizes of $50-$100
    • Deadline: Friday, April 10, 2026. The 2026 application is now closed, please monitor for 2027 updates.
    • To learn more and register, please click here and scroll to “The Student Citizen Project”
  • 12th graders or graduates within the state of KY or IN pursuing a degree in the field of cosmetology, pursuing a career path as a salon owner / stylist; attending or planning to attend an accredited cosmetology school full-time w/in the state of KY / IN & demonstrates financial need: Mary Jo Large Scholarship
    • Award: $2,000 scholarship
    • Deadline: April 29, 2026
    • To learn more and apply, please click HERE.
  • 12th graders planning to enroll in either a community college or a technical/trade program to pursue one of the skilled technical career paths: Advanced manufacturing and machining, Aviation maintenance technology, Welding and fabrication, Computer-aided design (CAD), Quality control and inspection, Supply chain and logistics, or Other technical fields aligned with aerospace and advanced manufacturing: The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute’s GE Aerospace-Reagan Workforce Readiness Scholarship
    • Award: The program will select at least ten scholars annually, with awards of up to $10,000 per year, as part of a $1 million, five-year investment in building America’s future workforce.
    • Deadline: May 1, 2026, noon CST.
    • To learn more and apply, please click HERE.
  • 11th & 12th graders: Abbott & Fenner Scholarship Program – Essay Competition
    • Award: $1,000
    • Deadline: June 10, 2026.
    • To learn more and apply please, click here.
  • 12th graders (student athletes): BigSun Scholarship through FastWeb
    • Award: $500
    • Deadline: June 19, 2026.
    • To learn more and apply please, click here.
  • 12th graders & all students attending a post-secondary educational facility (for a wide spectrum of study fields; you do not have to be taking engineering courses to be eligible): AES Engineering Scholarship
    • Award: $500
    • Deadline: October 8, 2026
    • To learn more and apply, please, click here.
  • KY Rising 11th graders whose school participates in KEES: Promote Your School Essay Contest
    • Award: $500 and a photo shoot
    • Deadline: June 30, 2025. The 2025 application is now closed, please monitor for 2026 updates.
    • To learn more, please click here.
  • Young adults between the ages of 16-22: Essay Contest by The Gospel Coalition
    • Award: First place winners are published on The Gospel Coalition website and receive $500
    • Deadline: July 1, 2025. The 2025 application is now closed, please monitor for 2026 updates.
    • To learn more, please click here.