Open Scholarships

While many of the programs managed by Scholarship America are only open to employees of the sponsoring company or their families, we do manage some scholarship programs that are open to students in the general public.

For other options, check out our Dollars for Scholars Chapter Search and see if there's a chapter in your area; these grassroots organizations give thousands of dollars in scholarships to local students each year. Take a look at our Collegiate Partners Search to see if your school is one of nearly 500 that will help maximize the impact of Dollars for Scholars and Scholarship America awards; and find much more with Zinch.com's scholarship finder or in our Financial Aid & Scholarships section.

Please note: Students applying for this award need to receive a recommendation from their local Dollars for Scholars chapter.

Scholarship America Dollars for Scholars announces the nationwide call for applications for the 2012 Community Volunteer Service Award. This award encourages and rewards community service while applauding and supporting academic excellence. Applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited institution for the first time, and must demonstrate both community service and academic achievement. Winners will receive a $500 scholarship; the top ten applicants will automatically be entered in Scholarship America's Student Volunteer of the Year competition for an even larger award.

To apply, students will need to fill out a profile on the Scholarship America Student Center; in addition to the CVSA, this profile will also match you to other local and national scholarships. Check out the program flyer for more details or click below to get started.

Best Buy Scholarship, sponsored by the Best Buy Children's Foundation, is open to students currently in grades 9-12 living in the U.S. or Puerto Rico, who are planning to attend an accredited U.S. or Puerto Rico college or vocational school after high school graduation. Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate commitment to and involvement in community volunteer service or work experience. The application must be completed electronically online; no paper applications will be accepted.

Application information for the next application period will be available at www.bestbuy-communityrelations.com or www.at15.com.

College Bound. Community Minded.

If those words describe you, we can help. The Buick Achievers Scholarship Program, funded by the GM Foundation, is designed to help students who are leaders in both the classroom and their communities, but who may not have the financial means to attend college. The scholarship program will award 100 renewable scholarships for up to $25,000 per year and 1,000 non-renewable scholarships for $2,000 per year.

The Buick Achievers Scholarship Program is open to high school seniors or college undergraduates who plan to major in one of the following: Technology, Engineering, Math, Business Administration, Finance, Marketing or Design, and have an interest in a career in the automotive or related industries.

Scholarships will be awarded based on financial need, participation and leadership in community and school activities, work experience, educational and career goals, academic achievement and unusual circumstances. Special consideration is given to: being a first-generation college student, female, minority, military veteran or a dependent of military personnel.

If you have the passion to succeed—especially in fields of study important to the automotive and related industries—the Buick Achievers Scholarship Program is looking for you. Visit buickachievers.com for more information.

The ICMA-RC Vantagepoint Public Employee Memorial Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to the surviving children and spouses of US city, county, and state public employees* who have died in service to their communities.  Applicants must enroll in and attend an accredited college, university, or vocational-technical school on a full-time basis. High school seniors, undergraduates and graduate students are eligible to apply.

*Students must provide a letter from the deceased employee’s place of work verifying his or her employment at time of death.

Awards are determined based on merit and financial need.

Nominees for the MathMovesU Grants for Teachers and Schools: Math Hero Award Program, sponsored by Raytheon Company, must be full-time teachers who are currently employed and teaching a mathematics curriculum at a middle school or high school in the United States OR volunteers working with an approved math-related nonprofit organization (i.e. MATHCOUNTS®). Nominations can be made by students, parents, colleagues, principals, or volunteers. Up to 32 awards of $2,500 each will be granted. In addition, the recipient’s school will receive a matching $2,500 grant to be used for enhancing the school’s math program. More information is available at www.mathmovesu.com.

The New York Chapter of the American Logistics Association sponsors up to 15 $5,000 scholarships for dependent children of active duty, reserve, National Guard or retired members of the United States military who hold valid Exchange & Commissary shopping privileges at the time of application.  Applicants must be high school seniors or graduates who plan to enroll for the first time in a full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited two-year or four-year college or university in fall, 2012.  Applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, or the equivalent.  Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of academic record, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities, honors, work experience, statement of goals and aspirations, unusual personal or family circumstances, and an outside appraisal. Financial need will also be considered. More information is available at sms.scholarshipamerica.org/militarycommanders.

The National Hydropower Association Past Presidents' Legacy Scholarship Program, sponsored by the National Hydropower Association, is open to current college sophomores or juniors who will be juniors or seniors beginning fall 2012; or graduate students; with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent), who are enrolled in a full-time undergraduate or graduate course of study at an accredited four-year college or university. It is also open to students with an equivalent GPA at an accredited vocational-technical school or program. Applicants must be United States citizens or legal residents. Applicants must be pursuing a program of study, approved by the National Hydropower Association, that is related to the hydropower industry. More information can be found at Hydro.org.

The National Society of Accountants Scholarship Program, sponsored by the National Society of Accountants Scholarship Foundation, is available to United States or Canadian citizens who are college undergraduates* majoring in accounting, with a B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better grade point average, enrolled part-time or full-time in an accredited two- or four-year college or university in the United States.

Students in an accredited two-year college may apply during their first or second year if eventually transferring to a four-year institution.

*High School Seniors or students not yet enrolled in an undergraduate accounting program are NOT eligible to receive NSA Scholarship Foundation awards.

Scholarships are awarded based on merit and financial need.

The PG&E Bright Minds Scholarship Program, sponsored by Pacific Gas and Electric Company, is open to students living a PG&E service area. Applicants must be high school seniors or graduates who plan to enroll in full time undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four year college, university or vocational-technical school for the entire 2012-2013 academic year. Nontraditional students who are returning to school to finish their degree or planning on attending for the first time are encouraged to apply. Review the guidelines and apply at https://www.scholarshipamerica.org/pge.

Simon Youth Foundation® (SYF) has established the Community Scholarship to meet the financial needs of students in communities that host Simon® shopping centers. The goal of the Foundation is to apply a holistic approach to the educational experiences of our youth. Each young person is multifaceted. Many circumstances, including the environment, play a key role in the success of each applicant. Because of this, more than just a student’s academic achievement will be considered when applications are reviewed. The program will take into consideration the future potential of each applicant, recognizing those who have made significant personal improvements or contributions to their communities. Click here for more information on the Simon Youth Foundation Community Scholarship Program.

The William C. and Corrine J. Dietrich Scholarship Program, sponsored by the Minnesota Community Foundation, is open to high school seniors at any public high school in Minnesota who demonstrate financial need. The awards are offered for full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two-year or four-year college or university. More information is available at sms.scholarshipamerica.org/dietrich.

AXA Achievement Scholarship, sponsored by the AXA Foundation in association with U.S. News & World Report, is open to high school seniors who plan to enroll in a full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited two- or four-year college or university. Applicants must be United States citizens or legal residents and must have demonstrated ambition and self-drive as evidenced by an outstanding achievement in a school, community, or workplace activity. More infomation is available at the AXA Foundation website.

Dr Pepper sponsored a nationwide promotion for the 2011 college football season in which they gave away $1,000,000 in tuition assistance. Scholarship Management Services is partnering with Dr Pepper to help distribute the tuition assistance payments.

To enter the promotion, entrants must have access to the internet and the capability to upload a short video.

The promotion is open to anyone over the age of 18. Entrants submit a one-minute video explaining how they would make an impact in their life, their community, or the world if they won free tuition from Dr Pepper. Throughout the football season over 60 students will be awarded $2,500 in tuition assistance from Dr Pepper. Dr Pepper will also select an additional 25 grand prize winners who will be invited to attend with one guest one of five end-of-season football games to compete in a contest at halftime. Selection of these grand prize winners will be limited to students under the age of 25. The students will be given a chance to throw for $100,000 in tuition during the halftime of the game. The winner will walk-away with $100,000 in tuition and the runner-up will receive $23,000.

Information and submissions from the 2011 winners can be found at www.drpepper.com.

James Beard is fondly remembered by friends and colleagues as a man who offered unstinting help and encouragement to people embarking on a culinary career. Upholding Beard's legacy of culinary education and support through our scholarship program is an essential component of the James Beard Foundation's mission.

The Friends of James Beard Foundation Scholarships and the James Beard Foundation School Scholarships have been established to assist aspiring culinary professionals who plan to further their education at a licensed or accredited culinary school. Professional grants are also available for independent work, study and travel. Find out more at sms.scholarshipamerica.org/jamesbeard.

The James L. and Nellie M. Westlake Scholarship Program was established pursuant to the provisions of the wills of James L. and Nellie M. Westlake for the purpose of assisting Missouri residents in pursuing a college education.  Renewable scholarships are offered for full-time study at an accredited four-year institution of the student’s choice. Applicants must:

* Be Missouri residents,
* Be graduating seniors at Missouri high schools who plan to enroll in a full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited four-year college or university,
* OR Have completed one or two full years at a Missouri community college with sufficient credits to permit transfer to an accredited four-year college or university at the sophomore or junior level, respectively.
* Demonstrate limited financial resources with an expected family contribution of $7,000 or less and a family adjusted gross income of $50,000 or less.

Awards will cover the cost of tuition, plus approximately $2,000 additional to cover the costs of fees, books, and supplies. More information is available at sms.scholarshipamerica.org/westlake.

MathMovesU Middle School Scholarship and Grant Program, sponsored by Raytheon Company is open to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. Students will create a paper or multimedia submission that answers: “How does Math put the Action in Your Passion?” Students must demonstrate an enthusiasm for math and the ability to illustrate the importance of math in the hobby/sport/subject/activity the student cares about the most. Up to 150 awards of $1,000 each will be granted to student recipients to be used for a campership or scholarship. In addition, the recipient’s school will receive a matching $1,000 grant to be used for enhancing the school’s math program. More information is available at www.mathmovesu.com.

Children or grandchildren of a McKesson pharmacy primary account customer OR Pharmacy students employed at a McKesson pharmacy drug store. Students must be in their 3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th year at an accredited school of pharmacy. More information is available at https://www.scholarshipamerica.org/mckessonpharmacy.

The NSHMBA Scholarship Program, sponsored by National Society of Hispanic MBAs, is open to U.S. Citizens or legal permanent residents of Hispanic heritage, who are enrolled or planning to enroll in a Master's Degree program in Management/Business at a college or university in the U.S. or Puerto Rico accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) no later than fall 2011. Applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or the equivalent) from either a Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree or have a minimum grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (or the equivalent) from a Bachelor's Degree in combination with two years of full-time work experience. Applicants must also be a current NSHMBA member (member ID required). If potential applicants are currently not NSHMBA members, they may join at the time of application at www.nshmba.org. Information about the 2011 program will be available at https://www.scholarshipamerica.org/nshmba in March 2011.

Raytheon-Engineering is Elementary Teacher Scholarship Program, sponsored by Raytheon Company, is open to full-time classroom teachers (or science specialists) in grades 1 through 5 who have at least 3 years teaching experience.  This program is intended to encourage the inclusion of engineering and technology education in elementary classrooms by providing access to Engineering is Elementary ® (EIE) workshops and materials. Up to 20 awards of $3,000 each will be granted. More information is available at www.mathmovesu.com.

Current customers; customers within the past two years who are in good standing; their immediate family members (spouse or dependent children living in the customer's household); and dependents (age 25 or younger) of current employees of Rent-A-Center, Get It Now!, Home Choice, La Tiendita, RAC Acceptance, RAC Limited, RAC National Product Service or RAC Field Support Center who have been continuously employed for at least one year -- and who live in the U.S. or Puerto Rico -- are eligible to apply. Applicants must plan to enroll or are already enrolled in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational technical school in the United States or Puerto Rico. More information is available at https://www.scholarshipamerica.org/makeadifference.

The State Farm Companies Foundation believes all children deserve an education that helps them reach their potential and prepares them for life. The Foundation has established a scholarship program as part of ongoing efforts to address and raise awareness of the nation’s drop-out crisis – a student drops out of high school every 26 seconds.

The State Farm Good Neighbor Scholarship Program was established to provide financial assistance to high school seniors who plan to attend college, technical, or vocational school, but may not be able to meet the expenses of a higher education without such aid and often do not qualify for other scholarships. Applicants must be high school seniors with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 to 3.2 on a 4.0 scale who will graduate at the end of the 2011-12 school year . Applicants must also be U.S. citizens, be planning to enroll in full-time undergraduate study for the 2012-13 academic year and demonstrate financial need. Find more information at www.scholarshipamerica.org/statefarmgoodneighborscholarship.

The Structural Engineering/Architecture Student Scholarship Program, sponsored by Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc., is available to students who are already enrolled as juniors (at least 60 semester hours or equivalent) or seniors in a full-time undergraduate course of study in architecture or structural engineering at designated four-year colleges and universities. Detailed information, a list of the eligible schools, and an application can be found at www.strongtie.com/scholarships.

Talbots Scholarship Foundation, sponsored by Talbots Charitable Foundation, is open to women who are residing in the United States or Canada and have earned a high school diploma or GED on or before September 2002 and are planning to enroll in a full- or part-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited two- or four-year college or university in the U.S. or Canada. This program is designed to empower women to enrich themselves through learning and achieve a college education later in life. Meet recent recipients and learn more in this video!

Vanguard Minority Scholarship Program, sponsored by Vanguard, provides merit-based scholarships of up to $10,000 to minority students pursuing studies in business, finance, economics or accounting. To be considered, the student must be a racial minority, be entering their junior or senior year of undergraduate study in the fall of 2012, be currently enrolled full-time in an accredited four-year college or university in the United States, continue to be enrolled full-time for the entire 2012-2013 academic year, and have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.  The student must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States.

Vanguard Women in Information Technology Scholarship Program, sponsored by Vanguard, provides merit-based scholarships of up to $10,000 to female students studying computer science, computer engineering, web design, or other IT-related disciplines.  To be considered for the program, the applicant must be a female undergraduate entering their junior or senior year of college in the fall of 2012, be currently enrolled full-time in a four-year accredited college or university in the United States, continue to be enrolled full-time for the entire 2012-2013 academic year, and have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The student must be a U.S. Citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States.

In 2011, Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation (TG) will award $5 million to the Charley Wootan Grant Program. Of these funds, $4 million will be distributed to Texas students, and another $1 million to students in other states, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territories to help pay for their college education.

The first-come, first-served, need-based grant program will provide up to $4,394 per successful applicant for the 2011-2012 academic year.

To become eligible, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and meet other eligibility requirements. Applicants must be high school seniors or graduates who plan to enroll, or students already enrolled, at least half-time, in an undergraduate course of study for fall 2011 at a Title IV, two- or four-year college or university, or vocational-technical school, must demonstrate financial need, and be eligible to receive Title IV federal financial aid funding. Please check the scholarship page at aie.org/wootan for more information on next year's program as it becomes available.