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. Below, you'll see those programs; to search other options, you can create a free profile in our Student Center, where you'll be able to search local Dollars for Scholars awards and scholarships from partners like Fastweb. You can also find more search options in our Financial Aid & Scholarships section.

In thanks to our military families, The Kaplan University/American Freedom Foundation Scholarship Program sponsored by Kaplan University and American Freedom Foundation provides partial and full scholarship awards to assist spouses and dependent children of U.S. service personnel who choose to enroll in applicable Kaplan University online associate’s or bachelor’s degree programs. (Nursing candidates will require additional eligibility verification). To be eligible, applicants must have received their high school diploma by the application deadline. Current and prior Kaplan University students are not eligible.

For more information, please visit https://www.scholarshipamerica.org/aff.

The AXA Achievement Scholarship, sponsored by the AXA Foundation in association with U.S. News & World Report, provides scholarship awards of $25,000 and $10,000, with winners in every state nationwide. The program 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 information is available at the AXA Foundation website.

The AXA Achievement Community Scholarship, sponsored by the AXA Foundation, provides scholarship awards of $2,000 each. The program 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 information is available at the AXA Foundation website.

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.

Further information will be available at pr.bby.com.

The Binc Scholarship Program is open to bookstore employees, bookstore owners, former Borders employees and dependents* of bookstore employees, owners and former Borders employees who plan to enroll in full or part-time undergraduate or graduate study at an accredited two or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school for at least half of the 2013-2014 academic year.

*Dependents include children under the age of 25, spouses and qualified same-sex partners.

Up to 35 awards totaling $100,000 will be granted. Scholarship Management Services will review all applications based on three equally weighted measurements:

1) Financial need
2) Academic performance
3) Leadership, participation and other non-academic criteria

Find out more at https://www.scholarshipamerica.org/binc.

The Buick Achievers Scholarship Program is open to high school seniors or college undergraduates who plan to major in a specified course of study that focuses on Engineering, Technology, or select Design and Business-related programs of study.

Scholarships will be awarded based on participation and leadership in community and school activities, interest in the automotive industry, academic achievement, and financial need. Special consideration will be given to those who are 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 CBCF General Mills Health Scholarship Program, sponsored by General Mills, is open to students living in a Congressional Black Caucus district who plan to continue their education in the fields of medicine, engineering, technology, nutrition or another health-related field and have financial need. Applicants must be high school seniors or graduates or be current postsecondary undergraduates or graduate level students, who plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate or graduate study at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school for the entire upcoming academic year. Applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent). Review the guidelines and apply at sms.scholarshipamerica.org/cbcfgeneralmillshealth/.

For the 2013-14 academic year, TG's Charley Wootan Grant program will award $5 million in grants to students who are Texas residents. Grants will be split between students attending 2-year colleges or vocational schools and students attending 4-year universities.

The first-come, first-served, need-based grant program will provide up to $4,000 per successful applicant for the 2013-14 academic year.

To be 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 2013 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.

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

Scholarship America Dollars for Scholars will soon be accepting applications for the 2013 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.

Dr Pepper is sponsoring a nationwide promotion for the 2013 college football season in which they will give away over $750,000 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.

Information and submissions from the 2012 winners can be found at www.drpepper.com.

The Edison Scholars Program, sponsored by Edison International, is offering aspiring scientists, mathematicians and engineers scholarships to pursue their education at a four-year colleges or universities. Graduating high school seniors who show potential for success in college and have financial need are encouraged to apply for this scholarship. Eligible students must live in or attend a public or private high school in areas serviced by Southern California Edison (SCE) or attend an eligible high school in the designated area surrounding SCE’s San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS).

Thirty renewable scholarships of $10,000/year up to $40,000 or the attainment of a bachelor’s degree will be awarded. Detailed information, a list of eligible high schools, and an online application can be found at scholarshipamerica.org/edisonscholars.

The GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program, sponsored by The Ronald Reagan Foundation and GE, awarded $10,000 scholarships in 2013 to high school seniors in the United States.  The GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program is open to students who demonstrate the attributes of leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship similar to those exhibited by President Ronald Reagan.  Like President Reagan, candidates use the formative experiences of their youth to lead, serve, and pursue a life of purpose and significance, both individually and for their communities.  Renewable scholarships are offered for full-time study at an accredited four-year college or university in the United States.  For more information, visit  www.reaganfoundation.org/scholarships.  

The Generation Ali Global Citizenship Scholarship Program, sponsored by The Muhammad Ali Center, is offering scholarships inspired by Muhammad Ali’s six core principles: Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving, Respect, and Spirituality.  This scholarship program encourages the pursuit of greatness through education. 

The program is open to high school seniors or graduates or post-secondary students.  Students outside the United States must be in their final year of upper or higher secondary school or be a current undergraduate student attending school in the United States.  Students must plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school in the United States for the entire 2014-2015 academic year. 

Up to fifteen (15) scholarships of $10,000 will be awarded to students around the world.  For a full list of eligibility requirements and to apply, visit www.scholarshipamerica.org/generationali.

The Great Lakes National Scholarship Program, funded by the Great Lakes Educational Loan Services, Inc., is offering $2,500 scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students from across the country. 

The Great Lakes National Scholarship Program is open to high school seniors or graduates or current postsecondary undergraduates or graduate level students who are United States citizens or permanent residents. They must plan to enroll in a full-time STEM (science, technology, engineering or math) field of study at an accredited non-profit public or private two-year or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school in the United States for the entire 2013-2014 academic year. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent) is required along with demonstrated financial need.

Learn more at scholarshipamerica.org/greatlakes.

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. Find out more at vantagescholar.org.

*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 and are for tuition and fees only.

The ING Unsung Heroes program annually provides grants to K-12 educators utilizing new teaching methods and techniques to improve learning. Educators are welcome to submit grant applications describing projects they have initiated or would like to pursue. Each project is judged on its innovative method, creativity, and ability to positively influence students. Each year, one hundred educators are selected to receive $2,000 each to help fund their innovative class projects. Three recipients are then selected to receive additional top awards of $5,000, $10,000, and $25,000.

Applicants must be employed by an accredited K-12 public or private school located in the United States and must be full-time educators, teachers, principals, paraprofessionals, or classified staff with projects that improve student learning. More information is available at unsungheroes.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 jamesbeard.org/education/scholarships-and-grants or sms.scholarshipamerica.org/jamesbeard.

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 the fall.  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 in the fall; 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.

More information is available at sms.scholarshipamerica.org/nsacct.

The NSHMBA Foundation 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 2014. 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. Find out more at https://www.scholarshipamerica.org/nshmba.

The PG&E Bright Minds Scholarship Program, sponsored by Pacific Gas and Electric Company, is open to students living in a PG&E service area in California. 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 upcoming 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.

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, RAC Acceptance, 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.

Simon Youth Foundation® (SYF) 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. Visit SYF.org for more information on the Simon Youth Foundation Community Scholarship Program.

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 2013-14 school year . Applicants must also be U.S. citizens, be planning to enroll in full-time undergraduate study for the 2014-15 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.

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 2013, 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 2013-2014 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 2013, 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 2013-2014 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.

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.