Top Scholarships Every Educator Should Share with Students

College costs continue to rise, making scholarships critical for helping students afford higher education. This post highlights why scholarships matter, the role educators play in guiding students through the process, and a curated list of national and STEM-focused scholarships that can make college more accessible. It also offers practical guidance on starting early, using trusted resources, and supporting students from a wide range of backgrounds as they navigate scholarship and financial aid opportunities.

Key Takeaways

• Scholarships are essential tools for reducing college costs and limiting student debt, especially as tuition continues to rise and many families face financial hardship.
• Early and strategic scholarship planning is critical. Starting the search early in high school increases students’ chances of managing deadlines effectively and securing multiple scholarships.
• Educators play a vital role in guiding students through the scholarship process, helping them identify opportunities and prepare strong applications.
• Specialized scholarships support underrepresented and underserved groups, including students from low-income backgrounds, helping to address barriers to higher education.
• A wide variety of scholarships exist—from academic merit awards to STEM-specific and leadership-based programs—and using trusted resources can help students find the right fit for their goals.

According to research, the average cost of college ranges from $10,000 to $40,000 a year with many factors changing the sticker price, such as whether a school is private or public as well as whether the student qualifies for in-state or out-of-state tuition. For many families, this educational price tag can be discouraging. Financial hardship should not deter a student from persisting in college; unfortunately, it is a reality that students and their families often face. Every student deserves access to the opportunities that postsecondary education provides without the burden of staggering and rising tuition costs.

Why Scholarships Matter

Finances

Today, more than half of college students graduate with student loan debt. Scholarships serve as a key solution by offering financial aid that does not require repayment, reducing the need for student loans. Whether awarded based on merit, financial need, or a specific field of study, scholarships help ease the overall debt burden, making higher education more accessible for students who face rising tuition costs. Scholarships are essential in enhancing both the affordability and accessibility of a college education.

Persistence

Scholarships not only ease the financial burden of college, but also play an important role in student persistence and success. Research shows that students who receive scholarships are more likely to stay enrolled and complete their degrees, as financial stress is a leading factor in college dropout rates. When students don’t have to worry about finances, they can focus more on their college experience and academics.

Support

There have long been obstacles for underrepresented groups in accessing higher education. We can’t ignore these obstacles and as a response, scholarships that are designed for underrepresented groups play a huge role in the success of students. Scholarships can empower all students to pursue higher education, but for some students, they can open doors to a myriad of opportunities that seemed out of reach.

Start Early

Securing scholarships requires careful planning, making it essential for students to start their search early. Beginning the process in high school gives students ample time to research opportunities, prepare strong applications, and meet deadlines. Early preparation increases the chances of securing multiple scholarships, further reducing college costs and ensuring a smoother path to graduation.

Top National Scholarships to Share with Students

Several scholarship programs provide invaluable financial support to students, each with a unique mission to help them achieve their educational goals and reach their full potential. Below, we explore a few prominent scholarships that cater to a range of student circumstances, from leadership abilities to overcoming personal and financial challenges.

Top National Scholarships to Share with Students

Several scholarship programs provide invaluable financial support to students, each with a unique mission to help them achieve their educational goals and reach their full potential. Below, we explore a few prominent scholarships that cater to a range of student circumstances, from leadership abilities to overcoming personal and financial challenges.

The Gates Scholarship (TGS)

This is a highly competitive, last-dollar scholarship designed to support outstanding minority high school seniors from low-income backgrounds. Each year, this prestigious scholarship is awarded to exceptional student leaders with the intent of helping them unlock their full potential. TGS provides comprehensive financial support to ensure that students can focus on their academic and professional goals without the burden of financial constraints. Learn more about The Gates Scholarship.

The Dell Scholars Program

This scholarship takes a personalized approach to supporting students. Recognizing that every college experience is unique, the program aims to ease the financial challenges many students face. The $20,000 flexible scholarship covers tuition, housing, and additional educational expenses, including a laptop, book credits, and emergency funds. This comprehensive support allows recipients to focus on their studies rather than financial concerns. Explore the Dell Scholars Program.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program

This is an achievement-based scholarship that recognizes exceptional high school seniors for their leadership abilities, community service, and dedication to making a positive impact on their schools and communities. With over 7,000 scholars supported since its inception, the program awards 150 students annually a $20,000 scholarship. This initiative highlights the foundation’s commitment to empowering young leaders to continue their education and make meaningful contributions to society. This is an achievement-based scholarship that recognizes exceptional high school seniors for their leadership abilities, community service, and dedication to making a positive impact on their schools and communities. With over 7,000 scholars supported since its inception, the program awards 150 students annually a $20,000 scholarship. This initiative highlights the foundation’s commitment to empowering young leaders to continue their education and make meaningful contributions to society. Find out more about the Coca-Cola Scholars Program.

Horatio Alger Scholarships

This program provides financial assistance to students who demonstrate perseverance in overcoming adversity. While many scholarships focus on academic achievements or leadership potential, the Horatio Alger Scholarships are unique in their emphasis on students facing financial hardship. These scholarships support students who have shown resilience and determination, providing them with the resources needed to succeed in higher education and beyond. Learn more about the Horatio Alger Scholarships.

The QuestBridge Match Scholarship

This is one of the most competitive and prestigious scholarship programs in the United States. Designed to connect outstanding students from low-income backgrounds with top universities, this program provides recipients with early admission and a full four-year, no-loan scholarship covering tuition, room, and board. While the program is open to all high-achieving students, some university partners have citizenship restrictions that may limit eligibility for non-US citizens. Although there are no strict academic or financial cutoffs, most recipients are exceptionally talented students who have demonstrated both academic excellence and financial need. Learn more about the QuestBridge Match Scholarship.

The Posse Scholarship

This scholarship is offered by the Posse Foundation. This full-tuition leadership scholarship identifies and supports students with extraordinary leadership potential who might otherwise be overlooked by traditional college admissions processes. Unlike traditional merit-based scholarships, the Posse model is unique—it selects students in cohorts (or “posses”) of 10 students per college. These groups receive pre-collegiate training, mentorship, and networking opportunities, helping them navigate college and succeed as future leaders. The Posse Foundation partners with universities across the country. Discover more about the Posse Scholarship.

STEM-Focused Scholarships

STEM scholarships are designed to support students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. STEM scholarships can be awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, or specific criteria related to the STEM discipline being pursued. They are essential for reducing the financial barriers that may prevent talented students from pursuing careers in high-demand fields like engineering, computer science, biology, and mathematics.

The Amazon Future Engineer Program

This scholarship helps students pursuing degrees in engineering and computer science by offering up to $40,000 in scholarship funding (up to $10,000 per year). In addition to the scholarship, students are offered a summer internship at Amazon and are supported by industry mentors. This scholarship is a valuable opportunity for students looking to gain hands-on experience in the tech industry. Explore the Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship.

Scholarships for Undocumented Students

Undocumented students often face financial barriers because they are not eligible for federal financial aid like US citizens or legal residents. Scholarships provide essential funding that can help cover tuition, books, and living expenses, making it possible for them to pursue higher education. Scholarships can provide undocumented students with a sense of validation and recognition. Knowing that they are deserving of opportunities like their peers can increase their self-esteem, motivation, and overall success in school.

TheDream.US Opportunity Scholarship Program

bachelor’s degree at participating colleges. Eligibility requirements include being undocumented, having DACA or TPS, arriving in the US before the age of 16, being a high school senior or GED holder, demonstrating financial need, and being eligible for in-state tuition at a participating college. Applicants are evaluated based on academic performance, community service, and how they have overcome challenges related to their undocumented status. For more information, visit TheDream.US.

Federal and State Financial Aid

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) plays a crucial role in helping students minimize college debt by providing access to various forms of financial aid such as Federal Grants and Work-Study. Some scholarships require FAFSA completion as part of their application process, increasing the chances of receiving free money to pay for college. Many states and colleges use FAFSA data to determine eligibility for state-based financial aid programs and institutional scholarships. These funds can further reduce the need for student loans. For more information about FAFSA, read A Guide to the New Better FAFSA and 6 Main FAFSA Challenges.

Aid for OneGoal Students

Being part of OneGoal can help alleviate college costs. In Chicago, OneGoal has partnered with several state universities offering students scholarships simply for participating in the program. Additionally, OneGoal provides an Enrollment Grant, which helps cover qualifying financial expenses such as books, school fees, and other college or postsecondary program costs to support student enrollment and persistence in college or other postsecondary programs. These initiatives not only provide financial support but also create valuable opportunities for students to pursue higher education with greater ease and confidence.
There is a wide range of scholarships available, both regionally and nationally. And there are a plethora of websites that can be helpful. Personally, I find College Boards – Big Future to be an asset in helping students identify scholarships that are most beneficial to their unique needs and aspirations. Given the sheer number of scholarships available, the process can feel overwhelming, so understanding each student’s needs and goals is essential. By doing so, educators can guide students in the right direction, helping them navigate the options effectively and maximizing their chances for success.

Turning Opportunity Into Access Through Scholarships

Scholarships can be the difference between a student pursuing higher education with confidence or feeling blocked by cost. By starting the scholarship conversation early, sharing trusted opportunities, and helping students navigate applications for financial aid like FAFSA, educators play a direct role in reducing college debt and increasing persistence. From nationally recognized programs to STEM-focused scholarships, the right guidance helps students find funding that aligns with their goals, backgrounds, and needs, making college more accessible and attainable for all.

Q&A

What types of scholarships are available to students?

There are scholarships based on merit, financial need, leadership, specific fields like STEM, and for overcoming personal or financial challenges.

Can scholarships fully cover college expenses?

While not guaranteed, scholarships can significantly reduce costs. Combined with other financial aid, they can make college much more affordable.

Why is FAFSA important?

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is essential for accessing federal, state, and institutional financial aid, and is often required for scholarship applications.

Are there scholarships specifically for STEM students?

Yes, scholarships like the Generation Google Scholarship and Amazon Future Engineer Program support students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math.

What makes the scholarship search process overwhelming for students?

The sheer number of scholarships and websites about scholarships can be daunting. Personalized guidance and trusted tools help students navigate their options more effectively.

Monica Selagea grew up in Chicago and attended Columbia College in Chicago and DePaul University. She is currently a high school teacher in Chicago and a Program Director for OneGoal. She also teaches at the City Colleges of Chicago.

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