• General Scholarships

     

     
    General Scholarships are usually offered by businesses and organizations and are not tied to a specific college. They can be either merit or need based, and can be restricted to students who meet specific criteria. Most of the general scholarships are for seniors only. A small number of the scholarships and awards listed are for students in grades 9-12, so please check the specific criteria.

    SunTrust Off to College Scholarship Sweepstakes awards $1,000 plus a $250 SunTrust Gift Card.  Fifteen chances to win- one winner every two weeks, from Oct – May.

    The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is a nationwide program that recognizes young people in grades 5–12 who are volunteering in their local communities.  Students must apply online by November 5.  The school must certify your application, so contact me if you plan to apply.  State Honorees will receive $1000 and an all-expense-paid trip with a parent or guardian to Washington, D.C.  National Honorees receive additional $5000 awards and a $5000 grant to the nonprofit charitable organization of their choice.

    The J.L. Bedsole Scholarship has a 3-phase application process, and Phase I deadline is November 29. The Bedsole Foundation will award up to 40 scholarships with a maximum value of $6000 (renewable) to Mobile, Baldwin, Washington, Clarke or Monroe County students. Based on financial need, 2.5 GPA, minimum 21 ACT, demonstrated leadership and community service.

    The Walmart Foundation offers scholarship programs that benefit qualified Walmart associates and their high school senior dependents. Various deadlines.  Check website for details.

    The Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship awards 500 $4,000-$50,000 scholarships to students with good grades, leadership, and financial need. Dec. 6.

     AXA Achievement Scholarship offers college scholarships of $10,000 and $25,000 to high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their activities in school, the community or the workplace. Sponsored by the AXA Foundation, in association with U.S. News & World Report.  Dec 15.

    The 2014 NFIB Young Entrepreneur Award will recognize high school seniors who own their own small business with scholarships from $1000-10,000. December 18.

    The Foot Locker Scholar Athletes program honors athletes for demonstrating excellence in school, on their sports team, and in their communities. This award celebrates YOU--not necessarily because you scored the winning touchdown or goal--but because sports have helped you grow into a strong leader in your community.  They will award 20- $20,000 scholarships.  Due December 19.

    Imagine America scholarship program awards up to three $1000 scholarships to each school in America for students pursuing careers in a technical field.  This requires a 2.5 GPA, demonstrated financial need, and community service.  Dec. 31.

    Free Speech Essay Contest will award multiple scholarships up to $10,000 for essays written on the topic "Why is Free Speech Important at Our Nation's Colleges and Universities?"  Due January 1.

    Ron Brown Scholar Program provides scholarships to academically talented, highly motivated African American students who plan to pursue undergraduate degrees full-time.  Final deadline is January 9.

    Smith Foundation will award up to $15,000 per year renewable.  Requires C+ average and significant service to family or community.  Must attend a 4-year college in Alabama.  Due January 15.

    ROTC Scholarships are available at colleges and universities nationwide, and typically cover full tuition, textbooks, fees, living allowance, and summer training. Navy ROTC requires a 22 ACT in English and 21 in Math, and is due Jan. 31. Army ROTC requires a 2.5 GPA and 19 ACT, due Jan. 10.  Air Force ROTC requires 26 ACT and 3.0 GPA, due December 1.

    The annual John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest invites high school students from across the nation to write an original essay about an elected official who has demonstrated political courage.  $500 - $10,000.  Jan. 6.

    The GE—Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program rewards up to 20 student leaders who demonstrate exemplary leadership, drive, integrity and citizenship with $10,000 renewable scholarships.  Jan. 9.

    Linly Heflin Foundation - $3000 per year for four years to Alabama women who have both significant economic need and a sound academic record. Minimum 23 ACT. Deadline is January 10.

    Gates Millennium Scholars – full scholarship for African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American, or Hispanic American with 3.3 GPA,  leadership, and financial need;  Jan. 15. 

    Nominations are open for 2014 Young Heroes of Alabama.  Selection is based on scholarship, community/school service, and having excelled despite some sort of extreme adversity.  Such adversity could range from an unstable home environment to physical or mental challenges to personal tragedy.  Jan. 31.

    The DuPont Challenge Science Essay Competition - 1,000-word limit reflecting enthusiasm, research, and interest in studying and presenting a fascinating aspect of science or technology.  Awards from $200-$5000.  Jan. 31.

    AXA Achievers Community Scholarship is for students with ambition and drive, determination to set and reach goals, and the ability to succeed at college.  Multiple $2000 awards.  Feb. 1.

    The Dixie Youth Baseball Scholarships for students who played Dixie Youth before age 13. Last year they awarded 65- $2000 scholarships.  February 1. 

    Alabama Municipal Electric Authority awards multiple $2500 scholarships to their customers on Riviera Utilities.  Requires good grades and ACT score, financial need, community involvement and service.  Must attend college or technical school in Alabama.  Feb. 3.

    Monsanto will award $1500 to students pursuing ag careers. Three farmer endorsements required. Feb. 8.

    Mediacom will award up to 60-$1000 scholarships to seniors based on academics, leadership, and a personal essay. Feb. 15.

    Auburn University Department of Chemical Engineering offers 45- $1000 scholarships.  Students must specify pre-chemical engineering as their major to be automatically considered through AUSOM.  March 1.

    The Home Builders Association of Alabama scholarship applies to real estate, marketing, accounting, interior design, drafting, engineering, building science, architecture, plumbing, landscaping, heating and air, carpentry and brick masonry. Must attend a school in Alabama.  Mar. 15.

    College Counts Scholarship will award $4000 to 4-year college enrollees or $2000 for community and technical college enrollees.  Requires financial need, ACT of 26 or below, and minimum GPA of 2.75.  Must attend school in Alabama.  Opens January 1—March 19. 

    The Alabama Commission on Higher Education has a large list of scholarships.  This includes G.I. Dependents, children of blind parents, children or grandchildren of WWI, WWII, Korean, or Vietnam War veterans, and survivors of firefighters or police officers killed in the line of duty.

    These scholarship searches are worth your time: fastweb.com, studentscholarships.org, and College Board Scholarship Search. 

    All US Service Academies—US Coast Guard Academy, US Military Academy, US Naval Academy, and US Merchant Marine Academy—award full tuition scholarships. 

     

    The G.I. Dependents’ Scholarship Program offers scholarship assistance to the dependents of veterans who are 20% disabled and meet residency requirements.  See me for details, call (334)242-5077, or see the local Veteran Service Officer at the Baldwin County Courthouse.