3 Scholarships for Freshmen in Highschool – Check Details

Starting in your first year of high school, students can apply for a lot of scholarships! You have more time to search for scholarships that are a good fit for you if you apply for them in your freshman year of high school.

Scholarships for Freshmen in Highschool

It only takes a little of preparation and application to take advantage of the many businesses and organizations that provide fantastic scholarships to high school students.

Here are our top scholarship picks for high school freshmen, along with some pointers on how to submit an effective application.

1. John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest

The winning essay in the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest is awarded a scholarship. “Describe an act of political courage by a U.S. elected politician who served during or after 1917,” reads the requirement for the essay.

It must cite a minimum of five sources, which may be drawn from letters, books, newspaper articles, government records, reports, or personal interviews.

Benefits

$10,000, $3,000, $1,000, or $100 depending on what place

Eligibility

• 9th–12th grade
• U.S. students under the age of 20 enrolled in a high school correspondence/GED program in the U.S. or U.S. citizens attending schools overseas.

Requirements

700-1,000 word essay with five sources properly cited

2. Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes

Have you ever organized a volunteer effort? 25 children from around the United States and Canada are recognized with the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes each year for their contributions to their communities and/or the environment.

Since 2000, 498 students have received the Barron Prize, worth more than $500,000 in total. Candidates that exhibit heroic traits like bravery, kindness, and endurance are chosen.

Benefits

Amount: $10,000

Eligibility

• Ages 8-18
• Permanent residents of the U.S. or Canada
• Currently working on an inspiring service project or have done so within the past 12 months.
• Working as an individual to lead Barron’s service work. The Barron Prize does not accept applications from large groups of young people.

Requirements

• Completed application form
• Project summary (250 word limit)
• Project essay (1,500 word limit)
• Letter from the lead reference
• Two additional letters of recommendation

3. Think for Yourself Scholarship

With intriguing prompts like “Some people say young people should be shielded from controversial books, ideas, or speakers,” because these could be traumatizing or offensive.

Let Grow’s “Think For Yourself” essay contest invites students to consider issues like the importance of free speech, curiosity, and open-mindedness. If anyone could choose who you could be exposed to, who would it be? Why?

Benefits

• $5,000 for first place
• $1,000 for three runner-ups

Eligibility

• At least 13 years of age or older
• U.S. legal resident 
• Must enroll no later than the fall of 2026 in a post-secondary institution of higher education (2 or 4 year college or university, trade school, online or vocational school program).

Requirements

 500-800 word essay on one of the nine prompts

We are glad to be a part of your of your academic endeavor. Be sure to reach out to your high school counselor to learn about local opportunities.

CSN Team.