AbijahSometimes, the only thing standing between you and your dream school isn’t grades, it’s money. But here’s the good news: it’s not too late to fix that. Whether you’re a high school senior, a grad student, or someone heading back to school after years away, there are still scholarships open this year that can make a real difference.
Let’s talk about fifteen of them, some big names, some hidden gems, all worth your time.
1. The Coca-Cola Scholars Program
This one’s legendary. Every year, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation awards $20,000 to high school seniors who’ve shown strong leadership and community involvement. It’s not just about grades—it’s about grit. If you’ve built something meaningful in your community or inspired others to act, this is your stage.
Deadline: October 31
Who can apply: U.S. high school seniors
2. The Gates Scholarship
Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this scholarship covers everything, tuition, housing, books, you name it for outstanding minority students from low-income families. It’s competitive, yes, but life-changing if you get it.
Deadline: January 2026 (still open this cycle)
Who can apply: U.S. citizens, Pell Grant–eligible, minority students
3. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship
If you’re the type who’s been acing classes but worrying about costs, this one’s made for you. The award can reach up to $55,000 per year and even includes counseling support.
Deadline: November 13
Who can apply: High-achieving high school seniors with financial need
4. Dell Scholars Program
You don’t need a perfect GPA, just perseverance. Dell Scholars get $20,000 plus a laptop and mentoring support. They actually care about your journey, not just your grades.
Deadline: December 1
Who can apply: U.S. students in approved college readiness programs
5. Horatio Alger National Scholarship
Life’s been tough? They want to hear about it. The Horatio Alger Scholarship celebrates students who’ve faced adversity with resilience and ambition. Awards can reach $25,000.
Deadline: March 15
Who can apply: U.S. high school juniors
6. Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship
This one doesn’t care if you’re part of the Elks club—it’s open to everyone. Awards range from $1,000 to $12,500 per year. Plus, there’s something heartwarming about their emphasis on leadership and service.
Deadline: November 5
Who can apply: U.S. high school seniors
7. Generation Google Scholarship
If you’re studying computer science or a related field, this one’s for you. Google offers $10,000 scholarships to students who break barriers in tech. And yes, diversity matters to them.
Deadline: Typically in December
Who can apply: Students in computer science programs
8. Burger King Scholars Program
You’ve probably passed a Burger King this week but did you know they hand out scholarships too? Awards range from $1,000 to $50,000. They reward hard work, whether in school, at a job, or through community service.
Deadline: December 15
Who can apply: High school seniors and Burger King employees’ families
9. The GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship
Named after President Ronald Reagan, this scholarship honors integrity, citizenship, and leadership. It’s worth up to $40,000 over four years.
Deadline: January 4
Who can apply: High school seniors with strong character and service
10. Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship
If you’re passionate about programming, this one can set you up for success. It offers $40,000 in scholarships plus a paid internship at Amazon real-world experience included.
Deadline: December 15
Who can apply: High school seniors pursuing computer science
11. The Fulbright U.S. Student Program
This is the one people whisper about in college halls. The Fulbright Program funds graduate students, artists, and young professionals to study or research abroad. It’s prestigious, yes, but surprisingly attainable if you’ve got a clear purpose.
Deadline: October (next cycle opens soon)
Who can apply: U.S. citizens with a bachelor’s degree
12. The Point Foundation Scholarship
If you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community and committed to leadership, this scholarship offers both funding and mentorship. It’s one of the few that really invests in your long-term potential.
Deadline: January 2026 (applications open soon)
Who can apply: LGBTQ+ students with academic merit
13. UNCF Scholarships
The United Negro College Fund runs dozens of scholarships for Black students. Awards vary, but many are still accepting applications this year. Don’t skip this one, it’s a network, not just a scholarship.
Deadline: Varies by program
Who can apply: Black students pursuing higher education
14. The Davidson Fellows Scholarship
Got an original project in science, tech, literature, or math? You could win up to $50,000. Think of it as the Oscars for teen innovators.
Deadline: February 13
Who can apply: Students under 18 with a completed project
15. The Taco Bell Live Más Scholarship
Here’s a fun one, you don’t even need perfect grades. You just submit a short video about your passion and how you’ll make an impact. Awards range from $5,000 to $25,000.
Deadline: January 17
Who can apply: Ages 16–26, U.S. citizens or legal residents
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be a straight-A student or a star athlete to earn funding. Many scholarships are about your story, what you’ve been through, how you’ve helped others, or what you dream of building.
So take a breath, grab that application, and go for it. Someone’s going to win these scholarships, why not you?
How to Win Fully Funded Scholarships in the USA, UK, and Canada
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