September 2026 Scholarships and Contests

The school year has begun in earnest for most of our teens, and for those at the end of their K-12 journey, the future is looming ahead. What’s next? College, military, work??? For those considering furthering their education at some level, then next question is “How do I pay for it?” Fortunately, there are millions of dollars out there to compete for. I have taken to using AI to help generate these lists of scholarships each month, but I check (and correct) every link before I send this off to post. However, please note that, on occasion, application submissions are cut off at a certain number and deadlines change, so always double check the scholarship website for the most up to date information.

This month, I would like to introduce you to appily. On this college informational website you can search colleges by major and cost, do virtual tours of colleges, search for scholarships your student qualifies for, and even complete your profile and have colleges compete for you by sending your direct admissions offers. They even discuss military options for paying for college!

Andrew S. Mathers Scholarship
Sponsor: Andrew S. Mathers, P.C.
Amount: $1,000
Closing Date: September 1, 2026
Description: High school and college students can apply for this scholarship, which considers merit, grit, financial need and academic standing. Applicants submit a 500-word minimum essay about the value of hard work, along with transcripts, employment history and a headshot. Applications may be emailed or mailed directly to the sponsor.

Stanford Advanced Materials College Scholarship
Sponsor: Stanford Advanced Materials
Amount: $1,000
Closing Date: September 1, 2026
Description: High school, community college, university and graduate students worldwide may compete for this award by submitting original work concerning the application of chemical materials in the medical industry. The sponsor encourages technically feasible projects with potential to improve medical technology. AI-generated content is prohibited.

Castagra Roofing Scholarship Program
Sponsor: Castagra Products
Amount: $1,500 for the winner; $500 runner-up
Closing Date: September 4, 2026
Description: Students pursuing college or vocational training in roofing or a related building-industry field can apply. Applicants should demonstrate an interest in innovation and/or sustainability. The application requires either a 500- to 1,000-word essay or a two- to four-minute video. U.S. and Canadian citizens and permanent residents are eligible.

W. Tong and A.C. Wong 2026 Legacy Scholarship
Sponsor: Tong Family
Amount: $5,000 each; four awards
Closing Date: September 6, 2026
Description: This scholarship is for high school seniors with at least a 3.5 GPA who are low-income, first-generation college students from immigrant families and at least 50% Southeast Asian descent. Applicants write about their background, family, education and goals. (Application is done only through bold.org.)

Forge2gether Essay Contest
Sponsor: Forge2gether
Amount: $10,000 in total prizes — $5,000 first place, $3,000 second place and $2,000 third place
Closing Date: September 8, 2026
Description: Open to U.S. high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors. Students are asked to have a meaningful conversation with someone whose background, culture, generation, beliefs or perspective differs substantially from their own and write about what they learned from the experience.

NSHSS Activism and Advocacy Scholarship 2026
Sponsor: National Society of High School Scholars
Amount: Varies
Closing Date: September 8, 2026
Description: This opportunity recognizes NSHSS high school members who have demonstrated a commitment to activism, advocacy and making a positive difference. Students should check the sponsor’s scholarship page for the current award amount and application requirements.

Youth Free Expression Film Contest
Sponsor: National Coalition Against Censorship and New York Film Academy
Amount: $1,000, $500 and $250 cash prizes, plus a New York Film Academy scholarship for first place
Closing Date: September 9, 2026
Description: Young filmmakers age 19 or younger living in the United States or its territories can create a documentary of six minutes or less addressing this year’s theme, “Documenting our Democracy.” The contest is free to enter, and films may be created by individuals or teams.

Bick First Generation Scholarship
Sponsor: Bick Charitable Foundation
Amount: $5,000; six awards
Closing Date: September 9, 2026
Description: This award is designed for first-generation college students who are high school students or already enrolled in college or trade school. Applicants should demonstrate the determination and resilience involved in being the first person in their family to pursue higher education. (Application is done only through bold.org.)

Marcia Bick Scholarship
Sponsor: Bick Charitable Foundation
Amount: $5,000; six awards
Closing Date: September 9, 2026
Description: High school seniors with financial need who plan to attend college or trade school may apply. The scholarship is intended to help disadvantaged or financially challenged students pursue higher education. Students particularly strong in mathematics or quantitative sciences and those from the New York tri-state area are encouraged to apply, although the opportunity is not limited to those groups. (Application is done only through bold.org.)

Headway’s Book Lovers Scholarship
Sponsor: Headway
Amount: $1,500
Closing Date: September 15, 2026
Description: Students at least 16 years old who are in their final year of high school or enrolled in college, university or vocational school can submit either an essay or video describing their vision for a nonfiction book that could become a timeless handbook for humanity. Applicants need a 3.0 GPA and should demonstrate leadership at school or in their community.

NSHSS Claes Nobel Good Earth Sustainability Scholarship
Sponsor: National Society of High School Scholars
Amount: Five awards of $2,000
Closing Date: September 15, 2026
Description: NSHSS members graduating in 2026, 2027, 2028 or 2029 can compete for this scholarship by demonstrating their commitment to environmental sustainability and the protection of the planet. NSHSS membership is required.

The Gates Scholarship
Sponsor: The Gates Foundation
Amount: Full cost of attendance not covered by other financial aid
Closing Date: September 15, 2026
Description: This highly competitive, last-dollar scholarship is for outstanding high school seniors from low-income households. Applicants must be Pell-eligible, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, have at least a 3.3 weighted GPA, and demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership and personal success skills.

NSHSS Foundation Business & Public Policy Scholarship
Sponsor: National Society of High School Scholars Foundation
Amount: Two awards of $1,000
Closing Date: September 22, 2026
Description: Open to high school students of all grade levels with a minimum 3.0 GPA who intend to study business, business administration, finance, economics or public policy. Applicants submit an essay explaining their interest and dedication to the field.

NSHSS Poetry Scholarship 2026
Sponsor: National Society of High School Scholars
Amount: Two awards of $2,000
Closing Date: September 24, 2026
Description: NSHSS members graduating in 2026, 2027, 2028 or 2029 can submit an original poem in any style, along with an artist statement, transcript, resume and educator recommendation.

$1,000 High School Student Athlete Scholarship
Sponsor: SuperCollege
Amount: $1,000
Closing Date: September 30, 2026
Description: Any U.S. high school student who plays sports may apply, and parents may submit an application on behalf of their student athlete. The scholarship is intended for students who hope to continue their athletic participation in college.

$1,000 Pay It Forward Scholarship
Sponsor: Niche
Amount: $1,000
Closing Date: September 30, 2026
Description: High school students can enter this scholarship sweepstakes by sharing information about themselves and helping Niche learn more about students and their college-search needs. The contest runs through September 30.

$2,500 Breaking Barriers Scholarship Giveaway
Sponsor: Ascent Funding and GMAC
Amount: $2,500
Closing Date: September 30, 2026
Description: Students at least 14 years old who are enrolled at least half-time in high school, a degree program or technical-skills training program can enter. The scholarship is open to U.S. and D.C. residents and does not require an essay. Parents of eligible students may also enter.

Alberta Bean Memorial Scholarship
Sponsor: Breanna Lee
Amount: $1,000
Closing Date: September 30, 2026
Description: High school and undergraduate students who are first-generation college students can apply for this scholarship, which honors Alberta Bean by supporting students who are the first in their families to pursue a college degree. (Application is done only through bold.org.)

Ascent & Polygence Pursue Your Passion Scholarship Giveaway
Sponsor: Ascent Funding and Polygence
Amount: $1,000
Closing Date: September 30, 2026
Description: Students ages 14 and older who are enrolled at least half-time in high school, college or technical-skills training can enter for a chance to win $1,000 to pursue a passion in science, technology, the arts, entrepreneurship or another field. No essay is required.

Building Bridges Scholarship
Sponsor: National Parent Volunteer Association
Amount: $1,000
Closing Date: September 30, 2026
Description: High school juniors and seniors, undergraduate students and graduate students with a minimum 2.5 GPA can apply. The scholarship recognizes students involved in their communities and committed to making a difference.

Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship
Sponsor: Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
Amount: $20,000
Closing Date: September 30, 2026
Description: The Coca-Cola Scholars Program awards 150 achievement-based scholarships to high school seniors who demonstrate leadership, service and a commitment to making a significant difference in their schools and communities. Students must be graduating during the 2026-27 school year and have at least a 3.0 GPA.

College JumpStart Pay It Forward Scholarship
Sponsor: College JumpStart
Amount: $1,000
Closing Date: September 30, 2026
Description: Current high school students in grades 10-12 and college students can write about a time when someone’s kindness inspired them to pay it forward. Applicants may also write about another topic if they prefer. Financial need and grades are not considered.

Cochlear Academic and Vocational Scholarships
Sponsor: Cochlear Americas
Amount: Up to $2,000 per year for vocational scholarships; academic awards also available
Closing Date: September 30, 2026
Description: Graduating high school seniors and college or graduate students who are recipients of qualifying Cochlear hearing implants can apply. Applicants must be U.S. or Canadian citizens and have at least a 3.0 GPA. The scholarship program recognizes academic achievement, leadership and community involvement.

College Raptor $2,500 Scholarship Contest
Sponsor: College Raptor
Amount: $2,500
Closing Date: September 30, 2026
Description: U.S. students and prospective students age 16 and older can enter by using College Raptor’s college-search tools and submitting an essay. Entrants must be enrolled or intending to enroll in an accredited post-secondary program no later than fall 2028. The contest is open to residents of the 50 states, D.C. and U.S. territories.

Conquering Cancer Scholarship
Sponsor: The Hoffman Firm
Amount: $1,000
Closing Date: September 30, 2026
Description: Students who have personally experienced cancer or have an immediate family member who has faced a cancer diagnosis can apply. Applicants must be at least 17 and be U.S. citizens who are enrolled or planning to enroll in an undergraduate or graduate program. The essay asks students to consider how society talks about cancer and cancer survivors.

Don’t Text and Drive Scholarship
Sponsor: Digital Responsibility
Amount: $1,000
Closing Date: September 30, 2026
Description: Open to U.S. high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors, as well as college and graduate students. Applicants write about the dangers and consequences of texting while driving. Homeschool students are eligible, and there is no age limit.

Dr Pepper Tuition Giveaway
Sponsor: Dr Pepper
Amount: Up to $100,000 in tuition
Closing Date: September 30, 2026 (Opens Sept. 1)
Description: Students ages 18-24 can compete for tuition money by submitting a short video explaining their goals, financial need and personal story. Finalists compete during a college football conference championship event.

Future Web Developers Scholarship
Sponsor: HostingAdvice.com
Amount: $1,000
Closing Date: September 30, 2026
Description: This opportunity is aimed at students pursuing computer-science-related fields such as web development, software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, networking or data analytics. High school seniors may apply if they are future college students. A 3.5 GPA is required.

I Can Do Anything Scholarship
Sponsor: The Scholarship Collective
Amount: $500; two awards
Closing Date: September 30, 2026
Description: High school, undergraduate, community college and trade-school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents can apply. Students must be enrolled or planning to enroll in college and answer a short question about their biggest goal in life.

L. Ron Hubbard’s Illustrators of the Future Contest
Sponsor: Writers of the Future
Amount: Three quarterly prizes of $500; annual grand prize of an additional $5,000
Closing Date: September 30, 2026
Description: New science-fiction and fantasy artists worldwide can submit three original illustrations. Both color and black-and-white artwork are accepted, and the contest is free to enter. AI-generated art is not accepted.

L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers of the Future Contest
Sponsor: Writers of the Future
Amount: $1,000, $750 and $500 quarterly prizes; annual grand prize of an additional $5,000
Closing Date: September 30, 2026
Description: New and amateur science-fiction and fantasy writers can submit an original story of up to 17,000 words. The contest is free to enter, and entrants retain their publication rights. The fourth-quarter contest runs July 1 through September 30.

Live Deliberately Essay Contest
Sponsor: The Walden Woods Project
Amount: $500
Closing Date: September 30, 2026
Description: Students compete in two age categories, 14-16 and 17-18, by writing an essay inspired by Henry David Thoreau’s ideas about simplicity, intentionality and living deliberately. One winner in each age group receives $500 and an annotated edition of Walden.

No Sweat Scholarship
Sponsor: Cirkled In
Amount: $2,500
Closing Date: September 30, 2026
Description: Students age 13 and older who are currently enrolled in grades 8-12 can apply by creating a free Cirkled In profile and completing their student portfolio. There is no GPA, income or essay requirement.

QuestBridge National College Match
Sponsor: QuestBridge
Amount: Full four-year scholarship; amount varies by college
Closing Date: September 30, 2026
Description: High-achieving high school seniors from low-income backgrounds can apply through the National College Match for admission and a full four-year scholarship to one of QuestBridge’s participating college partners. The application is free.

Ripple Effect Scholarship
Sponsor: Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia
Amount: $1,000
Closing Date: September 30, 2026
Description: This scholarship supports students whose families have been deeply affected by a parent becoming impaired following a car accident. Applicants may be current high school seniors, vocational students, college students or graduate students, although they must be enrolled in a vocational program or two- or four-year post-secondary institution.

Sharon Oshatz Memorial Scholarship
Sponsor: First Aid & CPR, LLC
Amount: $500
Closing Date: September 30, 2026
Description: High school seniors planning careers as EMTs, paramedics, firefighters or law-enforcement officers can apply. The scholarship honors Sharon Oshatz, who spent much of her career teaching CPR, first aid and EMT courses. (Application is done only through bold.org.)

Teaching Technicians Scholarship
Sponsor: Ryan Noyes
Amount: $500
Closing Date: September 30, 2026
Description: High school seniors and college students with at least a 3.25 GPA and volunteering experience may apply if they are pursuing healthcare engineering, technology management or electrical engineering technology. (Application is done only through bold.org.)

Contests Especially for Younger Children

Story Lab 500-Word Writing Contest
Sponsor: Young Writers USA
Amount: Five prizes of $100 and a trophy
Closing Date: September 11, 2026
Description: Children ages 7-18 in the United States can submit an original story of up to 500 words on any age-appropriate theme. The contest is free to enter, and every entrant receives a bookmark.

SpeechMaze Youth Speaking Championship
Sponsor: TalkMaze
Amount: More than $600 in prizes
Closing Date: September 30, 2026
Description: Children ages 5-14 can participate in this online public-speaking competition. The free contest gives young speakers an opportunity to demonstrate creativity, communication skills and leadership through a prepared speech.

Breakthrough Junior Challenge
Sponsor: Breakthrough Prize Foundation
Amount: $250,000 post-secondary scholarship
Closing Date: September 15, 2026
Description: Students ages 13-18 create a three-minute video explaining a challenging concept or theory in mathematics, physics or the life sciences. The winner receives a $250,000 post-secondary scholarship.

Candace Freeland Photography of Merit Award
Sponsor: The Mitford Museum & Discovery Center
Amount: Varies by age group
Closing Date: September 1, 2026
Description: U.S. photographers ages 8-22 can submit black-and-white or color photographs taken with a cell phone. This year’s theme is “Food and Family.”