Securing funding for education in the United States is a key goal for students and families. Scholarships provide a vital pathway to fund educational goals, covering costs from private K-12 tuition to college expenses. This guide focuses on specific scholarships available to students within the U.S.
The awards in this list cover two main categories: state-specific programs and national awards. State-specific scholarships, such as the Utah Fits All and Florida Unique Abilities, are restricted to residents of those states, often for K-12 education. Other awards, like the Abbott and Fenner Scholarship, are open to high school and college students across the country.
To find the best fit, you must review the key eligibility criteria for each scholarship. This post outlines the requirements, award amounts, and application details for nine different U.S.-based opportunities. Pay close attention to deadlines and gather your required documents, such as transcripts, essays, and proof of residency.
1. Utah Fits All Scholarship
This program provides a scholarship for K-12 students in Utah for various educational expenses.
- Key Eligibility:
- Applies to: Utah residents.
- Level: Students in Kindergarten through 12th grade.
- Focus: Provides funds for educational options, including private school tuition and homeschooling expenses.
- Coverage: The scholarship funds $8,000 per eligible student for the academic year.
- University: This is a state K-12 program, not for a specific university.
- Official Link: For full eligibility details and to apply: Apply now
2. McKay Scholarship
This scholarship provides funding for eligible Florida students with disabilities to attend a participating private school or a different public school.
- Key Eligibility:
- Applies to: Students in Florida (Pre-K through 12).
- Requirement: Must have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 accommodation plan.
- Status: Must have spent the prior school year attending a Florida public school.
- Coverage: The scholarship amount varies based on the student’s disability level and the county.
- University: This program is for K-12 education in Florida.
- Official Link: To check requirements and apply now: Apply now
3. Florida Unique Abilities Scholarship
The FES-UA program (formerly Gardiner) allows parents to personalize the education of their children with unique abilities.
- Key Eligibility:
- Applies to: Florida residents aged 3 years old through 12th grade.
- Requirement: Must have a diagnosed disability, such as autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, or Down syndrome.
- Coverage: Provides an education savings account (ESA) to pay for approved services, therapies, and tuition.
- University: This is a K-12 program.
- Official Link: Get the official guide and application: Apply now
4. Voice of Democracy Scholarship
This is an audio-essay competition for high school students sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).
- Key Eligibility:
- Applies to: Students in grades 9-12.
- Requirement: Must be enrolled in a public, private, or parochial high school or home study program in the U.S.
- Task: Requires writing and recording a 3-5 minute audio essay on a specific patriotic theme.
- Coverage: The national first-place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to their U.S. college.
- University: The award can be used at any U.S. college, university, or vocational/technical school.
- Official Link: Find the theme and entry rules: Apply now
5. Patrick Corbett Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship honors the memory of Patrick Corbett by supporting students who demonstrate specific values or academic interests.
- Key Eligibility:
- Applies to: (User must fill in student level, e.g., High school seniors).
- Requirement: Often requires an essay on a topic related to the scholarship’s theme.
- Coverage: (User must fill in the specific award amount, e.g., $1,000).
- University: (User must fill in if it’s for a specific university or open to all).
- Official Link: For 2026 application details: Apply now
6. Dubuque Iowa Scholarships
This represents various scholarships managed by foundations, such as the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, for local students.
- Key Eligibility:
- Applies to: High school students and graduating seniors in Dubuque, Iowa.
- Requirement: Criteria vary and can be based on three factors: merit, financial need, or field of study.
- Coverage: Award amounts vary from $500 to several thousand dollars depending on the specific fund.
- University: Typically for use at any accredited U.S. college or university.
- Official Link: Find the consolidated application portal: Apply now
7. Abbott and Fenner Scholarship
An annual scholarship for high school and college students run by the A&F consulting firm.
- Key Eligibility:
- Applies to: High school juniors, seniors, and current college students.
- Requirement: Must submit an essay of 500-1000 words on a specific topic listed on their website.
- Location: Open to all U.S. residents.
- Coverage: The scholarship provides a $1,000 award.
- University: The award can be used at any accredited college or university.
- Official Link: For essay topics and application: Apply now
8. NYADI High School Scholarship
This scholarship is for students who wish to attend the New York Automotive & Diesel Institute (NYADI).
- Key Eligibility:
- Applies to: Graduating high school seniors.
- Requirement: Must take the NYADI scholarship test.
- Interest: Must plan to enroll in a NYADI program, such as Automotive Technology or Diesel Technology.
- Coverage: Awards include Full, Half, and Quarter tuition scholarships, plus a $1,000 test bonus.
- University: This scholarship is exclusively for the New York Automotive & Diesel Institute (NYADI).
- Official Link: For 2026 test dates and details: Apply now
9. University of La Verne Scholarships
This university offers a range of institutional awards for new and continuing students based on merit and performance.
- Key Eligibility:
- Applies to: Incoming freshmen, transfer students, and graduate students.
- Requirement: Merit scholarships are automatically awarded based on GPA and test scores (if submitted).
- Other awards: Performance awards are available for talents in music, theatre, and forensics.
- Coverage: Merit awards for undergraduates range from $10,000 to $30,000 per year.
- University: These scholarships are exclusively for the University of La Verne.
- Official Link: See the full list of merit and performance awards:Apply now
