Warrior Scholarship Bulletin - September 2025
Seniors! YIKES!! Where has the time gone? It’s time to start applying to college for the next chapter of your lives! This bulletin covers the first steps in applying to college and scholarships.
Steps in Applying to College:
1. Completely fill out the college application. (Most are online applications.)
2. Request that ACT or SAT send official scores to your school of choice.
3. Sign up at www.parchment.com to have official transcripts sent to your school of choice.
Reminders:
· In order to work on scholarships with your college or university, you may need to have applied and been accepted to the college or university
· Scholarship and Application deadlines for schools may be as early as November 1!
· A FAFSA Completion Workshop will be offered in October 2025. This workshop will be held at the High School in the Media Center with sign-ups coming soon!.
Scholarship Websites:
1. www.studentscholarships.org
2. www.finaid.org
3. www.mometrix.com - Test Prep
4. www.studentaid.gov
5. www.grants.gov
6. https://www.isac.org/e-library/applying-for-financial-aid/scholarship-searches.html
7. http://act.org
8. www.goingmerry.com
9. www.scholarships.com
10. http://www.fastweb.com/
10 Tips on Scholarships
1. SEARCH! Persistence is the key to getting a scholarship.
2. Be organized and prioritize.
3. Never assume: Don't believe that because you don't have straight A's and can't shoot a 3 pointer, there's nothing available to you.
4. Identify the goal of the scholarship and double check the eligibility requirements.
5. Be able to write about a variety of topics that may or may not be exciting to you.
6. Understand yourself well enough to create a compelling portrait of who you are. You must understand your audience well enough to be able to position your skills and strengths as deserving of their support. Demonstrate that you are a scholar or would like to be a scholar.
7. Use concrete examples in essays.
8. Watch deadlines like a hawk.
9. Apply early and for many scholarships.
10. Proofread your application one more time.
MOST IMPORTANTLY, DON’T GET SCAMMED!! "If you must pay money to get money, it might be a scam."
These are Six Examples of Possible Scholarship Scams:
1. "This scholarship is guaranteed or your money back."
2. "You can't get this information anywhere else."
3. "May I have your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship?"
4. "We'll do all the work."
5. "The scholarship will cost some money."
6. "You've been selected by a 'national foundation' to receive a scholarship.", or "You're a finalist in a contest." (that you never entered)
SEPTEMBER
September 26th, 2025 – Application Deadline
Acorn Equality Fund - Acorn Equality Fund is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provide scholarships and organization grants to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons, organizations, and allies to impact lives in a positive fashion. Scholarships typically range from $1,000 to $4,000, with $40,000 being awarded in total. To be eligible, applicants must retain permanent residence in the Acorn Equality Fund service area of downstate Illinois (all Illinois counties except Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will) and attend any accredited, post-secondary educational institution. Apply at https://www.acornequalityfund.org/scholarships.html
September 30th, 2025 – Application Deadline
Coca-Cola Scholars Program--The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has provided over 7000 Coca Cola Scholars with more than $87 million in educational support. This is an achievement-based scholarship awarded to graduating high school seniors who have a minimum gpa of 3.0/4.0. Apply now at https://www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org/apply/
McKendree University -
Honor’s Scholarships—This scholarship, valued at $17,000 per year, are awarded to first-year students at the time of admission that have both a 3.75 or higher GPA on a 4.0 scale. Visit www.mckendree.edu for more information. You may apply as early as August 1 2025.
Presidential Scholarship—This scholarship, valued at $14,000 per year, are awarded to first-year students at the time of admission that have both a 3.25 to 3.74 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Visit www.mckendree.edu for more information. You may apply as early as August 1 2025.
McKendree Leadership Award—Honor’s and Presidential Scholars are invited to attend Leadership Competitions in January. Attendance at the Leadership Competition will determine student’s eligibility for a leadership Award ranging in value from $2,000 to $5,000. Visit www.mckendree.edu for more information.
Dean’s Scholarship—This scholarship, valued at $10,000 per year, are awarded to first-year students at the time of admission that have a 2.75 - 3.24 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Visit www.mckendree.edu for more information. You may apply as early as August 1 2025.
Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC), Scholarships and other monetary support are available when you join Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC), which allow you to focus on your education by relieving some of the financial pressure. You'll graduate with a respected and secure career path as an Army Officer, and with less debt for the school years your scholarship covers. You’re eligible to apply for a ROTC scholarship—which could get you up to 100% tuition coverage—if you’re a high school student enrolling in college, enrolled in college, or an active-duty enlisted Soldier. Visit goarmy.com for more information.
OCTOBER
Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois – The Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois Program encourages academically talented Illinois students, especially minority students, to pursue teaching careers, especially at high-need, hard-to-staff schools by providing tuition assistance at one of the participating colleges. You may qualify for up to $2,500 as a freshman or sophomore, and up to $5,000 as a junior or senior. Must have a GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Information is available at website www.isac.org. APPLICATION IS NOT OPEN AT THIS TIME!
Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville
- Cougar Pride Scholarship—This scholarship is worth up to $16,000 over four years. This is a competitive process, but all students who meet the criteria are encouraged to apply. Preferential consideration will be given to students completing the applications for admission on a first come first serve basis. For additional information, visit website www.siue.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/?audience=undergraduate-domestic-freshman
- Johnetta Haley Scholarship-This scholarship is worth up to $8,000 over four years. Applications must have a 3.0 GPA. This scholarship is for students who are underrepresented in their anticipated fields of study. Preferential consideration will be given to students completing the application for admission on a first come first serve basis. For additional information, visit website: www.siue.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/?audience=undergraduate-domestic-freshman
- Meridian Scholarships- There are a number of scholarships available at SIUE, with varying eligibility criteria. To be considered for the Meridian Scholarship students need to apply for admission and complete the Meridian Supplemental Profile by November 15th, 2025. Admitted freshmen with an ACT of 27 or higher will be considered. Information is available by visiting the website www.siue.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/?audience=undergraduate-domestic-freshman
- SIUE Grant- Preferential consideration will be given to students applying for admission by December 1, 2025. and completing the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1, 2025 FASFA School code 001759. . This award targets students with an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) of $0 and family income levels at or below federal poverty guidelines. Information is available by visiting the website www.siue.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/?audience=undergraduate-domestic-freshman
- AIM High Grant- This renewable grand awards $2,500 per year as long as you maintain a 2.75 GPA. Students are chosen based on FASFA Filing dates. The deadline to apply is December 1, 2025. More information is available by visiting the website
www.siue.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/?audience=undergraduate-domestic-freshman
October 8th, 2025 – Application Deadline
AES Scholarship Program (Essay)- Scholarships worth $500 are available to students on the basis of character as determined by an evaluation of essays. Scholarships are intended for our future leaders across a wide spectrum of fields of study. This award is available to high school seniors and all students attending a post-secondary educational facility. You are not required to be taking Engineering courses to be eligible. Essay questions and additional information are available at https://aesengineers.com/scholarships.php.
February 1st, 2026 – Application Deadline
The McDonald's HACER National Scholarship Program will offer scholarships to 30 outstanding Hispanic students from all over the country. Funds are aimed to help recipients finance their college tuition, and there are three tiers. Tier 1 recipients will be awarded either $100,000, $50,000 or $25,000. Tier 2 recipients will receive $20,000 or $10,000 and Tier 3 recipients $5,000. Recipients are selected based on their academic achievement, community involvement and financial need. To date, more than $5 million in McDonald’s HACER National Scholarships have been awarded to Hispanic students across the country. Applications open on October 1st, 2025
Coming Soon – Application Deadline
Heisman High School Scholarship—If you’re a high school senior dedicated to learning, leading, and performing, you have exactly what it takes to become a High School Heisman. Eligibility includes a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale), being a proven leader and role model within your school and community, and performing in at least one school sponsored sport recognized by the Olympic Committee. More information at https://heismanscholarship.com
October 31st, 2025 – Application Deadline
Voice of Democracy Program—Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 25,000 high school students compete to win a share of $2.1 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording a broadcast script on an annual patriotic theme. Entry forms are available online on the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) website. Entries must be submitted to the local VFW Post at Granite City Post 1300, 3401 Century Dr., Granite City Il, 62040. More information at https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships
NOVEMBER
November 12th, 2025 – Application Deadline
Elks National Foundation Scholarship - Since 1931, the Elks National Foundation has helped students recognize their academic dreams. Each year, we award more than $3 million in college scholarships to at least 850 outstanding, service-minded high school seniors. Once you're an Elks scholar, you're family.
- The Elks National Foundation will award 500 four-year scholarships to the highest-rated applicants in the 2026 competition.
- Male and female students compete separately.
- Ranging from $1,000 per year to $7,500 per year, Most Valuable Student scholarships are for students pursuing a four-year degree, on a full-time basis (minimum of 12 semester hours), in a U.S. college or university. All scholarships are in the form of certificates of award conditional upon the full-time enrollment of the winner in an accredited U.S. college or university. Apply at https://www.elks.org/enf/
November 12th, 2025 – Application Deadline
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship- The Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program is the largest undergraduate scholarship program available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend the nation’s best four-year colleges and universities. In addition to the monetary award, Cooke Scholars receive comprehensive educational advising, significant cohort-based programming, and graduate school funding, as well as a thriving network of nearly 3,200 fellow Cooke Scholars and Alumni. Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Senior standing – Complete four years of high school in the U.S., a U.S territory, or on a U.S. military base and plan to graduate in spring 2026.
- Fall College Enrollment – Intend to enroll in an accredited four-year college beginning in fall 2026.
- GPA – Earn a minimum, cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.75 or above.
Apply online at: https://www.jkcf.org/our-scholarships/college-scholarship-program/how-to-apply/
Coming Soon – Application Deadline
Ron Brown Scholar Program—This program seeks to identify African-American high school seniors who will make significant contributions to society. Each year 45-50 students will receive $10,000 annually for four years. For additional information, visit www.ronbrown.org
National Society Daughters of the American Revolution- offering the DAR Good Citizens award. This program is intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship. The scholarship is open to all senior class students. Students must demonstrate qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism. Applications are available in the guidance office. Applications are accepted November 1, 2025- January 31, 2026. Go to www.dar.orgfor more scholarship info.
DECEMBER
Southeast Missouri State University 2025-2026 Enhanced Scholarship Program—
- Cooper Dome Scholarship- Freshman academic scholarships are awarded at the time of admission to students who meet the eligibility requirements and apply to Southeast Missouri St by the scholarship deadline. The admission consideration and scholarship guarantee deadline is March 1st, 2026 (fall applicants). The value is $500-$5,000 eligible for renewal.
- President’s Scholarship—This renewable scholarship will be awarded to students with a 28 ACT (1300 SAT) and a 4.0 cumulative GPA. The value is $8,000. Apply online at www.semo.edu/apply. Application deadline is March 1st, 2026.
UMSL Opportunity Scholars Program—This program focuses on academically gifted first-generation college students who are underrepresented in the work force from certain academic fields. Students who are selected as scholars in the program will be awarded a scholarship to cover their full tuition, fees and books for up to four years. For eligibility and additional information, visit website www.umsl.edu/opportunityscholars . Applicant must complete application for admission, have an ACT score of 26 and a GPA of 3.5 and be admitted to UMSL by December 1st, 2025.
* Updated August 29, 2025