Talking Trash: A Guide to Scholarships for a Brighter Future

Securing funding for higher education can often feel like navigating a complex maze. Fortunately, numerous scholarships are available to students of all backgrounds and academic pursuits. This article explores a variety of scholarship opportunities, including those focused on environmental efforts, academic excellence, community involvement, and specific fields of study.

National College Resources Foundation (NCRF) Scholarships

The National College Resources Foundation (NCRF) offers scholarships at its expos, both live and virtual. These expos provide students with the chance to win dollars for college. For example, the NCRF hosted a Virtual Graduate School Symposium on May 25, 2022, and gives away scholarships at each Expo.

Luther Vandross Foundation Scholarship

The Luther Vandross Foundation offers an annual nationwide scholarship. The foundation is excited to announce the opening of its 4th Annual Nationwide Scholarship!

QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship

The QuestBridge National College Match offers a unique opportunity to be "matched" with a top college. This match includes early admission and a guaranteed full four-year Match Scholarship, potentially worth over $325,000. Match Scholarship Recipients are admitted early to one of QuestBridge's college partners with a full four-year scholarship.

Edison Scholars Program

Edison International has awarded more than $16.5 million in scholarships to 790 students since 2006 through the Edison Scholars Program. The 2025 Edison Scholars application will open in the fall.

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June Scholarships: A Detailed Overview

Several scholarships with June deadlines cater to diverse fields and interests.

RBI for RBI Scholarship

• Deadline: June 15, 2025
• Amount: $20,000
• Eligibility: High School Seniors; 2.75 GPA; Active Nike RBI Participant
• Requirements: FAFSA SAR; 2 Letters of Recommendation; Transcript; Four Essays

The Women in Aerospace Foundation Scholarship

• Deadline: June 17, 2025
• Amount: $2,000
• Eligibility: College Sophomores & Juniors; Female; 3.0 GPA; Engineering, Math, or Science degree; Pursuing a career in the Aerospace field
• Requirements: 2 Letters of Recommendation; Transcript; 1,000-word Essay

Elite Lawyer Scholarship

• Deadline: June 18, 2025
• Amount: $500
• Eligibility: College Students; High School Seniors; 2.5 GPA
• Requirements: 500-word Essay; or 2-minute Video

Big Sun Scholarships

• Deadline: June 19, 2025
• Amount: $500
• Eligibility: College Students; High School Seniors
• Requirements: 1,000-word Essay

Desire To Inspire Scholarship

• Deadline: June 20, 2025
• Amount: $1,000
• Eligibility: High School Juniors & Seniors; Minority; 2.5 GPA
• Requirements: Transcript; Resume; Head Shot; Two 500-word Essays

Michael L. Scholarships

• Deadline: June 20, 2025
• Amount: $10,000
• Eligibility: College Students; 3.0 GPA; 4-year College/University; Interior Design degree
• Requirements: Financial Breakdown; 3 Letters of Recommendation; Transcript; 500-word Essay

PRCUA Education Scholarship

• Deadline: June 20, 2025
• Amount: $500
• Eligibility: College Students; 2.5 GPA
• Requirements: 2 Letters of Recommendation; Transcript; 500-word Essay

Alan and Mary Jo Lincoln Scholarship

• Deadline: June 23, 2025
• Amount: $2,000
• Eligibility: High School Seniors; African American
• Requirements: 2 Letters of Recommendation; Transcript; 500-word Essay

Bright Future Fund

• Deadline: June 23, 2025
• Amount: $5,000
• Eligibility: Ages 18 & older; Have Down Syndrome
• Requirements: 2 Letters of Recommendation; Head Shot; 1-page Essay

Ethan Saylor Memorial Scholarship

• Deadline: June 23, 2025
• Amount: $500
• Eligibility: Ages 18 & older; Have Down Syndrome
• Requirements: Head Shot; 500-word Essay

Richard R. College or University Scholarship

• Deadline: June 26, 2025
• Eligibility: Open to students of all majors.

March Scholarships: A Comprehensive List

March brings a wealth of scholarship opportunities with varying eligibility criteria and award amounts.

CBC Spouses Essay Contest

• Sponsor: Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Foundation
• Closing Date: March 29, 2025
• Description: Open to African-American and Black junior and senior high school students. Students write an essay on pressing community issues.

NHMS Memorial Scholarship

• Sponsor: New Hampshire Mayflower Society
• Amount: $1,000.00
• Closing Date: March 29, 2025
• Description: Open to New Hampshire students and those related to members of the N.H. Mayflower Society; applicants must be high school seniors or college undergraduates.

OJCF Higher Education Scholarships

• Sponsor: Oregon Jewish Community Foundation (OJCF)
• Closing Date: March 29, 2025
• Description: Available to Jewish students who are incoming and current college students and residents of Oregon.

College and University Scholarship

• Sponsor: James T. & Rose M. Perryman Family Foundation
• Amount: Up to $15,000 per year
• Closing Date: March 30, 2025
• Description: For students studying Engineering, Math, Metals, or Technology within a 150-mile radius of Houston, Pennsylvania, with a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Daniel Triano Scholarship

• Sponsor: The Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association
• Amount: $1,000.00
• Closing Date: March 30, 2025
• Description: Open to high school seniors in New Jersey registered with USA Hockey and participating on an AAHA registered travel team.

Disabled Disciplines Award

• Sponsor: The Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association
• Amount: $1,000.00
• Closing Date: March 30, 2025
• Description: Available to registered USA Hockey Disabled Discipline players.

Help America Hear Scholarship

• Sponsor: Help America Hear
• Amount: $4,000.00
• Closing Date: March 30, 2025
• Description: Open to high school seniors with hearing loss.

Manzione NJ Travel Hockey Player Scholarship

• Sponsor: The Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association
• Amount: $1,000.00
• Closing Date: March 30, 2025
• Description: For high school seniors in New Jersey registered with USA Hockey and participating on an AAHA registered travel team.

Nicholas A. Virgilio Memorial Haiku Competition

• Sponsor: Haiku Society of America
• Amount: $250.00
• Closing Date: March 30, 2025
• Description: Contest for students in grades 7 through 12; submit up to three haiku poems.

Ralph G. Norman Scholarship

• Sponsor: Learning Disabilities Association of Arkansas
• Amount: $2,500.00
• Closing Date: March 30, 2025
• Description: For Arkansas residents with learning disabilities who can self-advocate.

USA Hockey High School Player Scholarship

• Sponsor: The Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association
• Amount: $1,000.00
• Closing Date: March 30, 2025
• Description: Open to high school seniors in New Jersey registered with USA Hockey; requires an essay on "The Value of Hockey to My Personal Development."

1000 Dreams Scholarship

• Sponsor: 1,000 Dreams Fund
• Amount: Up to $1,000
• Closing Date: March 31, 2025
• Description: Open to high school and college women who demonstrate financial need.

$1,000 Easy Scholarship: 50 Bottles, 1 Goal

• Sponsor: DoSomething
• Amount: $1,000.00
• Closing Date: March 31, 2025
• Description: Collect and recycle a minimum of 50 plastic bottles.

$1,500 Easy Scholarship: Offline Mode

• Sponsor: DoSomething
• Amount: $1,500.00
• Closing Date: March 31, 2025
• Description: Take the Offline Mode pledge to commit to making behind-the-wheel a no phone zone.

$1000 Easy Scholarship: Talking Trash

• Sponsor: DoSomething
• Amount: $1,000.00
• Closing Date: March 31, 2025
• Description: Test your recycling IQ and get personalized advice.

$2,000 “No Essay” College Scholarship

• Sponsor: Niche
• Amount: $2,000.00
• Closing Date: March 31, 2025
• Description: Open to high school, college, and graduate students and those planning to enroll within 12 months; must be a legal resident of the United States or an international student with a valid visa.

$2,500 Easy Scholarship: The Greenprint

• Sponsor: DoSomething
• Amount: $2,500.00
• Closing Date: March 31, 2025
• Description: Learn about climate careers and design your eco-friendly job.

4-H Youth In Action Awards

• Sponsor: 4-H
• Amount: $5,000.00
• Closing Date: March 31, 2025
• Description: Open to 4-H members/recent alums between 15 and 19 years of age.

AD Osherman Scholarship

• Sponsor: Greater Houston Community Foundation
• Amount: $3,000.00
• Closing Date: March 31, 2025
• Description: For first-generation college students from Texas, with preference given to veterans.

Adults with Autism Scholarship

• Sponsor: Autism Delaware
• Amount: $1,000.00
• Closing Date: March 31, 2025
• Description: For Delaware residents with autism spectrum disorder accepted into a post-secondary program.

AFSA Scholarships and Grant Programs

• Sponsor: Air Force Sergeants Association and Airmen Memorial Foundation
• Amount: Up to $5,000
• Closing Date: March 31, 2025
• Description: Open to Air Force Dependent children pursuing undergraduate degrees.

AHEPA Educational Foundation Scholarship

• Sponsor: American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association
• Amount: Up to $2,000
• Closing Date: March 31, 2025
• Description: Open to active members of the AHEPA Family, those of Hellenic descent, or Phil-Hellenes who are children of members in good standing.

Appily Easy College Money Scholarship

• Sponsor: Appily
• Amount: $1,000.00
• Closing Date: March 31, 2025
• Description: Open to students 13 years of age or older who will be attending college in the future; requires creating an Appily profile.

Because College is Expensive Scholarship

• Sponsor: Cedar Education Lending
• Amount: $500.00
• Closing Date: March 31, 2025
• Description: Open to high school students, adults returning to school, and current college students.

Becca’s Closet Scholarships

• Sponsor: Becca’s Closet
• Amount: $1,000.00
• Closing Date: March 31, 2025
• Description: For high school seniors who have contributed to their community through Becca’s Closet.

Beyond the Cure Ambassador Scholarship Program

• Sponsor: The National Children’s Cancer Society
• Closing Date: March 31, 2025
• Description: Open to childhood cancer survivors under 25.

Carl N. & Margaret Karcher Founders’ Scholarship

• Sponsor: Carl’s Jr.
• Amount: Up to $10,000
• Closing Date: March 31, 2025
• Description: Open to students 26 and under in specific states planning to enroll in full-time undergraduate study.

CGCS – Bernard Harris Scholarship Program

• Sponsor: Council of the Great City Schools
• Amount: $5,000.00
• Closing Date: March 31, 2025
• Description: For African-American and Hispanic students in their senior year pursuing a STEM career.

College Bound Scholarship

• Sponsor: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Omicron Eta Omega Chapter, Ivy Foundation of St. Louis
• Closing Date: March 31, 2025
• Description: Open to African American graduating high school seniors from the St. Louis Metropolitan area who have at least a 2.5 GPA.

College Raptor Scholarship

• Sponsor: College Raptor
• Amount: $2,500.00
• Closing Date: March 31, 2025
• Description: Open to students enrolled (or enrolling by fall 2027) in an accredited post-secondary institution; requires signing up with College Raptor and submitting an essay.

CollegeVine Scholarship

• Sponsor: CollegeVine
• Amount: $2,000.00
• Closing Date: March 31, 2025
• Description: Open to current high school seniors planning to attend college.

Commonwealth Credit Union Scholarship

• Sponsor: Commonwealth Credit Union
• Amount: $1,000.00
• Closing Date: March 31, 2025
• Description: Open to graduating high school seniors with a primary membership account at Commonwealth CU (Kentucky).

Courage to Grow Scholarship

• Sponsor: Courage To Grow
• Amount: $1,000.00
• Closing Date: March 31, 2025
• Description: Open to juniors and seniors in high school and college students with a minimum GPA of 2.5; requires a short essay.

Dr. Sherrill Berryan Johnson Dance Scholarship

• Sponsor: The International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD)
• Amount: $500.00
• Closing Date: March 31, 2025
• Description: Scholarships are open to students between the ages of 14-22. Scholarships are for recipients to attend two and four-year colleges, universities, and dance schools. Applicant must be a current members of The International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD).

Driver Education Initiative Award

• Sponsor: National Driving and Traffic School
• Amount: $500.00
• Closing Date: March 31, 2025
• Description: Open to students currently enrolled in either high school, university or college as a full-time student; requires an essay on safe driving.

Educational Scholarships for First Responder Families

• Sponsor: Folds of Honor
• Amount: Up to $5,000
• Closing Date: March 31, 2025
• Description: Open to spouses and children of fallen or disabled first responders.

FACT Scholarship

• Sponsor: Federation of American Consumers and Travelers (FACT)
• Amount: Up to $10,000
• Closing Date: March 31, 2025
• Description: Open to graduating high school seniors and incoming and current college students.

Greater Houston Community Foundation Scholarships

• Sponsor: Greater Houston Community Foundation
• Closing Date: March 31, 2025
• Description: Scholarships are open to graduating high school seniors and current college students from the Houston, Texas area. Student must submit an essay on a topic related to German Russian history, heritage or culture. Student does not need to be ethnic German-Russian to enter contest.

Hard of Hearing or Deaf Scholarship

• Sponsor: Sertoma
• Amount: $1,000.00
• Closing Date: March 31, 2025
• Description: Scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors and current undergraduate students with a minimum 40db bilaterial hearing loss, as evidenced on audiogram by an SRT of 40db or greater in both ears.

L. Ron Hubbard Library

• Amount: $500.00
• Closing Date: March 31, 2025
• Description: Contest is open to new and amateur artists who have not been professionally published and paid for more than three black-and-white story illustrations, or more than one process-color painting, in media distributed broadly to the general public.

ISL Education Lending Scholarship

• Sponsor: Iowa Student Loan
• Amount: $1,000.00
• Closing Date: March 31, 2025
• Description: Scholarship is open to Iowa high school and undergraduate college students, or a parent or guardian of, or another adult who holds a College Savings Iowa account to benefit, an Iowa high school student or an undergraduate college student.

Italian American Club – Las Vegas Scholarship

• Sponsor: Italian American Club – Las Vegas
• Amount: Up to $5,000
• Closing Date: March 31, 2025
• Description: Scholarship is…

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

There are many scholarships available with general eligibility requirements.

• Scholarship is open to students 18 years of age or younger who are directly or indirectly affected by cancer.
• Scholarship is open to high achieving high school graduates and undergraduate Navajo students.
• Scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate students who are studying computer science, cybersecurity, data analytics, IT Management, network systems administration, software application development, business administration or marketing.
• Scholarship is open to students who are or will be enrolled in a college or university .
• Scholarship is open to current college students and alumni who have graduated within the last four years.
• Scholarship is open to current graduate students and alumni who have graduated within the last four years.
• Scholarship is open to high school juniors and seniors, as well as undergraduate and graduate students.
• Scholarship is open to high school seniors who have been accepted into a college, university, or trade school and students who are currently enrolled in a college, university, or trade school.
• Scholarship is open to students 13 years of age or older who will be attending college in the future.
• Scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors who have been accepted in a college, university, trade school, or design school for one of the following disciplines: Arts (Fine Arts, Music, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Digital Art, Camerawork, Cinematography, Graphic Design), Languages (Linguistics, Literature, Semantics), or Cultural Studies (Sociology, Cultural Philosophy, History, Psychology, Gender Studies, or Law).
• Scholarship is open to current college students in a trade school who is from anywhere in the Northeast.
• Scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors and current undergraduate students who at least a 3.7 GPA.
• Scholarship is open to juniors and seniors in high school and college students with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
• Scholarship is open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, and college freshmen.
• Scholarship is open to students 14 years of age or older who are legal residents of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia and are currently enrolled (or will enroll in the future) in an accredited post-secondary institution of higher education.
• Scholarship is open to current college students who have completed two more semesters in college with at least a 3.0 GPA. Either the student, their parent(s) or grandparents(s) must be an active shipping member of employee of Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Association.
• Scholarship is open to current college students in the United States and Canada who have at least one semester of school left.
• Scholarship is open to students who have completed a minimum of 36 semester hours at an Illinois community college with at least a 3.0 GPA.

Bottles4College Scholarship: Turning Trash into Treasure

The Bottles4College Scholarship is a unique initiative that turns recyclable materials into educational funding for Hawaii students. This scholarship is fully funded through environmental efforts, specifically the diversion of HI 5¢ cans & bottles. The organization's vision is to fund larger scholarships as it grows, supporting Hawaii's students while protecting the environment.

Eligibility and Application

The Bottles4College Scholarship is open to Hawaii high school seniors. The application period typically runs from January 4th to February 28th of the respective school year.

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Bottles4College 4 Schools Program

In addition to individual scholarships, Bottles4College launched the Bottles4College 4 Schools Program. This year-long partnership with schools provides students the opportunity to lead environmental efforts within their school and community. Participating students gain hands-on experience in sustainability work and can unlock a Bottles4College scholarship specifically for a student from their school.

Awardee Spotlights

The Bottles4College Scholarship has recognized numerous outstanding students for their dedication to academics, community involvement, and environmental stewardship. Here are a few examples:

• Alyssa Pong: Graduating Summa Cum Laude and Valedictorian from Mililani High, Alyssa plans to major in business data analysis and study psychology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
• William Chen: Graduating Summa Cum Laude from Kailua High, William has a consistent pursuit in STEM and athletics, working to overcome challenges in the classroom and on the court to learn how to further his skills while also giving back to the environment.
• Taejah Ray Telles-Kuwahara : Graduating Cum Laude from Radford High School, Taejah is committed to high competition in her sport while also maintaining being a student-athlete.
• Maricar Juntura: Graduating Summa Cum Laude from Farrington High School, Maricar is a first-generation college student with the goal to return to her community as a teacher.
• Jaxon Pang: Attending Arizona State University to major in aeronautical management technology (professional flight) and play division one roller hockey for ASU. Jaxon's connection to the island home and resonance with Bottles4College’s 4 pillars and to our mission was evident.
• Myron B. Raphael Stark: Recognized for his work to raise awareness and create a voice for his community through his nonprofit, CHATS.
• Nathalie Mae-Leano: Graduating Summa Cum Laude with Academic and CTE honors from Maui High, Nathalie's dedication to her community stood out.
• Mason Yamane: Graduating Summa Cum Laude from Kailua High School, Mason was a part of his school’s National Honor Society.
• Bailey-Madison Meana: Graduating Cum Laude from Kapolei High School with academic and CTE honors and has gotten her Nurse Aide license with HPH.
• Joelle Angelica Evasco: Graduating Summa Cum Laude and as Waianae High’s Valedictorian, Joelle's passion and dedication to wanting to give back to her community and to the Earth stood out.
• Kaylee Cieri: Graduating Summa Cum Laude and as Castle High’s Class of 2025 Valedictorian, Kaylee served as a member of her school’s National Honor Society, Thespian Honors Society, was an honors performance arts students, and has been received multiple honors recognitions.
• Anica Brewer : Graduating Magna Cum Laude from Hawaii Technology Academy (HTA), Anica has been deeply interested in film and production, having been trained by Olelo Community Media and volunteering as a crew member, editor, manager, and producer for an array of HawaiiÊ»s events and for her schoolÊ»s film group.
• Selena Vixayvong : Graduating Summa Cum Laude from Kailua High with CTE honors, Selena has been a part of many clubs of her school and stood as a member of the Hawaii State Student Council and as a Pledge to our Keiki Ambassador.
• Abby Fujii: Graduating Summa Cum Laude from Pearl City High School, Abby was a part of her school’s marching band and math team, and was a part of the Leo Club.
• Dakoda Keni: Graduating Summa Cum Laude from Kahuku High School, Dakode plans to major in physical therapy at West Liberty University.
• Teani Kauffman: Graduating Summa Cum Laude from Kamehameha Schools with honors recognition and an Associates Degree from Hawaii Pacific University.

Scholarships for High School Sophomores

While many scholarships target juniors and seniors, sophomores can also find opportunities to get a head start on funding their education.

Monthly and Recurring Scholarships

• Amount: $1,000
  • Deadline: Last day of the month
  • Eligibility: Open to high school students of all years who are US residents.
• Amount: $1,000 (4 awards each)
  • Deadline: Last day of each month
  • Eligibility: Open to high school students of all years who are US residents.
• Amount: $1,000
  • Deadline: June 30, December 31
  • Eligibility: Open to high school students of all years!

Other Scholarship Opportunities for Sophomores

• Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: January 14
  • Eligibility: Open to high school students who are members of DECA.
• Amount: $16,000
  • Deadline: February 6
  • Eligibility: Open to high achieving, first-generation, low-income high school sophomores aspiring to attend a four-year college or university. Must be attending one of the program’s partner high schools in San Diego or Orange County, Florida (see scholarship page for the full list).
• Amount: $3,000
  • Deadline: April 28
  • Eligibility: Open to students ages 14-22.
• Amount: $500
  • Deadline: July 1
  • Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores, juniors and seniors. Must have at least a 3.0 GPA to apply.
• Amount: $1,000 each (3 awards)
  • Deadline: July 31
  • Eligibility: Open to high school students of all years.

Tips for High School Sophomores

• Start Early: Starting the scholarship process early allows you to familiarize yourself with the requirements, opportunities, and essay writing.
• Get Organized: Use a scholarship tracker to keep track of opportunities and applications.
• Read Eligibility Requirements: Ensure you meet all requirements before applying.
• View Rejections as Opportunities: Learn from rejections and improve future applications.

Read also: Navigating College Talks

tags: #talking #trash #scholarship #details

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