Scholarships
What types of Financial Aid are available?
The U.S. Department of Education awards about $150 billion a year in grants,
work-study funds, and low-interest loans to more than 14 million students.
Federal student aid covers such expenses as tuition and fees, room
and board, books and supplies, and transportation. Aid also can help pay
for other related expenses, such as a computer and dependent care. Thousands of
schools across the country participate in the federal student aid programs;
ask the schools you’re interested in whether they do!
Types of federal aid available:
*Grants—financial aid that doesn’t have to be repaid
*Loans— borrowed money for college or career school; you must repay your loans, with interest
*Work-Study—a work program through which you earn money to help you pay for school
*Scholarships - Money you can receive from private and public sources. Most scholarships have specific requirements for students to apply. Check with your counselor (and below) for information on scholarship opportunities.
Additional resources:
Use FAFSA4caster to get an estimate of how much
aid you FAFSA 4Caster might receive from the U.S. Department of Education.
Apply for federal student aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSASM). And remember, the first F in “FAFSA” stands for “free”--you shouldn’t pay to fill out the FAFSA!
Scholarships
Below is a listing of most of the scholarship announcements that come into the student services office throughout the year. Please note some of the current year applications may not yet be available.
Review the scholarship sites listed below and apply for those for which you are qualified. Please let Mrs. Rains know if any of the links do not work.
Scholarship announcements will be added as new ones become available, so check back often!
Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
Amount: Varies
Deadline: 9/30/2024
Students need a 3.0 GPA and to complete an online application that requires no essays, no recommendations, and no transcripts by September 30, 2024, at 5 p.m. Eastern.
Park Scholarship
Amount: Full ride
Deadline: 11/1/2024
The Park Scholarships program brings together students with outstanding accomplishments and potential in scholarship, leadership, service and character.
THE PARK SCHOLARSHIPS PROGRAM
is a four-year scholarship valued at $122,000 and covers:
Tuition, fees, and room and board
Books and personal expenses
$2,000 computer stipend
Enrichment grants to fund study abroad, research projects, service activities, conferences and more
Guaranteed invitation to join the University Honors Program
THE PARK EXPERIENCE INCLUDES
Professional training in leadership, public speaking and business etiquette
Educational trips, retreats and seminars
Faculty mentors and a network of more than 1,100 accomplished Park Scholarships alumni worldwide
Applications for the Park Scholarships program and admission to NC State, are both due by 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, November 1 for consideration for the Park Scholarship.
Elks National Foundation scholarship
Amount: $1,000-$7,500
Deadline: 11/12/24
Most Valuable Student (MVS) Contest:
The 2025 MVS application is now open. Applications can be found online at enf.elks.org/MVS. The application deadline is November 12, 2024.
The Elks National Foundation (ENF) awards 500 four-year scholarships based on academics, leadership, and financial need. National awards range from $1,000 per year to $7,500 per year. The national awards will be announced in April 2025. In addition, the North Carolina State Elks Association and the members of the New Bern Elks Lodge provide support to local lodges. Four local students were awarded scholarships from the New Bern Elks Lodge this past year as a result of their participation.
MVS scholarships are for students pursuing a four-year degree on a full-time basis (minimum of 12 semester hours), at a U.S. college or university next school year. Some important applicant details include:
« Current high school seniors (or equivalents) who are citizens of the United States are eligible to apply.
« Applicants do not have to be related to a member of the Elks.
« Male and female students compete separately.
Applicants select from a list of the Lodges closest to their home address zip code. Please have your students choose the New Bern Elks Lodge as their sponsoring Lodge. Complete details can be found at enf.elks.org/MVS.
East Freedom Chapter #633 Order of the Eastern Star
Amount:$500
Deadline:12/1/2024
More information and application are available below:
https://wakelet.com/wake/G1oQye8viL4Q6aUYTDS6a
Georgetown High School Alumni Association, Inc.
Amount: TBD
Deadline: 12/6/2024
High school seniors that have a minimum GPA of 2.5. Two sealed letters of recommendations.
More information and application are available below:
https://wakelet.com/wake/G1oQye8viL4Q6aUYTDS6a
Sponsors for Academic Talent, Inc.
Amount: $1,500/$750
Deadline: 1/31/2025
Academic Requirements:
1. Maintain a 3.5 GPA on the weighted scale
2. Score 1100 or higher (combination of verbal and mathematics) on the SAT OR
Score 23 or higher on ACT Composite Score (listed on score report).
3. Attain a College Preparatory Diploma as specified by NC DPI to include:
a. 4 English credits
b. 4 Mathematics credits
c. 3 Science credits
d. 3 Social Studies credits (4 for 9th graders entering 2012-2013 and later)
e. 2 Foreign Language credits
Community Service Requirement:
Complete community service hour requirement for ONE of the two scholarships amounts listed below.
You can only receive one of the scholarships offered:
To obtain a $750.00 Scholarship, you must also:
1. Perform a minimum of 75 hours of community service*
2. Complete 20 hours in the senior year (first day of summer break)
3. Perform a maximum of 35 church and school hours
4. Perform a minimum of 40 hours at Approved Agencies
OR
To obtain a $1,500.00 Scholarship, you must also:
1. Complete 20 hours in the senior year (first day of summer break)
2. Perform a minimum of 100 hours at approved agencies*
New River Longbeards
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: 1/31/2025
- Students should be graduating seniors with a minimum of a 3.0 on 4.0 scale or equivalent grade point average. (If transcript indicates a scale other than 4.0, student should have at least a 3.75 on a 5.0 scale, 4.5/6.0 scale, 5.25/7.0 scale, 6.0/8.0 scale, 6.75/9.0 scale or a 7.5/10.0 scale). Students must upload copies of transcripts for review. Finalist GPA and transcripts will be verified.
- Students must be pursuing a degree at an accredited institution of higher education (i.e. Junior College, Community College, Technical College, College or University).
- Students must actively participate in hunting, support the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage. A copy of current hunting license is required.
- Students must hold a current NWTF membership. If you are not a current member of NWTF, visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF to join. Students can request an ID number from our membership department to include with the application for membership verification purposes.
- Students must be involved in school extracurricular activities (i.e. FFA, Ecology Club, Science Club, Beta Club, Student Council, etc.).
- Students must demonstrate leadership among his or her peers.
- Students must demonstrate community leadership and/or involvement (i.e. 4-H, civic group or club, scouting, volunteer work).
- Students must upload an essay (400-600 words) exhibiting dedication to conservation and preserving our hunting heritage. Essay must include:
- why you will be a good investment if you are awarded this conservation scholarship
- any experiences and background that demonstrate your dedication to conservation and the preservation of our hunting heritage
- why hunting is important to you and your family
- Students must upload two letters of recommendation (from teachers, counselors, community or clergy - do not include relatives)
- Students can only apply to one chapter.
- Employees and National board members of the NWTF and their family members are not eligible to participate in the program.
Applications are completed online at:
https://your.nwtf.org/scholarships/
Florence Kidder Memorial Scholarship
Amount: Varies $400-$3,000
Deadline: 2/16/2025
Information and Eligibility The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of North Carolina will award scholarships of first place - $3,000, second place - $1,000, third place - $800 and three fourth places - $400 to North Carolina high school seniors, to be used at any North Carolina college or university. The recipients will be selected on the basis of the merit of an essay on the assigned topic, plus character and scholastic record and need. Application Procedure 1. A completed application form answering all questions and supplying all requested documents submitted to https://www.ncdames.org/florence-kidder-memorial-scholarship
SECU People Helping People Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: Submitted to Mrs. Rains by 2/17/2025
We require all applicants to follow the formal application process set by the SECU Foundation. All graduating seniors meeting the stated criteria will be eligible for consideration. The criteria have been designed to give the LEA Scholarship Selection Committee flexibility in awarding the scholarship. The LEA Scholarship Selection Committee will recognize an individual in the senior graduating class deserving of an opportunity to attend college and will select recipient(s) without regard to race, sex, color, creed, religious preference, age, national origin, or disability. The LEA Scholarship Selection Committee will use the following criteria to award the SECU Foundation People Helping People Scholarship to a recipient who:
1. Is either an SECU member or is eligible for membership through a parent/guardian. The student or their parent/guardian must be an SECU member at the time of application.
2. Is a senior at a North Carolina public high school who has been accepted to one of the 16 constituent campuses of the University of North Carolina System; copy of acceptance letter must be provided.
3. Is a resident of North Carolina under NCGS 116-143.1 and is eligible for in-state tuition.
4. Best exemplifies the “People Helping People” philosophy of SECU, and has demonstrated 2025 High School Scholarship Program Eligibility Criteria SECU Foundation 2025 People Helping People Scholarship – Eligibility Criteria Page 2 of 2 leadership, excellence of character, integrity, and community involvement.
5. Demonstrates scholastic achievement with a maintained 2.5 or higher unweighted grade point average on a 4.0 scale and may be deserving of financial aid.
6. Will use the scholarship to pay for full-time student tuition and fees.*
7. Agrees to continue as a full-time student in good standing (maintaining 2.5 or higher GPA) with the same university for up to eight (8) consecutive fall/spring semesters, with the People Helping People scholarship amount payable at $1,250 per semester. Scholarships are not transferable without prior approval of SECU Foundation. a. A written appeal for transfer must be made to the SECU Foundation prior to transfer. b. Any transfer to a university outside the UNC System will result in scholarship non-eligibility following the transfer. c. Any gap in active enrollment will result in non-eligibility for funding for each semester missed.
8. Is not a director, employee, or family member of a director or employee of SECU or the SECU Foundation, or a family member of a member of the scholarship selection committee. For the purpose of this scholarship program and a student’s relation to a director, employee, or selection committee member, family member includes spouse, parents, siblings, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and spouses of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, of a selection committee member, employee or director of SECU, or employee or director of SECU Foundation. Also, for the purpose of this scholarship program and a student’s relation to a director, employee, or selection committee member, family member also includes persons living in the same residence and maintaining a single economic unit as a selection committee member, employee or director of SECU, or employee or director of SECU Foundation. However, please note that to be eligible for the scholarship, at the time of application, the student must be a member of SECU or be eligible for membership through a parent or guardian at the time of application to be eligible for the scholarship.
Application and more information available below:
https://wakelet.com/wake/G1oQye8viL4Q6aUYTDS6a
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Application
Amount: Varies
Deadline: 3/1/2025
The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Application for the 2025-26 academic year is now open and will close on March 1, 2025. We're eager to get the word out to as many Marine Corps families as possible and would love your help in spreading the word, especially to those students who are pursuing Career and Technical Education!
The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation provides scholarships to eligible children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen, Chaplains, and Religious Program Specialists. Our scholarships are for children pursuing a post-secondary education at any accredited school--whether that be a trade school, career training school, community college, or four-year university. We're the Nation's oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships to military families. To put our size in perspective, last year we awarded over $11.7 million to more than 2,800 students, and 10% were CTE students!
All applicants must meet our eligibility requirements, which can be found at www.mcsf.org/eligibility. For more information regarding our Career and Technical Education Program, feel free to take a look at our CTE brochure. To apply, please visit www.mcsf.org/appy.
The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation provides post-secondary scholarships to eligible children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen, Chaplains, and Religious Program Specialists. We're the Nation's oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships to military families. To put our size in perspective, last year we awarded over $11.7 million to more than 2,800 students!
Our scholarships are for military children pursuing a post-secondary education at any accredited school--whether that be a trade school, career training program, community college, or four-year university. All applicants must meet our eligibility requirements, which can be found at www.mcsf.org/eligibility.
Please note, our scholarship application for the 2025-26 academic year opened on January 1, 2025 and will close on March 1, 2025. To apply, visit www.mcsf.org/apply.
Swansboro Rotary Foundation Scholarship Application
Amount: $4,000
Deadline: 3/14/25
Eligibility: Graduating seniors from either Croatan or Swansboro High School who enroll full-time in a community college, four-year college or university. (Children and grandchildren of Swansboro Rotary members are ineligible.) Criteria: 40% Financial Need 30% Academic Achievement (Grade Point Average and Class Rank) 30% Other Considerations (Extracurricular activities, unusual circumstances, goals and aspirations.
Application is available below:
https://wakelet.com/wake/G1oQye8viL4Q6aUYTDS6a
Montford Point Marine Association
Amount:$1,000
Deadline: 3/15/2025
To qualify for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) or Mrs. Almita S. R. Woods (AW) scholarships, each applicant must be or have been an Onslow County high school graduate. Current high school seniors are eligible to apply for both scholarships, in accordance with guidelines below. 2. Graduating high school senior applicants must have at least a 2.8 GPA to qualify for the MLK scholarship and at least a 3.0 GPA to qualify for the AW scholarship. 3. Applicants currently matriculated in an institution of higher learning (IHL) must have at least a 3.0 GPA to qualify for the AW scholarship. Current IHL students may only apply for the AW scholarship. 4. Applicants must be involved in community service
Application is available below:
https://wakelet.com/wake/G1oQye8viL4Q6aUYTDS6a
Coastal Carolina Post of SAME
Amount:$
Deadline: 3/17/2025
The Society of American Military Engineers Coastal Carolina Post is sponsoring college scholarship opportunities again this coming year. Our past recipients have gone on to become highly successful engineers, scientists, and architects in industry and military service. Please share the attached announcement and instructions with worthy high school seniors. Fully completed applications must be received by 17 March 2025.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: 3/30/2025
GENERAL ELIGIBLITY: A North Carolina Graduating High School Senior (1 male and 1 female) pursuing an undergraduate degree at a North Carolina College or University.
APPLICATION RELEASE DATE: January 16, 2025
REWARD: Two one-time scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each
CRITERIA:
• Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or 4.0 on a 5.0 scale
• Show evidence of Scholastic achievement
• Show evidence of Community service
• Complete the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated-State of NC Scholarship Application
• Submit an electronic official high school transcript from school only
• Submit a copy of the college acceptance letter (s)
• Must submit (2) letters of recommendation, from any of the following: An employer or religious organization, a school counselor/ teacher or a representative from a community service-based organization or club.
• Must be a FULL-TIME high school student, preparing to matriculate into an undergraduate degree program at an accredited college or university
Scholarship Deadline: Sunday, March 30, 2025, 11:59pm
For more information contact: Dr. Rhonda R. Wooten, North Carolina Scholarship Coordinator at nc.scholarship1920@gmail.com
Application available below:
https://forms.gle/xJGnDwKR6r3FKtbf9
Emerald Isle Fishing Tournament Scholarship
Amount: $3,000
Deadline: 3/28/2025
Eligibility: Any graduating senior from these local high schools with an interest in a marine or environmentally related career, except children of members of the Tournament Organizing Committee.
An electronic copy of this application is available at eifishing.com/scholarship-information
Application is available below:
https://wakelet.com/wake/G1oQye8viL4Q6aUYTDS6a
AKA Sorority Scholarship Application
Deadline: 4/1/2025
Qualifications: Candidates must meet the following criteria to qualify for this award:
- Resident of Onslow County
- College-bound high school senior attending college by winter 2025.
- All Tau Omega Omega Chapter Senior Debutantes and Escorts are also eligible to apply
The application is available by following this link:
https://form.jotform.com/250085759876170
Coast Guard Foundation Scholarship
Deadline: 4/1/2025
Scholarships available to students who will be entering an accredited four-year undergraduate program or trade school, and who are the dependents of active duty, reserve or retired U.S. Coast Guard enlisted members and commissioned officers. Follow the link below for more information:
coastguardfoundation.org/apply
Jacksonville Board of Realtors Home Foundation Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:4/2/2025 3pm
Applicants must be graduating seniors from local area Onslow County high schools.
More information and the application is available below:
https://wakelet.com/wake/G1oQye8viL4Q6aUYTDS6a
2025 Staff NCO Spouses' Club Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline: 4/11/2025
Eligibility: A dependent son or daughter of an active duty, retired, or deceased member of the US Armed Forces
Graduating High School senior, a currently enrolled full-time college or graduate student attending an accredited college with a parent residing in Onslow County
More information and application are available below:
https://wakelet.com/wake/G1oQye8viL4Q6aUYTDS6a
Island Automation, P.C. Jeffrey F. Meier Memorial Scholarship Application
Amount: $2,5000
Deadline: 4/11/2025
Eligibility
Graduating Seniors from Swansboro High School who enroll full-time in a community college, four-year college, or university. (Children and grandchildren of Island Automation, P. C. employees are ineligible.)
Criteria
40% Academic Achievement (Grade Point Average and Class Rank)
30% Application Appraisals
30% Other Considerations (Extracurricular activities, unusual circumstances, employment, goals and aspirations)
Application is available below:
https://wakelet.com/wake/G1oQye8viL4Q6aUYTDS6a
Harry "Diddle" Blackwell Scholarship (Paddle 4 Troops)
Amount: $500-$2,500
Deadline: 4/12/2025
WHO CAN APPLY Any dependent of an Active or Prior Military personnel may apply who is: • Age 25 and under • a high school graduate accepted to attend a two or four-year college/university or a current full-time student currently attending a two/four-year college/university in the United States • carries a 3.0 cumulative GPA from college or high school currently attending.
Application is available below:
https://wakelet.com/wake/G1oQye8viL4Q6aUYTDS6a
Onslow County Masonic Scholarship
Deadline: 4/15/2025
ELIGIBILITY
Those eligible to apply for scholarship are high school seniors who:
- Rank scholastically in the top third of their graduating class.
- Will be entering an accredited academic or vocational institution after graduation.
- Have a definite need for financial scholarship assistance.
The Onslow County Masonic Scholarship
Nina McDonald Venters Scholarship Application
Amount: $500-$1,000
Deadline: 4/25/2025
● The nominee's character, ability, personality, desire to become a teacher and need for financial assistance will be considered.
● The nominee shall be of any race or gender.
● Application, with attachments, must be complete, (including application form, transcript, letter of recommendation, and any other supporting information).
● Include a 1 page essay of why you need this scholarship and what motivated you to want to become a teacher.
● Completed application due no later than April 25, 2025 to Cathy Renchen, 117 River Bend Rd, Jacksonville, NC 28540
Application is available below:
https://wakelet.com/wake/G1oQye8viL4Q6aUYTDS6a
2025 BigSun Scholarship
Amount: $500
Deadline: 6/19/2025
The BigSun Organization is proud to be able to continue to help young athletes succeed in their academic pursuits. We are offering an annual scholarship to a deserving student. All student athletes are eligible for this award, regardless of which sport they are participating in or what their capacity in that sport is.
Deadline - June 19, 2025
Amount of Award - $500.00
The successful applicant will be a high school senior or be attending a post secondary institute and currently involved in some sport at that institution or in the community..
Please visit our website at http://www.bigsunathletics.com to learn how to apply.
Alphabetical list of scholarships:
Alexander Hamilton Citizenship Achievement Award
American Association on Health & Disability Scholarship
American Indian College Fund
Provides Native students with scholarships and financial support for the nation's 33 accredited tribal colleges and universities.
American Legion
Get money for college...the kind you don't have to pay back!
Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund
The nation's largest con-profit organization devoted to providing college scholarships for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
Aspiring Animation Professional Scholarship Program
This scholarship is worth a $1,000 to a high school senior that is interested in pursuing a career in animation. Please visit the website for more details.
Forgivable Education Loans for Service
Gates Millennium Scholars Program
Provides outstanding low income African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American, and Hispanic American students with an opportunity to complete an undergraduate college education in any discipline that they choose.
General Emmett Paige Scholarship
Golden Leaf Scholarship Program
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Largest provider of college financial aid for Latio students
Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship
Montford Point Marine Association Chapter 10 and Ladies Auxiliary
NC Farm Bureau
Each year, North Carolina Farm Bureau makes an investment in agriculture's future leadership through the R. Flake Shaw Scholarship Program. The program now offers:
•a total of 24 scholarships valued at $3,000 per year for four years of study
at college or university in an agriculturally related curriculum. Six new
scholarships are awarded each spring.
•a total of four scholarships valued at $1,000 per year for 2 years of study
at a community college to receive an associate degree in an agriculturally
related field or to prepare for transfer to college or university. Two new
scholarships are awarded each spring.
NC Federation of Republic Women
NC High School Athletics Association
NC State Education Assistance Authority Scholarships & Grant Programs
NC State USBC Association, Inc Youth Scholarship
New River SNCO Wives Scholarship
The New River Staff NCO Wives' Club is a private organization developed as a welfare and social forum for the spouses of military officers. Members of this club volunteer countless hours supporting fundraising events and services that benefit the MCAS New River Community. The intent of these scholarships has always been, and will continue to be, to support our local military families and their pursuit of futhering their educational needs.
NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation
Young entrepreneurs who are graduating high school seniors are eligible to receive a NFIB Young Entrepreneur Award from NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation. Qualified candidates must be operating a small business. Please visit the website for more information and apply online!
Questbridge National College Match
Ronald McDonald House Charities US Scholarship Program
State Employees Association of North Carolina Scholarship
State Employees Credit Union Scholarships
$10,000 Four-Year College Scholarship-All Seniors must meet the following requirements:1.Must be attending a NC traditional public high school.
2.Must be a US citizen and a resident of NC.
3.Must be accepted by one of the 16 UNC system universities.
4.Must have a GPA of 2.5.
5.Must have demonstrated leadership, excellence of character, integrity, and community involvement.
$5,000 community College Scholarship- Must meet the following requirements:
1. Must be a US citizen and a resident of NC.
2. Must be attending one of the 58 NC Community Colleges.
3. Must be an applicant or full-time student who is a HS graduate or completed the GED program, enrolled
in an associate degree, diploma, or certificate program.
4. Must have a GPA of 2.5.
5. Must have demonstrated leadership, excellence of character, integrity, and community involvement.
Please visit the State Employees Credit Union Website for more information.
TEACH Early Childhood Associate Degree
Teacher Assistant Scholarship Funds
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards
Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund
Washington Crossing Foundation
Scholarships for Students interested in Teaching
Maynard Scholarship Program
The Maynard Scholarship is a four year $20,000 scholarship
awarded to outstanding high school seniors each year. This scholarship is
modeled after the NC Teaching Fellow Scholarship and as so, recipients will be
expected to teach in public, charter, or government school for four years in
one of the stated counties following graduation. Individuals have up to seven
years to complete this requirement.
Meredith College Teaching Fellows
TEACH Grant Program
The TEACH Grant Program provides
grants of up to $4,000 a year to students who are completing or plan to complete
course work needed to begin a career in teaching.
As a condition for receiving a TEACH Grant,
you must sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve in which you agree to (among other requirements) teach
- in a high-need field
- at an elementary school, secondary school, or educational service agency that serves students from low-income families
- for at least four complete academic years within eight years after completing (or ceasing enrollment in)
the course of study for which you received the grant in a high-need field - at an elementary school, secondary school, or educational
service agency that serves students from low-income families - for at least four complete academic years within eight years after
completing (or ceasing enrollment in) the course of study for which you received
the grant.