"Commencing at Community College" Essay Scholarship

High school seniors who are children or grandchildren (including step-children, step-grandchildren, or legal wards) of a living, dues-paying Elk may apply online for Elks National Foundation Legacy Awards. Great-grandchildren are ineligible. Recipients receive $1,500 scholarships usable only at accredited U.S. colleges or universities. Four hundred awards are granted in the current contest cycle. Complete the online application and select the correct sponsoring Elks Lodge. The Elk sponsor must remain a dues-paying member in good standing through March 31. Recipients must complete acts of service with an Elks Lodge during college.

Incoming George Fox University first-year and transfer students may earn additional scholarship funding through the Scholarship Summit program on top of their merit award. Participants who complete both program trails may earn $1,000 to $3,000 per year in stack-on funding, depending on application timing. Early Action applicants qualify for up to $3,000 and Priority Decision applicants for up to $2,000. University-funded stack-on awards are capped at $5,000 above the merit scholarship. Admitted students receive email instructions to complete Trail 1 and department interviews for Trail 2. The program is available only to incoming freshmen and transfer students.

U.S. citizen high school seniors and undergraduates diagnosed with congenital heart defects (CHDs) who are entering or enrolled at an accredited college, university, or trade school with a minimum 3.0 GPA may apply for the Heart Warrior Achievement Scholarship. Award amounts vary, with scholarships starting at $1,000. Funds are sent directly to the recipient's school. Submit a personal statement of at least 500 words, a letter from a licensed practitioner confirming your CHD diagnosis, and proof of enrollment or acceptance. A board member interview follows application review.

Jacksonville State University students who are direct maternal or paternal descendants of a former JSU football player coached by Charley Pell, documented through Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, may apply for the Charley Pell Endowed Scholarship through JaxApp. Current JSU athletes are ineligible. Award amounts vary. Apply by February 1. The fund was established by former players and friends in honor of Mr. Pell, a former JSU head football coach.

Full-time Jacksonville State University undergraduates from Piedmont, Alabama may apply for the Farmers and Merchants Bank Endowed Scholarship through JaxApp. Award amounts vary. Apply by February 1. The Farmers and Merchants Bank of Piedmont established the fund for deserving students from Piedmont.

Current or former Oregon foster youth age 25 or younger may receive up to $5,000 per academic year for postsecondary education or training. Eligible applicants include youth in foster care, former foster youth with 180+ days in care after age 13 who exited at 14+, or youth adopted or placed in guardianship at age 13+ with finalization after 9/1/2015. The number of recipients varies. Your college determines the grant amount based on financial need after other state or federal grants. Re-apply annually; the final disbursement must be received the term before age 26. Apply through Oregon Student Aid. Deadline depends on enrollment term (Summer May 1, Fall August 1, Winter November 1, Spring February 1).