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National Society of High School Scholars · Direct application
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NSHSS Your First Scholarship grants ten $500 awards to students graduating from high school in 2026, 2027, 2028, or 2029 who have never previously won a scholarship. Applicants submit a personal statement of no more than 500 words about their greatest strength and how it will propel their future aspirations, together with an academic resume, transcript, headshot, and educator recommendation.
The NSHSS Your First Scholarship 2026 awards $500 (10 winners). It is sponsored by National Society of High School Scholars.
The deadline is October 16, 2026. Applications submitted after the deadline are typically not considered, so plan to finish early.
Key requirements include: United States; High school. Check the full eligibility section above, or create a free Award Scholar profile to have every requirement checked against your profile automatically.
Students participating in standard AIFS Abroad study or intern abroad programs who demonstrate strong academic achievement and/or community service may apply for the Cultural Engagement Scholarship. The award does not apply to customized faculty-led programs or virtual internships. Recipients receive up to $5,000 toward program costs. Up to four awards are available across fall and spring semesters. Complete both the scholarship application and the AIFS program application. Submit materials by April 15 for fall-semester programs or October 1 for spring-semester programs.
No essay requiredStudents pursuing law enforcement degrees or skilled trades careers (such as electrician, welder, or carpenter) who are accepted for full-time enrollment at an accredited U.S. two-year university, law enforcement academy, or qualified trade program may apply. Awards of $1,000 support tuition and training costs. Law enforcement recipients also receive a ballistic helmet upon program completion; skilled trades recipients receive a hard hat. Submit a 500-word essay, letter of acceptance or transcript, and one recommendation. Hard Head Veterans offers this fund to support those serving in law enforcement and the skilled trades.
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Yes, the application includes one essay question. Award Scholar drafts scholarship essays in your own voice, so the writing takes minutes instead of hours.
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