Delaware Scholarships

The High School Leadership Award Scholarship provides $20,000 over four years to first-year Widener undergraduates from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Delaware who received a Widener High School Leadership Award. Students are nominated by their high school principal or administrator rather than applying directly. Award recipients who enroll at Widener automatically receive the scholarship and join the Apogee Scholars Program managed by the Office of Student Engagement. The program recognizes regional high school juniors and seniors for leadership potential. Scholarship funds apply to tuition for full-time undergraduate day students during their first eight semesters at Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania.

U.S. citizens pursuing campus-based study in the 2027-2028 academic year may apply to one or more stand-alone UNICO Foundation scholarships if they meet each fund's criteria. Most require Italian descent; several funds are open to all ethnicities. Award sizes vary by named fund, from about $1,000 to $10,000, covering high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate entrants, nursing, medical school, study abroad in Italy, and field-specific awards. Online applications are due March 15, 2027 for the 2027-2028 academic year. Applicants generally must reside in or hold chapter sponsorship from listed states (California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, or Wisconsin), with limited exceptions. UNICO National is an Italian-American service organization whose foundation promotes education, culture, and charitable projects nationwide.

Undergraduate students with at least one year of college completed, or graduate students, at accredited U.S. institutions whose daily lives are guided by spiritual values may apply. Preference goes to candidates residing in or attending schools in Connecticut, DC, Delaware, Maryland, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $7,000 and may be renewed for subsequent years. Apply with three autobiographical essays, three letters of recommendation, an official transcript, and an in-person interview. Applicants must also demonstrate financial need. Albert and Toni Roothbert established the Fund to support students whose actions reflect strong moral and spiritual values.

High school seniors and current college students in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, or North Carolina who reside in Mountaire's local communities and pursue agriculture, the trades, or related fields may apply for the Farm to Table Community Scholarship. Applicants must be in a two-year or four-year program and receive a nomination from a teacher or school guidance counselor. Fifteen recipients each receive $3,000. Have your nominator submit the Mountaire Community Scholarship Nomination Form by the deadline. The program supports the next generation of leaders in agriculture, skilled trades, and community service.

The Independence Blue Cross Nurses for Tomorrow Scholarship supports Penn Nursing students who reside in designated counties in Pennsylvania, Delaware, or New Jersey. Awards range from five hundred to two thousand five hundred dollars based on residency eligibility. Qualifying students must provide proof of residency such as a driver's license, car registration, voter registration, or RN license showing an address in Philadelphia, Bucks, Delaware, Chester, or Montgomery Counties in Pennsylvania; New Castle County, Delaware; or Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Salem, or Mercer Counties in New Jersey.

Delaware-only environmental essay contest for high school students in grades 9–12. Choose one of three climate topics (youth climate action, environmental injustice, or connection with nature) and submit an original essay up to 1,500 words by the March deadline. First place earns $2,000, second $1,500, third $1,000, and seven honorable mentions receive $500 each at an Earth Day awards ceremony. Pre-register online, then email essays during the submission window.

High school or home-school seniors entering their first semester at a college or technical/trade school may apply if their primary residence receives electric service from a member cooperative of the Virginia, Maryland and Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives (VMDAEC). Scholarships of $1,500 are awarded based on 40% financial need, 40% academic achievement, and 20% personal statement. Funds may cover tuition, fees, room and board, or textbooks. Apply online at vmdaec.com/scholarshipfoundation. Proof of admission is required if selected.

Delaware residents age 23 or younger with a 2.75 or higher GPA and demonstrated financial need who plan to earn a degree or certificate in automotive design, engineering, manufacturing, repair, or related skilled trades may apply through the Delaware Community Foundation scholarship portal. The fund awards $1,000 scholarships, with up to 20 available.

U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are high school seniors or college freshmen or sophomores under age 20 and residing in eligible states or the District of Columbia may apply. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA (high school seniors) or 2.75 GPA (college students), plus demonstrated academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and financial need. Award amounts vary based on need and may renew for up to four academic years. Complete the application with details on honors, leadership, community service, financial need, and future goals. Funds must be used at an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Student-athletes in intercollegiate sports and exclusively online students are ineligible. The Jimmy Rane Foundation has awarded hundreds of scholarships to help deserving students pursue college educations.

Delaware residents age 17 or older who are pursuing a construction-related career and enrolled full time or part time may apply for the NAWIC Wilmington Chapter 96 scholarship. Award amounts vary and are not published on the sponsor page. Recipients must maintain a 2.5 GPA. Submit a completed application, one recommendation, an academic-advisor rating form, and an official transcript for the three most recent quarters or semesters.