2026 Scholarships

Collins Scholarship

$3,000 each to four qualifying seniors/graduates of Rockdale County Public Schools who are of Hispanic/Latinx descent, regardless of citizenship status. First preference will be given to first generation college students. To apply, a student must be of Hispanic/Latinx descent, be a 2026 graduate in a Rockdale County Public School, be accepted to a college or technical school for the 2026-26 school year and complete an application and 500-word essay. Application due April 3, 2026. For more information, contact RCPSFCollinsScholarship@gmail.com. The scholarship will be awarded in May 2026. To download application, CLICK HERE

More Scholarship Opportunities to Explore

*With the exception of the RCPSF Scholarship and the Collins Scholarship listed above, the Rockdale County Public Schools Foundation (RCPSF) provides the scholarship listings on this page solely for informational purposes. The RCPSF is not affiliated with, does not endorse, and does not administer, monitor, or award any of the external scholarships listed. We do not accept applications on behalf of any scholarship provider.

All eligibility criteria, deadlines, and application procedures are managed by the respective organizations. Students and families are encouraged to review each scholarship’s official website and contact the sponsoring entity directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

This resource is offered as a service to support RCPS high school students in exploring potential funding opportunities for their post-secondary education.*

Natural Resources Conservation Workshop

More than $17,000 in college scholarships will be awarded at the Natural Resources Conservation Workshop, a five-day camp/workshop held in June at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Georgia. Ten RCPS students in rising grades 10-12 will be selected to attend the Natural Resources Conservation Workshop free of cost, sponsored by the Conyers and Rockdale Rotary Clubs. The workshop focuses on the value, protection, and conservation of Georgia’s wildlife, forestry, soil, and water resources. Sponsored by the Conyers and Rockdale County Rotary Clubs and the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts, Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Society, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.  Application at www.abac.edu/nrcw . Early bird application deadline May 1, final application deadline June 1. For more information, contact nrcw@abac.edu or 229-391-5072.

Piedmont Rockdale Auxiliary

$1,000 scholarship from the Elizabeth Wilmot Bull Memorial Scholarship Fund, awarded by the Council on Auxiliaries/Volunteers of the Georgia Hospital Association. For more information, contact the Piedmont Rockdale Hospital Auxiliary at 770-918-3007.

Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta

Each year, the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta provides hundreds of scholarships to students through a variety of scholarship funds. To be eligible, applicants need to fulfill the following criteria: Must be a high school senior who is the natural, adopted, or dependent child of an individual who has been an active, full-time Cox employee for at least the last three consecutive years (as of January 26, 2024), must be accepted for enrollment at an accredited college, university, or technical school, must have a 2.50 or higher grade point average and must plan to be enrolled full-time and maintain that enrollment status. For United States applicants, your Cox-employed parent must be a contributor included on your FAFSA Submission Summary. No other family members can be Kennedy Scholars for the current academic year, and previous recipients are renewed if they continue to meet the scholarship’s criteria and submit a renewal application each semester. For more information and application please click here https://cfgreateratlanta.org/scholarships/.

Rockdale NAACP Freedom Fund Scholarship

$1,000 to one senior at each of the three RCPS high schools; funds raised through the annual Freedom Fund banquet; scholarships awarded in June. For an application and more information, contact rcbnaacp@gmail.com.

State and National Scholarships

 Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation is awarding $1,500 to the first-place winner, $1,000  to the second-place winner and $750 to the third-place winner. Winners and their families are also invited to Washington, D.C. in September to accept their award and attend a panel discussion on the topic during the CBCF annual Legislative Conference. Application requires a 750 word and no more than 1000 word essay and it is open to high school juniors and seniors (grades 11 and 12) at time of submission. Applicants must reside or attend school in a district represented by a Congressional Black Caucus Member. Participants can enter their home and school zip code at www.house.gov to verify their Congressional representation. Contestants should identify as Black or African-American. All essays must be submitted online; written essays will not be accepted by US mail, fax or email. Deadline is in April. For application and submission please visit https://cbcfinc.academicworks.com/opportunities/530

Delta Community Credit Union HBCU Scholarship

Twice a year, scholarships for $5,000 will be awarded to HBCU students. Three scholarships will be awarded in May 2024, and two scholarships will be awarded in November 2024. Must be current undergraduate students at any of the nation’s HBCUs, graduating high school seniors who have received an official acceptance letter to an HBCU and students must be Georgia residents. Visit https://www.audacy.com/v103/contests/nominate-an-hbcu-student-to-win-their-share-of-usd25-000 to submit a 250-word nomination for a deserving student that attends, or plans to attend, one of the nation’s HBCUs telling us why the student deserves or needs this scholarship. You may also nominate yourself. Submissions must be received by 12:00 p.m. ET on April 30, 2025. Visit https://www.audacy.com/v103/contests/nominate-an-hbcu-student-to-win-their-share-of-usd25-000 for more information.

Disabled Scholar Award

The Disabled Scholar Award is just a part of their efforts to be good members of the community and to give back. With the Disabled Scholar Award, this Law Firm hopes to both raise awareness about the challenges disabled young people face while also helping one special young person to achieve his/her goals and dreams. Applicants will be judged on their academic merits as well as the content of the application and essay they provide. Applicants must be either a current graduating high school senior with acceptance to an accredited school or an undergraduate student at an accredited institution within the United States, must have a minimum 2.8 GPA and must submit an unofficial copy of their transcript. Deadline for the fall semester is July 31, 2025 and for the spring semester is November 30, 2025. For application and more information, visit https://www.augerlaw.com/disabled-scholar-award/

EduMed Scholarships

$500 for each scholarship to the winning student in their respective category, which will be paid to the school at which they are enrolled. Deadlines vary by scholarship. More information at https://www.edumed.org/financial-aid/scholarships/.

Ford Auto Tech Scholarship

$5,000 scholarships ($2,500 per semester);Ford Fund is teaming up with Ford Dealers to welcome the next generation of auto technicians by awarding $5,000 ($2,500 per semester) tuition scholarships to students pursuing careers in auto and auto/diesel technology. This need-based scholarship is applied to a student’s school tuition account and may be used for all cost of attendance, including tuition, tools, living expenses and transportation. For application and information, visit https://techforce.org/FordFund/

IVLA’s College Scholarship

Up to $1,000 award to a high school senior or undergraduate student with 1+ school year(s) remaining. The selection process is merit-based and determined by the creativity of a 500 word essay submitted through our website. Requirements: U.S. resident accepted to an accredited U.S. university, community college, or trade school, submit a 300 – 500 word essay, and have a 2.5 GPA or higher. Deadline is April 30th, 2026. For application and more information, visit https://internationalvla.com/college-scholarship-from-ivla/.

MG Law Scholarship

$1,000 to any high school senior or current attendee of an institute of higher education inside the state of Georgia (including tech schools), it will be awarded August 1, 2021. Must have a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0. A transcript must be attached with counselor or school representative signature for application to be considered. Although not required, applicants are encouraged to submit recommendation letters and/or resumes to substantiate their application. A student aid report (if available) showing income status of your household must be attached for application to be considered. The scholarship must be submitted, in full, by July. Claims made on the application will be verified before scholarship is awarded. All applications must be submitted electronically, click here for application form https://www.mg4law.com/scholarship/ 

National Association for the Education of Homeless Children & Youth (NAEHCY) Scholarship

First Time Post-Secondary Student Scholarship of $5,000 awarded to at least three students who are under the age of 23 by September 1, 2023; deadline May 31st; visit https://www.cvent.com/c/abstracts/53be5dbe-d50f-48f4-b543-5981e2754357.
Back to School Support Scholarship of $500 awarded to three to four students who are prior NAEHCY scholars; deadline May 31st; visit https://www.cvent.com/c/abstracts/53be5dbe-d50f-48f4-b543-5981e2754357
For more information, visit https://naehcy.org/naehcy-scholarship-fund/

Pak and McCray Law LLC Give Back to Georgia Scholarship

$1,000 to a high school senior in Georgia or college student enrolled in a two-year to five-year Georgia institution; minimum GPA is not required; eligibility information at http://pakandmcraelaw.com/scholarship . Application due April 27. To apply, create a short (30-120 second) video telling us about how you give back to your community, how it has influenced your education, how it has shaped your career path or future goals and how this scholarship will help you reach your goals; Upload your video to YouTube. For more information, contact 513-444-2016 or scholarship@gngf.com or go to http://pakandmcraelaw.com/scholarship

Shawn Carter (Jay-Z) Foundation Scholarship

Tuition and expenses; The Shawn Carter Foundation (SCF) provides individual grants, paid directly to the educational institution, to every student who qualifies and is accepted as a recipient and reapplies yearly, from admission to graduation up to six years and the age of 25. The grant can be used to cover tuition expenses and related supplemental educational expenses such as books, lab fees, travel, and select costs of living. All Shawn Carter Foundation Scholars are required to “give back” by conducting community service and/or serving as mentors to younger, aspiring SCF Scholars. Eligibility: Students pursuing their first undergraduate degree – High school seniors, students with GED diplomas, students enrolled in 2-year or 4-year undergraduate programs, students enrolled in vocational or trade schools; US citizen or Permanent Resident; 25 years old or younger; Minimum 2.0 GPA; Household income not exceeding $75,000; Deadline is April 30th. For information and application, visit https://rocnation.lnk.to/scfapp.

Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship

Award: Up to $35,000 over 4 years + comprehensive mentorship and career support.
Eligibility: Open to minority high school seniors who demonstrate leadership, academic excellence, community service, and financial need. Must plan to attend an accredited 4-year U.S. college.
Deadline: Early January each year.
Apply: https://jackierobinson.org/apply

Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) Scholar Program

Award: $500–$5,000 (renewable) + access to leadership development and support.
Eligibility: Hispanic heritage, U.S. citizen/permanent resident/DACA, GPA ≥ 3.0 (HS), FAFSA required, enrolled full-time in a nonprofit 4-year institution.
Deadline: Mid-February each year.
Apply: https://www.hsf.net

UNCF Scholarships (General)

Award: Varies by scholarship; multiple opportunities offered through UNCF.
Eligibility: Minimum GPA of 2.5, minority background, enrolled full-time at an accredited U.S. institution, must demonstrate financial need via FAFSA.
Deadline: Varies.
Apply: https://uncf.org/scholarships

UNCF STEM Scholars Program

Award: Varies based on program; includes academic and career support.
Eligibility: African American, GPA ≥ 3.0, demonstrated financial need, intent to pursue a STEM major, U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Deadline: Varies by year.
Apply: https://uncf.org/scholarships

GMiS STEM Scholarship

Award: Varies (up to $5,000); over $5.8 million awarded to date.
Eligibility: Hispanic descent or students serving underserved communities; GPA ≥ 3.0, pursuing a STEM or health-related major. Must be enrolled in accredited U.S. institution.
Deadline: Spring annually.
Apply: https://greatmindsinstem.org

BLK Men in Tech Scholars Program

Award: $1,000 scholarship.
Eligibility: Black high school seniors or college students majoring in tech-related fields. Must submit transcript, recommendation letters, and proof of enrollment.
Deadline: Late April each year.
Apply: https://www.blkmenintech.com

National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) Scholarships

Award: $1,000–$15,000.
Eligibility: Black students pursuing a nursing degree. Must be NBNA members and enrolled in an accredited nursing program.
Deadline: Typically March annually.
Apply: https://www.nbna.org

Ron Brown Scholar Program

Award: $40,000 over 4 years.
Eligibility: African American high school seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Must demonstrate financial need, academic excellence, and leadership.
Deadline: December 1 annually.
Apply: https://ronbrown.org

Black Students in Tech Grant (Bold.org)

Award: $1,000 one-time grant.
Eligibility: Black high school seniors interested in technology. Essay submission required.
Deadline: Varies. Check https://bold.org for open applications.
Apply: https://bold.org

The Gates Scholarship

Award: Full cost of attendance not covered by financial aid, including tuition, fees, books, room and board.
Eligibility: High school senior, Pell-eligible, minority student with GPA ≥ 3.3. Demonstrated leadership, perseverance, and academic excellence.
Deadline: Mid-September annually.
Apply: https://www.thegatesscholarship.org

Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship Program

Award: Up to $55,000 per year plus college advising and a strong scholar network.
Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors, GPA ≥ 3.75, demonstrate financial need (family income under $95,000), and plan to enroll in a four-year college.
Deadline: November 12, 2025
Apply: https://www.jkcf.org/our-scholarships/college-scholarship-program/

Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship

Award: Up to $55,000 per year for up to three years.
Eligibility: Community college students transferring to a four-year college, GPA ≥ 3.5, demonstrate financial need, U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Deadline: January 2026
Apply: https://www.jkcf.org/our-scholarships/undergraduate-transfer-scholarship/

Horatio Alger National Scholarship

Award: $25,000
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors with GPA ≥ 2.0, family income ≤ $65,000, involved in community service, and overcoming adversity.
Deadline: Typically October
Apply: https://scholars.horatioalger.org

Horatio Alger Career & Technical Scholarship

Award: Up to $2,500
Eligibility: Students under age 30 pursuing a technical certificate/associate’s degree, U.S. citizen, demonstrate financial need.
Deadline: June 15 annually
Apply: https://scholars.horatioalger.org

Voice of Democracy Scholarship (VFW)

Award: Up to $30,000 (national level), plus travel to Washington, D.C.
Eligibility: Grades 9–12, U.S. citizens or permanent residents; submit an audio essay on a patriotic theme.
Deadline: October 31 annually
Apply: https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships

CBC Spouses Education Scholarship

Award: Varies based on need and merit
Eligibility: African American or Black students with financial need, pursuing higher education in any field.
Deadline: March annually
Apply: https://www.cbcfinc.org/programs/scholarships/

LULAC National Scholarship Fund

Award: Varies by applicant
Eligibility: Hispanic/Latino students demonstrating academic excellence and community involvement.
Deadline: Varies
Apply: https://lulac.org/programs/education/scholarships/

Buenas Opiniones Scholarship

Award: $2,500 renewable up to four years
Eligibility: Latino high school, undergraduate, or graduate students in the U.S. with GPA ≥ 3.0.
Deadline: Varies
Apply: https://www.buenasopiniones.com/scholarship/

Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards – “Haz La U”

Award: Up to $10,000
Eligibility: Latino high school seniors with leadership, academic excellence, and community involvement.
Deadline: November 2, 2025
Apply: https://hhfawards.hispanicheritage.org/2025/login

HACU (Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities) Scholarship Program

Award: Up to $15,000
Eligibility: Hispanic students enrolled at HACU-member institutions. Requirements vary by sponsor.
Deadline: Varies by scholarship; often December 31
Apply: https://www.hacu.net/hacu/Scholarships.asp

Gucci Changemakers Scholarship

Award: Up to $20,000
Eligibility: Black high school seniors with strong interest in fashion, art, or social impact careers.
Deadline: Varies
Apply: https://changemakersus.gucci.com/scholarship-program/

Bold.org “Be Bold” No Essay Scholarship

Award: $25,000
Eligibility: Open to all high school seniors; judged on boldness and personal story—not GPA or test scores.
Deadline: September 30, 2025
Apply: https://bold.org/scholarships/the-be-bold-no-essay-scholarship/

Equitable Excellence Scholarship

Award: $5,000 plus a $500 school grant.
Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors with demonstrated leadership, community involvement, and character. U.S. citizenship or legal residency required.
Deadline: Mid-January annually.
Apply: https://equitable.com/foundation/equitable-excellence-scholarship

Live Más Scholarship (Taco Bell Foundation)

Award: Up to $25,000.
Eligibility: Students aged 16–26 who are pursuing post-secondary education and create a 2-minute video about their passion. Employment at Taco Bell not required for general application.
Deadline: Early January annually.
Apply: https://www.tacobellfoundation.org/live-mas-scholarship

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program

Award: $20,000.
Eligibility: High school seniors in the U.S. who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and community commitment.
Deadline: September 30 annually.
Apply: https://www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org/apply/

National Merit Scholarship Program

Award: $2,500 plus corporate/institutional sponsorships.
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors who score highly on the PSAT/NMSQT and meet other academic criteria.
Deadline: PSAT must be taken in junior year. Finalists announced in senior year.
Apply: https://www.nationalmerit.org

Horatio Alger National Scholarship

Award: $25,000.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors with GPA ≥ 2.0, demonstrated financial need, and perseverance through adversity. U.S. citizenship required.
Deadline: Typically October annually.
Apply: https://scholars.horatioalger.org

Horatio Alger Career & Technical Scholarship

Award: Up to $2,500.
Eligibility: U.S. citizens under age 30 pursuing technical certifications or associate degrees; financial need required.
Deadline: June 15 annually.
Apply: https://scholars.horatioalger.org

Voice of Democracy Scholarship (VFW)

Award: Up to $30,000 national prize.
Eligibility: Grades 9–12; U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Submit a 3–5 minute audio essay on a patriotic theme to a local VFW Post.
Deadline: October 31 annually.
Apply: https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships

Cam Jordan Legacy Scholarship Program

Award: $12,500 per year, full in-state tuition, laptop, and mentorship.
Eligibility: Louisiana high school seniors with GPA ≥ 3.0, demonstrated need, and community leadership.
Deadline: Varies; typically spring.
Apply: https://www.camjordan.com/scholarship

Sallie Mae Bridging the Dream Scholarship

Award: Up to $10,000.
Eligibility: High school seniors with financial need, strong character, and perseverance; must be planning to attend college.
Deadline: Rolling.
Apply: https://www.salliemae.com/scholarships/bridging-the-dream/

Dell Scholars Program

Award: $20,000, a new laptop, and textbook credits.
Eligibility: Pell-eligible high school seniors, GPA ≥ 2.4, enrolled in a college readiness program, and planning to attend a 2- or 4-year college.
Deadline: Usually in December.
Apply: https://www.dellscholars.org