25 Spring Scholarships To Apply To Over Spring Break
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While spring break should be a time for your college student to catch up on rest and relaxation, it’s also the perfect time to find and apply for scholarships to help fund their college education. Taking advantage of these spring scholarship opportunities will not only get your student’s scholarship search and application process started, but it will also leave time for enjoying spring break plans.
Here is a list of 25 spring semester scholarships. Some deadlines are as late as May. Either way, these next few weeks of academic year are major scholarship deadline weeks, so you don’t want to miss out!
And if you are curious as to how we found these, check out our free training on how to uncover legitimate scholarships, “6 Steps to Quickly Secure Scholarships for College.” This training is geared towards teaching parents what they need to know about paying for college so you can help your child avoid student loan debt. To see when we are holding our next training, go to https://thescholarshipsystem.com/webinar.
25 SCHOLARSHIPS TO APPLY TO OVER SPRING BREAK
Cancer Unwrapped Teen Writing Contest
- Award: $1,000
- Deadline: February 27, 2026
- Eligibility:
- The scholarship is open to teens in the United States in grades 9-12
- GPA Requirement: No GPA Requirement
- Requires Essay
AFSA’s High School Essay Contest
- Award: Up to $2,500
- Deadline: March 1, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Open to high school students in grades 9-12 who are U.S. citizens.
- GPA Requirement: No GPA Requirement
- Requires Essay
The Executive Leadership Council Scholarship
- Award: Varies
- Deadline: March 1, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Be a U.S. citizen enrolled full-time at a four-year accredited higher education institution or HBCU in good standing
- GPA Requirement: 2.8 or higher
- Requires Essay
Netfloor USA Access Flooring Scholarship
- Award: $1,000
- Deadline: March 1, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Scholarship is open to high school seniors and current undergraduate and graduate students
- GPA Requirement: 3.0 or higher
- Requires Essay
Life Lessons Scholarship Program
- Award: $1,000
- Deadline: March 1, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Scholarship is open to any student between 17 – 24 years of age who will be attending college, university or trade school in the US or Puerto Rico in the upcoming fall semester and experienced the loss of a parent or guardian
- GPA Requirement: No GPA Requirement
- Requires Essay
Project Yellow Light Scholarship Competition – Billboard
- Award: $2,000
- Deadline: March 1, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Competition is open to high school juniors and seniors and current undergraduate students
- GPA Requirement: No GPA Requirement
- Requires Creating billboard design
AFA Teen Alzheimer’s Awareness Scholarship
- Award: Varies
- Deadline: March 1, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Currently be a high school senior
- Currently reside in the US as a citizen
- Must attend an accredited college/university in the US immediately following high school graduation in 2026 (no gap year/semester)
- GPA Requirement: No GPA requirement
- Requires Essay or Video
Science Without Borders Art Contest
- Award: Up to $500
- Deadline: March 2, 2026
- Eligibility:
- The scholarship is open to all students 11-19 years old. Students must be enrolled in primary or secondary school, or the home school equivalent.
- GPA Requirement: No GPA Requirement
- Requires Artwork
- Award: Up to $1,000
- Deadline: March 4, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Open to high school students in grades 9-12
- GPA Requirement: No GPA Requirement
- Requires Essay
DCU Annual Memorial Scholarship
- Award: Up to $150,000
- Deadline: March 6, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors who will be attending college in Fall 2026
- GPA Requirement: No GPA Requirement
- Requires Essay
- Award: Up to $1,800
- Deadline: March 15, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Open to students in grades 7 through 12
- GPA Requirement: No GPA Requirement
- Requires Essay
Get Educated Online College Scholarship
- Award: $1,000
- Deadline: March 15, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Scholarship is open to U.S. citizens enrolled in an accredited online program located in the USA
- GPA Requirement: 3.0 or higher
- Requires Essay
Cool Imagination Writing Contest
- Award: $100
- Deadline: March 31, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Contest is open to all High School students in the United States who are currently attending a public, private, alternative or home school
- GPA Requirement: No GPA requirement
- Requires Short Story
Project Yellow Light Scholarship Competition – Video
- Award: $8,000
- Deadline: April 1, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Competition is open to high school juniors and seniors and current undergraduate students
- GPA Requirement: No GPA requirement
- Requires Video
Project Yellow Light Scholarship Competition – Radio
- Award: $2,000
- Deadline: April 1, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Competition is open to high school juniors and seniors and current undergraduate students
- GPA Requirement: No GPA requirement
- Requires Recording
Herbert Lehman Education Fund Scholarship
- Award: $3,000 (renewable)
- Deadline: April 1, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Scholarship is open to high school seniors, college freshman, and students transferring who are enrolled, or plan to enroll, full-time at a four-year college or university
- GPA Requirement: No GPA Requirement
- Requires Essay
BMO Capital Markets Equity Through Education Scholarship
- Award: Up to $10,000
- Deadline: April 7, 2025
- Eligibility:
- A current undergraduate or graduate student at a four-year university in the United States or Canada; Continuing studies as a full-time student in Fall 2027 with a minimum 40% course load; Pursuing a degree in business/commerce, computer science, engineering, math, physics, statistics, or a related discipline; a person with a (visible or non-visible) disability (defined as someone who has, or considers themselves to have, a long-term or recurring, issue that impacts one or more major activities that others may consider to be a daily function)
- GPA Requirement: No GPA requirement
- Requires Essay
CJ Pony Parts Scholarship Video Contest
- Award: $500
- Deadline: April 15, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Scholarship is open to U.S. residents who will be enrolled in post-secondary education in the next semester
- GPA Requirement: No GPA Requirement
- Requires Video
- Award: Up to $10,000
- Deadline: April 25, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Contest is open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia between the ages of 14 and 22 years of age
- GPA Requirement: No GPA requirement
- Requires video or graphic design
- Award: Varies
- Deadline: April 30, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Scholarship is open to high school students and current or entering college or graduate students at any level
- GPA Requirement: No GPA requirement
- Requires Answering a Personal Statement
Driver Education Initiative Award
- Award: $10,000
- Opens: May 1, 2026 (This has been a popular scholarships among our members in the past – they’ve reframed the deadlines, but we still wanted to include this one on our list so your student can get an early start.)
- Eligibility:
- Scholarship is open to all U.S. high school or university/college students
- GPA Requirement: No GPA requirement
- Requires Essay
American Floral Endowment Scholarship
- Award: Up to $5,000
- Deadline: May 1, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Scholarship is open to current college students attending Canadian and American colleges and universities pursing a career related to horticulture or floriculture
- GPA Requirement: 2.0 GPA or Higher
- No Essay Required (for the majority listed on their website)
- Award: $2,500
- Deadline: May 1, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Scholarship is open to current high school seniors or college students
- GPA Requirement: 3.0 or Higher
- Requires Essay
- Award: $2500
- Deadline: May 1, 2026
- Eligibility:
- An athlete (all sports and athletic activities qualify);
- An open and self-identified lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex person; or a demonstrated and committed ally;
- A graduating high school student who plans to attend a recognized undergraduate college or university in the United States OR is an already matriculated US undergraduate college student; and
- Between the age of 15 and 22-years-old (depending on age at time of high school graduation)
- GPA Requirement: No GPA Requirement
- Requires Essays
- Award: $1,000
- Deadline: May 31, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Scholarship is open to current college students attending Canadian and American colleges and universities
- GPA Requirement: No GPA requirement
- Requires Essay
FAQs
What Month Is Best to Apply for Scholarships?
When pinpointing the best month to apply for scholarships, it’s helpful to consider the typical cycle of scholarship deadlines. For many students, spring emerges as a prime time to apply.
Scholarship providers often aim to finalize their decisions by the end of the school year so they can prepare for disbursements by the fall semester. This makes the months of March and April particularly rich with opportunities. During this period, students are not only finding a variety of scholarships open for applications but also experiencing less academic pressure, making it an ideal time to focus on applications.
April, in particular, shines as a strategic month for scholarship applications. This is because it falls right before many application deadlines in May and June, providing a sweet spot for students to gather their materials, refine their essays, and seek recommendations without the rush. Plus, with spring break typically occurring in April, students can leverage this free time to concentrate on tailoring each application. The relaxed pace of this month, free from the intense schedules of exams and school activities, allows for more thoughtful and thorough applications.
However, it’s crucial for students demonstrating financial need to maintain a proactive approach throughout the year. Scholarships aimed at supporting students in this category may have varying deadlines across all seasons. Since that’s the case, staying organized and keeping an eye on scholarship portals, school counselor announcements, and community boards year-round can ensure that no opportunity slips through the cracks.
How Early Is Too Early to Apply for Scholarships?
Starting the scholarship search early is wise, but how early is too early? Technically, it’s never too early to begin researching and understanding the types of scholarships that might be available in the future, including for high school freshmen (or younger students).
In fact, beginning the scholarship search and application process early can be a significant advantage. An early start doesn’t mean your students must start submitting applications immediately. Instead, it’s more about getting familiar with the requirements and types of scholarships available so they can plan accordingly.
By starting early, students give themselves ample time to tailor their high school experience toward building a strong scholarship application. For example, understanding that certain scholarships value community service or leadership roles can inspire them to pursue these activities during high school. This proactive approach not only prepares them for specific scholarship criteria but also enhances personal and academic growth.
Plus, early research allows students to identify deadlines and prioritize opportunities, reducing the last-minute rush and stress that can come with scholarship applications. Additionally, if an award allows younger applicants to apply, they can always throw their hat in the ring.
Of course, while starting early is beneficial, the actual applications primarily begin during their junior or senior year of high school. This is when they’ll have accumulated the grades, experiences, and accolades many scholarships require. Starting their search early simply helps them map out a timeline for when specific scholarships become relevant to them, letting them know when to apply in advance.
So, embrace the early start, use the time to prepare thoroughly, and when the time comes, they’ll be ready to submit applications that genuinely reflect their hard work and achievements.
How Many Spring Break Scholarships Should Students Apply For?
Determining the number of scholarships to apply for during spring break can feel a bit like finding the right balance in a buffet line—you want to fill your plate, but not so much that you can’t manage it all! A good rule of thumb is to focus on quality over quantity.
Instead of applying for every scholarship under the sun, students should target those for which they meet all the criteria and can submit a strong, personalized application. Generally, students need to find a manageable number, and what that is may vary from one student to the next. Ultimately, students need to dedicate enough time to each application, ensuring that essays are well-crafted and all necessary documents are in order. So, it’s best to take a metered approach.
However, remember that spring break is an excellent opportunity to apply without the usual pressures of schoolwork. This free time can be used to concentrate on particularly competitive or labor-intensive applications, which might require more thoughtful essays or detailed personal statements.
By selecting a handful of scholarships that align closely with their achievements, interests, and career goals, students can use their time effectively to enhance their chances of success. Remember, every well-prepared application increases their chances of winning, so it’s better to focus on a strategic number than accidentally try to overdo it.
What Is the Easiest Type of Scholarship to Get?
When exploring the landscape of scholarships, the “easiest” to obtain might often seem like a myth, as all scholarships come with their own set of criteria and competition. However, certain types of scholarships may have broader criteria and less competition, making them relatively easier to secure.
One such category includes scholarships focused on specific demographics or student backgrounds, such as those designed for first-generation college students. These scholarships recognize the unique challenges these students face and aim to support their educational journeys, and they usually have fewer applicants per scholarship compared to more general ones.
Another accessible type of scholarship revolves around special interests or involvements, such as community service. Scholarships that reward students for their volunteer efforts tend to have more subjective criteria based on personal commitment and impact rather than academic performance alone. Students who dedicate significant time to helping others and can articulate their experiences and the value of their work in any required essays tend to stand out in these applications and usually face less competition, too.
Finally, scholarships targeting students pursuing specific fields of study, such as computer science or computer information systems, can also be among the easier ones to obtain simply because they target a smaller group of eligible students. Organizations and companies often fund scholarships in these areas to encourage the development of skills in high-demand fields. Students enrolled in these programs might find less competition and more opportunities tailored to their specific educational paths.
What Are the Hardest Scholarships to Get?
Navigating the world of scholarships can be quite an adventure, especially when encountering some of the most competitive ones. The hardest scholarships to get typically have extensive eligibility criteria – such as requiring exceptional academic or extracurricular achievements – or attract a large pool of applicants, increasing competition dramatically.
For instance, scholarships that cover full tuition or offer substantial financial support for the entire duration of a college program are often the most challenging. These scholarships usually seek students who excel academically and demonstrate strong leadership, community involvement, and potential to make significant contributions to their fields. Plus, since practically all students want a full-ride scholarship, the number of applicants is typically high, resulting in substantial competition.
Another category of tough-to-land scholarships includes those aimed at students entering highly specialized or competitive fields. For example, those pursuing a graduate program in law, medicine, or business often face stiff competition. These scholarships are not only fewer in number but also demand candidates who have a proven track record of academic excellence and professional experience in their chosen field. The rigor and specificity of the requirements make these scholarships particularly hard to secure, but they are incredibly rewarding for those who manage to obtain them.
Finally, national or prestigious scholarships that recognize a few students annually are among the hardest to get. These scholarships often have a rigorous selection process that may include multiple rounds of applications, interviews, and sometimes even performance tasks. The process is designed to identify students who are not only at the top of their academic game but who also embody the values and goals of the scholarship program. But while these scholarships are challenging to earn, their prestige and extensive benefits make them worth the effort for those who are prepared to go the extra mile.
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And if you’d like some help with these applications to increase the likelihood of being selected, here are a few more posts that can help.
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