24 Scholarships To Apply For Over Summer Break
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School is almost out, and summer will be in full swing soon. While it’s tempting for your student to want to hit the beach and make lasting memories with friends and family, getting a head start on the competition and applying for scholarships is equally important.
There are many scholarships available over the summer, giving students more chances of winning scholarships if they apply to several opportunities.
We are all for some fun in the sun and lazy summer days, too, but with college debt rising at an alarming rate, we also know the importance of applying for scholarships ALL year round. Additionally, we understand that many students have questions about summer scholarships.
Here are answers to students’ questions about summer scholarship opportunities and a list of 24 scholarships to apply to over summer break.
We also threw in two scholarships with dates pushing into October – just to help keep you motivated after the school year begins! Either way, summer break is a great time to knock out some summer scholarship applications, so you don’t want to miss out!
If you are curious about how we found these, check out our free training on uncovering legitimate scholarships, “6 Steps to Quickly Secure Scholarships for College.” This training is geared toward teaching parents of high school students what they need to know about paying for college so that they can help their child avoid student loan debt. To see when we are holding our next training, go to https://thescholarshipsystem.com/webinar.
Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Scholarships
What Is a Summer Scholarship?
While some students may assume that summer scholarships are only for summer programs or summer classes, that isn’t the case. Instead, scholarships in this category simply have application deadlines during the summer months, typically from the start of June through the end of September, the period classically considered summer vacation. Many summer scholarship awards provide scholarship funds to help cover educational expenses, making them a valuable resource for students seeking financial support.
As with any other type of scholarship, the application steps and eligibility requirements may vary. Some awards focus on making college more affordable for graduating high school seniors pursuing undergraduate degrees. Others may concentrate on students currently enrolled in community college or four-year universities earning Associate’s or Bachelor’s degrees, and there are also summer scholarships that aim specifically at graduate students.
Is Summer the Best Time to Apply for Scholarships?
Technically, it’s wise to apply for scholarships all year round. Different awards can have unique application timelines, causing deadlines to vary significantly. By actively searching to find scholarships with summer deadlines—including easy scholarships that require minimal effort—students can identify opportunities that fit their needs. Pursuing summer scholarship opportunities increases their chances of landing awards that could allow them to reduce their need for other types of financial aid or even graduate debt-free.
There’s also a benefit to applying for multiple scholarships during the summer. Since most students aren’t attending school, they usually have more time to focus on their applications. That can make the experience less stressful, as they don’t have to submit scholarship materials while juggling school work.
Additionally, there are situations where students may face less competition, as not all students spend their summer vacation pursuing scholarships. That could give students going after these awards a leg up, making it easier to secure the funds they need to cover the cost of their education.
Is It Too Late to Look for Scholarships?
It’s never too late to begin a scholarship search. There are plenty of awards with summer deadlines; some may even fund fast enough to help students pay for an upcoming fall semester. Scholarships are available for those pursuing further education, whether you are working toward your undergraduate degree or are a graduate student seeking support for advanced studies.
However, applying is worthwhile even if the money isn’t provided until later in the year. Students could direct the funds toward their spring semester instead, or awards may make their next year of college more affordable, which is helpful.
Plus, after summer scholarship opportunities come fall, winter, and spring scholarships! Essentially, new scholarships are always available, and by launching a search now, they can stay ahead of as many deadlines as possible. Then, they’ll have the best chance of securing the funds they need to cover their education costs, making it far easier to graduate debt-free.
Are There Gap Year Scholarships?
Yes, there are gap-year scholarships. Most of what’s available helps students pay for specific gap year programs, allowing them to participate in non-traditional learning experiences, do volunteer work or explore various parts of the world. Some gap year scholarships specifically support students engaging in community service or career development activities during their gap year, recognizing the value of these experiences for personal growth and future opportunities.
As with all types of scholarships, awards focused on supporting students during a gap year can have varying requirements. Since that’s the case, students must review the rules carefully before applying, ensuring they select the right awards.
What Should I Do If I Run Out of Summer Scholarships to Apply for?
While numerous summer scholarship opportunities are out there (as demonstrated by our list below), that doesn’t mean some students may run out of awards to pursue. If that happens, students have several options.
First, they can get a jump start on fall scholarships, as many have deadlines early in the season. Second, they can find opportunities to boost their scholarship applications, like volunteer programs. Participating in extracurricular activities can also strengthen scholarship applications by demonstrating leadership, commitment, and a well-rounded profile. Third, finding a job shadowing opportunity is worth considering, as it lets students explore their potential new career up close, making it easier for them to ensure it’s the best fit.
Also, spending time with friends and family isn’t a bad idea at that point. After all, summer is an excellent season for making fantastic memories, so it’s wise to take advantage of the extra time to forge stronger connections with their nearest and dearest.
Finally, for students about to start their senior year in high school or students preparing to wrap up a Bachelor’s and want to pursue a graduate degree, using some of the time to prep for upcoming college applications is an excellent idea. Many colleges open their applications in early August, so why not jump-start them before the upcoming school year begins? Additionally, using the summer to reflect on and plan academic goals can help students prepare for future scholarship opportunities.
24 Scholarships To Apply To Over Summer Break:
Financial Empowerment Scholarship
- Award: $2,500
- Deadline: May 30, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Scholarship is open to students who can demonstrate plans to enroll for full-time admission, or have proof of current full-time enrollment, at an accredited institution
- GPA requirement: 3.0 or higher
- Requires Video
- Award: Varies
- Deadline: June 1, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Open to current high school students
- No GPA Requirement
- Requires Essay
- Award: Up to $1,000
- Deadline: June 1, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Open to students worldwide who are enrolled in high school, college/university, or graduate school.
- No GPA Requirement
- Requires Essay
- Award: $2,500
- Deadline: June 1, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Scholarship is open to high school seniors
- GPA Requirement: 3.0 or higher
- Requires Video Submission
Abbott & Fenner General Scholarships
- Award: $1,000
- Deadline: June 10, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Available to all high school juniors and seniors as well as all students currently registered in any accredited post-secondary institution
- No GPA Requirement
- Requires Essay
- Award: $500
- Deadline: June 15, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Open to high school seniors who plan to enroll in college at the start of the next school year, or all students who are currently enrolled in a Culinary Arts or Hospitality Management program.
- No GPA Requirement
- Requires Essay
Schaefer Halleen Law Firm Scholarship
- Award: $1,000
- Deadline: June 30, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Be accepted into an accredited college or law school in the United States, and
- Be interested in pursuing a degree that supports gender, religious, or racial justice, or any accredited program that advances the pursuit of justice for all people.
- No GPA Requirement
- Requires Essay
- Award: $1,000
- Deadline: July 1, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Applicant must be a student currently enrolled at a college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in the United States, and must be studying or planning to study the fields of science (excluding social sciences i.e. economics), engineering, mathematics, or technology.
- No GPA Requirement
- Requires Essay
Barbara Mandigo Kelly Peace Poetry Award
- Award: up to $1,000
- Deadline: July 1, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Open to all ages
- No GPA requirement
- Requires Poem
- Award: $1,000
- Deadline: July 1, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Scholarship is open to incoming and current full-time students at accredited institutions of higher education
- GPA requirement: 3.2 or higher
- Requires Essay
Maple Flooring Manufacturer’s Assocation
- Award: $1,000
- Deadline: July 10, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Applicants must be accepted into one of the following fields of study: Architecture, Forest Management, Forest Products Technology, Forest Science, Forestry Studies, Wood Science & Engineering, Wood Science & Technology, other fields related to wood technology, or studying a trade that translates to the wood flooring industry
- GPA requirement: No GPA Requirement
- Requires Essay
The Scholarship System Annual Scholarship Opportunity
- Award: up to $600, multiple winners
- Deadline: July 12, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Applicants must either be enrolled or actively applying for enrollment to an undergraduate program for the Fall 2026 semester. Students at technical, community and four-year colleges may apply.
- GPA requirement: No GPA requirement
- Requires Essay
Sutliff & Stout Annual Scholarship Contest
- Award: $1,500
- Deadline: July 25, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Scholarship is open to incoming and current college students who will be attending college during the fall of 2026
- No GPA requirement
- Requires Essay
Bachus & Schanker, LLC Scholarship
- Award: $2,000
- Deadline: July 30, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Scholarship is open to any high school senior accepted to attend a four-year university or students currently enrolled at a four-year university in the United States
- GPA requirement: 3.0 or higher
- Requires Essay
Health and Wellness Scholarship
- Award: $500
- Deadline: July 31, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Scholarship is open to students attending or planning to attend a college, university, or graduate school in the United States in the upcoming fall.
- GPA requirement: No GPA requirement
- Requires Essay
- Award: $1,000
- Deadline: July 31, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Scholarship is open to incoming and current college students
- No GPA requirement
- Requires Essay
Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship
- Award: $1,000
- Deadline: July 31, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Scholarship is open to students in grades 9-12, college, or graduate school students who are legal U.S. residents
- No GPA requirement
- Requires Essay
Military Dependent Scholarship
- Award: $500
- Deadline: August 1, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Military dependents that are high school seniors or any year in college are eligible to apply for this scholarship
- GPA requirement: 2.5 or higher
- Requires Essay
Global Perspectives Scholarship
- Award: $1,000
- Deadline: August 27, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Scholarship is open to a high school or college student attending an accredited college or university in 2026
- GPA requirement: No GPA requirement
- Requires Essay
Youth Forward – Scholarship Opportunity
- Award: $500
- Deadline: August 31, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Scholarship is open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, and college freshmen
- No GPA requirement
- Requires Essay
Student Map & Poster Competition
- Award: $500
- Deadline: August 31, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Entrants must have been enrolled in a certificate program, undergraduate, or graduate/post-graduate program during the 2025–2026 academic year
- No GPA requirement
- Requires Map Submission
- Award: $1,000
- Deadline: August 31, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Scholarship is open to any current student of an accredited U.S. university or college
- No GPA requirement
- Requires Video or Essay
RodentPro Animal Advocate Scholarship
- Award: $1,000
- Deadline: October 5, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Incoming college freshman or current undergraduate student
- Any discipline directly related to the care and welfare of animals
- GPA requirement: 3.0 or higher
- Requires Essay
- Award: $1,000
- Deadline: October 31, 2026
- Eligibility:
- Applicant must be a currently enrolled, full-time undergraduate student at an accredited college or university within the United States.
- No GPA requirement
- Requires Essay
Tips for Landing Summer Scholarship Opportunities
Start Your Scholarship Search Right Away
The biggest advice graduating high school seniors, undergraduate students, and graduate students should follow is that starting a scholarship search sooner rather than later is always wise. Scholarship deadlines happen throughout the year, so beginning the process immediately gives students access to more opportunities. As a result, it’s easier to secure funds to help pay for their technical school, community college, four-year university, or graduate program degree.
Thoroughly Research the Application Process and Requirements
In many cases, completing a scholarship application requires time and effort. That’s why students must do some research before they begin.
First, students need to ensure they’re eligible for the reward. By closely examining the eligibility requirements, they can determine whether they’re a suitable candidate before beginning the application process, ensuring they don’t waste time on a scholarship they can’t win.
Second, reviewing the process lets students estimate the time needed to complete it. Then, they can decide if the value of the award makes doing all of the required steps worthwhile. Again, this helps them focus their energy on scholarships that are solid fits, allowing them to make the most of their available time.
Maintain Balance While Searching for Summer Scholarships
While summer is an excellent time for a scholarship search since students often have extra time available, that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t take advantage of the season and enjoy their summer vacation. After all, maintaining balance is essential for success.
Students can help cover their college costs without burning out by making time for scholarships and fun. Recharging their batteries means they’re in a better place to excel once they head into their next academic year.
Focusing on balance could also help students find time for other worthwhile activities. For example, they could take a part-time job to earn some cash to handle expenses not covered by scholarships or volunteer to boost their scholarship applications and broaden their experience.
Ultimately, students should consider how they can make the most of summer while giving themselves a chance to rest, connect with family and friends, and achieve their college goals. That way, they’ll put themselves in the best possible position, increasing their odds of long-term success.
Don’t Get Discouraged. It’s Worth the Effort!
During a scholarship search, students will likely come across various awards with requirements that make them ineligible. Often, it’s a very frustrating experience, and it could lead some students to think that giving up is the best choice.
However, students shouldn’t get discouraged. There are scholarships for nearly any student; they just need to track them down! While that might seem daunting, it’s often easier than students expect, especially if they have a tried-and-true strategy.
If your student wants to learn more about how they can effectively manage a scholarship search and find awards that meet their unique needs, sign up for our free college scholarship webinar! Take a quick trip over to http://thescholarshipsystem.com/webinar to reserve a spot today.
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If you are curious as to how we found these, check out our free training on how to uncover legitimate college 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 that they can help their children avoid student loan debt. To see when we are holding our next training, go to https://thescholarshipsystem.com/webinar.
I plan on entering an accredited 4 year college this fall. I need financial help in every way available. I was adopted at birth, and my adopted mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and has been unemployed for a year. I graduated with honors and I’m determined to make a bright future for myself.
Great job! This list will hopefully help you find a few good scholarships!
What state are you in? Because you are adopted you should be able to go to college for free in your state.
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Solid list. Thank you!
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Whether you’re a student athlete, a woman, or a community volunteer, there are plenty of scholarships for you to apply for. Just be sure to research them all!
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