Regional and State Scholarships
Listed below is information on some of the more popular state and regional scholarships. While there may be a few national scholarships also listed, the majority of them may be found by looking on FastWeb or SallieMae. The scholarships listed on this page are not offered through Willard High School. Applicants should click on the link for each scholarship and follow the corresponding directions. Please also check websites for specific deadlines.
Community Foundation of the Ozarks: You will need to select 'Scholarships' and then type "Willard" in the search box at the top for Willard specific scholarships. Type "public" in the search box to view all available scholarships. Instructions for CFO Application
Missouri Dept. of Higher Education: A number of state sponsored scholarship programs are offered through the MDHE website including A+, Bright Flight, ACCESS Missouri, Minority, and other scholarships/grants.
Academy of Hair Design: Offers six $1000 and two $2500 scholarships. Deadline is typically mid March.
Access Extra Scholarship: $2,000 per year, renewable up to 4 years. Students must meet certain criteria such as a cumulative high school GPA of 3.5+ through at least seven semesters and a Student Aid Index (SAI) from the FAFSA of 12,000 or less. No essays are required, and you will need to upload your FAFSA Submission Summary and your high school transcript. The application is open from February 1st to April 15, 2024, or until funds are depleted, so do not delay in applying if you qualify! The application is available on myscholarshipcentral.org/apply Then click "Apply Now", create an account or sign in, and search for Access EXTRA. While on My Scholarship Central you can also look for other scholarships you may be eligible for offered by Missouri-based nonprofit organizations and foundations.
Air Force ROTC Scholarship: Scholarship program for students interested in joining the Air Force and getting a college education. Deadline is typically Dec 1st.
Amco Ranger Scholarship: $1,000 scholarship for students who have acted on a service opportunity in their community. Scholarship deadline is May.
American Fire Sprinkler Scholarship Program: Ten $2000 scholarships available to high school seniors. Deadline is typically late March/early April.
American Legion Scholarships: There are a number of scholarships available under this category for students who are descendants of a veteran. Specifics on scholarships, including deadlines, additional criteria, and award amounts may be found by visiting the website. Although deadlines vary, the typical deadline is mid-April. Your counselor may have additional information. The 2024 letter with your scholarship options is here.
Arch City Granite Scholarship: $1000 Scholarship for students in Missouri or Illinois
Army ROTC Scholarship: Requirements: Have a high school diploma, at least a 19 on the ACT, meet physical standards, and agree to accept a commission and serve in the Army on Active Duty or in a Reserve Component. The scholarship includes full tuition for 4 years, book stipend and monthly living stipend.
Association of Government Accountants Scholarship: Available to students planning on majoring in an Accounting or Business Management related field. (Deadline typically March) See your counselor for local scholarship forms.
BLET Auxiliary 417 Scholarship Application Any student can apply, but preference will be given to a Railroad Affiliated student, ie son, daughter, stepson or stepdaughter of a BLET Auxiliary member and/or a Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineer and Trainmen member (living or deceased) or SMART member (living or deceased).
Blue Line Scholarship Applicants must be a dependent of a Law Enforcement Officer (current, retired, medically discharged, or fallen). Applicants must provide proof of a 3.0 GPA. Applications are due March 18, 2024.
Breakthrough Junior Challenge This is an annual global competition for students to inspire creative thinking about science. Students ages 13 to 18 from countries across the globe are invited to create and submit original videos (5 minutes in length maximum) that bring to life a concept or theory in the life sciences, physics or mathematics. The submissions are judged on the student’s ability to communicate complex scientific ideas in engaging, illuminating, and imaginative ways. The winner will earn a $250,000 scholarship.
Bright Flight Scholarships: This scholarship is available to students who typically test in the top 5% of all ACT or SAT scores in the nation. Amounts vary yearly depending on the Missouri state budget.
Buick Achievers Scholarship: For students who plan to major in a field of study that focuses on engineering, technology, design or business, with an interest in the automotive industry. Deadline is typically late February.
Citizens Health Care Medical Excellence Scholarship: Students planning on a career in a health care field are encouraged to apply. References and an interview are required and students who are awarded this scholarship will sign a contract to work in a CMH facility for a time period following graduation. Applications are typically due in February. The scholarship award is renewable for the following year--with no need to re-apply!
Coca-Cola Scholars Program: Students attending a US high school and planning to pursue a degree at an accredited US college or university. Applications are typically due in October.
Conservation Foundation of Missouri Scholarship: CFMO offers 5 $1000 scholarships to high school seniors or undergraduates in different natural resources areas. Preference will be given to those demonstrating financial need. Applications are usually due by December 31.
Courage Scholarship: Scholarships range from $500-$2,000. Applications are comprehensively evaluated on a variety of metrics, including academic achievement, school involvement, community engagement, diversity, demonstration of courage and commitment to enhancing the lives of LGBTQ individuals and working toward social justice. Deadline is typically March 1st.
Craft Scholarships--Evergy: A minimum of 9 Craft scholarships are available for MO and Kansas high school graduates wishing to pursue any of the following careers: lineman, electric power & distribution, power plant technology, wind/renewable energy, industrial technology, or other industry related fields. Scholarships are $3,000 and renewable for an additional year. The scholarship deadline is typically March 1st.
Crowder College Business Scholarship: $500 renewable scholarship for incoming freshmen majoring in Business at Crowder College. Deadline is typically in March.
DAR Scholarship Program: The Daughters of the American Revolution offer a variety of scholarship opportunities to students. Applications can be accessed in the counselor's office.
DECA Member Students: Students that are in the Willard DECA club will want to check out this website for various scholarships from major corporations. (January deadlines)
Dr. Darrell "Jack" Holley/MUSIC Scholarship is a $2,000 scholarship for graduates of participating high schools (Willard is a participating district). Only one student per school can be submitted. Submit your application to the counseling office two weeks prior to the deadline (for 2023-2-24, applications will need to be submitted to the counseling office by February 1st).
Earl Collins Foundation Scholarship and Grants A $1000 scholarship will be awarded to a student applying for entrance to an accredited institution of higher learning. Applications are due January 20, 2024.
Ed Pinegar Scholarship: Available to MSU Agriculture majors after graduating from Willard High School. Considered based on high school academic performance and leadership. Directions to the scholarship are to use your MSU login, profile tab, find the Financial Aid Channel, select General and Department Scholarship Application Link. Deadline is typically May 1st (recommended by March 1).
Ed Stegner Natural Resource Scholarship: This scholarship was established to provide major financial aid to encourage and assist students in five areas of natural resource management: fisheries, forestry, wildlife, parks and recreation and soil and water conservation. Click on the link below for more information. Deadline to apply is typically December 31.
Educational Community Credit Union Scholarship ECCU will award 2 $1000 scholarships to high school seniors. Applicants must have their own ECCU account and plan to attend college in the fall following their senior year. If you are not a member, you may open an account and become eligible to apply. Application Deadline: May 7, 2024.
El Dabe Ritter Scholarship: $1,500 scholarship for students with at least a 3.0 GPA attending any accredited university next year. Essay required on why having a higher education is important. Deadline to apply is June 30th.
Ellis Foundation Scholarship & Mentoring Program: This is a scholarship and mentorship program for seniors entering college in the fall. It is based on academic ability, drive, and determination to better your life. They also look at students who have financial need or exceptional circumstances, who would benefit from their proven mentoring program. Students must have a minimum ACT of 20 and minimum GPA of 3.0 and be pursuing a career in one of the following fields: Engineering, computer science, accounting/finance/human resources, lineman/electrical distribution, diesel mechanic, electrical technology, nuclear power plant, solar/wind technology, culinary, or agriculture. Students must also be attending any participating college (List of participating colleges). If you are interested in this, please see your counselor for more information.
Elks Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship: Any high school senior is eligible, and 500 scholarships are awarded nationwide. The deadline is tyipcally in November. Applications and local office information are all on their website. Student Applications will be assigned to the nearest location according to the zip code entered on the application.
Evergy/Haines-Weber Scholarship: Due March 1st.
ESS Foundation Scholarship: To support those applying for a program in the construction industry.
Flavorful Futures Scholarship $5,000 scholarships awarded to graduating seniors with at least a 2.5 GPA. Students must be US citizens. Eligibility is evaluated based on academic achievement and the creativity of your application, which should showcase what makes you who you are and how you want to contribute your gifts through education. Deadline: January 31st, 2024.
Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) -- Americanism Essay Contest. You will write an essay to promote the spirit of Americanism and patriotism among our country's youth. Visit the website and select the Americanism Essay Contest from the Events tab. Deadline is typically December 1.
FFA : Multiple scholarships are sponsored through this site by businesses and individuals through the National FFA Foundation. (February 15th)
The Gates Scholarship: These scholarships are awarded to 300 top student leaders each year. It is for Pell-eligible, minority, high school seniors.
GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program - Leadership, drive, integrity and citizenship are the characteristics demonstrated by students who earn this scholarship. More information can be found on the website. Deadline is typically early January.
Golden Girl Scholarship - The PEO Chapter established this scholarship to provide for an exceptional high school senior woman to attend an accredited post-secondary institution in Missouri. Eligibility: Students must exhibit excellence in leadership, academics, extracurricular activities, community service and potential for future success. You must have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0, and plan to attend college in the state of Missouri in the fall. Applications need to be postmarked by 3/29/2024.
Greene County Democrats Scholarship: Open to any high school senior residing in Greene County and attending a public school. Letters of recommendation, transcript, list of activities and awards, and an essay will all be a part of the application requirements. Deadline is March 15, 2024.
Hagan Scholarship foundation: Can offer renewable scholarships for the 4 years of college and possibly extended to grad school. Information here.
Heisman High School Scholarship: Applicants need to have a GPA of a 3.0 or better, be proven leaders and role models within their school and community and perform in at least one school sponsored sport. Winners receive between $500-$5,000. Application deadline is October.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund: offers scholarships ranging from $500 to $5000 to eligible students. Deadline is typically in February.
Horatio Alger Scholarship: Scholarships range from $10,000-$25,000 and are awarded to students who demonstrate critical financial need ($55,000 or lower adjusted gross family income), who are involved in co-curricular and community service activities, display integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity, and have a minimum GPA of 2.0. Deadline is typically in October.
HyVee Scholarship: 80 $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to students who write an essay describing a time when Hy-Vee made a difference in your life and/or the life of a customer. Resume, reference, and transcript also required. Deadline is February.
Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship: Minority students graduating are eligible for this scholarship if they have shown leadership potential, dedication to community service, evidence of financial need, and have a minimum ACT score of 21. Deadline is in January.
James L and Nellie M Westlake Scholarship: Offers scholarships to high school seniors in Missouri planning to attend a 4-year university with financial need and cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. Deadline is typically February 1st.
JCI Senate Foundation and Missouri JCI Senate Scholarship: $500 to $1000 for a graduating high school senior who plans to continue their education at a college, university or vocational school. Student Checklist is provided. College student application. Vocational student application.
John T Belcher Memorial Scholarship: The Missouri School Board Association is offering one $1000 regional scholarship and one $1500 scholarship to the state winner. Each district may select one student to compete for the scholarship. Forms may be picked up in the counseling center and turned back in no later than November 15 to give the school board significant time to select a candidate. An essay is required. Available after September 19th.
Junior Chamber International Scholarships: The Missouri Junior Chamber International Senate is offering at least two $250 scholarships with the possibility of an additional $1000 scholarship. Winners will be selected based on academics and leadership aptitude. The application deadline is typically mid December.
Junior League of Springfield Scholarship : The Junior League of Springfield scholarships to young women in our community. Eligibility: female, US citizen or permanent resident, resident of Springfield or surrounding communities, attending secondary school full time, graduating in May, planning to pursue a degree at an accredited post-secondary institution, minimum unweighted GPA of 3.5. Immediate family members of the Junior League of Springfield including employees, are not eligible to receive a League Scholarship. Deadline to submit all materials (email, hand deliver, or mail) is March.
Kiwanis: Will be awarding 25 scholarships throughout Missouri and Arkansas. Division 13, which includes Springfield and surrounding communities, will award at least one scholarship for this division. The scholarships are $1000 each. The completed application will need to be returned by January 26, 2024. I am a member of the Kiwanis Club of North Springfield, and our club can be listed as the sponsoring club if the student does not have any connection with any other club in this area (Billy J Claiborn, NMLS # 766936, 417-818-4545).
Kids Chance Scholarship Program: For students who have a parent who has been seriously injured or lost in a worker's comp related accident. Application deadline is typically April.
Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship--Mizzou: Applicants must be a high school male student, and must have been a full time student in the 19-20 school year planning to attend the University of MIssouri-Columbia in the fall. Hard copies of applications must be submitted by July 20th.
MARE Rural Education Scholarship: The Missouri Association of Rural Education offers high school seniors who plan to pursue a degree in education scholarships. Districts must be a member of MARE (Willard is a member). Information and the application are found on the website and the deadline is typically in March.
Mary Riley Wolfe Memorial Scholarship: Two scholarships totaling $2000 each. Deadline for submission is usually March.
MASFAP Making A Difference Scholarship: $1,000 scholarship open to any 2024 graduating senior from a Missouri High School. Apply on MyScholarship Central. Complete the general application if you haven't already this year, then click "Recommended" in the Opportunities tab. If the MASFAP Making a Difference Scholarship doesn't show up in your recommended opportunities, enter "Making a Difference" into the keyword search. Click on the application, complete the questions and submit. Essay required about an educator who made a difference in your life.
The Masonic Scholarship Fund of Missouri offers 3 scholarships within one application! Essay is required. Deadline is typically in March.
Mediacom Communications World Class Scholarship Program: Offers $1000 non-renewable scholarships to senior high school students in areas of 15 states where it conducts business in its North Central Division through its World Class Scholarship Program. The application deadline is typically the first part of February.
Medical Excellence Scholarship: those going into nursing, physical/occupational therapy, health care administration or social work. Deadline is typically in February.
Mensa Foundation through the Missouri Ozarks chapter: Students need not be a member of Mensa to qualify, but must be a resident of the area of a participating local group of Mensa. Students will write an essay of fewer than 550 words describing their goals. Deadline is typically January 15.
MFA Foundation Scholarship: Changes to the eligibility requirements for this scholarship have changed as of 2021. Applicants must be a child or grandchild of a member-level customer. The student will need to supply the membership number on the application.
Midwest Technical Institute Scholarship: Scholarships ranging from $2,000 to full tuition are given to students who complete the application, which includes submitting a 5 minute video detailing the applicant's interest in the Mechanical Trade or Allied Health fields as well as their interest in Midwest Technical Institute. Deadline for application is March.
Mike Rowe Work Ethic Scholarship: This scholarship will open in 2020 and is intended for students who enroll in an approved program (automotive, carpentry, fires cience, HVAC, pipefitting, electrical, aviation, manufacturing, agriculture, etc.). Requirements include a pledge, an essay, reference letters, a short video, verifying costs, and financial information.
Miller Engineering Scholarship- Interested in Engineering? Information regarding this scholarship and an online application is now available. The scholarship gives students field experience, which we find many new engineers in our field do not have. Our scholarship also offers wages for the summer internships they receive as part of our scholarship.
Missouri Association of Mutual Insurance Companies: Eight $1000 scholarships will be awarded, one per district in the state of Missouri. Students must submit an application covering family financial need, extracurricular and work activities, and a 75 word essay. Deadline is typically March 1.
Missouri Dairy Scholars Scholarship: Minimum 2.5 GPA, Enrolled full-time at a two or four year college or university, must work on a dairy farm or have a dairy-related internship for at least three months for each year the student receives the scholarship, must commit to work in the Agricultural Industry in Missouri for at least two years for every one year the student receives the scholarship. Deadline: November.
Missouri's Cattlemen Foundation Scholarship: Deadline is typically October.
Missouri Bankers Foundation Scholarship $1,000 scholarship available for seniors planning to major in a banking related field. Deadline is March 1, 2024.
Missouri College of Cosmetology: One $1000 scholarship will be awarded to fall graduates and one $1000 scholarship will be awarded to spring graduates. Contact the Missouri College of Cosmetology at 887-1501. Deadline is usually April.
Eight $1000 Missouri Community Service Commission (MCSC) scholarships are available to 9-12th grade student-volunteers through the High School Student-Volunteer Community Service Scholarship Awards initiative. All materials are typically due on or before March 1st.
Missouri Corn Growers Association: Students must live on a farm or in a rural area, planning to attend a Missouri college and major in agronomy or an agriculture related field. You may obtain more information by going tothe website and clicking on the "Education" link.
Missouri Courage Scholarship: Last year the Missouri Courage Scholarship (MCS) awarded more than $10,000 to students from across the state who demonstrated their courage and commitment to LGBTQ+ people in their schools and communities. The deadline is March 31.
Missouri Insurance Education Foundation Scholarship: Available to students pursuing an insurance, risk management, or actuarial science course of study. Four $1500 scholarships available. Deadline is typically March.
Missouri Pork Association's Youth Pork Ambassador Program: One $1000 scholarship will be given to a student who is involved in the pork industry or has a parent involved in the industry. Deadline is typically mid December.
MO Society of Professional Engineers: Three $3000 scholarships awarded to students entering the engineering field. Visit the Community Foundations of the Ozarks website for more information (referenced above). Deadline is typically the end of February.
Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants Scholarship: High School seniors are eligible for a $500 scholarship. Students must be MOCPA members (free of charge, can be obtained online), recommended by a teacher or administrator, a Missouri resident, and declaring as an Accounting major. Application deadline is February 29th, 2024.
Missouri State Fair Youth in Agriculture scholarship: For Missouri high school seniors. Applications should be submitted to the Missouri State Fair. One $2,500 supreme scholarship, thirty $1,000 scholarships, and seven $1,000 scholarships are being offered.
Missouri Women's Golf Association Scholarship: Available to girls who have played women's golf in high school. Applications must be postmarked by March.
MSLF Access Extra Scholarship: This is a private scholarship for current high school seniors who are eligible for the Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program and who have a 28 or higher on the ACT. The student must be attending a 4-year Access-eligible school. The award amounts will be $2000 ($1000 for each semester) beginning for the 2018-2019 school year. Eligible students will apply at myscholarshipcentral.org, complete a common application, and upload a SAR and ACT report.
NAACP Youth Scholarships: NAACP scholarship applications are now available. Eligibility requirements are that you must be a graduating senior, student of color, planning to attend college. The two are for students pursuing any degree at an established college, university or vocational school. Deadline: April 17th. As well as the Foster Scholarship. The deadline is also April 17th.
National Defense Transportation Association Scholarship: The Scott/St. Louis Chapter of the NDTA intends to award a minimum of 2 scholarships of $3,000 each and 4 scholarships of $2,000 each for students enrolled in a four year university. An additional award of $1,500 is set aside for a student enrolled in a 2-year associate degree/trade certification program. Eligibility criteria: must be enrolled as a full-time student in Missouri. ANY students can apply, but preference is given to students pursuing transportation, business, logistics degrees. Recommendation letters, transcripts, and an essay explaining how your chosen field of study will contribute to the field of business, transportation, supply, distribution and logistics. Deadline: Applications must be postmarked NO LATER THAN March 1st.
National Farmers Scholarship: Available to students planning on majoring in an agriculture related field.
National Wild Turkey Federation Scholarship: Applicants for the scholarship must be members of the NWTF and are judged on their scholastic achievements, leadership abilities, community involvement and commitment to conservation and the preservation of our hunting heritage. The application deadline is typically January 1. For more information on the scholarship program, contact the scholarship coordinator at the Wild Turkey Center by calling (800) THE-NWTF or emailing scholarshipinfo@nwtf.net.
National Wildlife Federation: Students may apply for scholarships of various amounts. Deadlines are typically January 1st.
OppU Achievers Scholarship: $2,500 for current or future education costs given four times a year for seniors who have at least a 3.0 GPA and have demonstrated outstanding achievement. Essay required which asks HOW you are an achiever or have created opportunity for yourself.
Ozark Electric Co-Op Scholarship: Ozark Electric Cooperative Inc. has established 20 nonrenewable $500 scholarships to be awarded to high school seniors who plan to attend college or trade school. Eligibility: Current graduating senior attending a public or private high school within Ozark Electric Cooperative's nine county service area (includes Greene county), student does NOT have to be a member of Ozark Electric Cooperative to be eligible. Student must have a 2.5 GPA or higher, and the application must be completed in full and returned to your HS counselor by March 15, 2024.
Ozark Scandinavian Society: $500 to the best 500 words or less essay about student's Scandinavian Heritage or a research type essay about the Scandinavian Influence in Southwest Missouri. Deadline is usually March. Email your essay to ozarkscandinaviansociety@gmail.com.
OTC A+ Advantage Scholarship: OTC is awarding 100 new scholarships to eligible A+ students! This scholarship will help cover the cost of books or misc. fees not covered by the A+ scholarship ($500 for the year, divided by fall/spring). You are required to write an essay sharing what the A+ scholarship means to you.
OTC Foundation Scholarships: Apply for 80 scholarships with ONE application! Students can view scholarships and criteria at this link, but to apply, you have to have been admitted to OTC and completed the FAFSA. Application period for fall enrollment is March 1-June 1.
OTC Foundation - Paragon Fund Scholarship: Renews from Fall to Spring semesters. Award total dependent upon fund availability. Priority given to graduates of Willard High School. Applicant must have an OTC GPA of 2.5 or above and be enrolled in the Drafting and Design Technology program.
Show-Me Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society Scholarship: The Show-Me Chapter offers a $2000 scholarship for a high school senior, or undergraduate, planning to major in conservation or a natural resources-related field. This is an essay contest. Applications must be postmarked by November 30th.
Simon Youth Foundation Community Scholarship: $1500 - Additionally, an Award of Excellence- $2,500 renewable scholarship will be given to the top candidate. Deadline is usually February.
Soroptimist International of Springfield, MO Violet Richardson Scholarship. This scholarship recognizes young women between the ages of 14-17 who volunteers in activities especially those benefiting women and girls. Amounts range from $250-$1000. Email springfieldsoroptimist@yahoo.com for an application. Deadline is usually December 1.
Soroptimist Scholarship: $1500 will be awarded to a deserving young person based on financial need and educational goals.
Springfield Elks Lodge No. 409 Teenager of the Semester Scholarship: Sixteen area seniors will be recognized. Students chosen MUST attend the Youth Activities Banquet to receive the scholarship. Applications are available in the counseling office and need to be mailed (deadline to be received is typically in March).
Springfield Area Sports Hall of Fame: This award represents the founding father of the SASHOF Board of Directors, Bonus Frost and his passion for helping youth in the community while recognizing the accomplishments of the elite in sports. To be eligible, students must be a senior intending on attending college, a US citizen, complete the application and essay, and submit by the due date (February 1st). Application can be mailed or emailed (information included on application).
Steeler Seaburn Memorial Wrestling Scholarship: This fund will award scholarship money to Southwest Missouri area wrestlers who plan to continue their education while continuing their wrestling career in college. Application must be submitted by December 10 of each year.
United Energy Workers: This $1000 scholarship is available to any High School Senior. The scholarship will be judged on merit and need. Academic achievements as well as any leadership experiences will be taken into account. Deadline: July