Top 30 Private Scholarship Opportunities for May 12th – 27th, 2026
CAP’s Weekly Private Scholarship List for May 12th – 27th, 2026
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Looking for scholarships to help fund your education? College Aid Pro presents its latest weekly selection of private scholarships, tailored to meet a wide array of student needs. From high school graduates to current undergraduates and those considering studying abroad, you’ll find potential opportunities here. Act fast, as deadlines are near! Take a look at the list and keep in mind that creating a FREE MyCAP account and see what colleges cost before you commit can significantly decrease the number of private scholarships you’ll need.
Here’s a look at CAP’s curated private scholarship list with scholarship opportunities that have deadlines closing within the next week.
Top 30 Private Scholarship Opportunities for May 12th – 27th, 2026:
HRSA Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program:
Amount: $1,626
Closing Date: May 12, 2026
Description: The purpose of the Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program (NHHSP) is to provide federal financial support for Native Hawaiians who are students at health professions schools, in return for a commitment to provide primary health services to the Native Hawaiian population in the State of Hawai’i in an eligible service obligation setting which meets the following requirements, in order of priority: (1) First, one of the five Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems (NHHCS). (2) Second, in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) in Hawai’i, or Medically Underserved Areas (MUA) in Hawai’i, or a geographic area or facility that is: located in the State of Hawai’i; and has a designation made by the Secretary, acting through the Public Health Service Act. Applicants must be enrolled in one of the following NHHSP-Eligible Health Professions: Clinical Psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.); Dentistry (D.D.S or D.M.D.); Dental Hygiene (B.S.D.H. or A.S.D.H.); Dietetics/Nutrition (M.S.); Nursing, Nurse-Midwifery and Nurse Practitioner (D.N.P., A.D.N., B.S.N., M.S.N., C.N.M. or N.P.); Physician (M.D. or D.O.); Physician Assistant (M.S.P.A.); and Social Work (M.S.W.). Applicants must be enrolled in a fully accredited health professions program located in a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Territory of Guam, the Territory of American Samoa, the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Federated States of Micronesia. Applicants attending schools outside of these geographic areas are not eligible. The NHHSP will apply the following statutory priorities for funding, in this order, to applicants determined eligible and qualified. First priority will be given to current or former NHHSP participants who are seeking, and are eligible for, additional support for the 2025-2026 school year or through the date of their graduation. Second priority will be given to any application submitted by an applicant with attributes that increase the probability that the applicant will continue to serve within Native Hawaiian communities beyond the period of obligated service. Third priority will be given to an applicant who is from a disadvantaged background. Applicants must create and submit a video recording of themselves answering the following questions: (1) What does “raising the health status of Native Hawaiians” mean to you? (2) What role will you have? (3) What are your responsibilities towards achieving “raising the health status?” Applicants must also submit two recommendations. It must provide a detailed description of the applicant’s performance in school; education/work achievements; community/civic or other nonacademic achievements; ability to work and communicate constructively with others; and interest and motivation to serve Native Hawaiian populations through work experience, course work, special projects, research, etc. Please visit the scholarship’s website for more information.
AGCO National Student Design Competition:
Amount: $750 – $1,250
Closing Date: May 15, 2026
Description: The purpose of the AGCO National Student Design Competition is to encourage undergraduate students to participate in the basic design of an engineering project useful to agriculture and related areas and to provide an arena of professionalism in which the student can experience peer recognition of a well conceived and executed design project. Contestants must be Student Members of ASABE at the time their design projects are conducted. Projects must involve engineering design, which is the process of devising a machine, component, system, or process to meet a desired need. All projects must be related to agriculture or related areas. The submission must include a written report; drawings and/or specifications that describe the design; and an extensive or substantial test or performance data obtained from (1) a prototype or physical model of the machine or critical component, and/or (2) a computer simulated test of the system or process. Please visit the award’s website or contact the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers for more information.
Fountain Wars Student Design Competition:
Amount: $750 – $1,250
Closing Date: May 15, 2026
Description: ASABE’s Fountain Wars is a hands-on, real-time student design competition that takes place at the Society’s annual international meeting. Collegiate teams design and model their fountains onsite, and build and test their actual entries under time pressure. Fountain Wars requires a modest design document and limited expenditures. The competition is primarily targeted at student clubs or participants in sophomore or junior-level class design projects. Teams will arrive at the competition with a design for their fountain, along with their assembly materials. After making a brief, marketing-style promotion, they will construct their system during a 120-minute construction period. Awards are based on the written report, oral presentation, construction, technical tasks and aesthetic display segments of the event. April 15, 2025 is the deadline to email your team’s intent to enter the competition to the competition contact person. May 15, 2025 is the deadline to provide the team information. Please visit the award’s website or contact the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers for more information.
K.K. Barnes Student Paper Award Competition:
Amount: $200 – $500
Closing Date: May 15, 2026
Description: The objective of the K. K. Barnes Student Paper Awards Competition is to encourage undergraduate students in the preparation of better technical papers on subjects in the agricultural, food or biological engineering field. It is intended as a special inducement to supplement the training provided in the undergraduate curriculum by providing early practice in a type of performance required of professionals in the work in which they will later engage. The competition consists of two parts: a written competition and an oral competition. Authors of the top three written papers are invited to attend the ASABE Annual Meeting to participate in the oral competition. Contestants must be student members of ASABE at the time of the studies that resulted in the preparation of the paper. Please visit the award’s website or contact the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers for more information.
Heather Presser Memorial Scholarship:
Amount: $500
Closing Date: May 15, 2026
Description: Troy and Annette Presser, Presser Red Angus, Turtle Lake, N.D., have established the Heather Presser Memorial Scholarships in loving memory of their daughter, Heather. Heather was taken from her family in an ATV accident in 2012. The scholarships will assist JRA members’ participation in national Junior Red Angus Association (JRA) leadership events throughout the year. Selected JRA members may use the scholarships to defray registration and travel expenses to major JRA leadership events: Elevate, Young Stockman Program and Round-Up. Scholarship application is open to any JRA member. Please visit the scholarship’s website for more information.
Techie Homeschool Scholarship:
Amount: $500
Closing Date: May 15, 2026
Description: Techie Home School Mom is proud to announce a homeschool scholarship for all high school seniors who plan on furthering their education or starting a business. This scholarship isn’t major specific and any high school senior currently homeschooling is encouraged to apply. If you are enrolled in a dual credit program, you must have been homeschooled in the year prior to enrolling for dual credits. Before the scholarship is awarded, the winner is required to provide proof of post-high school education or business ownership plans. Please visit the scholarship’s website for more information.
Amount: $2,000
Closing Date: May 16, 2026
Description: The Steps For Change Scholarship is an income and merit-based scholarship awarded to high school seniors applying to a college or university to pursue their career goals. Students from low-income families are recognized for their capacity to lead and commitment to making a significant impact on communities. Award recipients must display academic excellence, exude passion in empowering the community, and exemplify a desire for continuous personal growth. Applicants must be of legal status in the United States and have a household income of less than $62,400 in 2024. Applicants must submit one letter of recommendation from a faculty member or community leader. They must also submit a one-minute video answering the question: How would you value yourself? Please be sure to state your full name at the beginning of the video and submit the video via email. Applicants may also upload video to YouTube and send the link to the video. Please visit the scholarship’s website for more information.
SeniorCare.com Aging Matters Scholarship:
Amount: $1,500
Closing Date: May 15, 2026
Description: SeniorCare.com is dedicated to helping seniors and their families in their quest for a better life. We will be awarding an annual college scholarship to an individual that best demonstrates to us why “Aging Matters” to them. A scholarship will be given annually to a selected college student that currently cares for an aging loved one, works within the senior community, or intends to pursue a career that will have an impact on the elderly population. Any existing student (or incoming freshman), in good academic standing can apply for this scholarship. Please visit the scholarship’s website for more information.
CareerFitTest.com’s Annual $500 Scholarship:
Amount: $500
Closing Date: May 15, 2026
Description: As part of CareerFitTest.com’s commitment to supporting educational advancement and career development, they are offering a scholarship to an undergraduate or graduate student who demonstrates a passion for their field of study and a clear vision for their future career. The CareerFitTest.com’s Scholarship is an annual one-time award, which can be used towards tuition, books, or other educational expenses. Applicants must be currently enrolled in or due to enroll in a US-accredited undergraduate or graduate program. The application is open to students from all fields of study. Applications are also welcome from domestic, international, and undocumented students. To apply, applicants must watch the Career Fit Test video on the “About Career Test” page. The career test is designed to help applicants understand their career preferences and strengths, which can be valuable in shaping their future career. Then, applicants must complete the Free Career Fit Test. Applicants must also read the first chapter of Live Your Calling: A Practical Guide to Finding and Fulfilling Your Mission in Life. This is available at no cost. Applicants must also submit an essay answering the required prompts, and they may also answer the optional question. Applicants must also submit one letter of recommendation from a professor, employer, or mentor. Please visit the scholarship’s website for more information.
The Burlingame/Gerrity Horticultural Therapy Scholarship:
Amount: $1,000
Closing Date: May 15, 2026
Description: The Burlingame/Gerrity Horticultural Therapy Scholarship honors the work of Alice Wessels Burlingame, who helped develop the field of horticultural therapy as a profession in 1952. Horticultural therapy enriches the lives of children, challenged adults, and seniors. The scholarship was established in 1984 to encourage and advance horticultural therapy. Eligible applicants should be enrolled in a bachelor’s or post-baccalaureate degree program in horticultural therapy or a bachelor’s degree program in horticulture with an emphasis on, or certificate in, horticultural therapy. An applicant must be able to demonstrate a special interest in horticultural therapy. Please visit the scholarship’s website for more information.
Walter J. Travis Memorial Scholarship:
Amount: $1,000
Closing Date: May 15, 2026
Description: The Walter J. Travis Memorial Scholarships have been awarded annually since 2009, to honor the remarkable accomplishments and contributions of Walter J. Travis in the game of golf. The Travis Society’s Scholarships are awarded to students pursuing a career in one of the following professions: landscape design/golf course architecture; golf course turf grass management/golf course superintendent; professional golf management, club professional, or sports journalism with a special interest in golf. Serious consideration will be given to outstanding amateur high school, college, or university golfers for our scholarship awards, based on their competitive record as an amateur golfer, and criteria listed below (with exception of career goals). Amateur golfer applicants do not need to be pursuing a career in a golf related industry. Applicants for The Walter J. Travis Memorial Scholarship must present evidence of being enrolled or matriculated as an undergraduate or graduate student at an accredited college or university, for the following Fall semester. Three current and Travis Scholarship-specific letters of recommendation must be submitted. Please visit the scholarship’s website for more information.
The Larry Horan – Jim Langley Scholarship and Jack Van Zander Cal Alumni Memorial Scholarship Fund:
Amount: $2,500
Closing Date: May 15, 2026
Description: The Larry Horan – Jim Langley Scholarship and Jack Van Zander Cal Alumni Memorial Scholarship Fund are intended to honor outstanding Cal alumni Larry Horan, Jim Langley, and Jack Van Zander who have made significant contributions to the community, and to monetarily assist worthy students who will be attending Cal. The scholarship will be awarded to local high school students who are graduating from public or private high schools and who will be attending UC Berkeley. Students applying for the Larry Horan-Jim Langley Scholarship must reside in Monterey County. Students applying for the Jack Van Zander Scholarship must reside on the Monterey Peninsula. The “Monterey Peninsula” is defined as the geographical area served by the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, the Pacific Grove Unified School District, and the Carmel Unified School District. For the Horan-Langley Scholarship and the Van Zander Scholarship, the student applicant must have demonstrated excellence in some or all of the categories of leadership, scholarship, athletics and other extra-curricular activities, and community service. The student applicant’s financial need will also be a consideration. For first-year students, the application deadline is May 15th. For transfer students, the application deadline is June 1st. Please visit the scholarship’s website or contact the Community Foundation for Monterey County for more information.
Amount: $5,500
Closing Date: May 15, 2026
Description: The OAIA Scholarship is open to students who are enrolled or accepted by an accredited school within the State of Oregon as accounting students carrying a minimum of 12 credit hours. Full-time Oregon community college students, including Oregon residents attending any out-of-state community college, who will be transferring in the fall to an accredited Oregon university and plan to major in accounting, are eligible to apply for scholarships. Scholarships will be awarded based on the student’s academic performance, and intent to pursue a Tax and/or CPA Accounting career and work within the state of Oregon. Please visit the scholarship’s website for more information.
The Maude and Alexander Hadden Scholarship:
Amount: $10,000
Closing Date: May 15, 2026
Description: Established in 1968, the Maude and Alexander Hadden Scholarship is awarded to exceptionally worthy high school seniors with demonstrated financial need, for up to four years of college undergraduate study at an accredited college or university established in the United States. In awarding the scholarships, the Youth Foundation considers scholastic achievement, character, leadership, volunteerism, and financial need. Applicants must submit a complete list of academic achievements, extra-curricular activities, community involvement, and work experience. Two Letters of Recommendation are also required; applicants will need to provide an email address for each recommender. Please visit the scholarship’s website for more information.
Electronics Division: Lewis C. Hoffman Scholarship:
Amount: $2,000
Closing Date: May 15, 2026
Description: The Electronics Division invites applications for the Lewis C. Hoffman Scholarship. The purpose of the scholarship is to encourage academic interest and excellence among undergraduate students in the area of ceramics/materials science and engineering. The winner will be selected based on their Total GPA, Science GPA (to be verified in faculty recommendation letter); PSAT, SAT, or ACT scores, if available; a recommendation letter from a faculty member in the department; extracurricular activities; and an essay. If AI (such as Chatgpt, Gemini, etc) has been used in this award thesis writing, the author should address how it has been used. All nominations should be electronically submitted to Christina Rost at Virginia Tech. Nominations should also be sent to Vicki Evans at the American Ceramic Society. Please visit the scholarship’s website for more information.
Amount: $10,000
Closing Date: May 15, 2026
Description: The Navy League Foundation only offers scholarships for high school seniors who will attend an accredited institution of higher education in the Fall of the current award cycle. The Ann E. Clark Scholarship will be awarded for over four years to a student properly enrolled in any curriculum at an accredited institution of higher education who is the child or grandchild of a member of the sea services, to include the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, United States Coast Guard, and U.S.-flag Merchant Marine. In all other respects, these funds will be awarded without restriction to race, gender, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, or disability. Please visit the scholarship’s website for more information.
Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest:
Amount: $3,000 – $8,000
Closing Date: May 15, 2026
Description: The Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest is open to all students attending 9th through 12th grades in public, parochial or private schools; or home-school students studying at the same grade levels. The preliminary rounds of the contest begin at the local chapter level; students have the opportunity to advance to the state or national levels where scholarships and cash prizes are awarded. Participants must write an original oration of not less than five minutes, or more than six minutes. The oration must be delivered from memory and without the use of notes or any kind of props. The subject of the oration shall deal with an event, a personality, or a document pertaining to the Revolutionary War with a mention of our nation’s 250th anniversary celebration. It is essential that each oration show the relationship it bears to America today. Evidence of historical research and creative presentation are also important. The contest video must be of continuous feed and not edited. It should be recorded in a horizontal frame on an iPhone or Android Phone. We also suggest that you find a venue with a stage and an American 50 star flag on the left and a SAR flag on the right. No state flags or other signage should be present. Please make sure to test that the sound is clear and audible before you start recording. Please visit the award’s website for more information.
Junior Red Angus Member Round-Up Scholarship:
Amount: $200
Closing Date: May 15, 2026
Description: The Junior Red Angus Member Round-Up Scholarships are available to assist JRA members’ participation in Round-Up. Please visit the scholarship’s website for more information.
Rosalind P. Walter College Scholarship:
Amount: $10,000 – $80,000
Closing Date: May 15, 2026
Description: The Rosalind P. Walter College Scholarship is named in honor of the late Rosalind Palmer Walter, who was responsible for funding the first USTA Foundation scholarship in 1994, well before a comprehensive program was put in place. The scholarship will be awarded for over four years and administered directly to the college or university in which the student is enrolled. The scholarship will be awarded to students who have excelled academically, demonstrated community service and participated in National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) programming. The Student Aid Report (SAR) from the FAFSA must be submitted. Two letters of recommendation are also required. One must be from a teacher or guidance counselor and one must be from a tennis mentor. Please visit the scholarship’s website or contact the United States Tennis Association Foundation for more information.
Marian Wood Baird College Scholarship:
Amount: $3,750 – $15,000
Closing Date: May 15, 2026
Description: The Marian Wood Baird College Scholarship is available to high school seniors who have excelled academically, demonstrated achievements in leadership and participated extensively in an organized community tennis program (such as USTA School Tennis, USTA National Junior Tennis League (NJTL), USTA Team Tennis or USTA High Performance or other such qualified programs as determined by the Scholarship Committee). Applicants must demonstrate sportsmanship on and off the court. The scholarship will be awarded over a term of four years. The Student Aid Report (SAR) from the FAFSA must be submitted. Two letters of recommendation are also required. One must be from a teacher or guidance counselor and one must be from a tennis mentor. Please visit the scholarship’s website or contact the United States Tennis Association Foundation for more information.
Milton Fisher Scholarship for Innovation and Creativity:
Amount: $1,000 – $5,000
Closing Date: May 15, 2026
Description: The Milton Fisher Scholarship for Innovation and Creativity is a four-year renewable scholarship open to exceptionally Innovative and Creative high school seniors and first-time college freshmen. This scholarship is not a traditional scholarship focused on rewarding academic achievement and financial need. Its specific goal is to reward and encourage innovative and creative problem solving. This scholarship seeks students who have developed a new or unusual solution to an artistic, scientific or technical problem faced by their family, school or community. High school seniors and first-time college freshmen are eligible to apply. Applicants must either be (A) a Connecticut or New York City metropolitan area resident planning to attend or attending an institution of higher education anywhere in the United States, or (B) a resident of any part of the U.S. planning to attend or attending an institution of higher education in CT or NYC. The Selection Committee will select the applicants who show the most promise as innovative, creative problem solvers, on the basis of their essays, letters of recommendation, and other information included with the application. Two recommendations must be submitted. Please visit the scholarship’s website or contact the Renee B. Fisher Foundation for more information.
Max and Emmy Dreyfuss Jewish Undergraduate Scholarship:
Amount: $1,500 – $4,000
Closing Date: May 18, 2026
Description: The Max and Emmy Dreyfuss Jewish Undergraduate Scholarship will be awarded to a Jewish resident of Montgomery County, MD, Fairfax, VA, or Washington, DC. They must be a U.S. citizen or working towards citizenship. They must also be accepted into an accredited four-year undergraduate program. This scholarship cannot be used for community college or study abroad programs. Please visit the scholarship’s website for more information.
James A. Wells, Sr. Veterans Scholarship:
Amount: $1,000
Closing Date: May 19, 2026
Description: To honor her late father, attorney Cara Wells Stigger, of Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, has established the James A. Wells, Sr. Veterans Scholarship for U.S. active duty military personnel, veterans, reservists, and spouses, and children of someone who has served our country. Applicants must be a graduating high school senior or currently enrolled student at a college or university. If you are selected to receive this scholarship, a form DD-214 must be provided prior to receiving the award. Please visit the scholarship’s website for more information.
NACADA Student Research Award:
Amount: $500
Closing Date: May 22, 2026
Description: The NACADA Student Research Awards annually recognize research conducted during a Master’s, Ed.D., or Ph.D. program that significantly adds to the body of knowledge on academic advising. The Student Research Award may be awarded annually in two categories: Master’s Degree Level and Doctoral Degree Level. The nominee or applicant must have recently (within one year) completed research at either the Master’s level or at the Ed.D. or Ph.D. level that significantly adds to the body of knowledge on academic advising. Previous winners of this award are not eligible. Individuals may nominate themselves. While multiple nominees from the same institution are allowed per category, only one submission from each institution will be named winner. Applicants or nominees must submit their Research Proposal Draft. It may be in the format required by their institution for thesis and/or dissertation proposals, but it must include the following components: Title; Abstract; Statement of significance of study within the body of knowledge on advising; Definition of key terms; Statement of limitations of the study; Design of the study; Brief review of relevant literature; Preliminary or actual findings, including implications for advising practice; Schedule for completing the study (if not already completed). The entire dissertation doesn’t have to be submitted, only relevant pages or chapters are necessary. Applicants or nominees must also submit a signed support letter from their Graduate Program Advisor stating that the student research project is worthy of award consideration. Up to three Letters of Support and/or Recommendation are also required. These letters may come from your institution’s officials, administrators, colleagues, employees, supervisors, advisees, or students; anyone who might enhance the selection committee’s understanding of the nominee. These letters must be signed. Please visit the award’s website for more information.
Amount: $500
Closing Date: May 22, 2026
Description: The Virginia N. Gordon Award for Excellence in the Field of Advising Award is presented annually to a NACADA member who has made significant contributions to the field of academic advising. At the time of submission, the nominee or applicant must be a current member of NACADA and must have been a member for at least one year. Previous winners are not eligible. Individuals may nominate themselves. Individuals may not be nominated in the same award cycle for more than one of the big five awards. Nominees or applicants must submit a Nomination or Application Letter. This letter should summarize the nominee or applicant’s qualifications and why the individual is being nominated for the award; and provide evidence and specific examples that demonstrate excellent performance and that the candidate has made significant national and/or international impact on the profession of academic advising through research, publications, and/or presentations at the national and/or international level. The letter should also include examples of leadership in the field of advising as well as related professional areas (i.e. NACADA or other association offices held, program/policy development at the national and/or international level). Any prior professional development activities and institutional organizations, including NACADA, the nominee/applicant has participated in should be included. The letter should also provide evidence and examples of commitment to the importance of academic advising at the national and/or international level (evidence of commitment/advocacy for academic advising over an extended period of time). Up to three Letters of Support and/or Recommendation are also required. These letters may come from institution officials, colleagues, employees, supervisors, or students; anyone who might enhance the selection committee’s understanding of the nominee. These letters must be signed. Any additional materials that support the candidate’s nomination must be submitted in one PDF file. Please visit the award’s website for more information.
Bobbie Flaherty Service to NACADA Award:
Amount: $500
Closing Date: May 22, 2026
Description: The Bobbie Flaherty Service to NACADA Award recognizes a member for outstanding service to the organization. The nominee or applicant must have a history of involvement and membership in the association. Previous winners are not eligible. Individuals may not be nominated in the same award cycle for more than one of the big five awards. Individuals may nominate themselves. Applicants or nominees must submit a Nomination or Application Letter. This letter should provide evidence that the candidate has made significant contributions to NACADA, the profession of academic advising, leadership in the field of advising as well as related professional areas, and a commitment to the importance of academic advising at a regional, national, or global level. Please provide comprehensive materials that will allow an evaluator, regardless of their familiarity with the nominee’s role, background, or program, to fully understand and appreciate the nominee’s work and accomplishments. Up to three Letters of Support and/or Recommendation are also required. These letters may come from an institution’s officials, colleagues, employees, supervisors, or students; anyone who might enhance the selection committee’s understanding of the nominee. Any additional materials that support the candidate’s nomination must be submitted in one PDF file. Please visit the award’s website for more information.
Amount: $500
Closing Date: May 22, 2026
Description: The Leading Light Award is presented annually to a NACADA member in recognition of significant contributions to diversity, equity and inclusion within NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising. Diversity, as defined by the NACADA Board of Directors, includes ethnicity, gender, gender identity, disabilities, and sexual orientation as well as diversity in regard to institutional type, size, and employment position. Examples of contributions are innovations to encourage advisors from underrepresented populations to join and remain in NACADA, outreach to specific underrepresented populations, service to NACADA on behalf of an underrepresented population, etc. The nominee or applicant must have a proven history of involvement and membership in the association. Individuals may nominate themselves. Previous winners are not eligible. Individuals may not be nominated in the same award cycle for more than one of the big five awards. Applicants or nominees must submit a Nomination or Application Letter. This letter should summarize the nominee or applicant’s qualifications and why the individual is being nominated for the award; provide evidence and examples that exhibit visionary and insightful leadership and a commitment to the inclusion of persons of marginalized groups within the academic advising profession and ensure diversity within and among NACADA members; provide leadership in the advocacy for the fair and equitable treatment of all people to development of best practices that support the diversity goals of NACADA; and provide evidence that the candidate has made significant contributions to NACADA in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Up to three Letters of Support and/or Recommendation are also required. These letters must come from other NACADA members who might enhance the selection committee’s understanding of the nominee. These letters must be signed. Any additional materials that support the candidate’s nomination must be submitted in one PDF file. Please visit the award’s website for more information.
Michael C. Holen Pacesetter Award:
Amount: $500
Closing Date: May 22, 2026
Description: The Michael C. Holen Pacesetter Award recognizes Executive Officers, Provosts and Academic or Student Affairs Officers (i.e., Vice Provosts, Vice Presidents, Deans, etc.) who exemplify a commitment to academic advising and are true advocates for advising, students, and advisors across the institution. NACADA membership is not required of nominees or applicants. Individuals nominated should be an advocate for advising, students, and advisors at the upper administration level with no direct day-to-day involvement in the administration of advisors or advising. Individuals may nominate themselves. Previous winners are not eligible. Individuals may not be nominated in the same award cycle for more than one of the big five awards. A Nomination or Application Letter must be submitted. This letter should demonstrate evidence that the candidate made significant contributions to the profession of academic advising; provide evidence and specific examples that the candidate has leadership in the field of advising, as well as related professional areas; and emphasize a commitment to the importance of academic advising at a regional, national, or global level. Please provide comprehensive materials that will allow an evaluator, regardless of their familiarity with the nominee’s role, background, or program, to fully understand and appreciate the nominee’s work and accomplishments. Applicants or nominees must also submit up to three Letters of Support and/or Recommendation. These letters may come from institution officials, colleagues, employees, supervisors, or students; anyone who might enhance the selection committee’s understanding of the nominee. Additional materials that may support the candidate’s nomination may also be submitted in a PDF file. Please visit the award’s website for more information.
Farella Braun + Martel LLP 1L Diversity Scholarship:
Amount: $15,000
Closing Date: May 27, 2026
Description: Over 20 years ago, Farella Braun + Martel LLP created the Diversity Scholarship Program to assist Bay Area students in their first year of law school who meet eligibility requirements to defray some part of their legal education expenses. For 2025, there will be a total of $45,000 in scholarship grants to be divided equally among three recipients. Applicants must be current law students who are about to complete or just completed their first-year classes in good standing, pursuing a J.D. at one of the eligible law schools in California. Applicants must be students whose academic achievement, employment and community service indicate strong potential to excel in the legal profession and be a future leader in taking actions towards making the legal profession more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. This means actions towards ensuring or working to ensure equal access, opportunity and participation for everyone in the legal community. A group of attorneys and legal professionals make up the panel of judges who will review the applications. The panel will select no more than five finalists for the three scholarships who will be interviewed. After the interviews have been conducted, the panel will make the final selection of the three law student recipients. All recipients will be offered the opportunity to participate in a formal mentoring program by our Firm’s attorneys throughout their second year of law school. Scholarship recipients will be chosen based upon a combination of merit and financial need. Preference will be given to applicants demonstrating a commitment to working and living in the Bay Area after the completion of their legal studies. Applicants must provide a list of no more than three references, including name, address, telephone number and email address (if possible). Please note that it is preferred that at least one of the references be a law school professor or instructor. Additionally, applicants may provide no more than two letters of recommendation, which may also be from people whom the applicants have listed as references. Please visit the scholarship’s website for more information.
Alpha Omega Alpha Postgraduate Fellowship:
Amount: $2,000
Closing Date: May 27, 2026
Description: Postgraduate awards will be given to residents and fellows for research or scholarly projects in the spirit of the Alpha Omega Alpha mission. Priority will be given to those projects that include elements of leadership, professionalism, and teaching. The half of the Alpha Omega Alpha Postgraduate Fellowship will be paid on the announcement of the fellowship, and the other half will be paid on the approval of the final report. Schools, departments, and/or programs are encouraged to provide additional or matching funds. Only one candidate per school may be nominated. Eligible applicants are medical residents and fellows in programs at institutions with an active Alpha Omega Alpha Chapter or association. Applicants must be nominated by their residency or fellowship program directors. Applicants need not be Alpha Omega Alpha members, however, those who are members must have active dues status. In addition, all Alpha Omega Alpha members (councilor, mentor, program director, department chair) included in the submission packet must have active dues status. Applicants must submit the project’s summary with title, background information, project description and goals, potential significance, proposed budget, estimated time commitment, and acronym definition list. They must also submit a letter of support from their mentor, indicating their commitment of time and interest to the project and applicant. Applicants are also required to submit their mentor’s biosketch; a letter of nomination from the applicant’s residency or fellowship program director, including a commitment to allow the applicant time to complete the proposed project; and an endorsement of the applicant’s department chair, which should comment on the applicant’s achievements and potential, and the suitability of the faculty sponsor for mentoring. Please visit the fellowship’s website for more information.
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The best part? Every dollar in scholarships = one less dollar in loans. The earlier you start, the better.
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