Starting your scholarship search as a sophomore can seem early, but it gives you a huge advantage in the long run. At this stage, you’re not yet facing the pressures of senior year—such as the college admissions process, applications, final exams, and other looming deadlines. Sophomore year offers the perfect opportunity to plan and research potential scholarships without the stress.

Delaying the start of this search until senior year could limit your options and add unnecessary stress during a critical time of transition. As a sophomore or junior, tapping into as many scholarship opportunities as possible can greatly enhance your prospects of winning and reduce future college expenses.

To support high school sophomores, we’ve meticulously reviewed numerous scholarships across various platforms to pinpoint the best opportunities specifically for you. Our research highlights Bold.org as a standout resource offering valuable scholarships tailored to sophomores.

As you begin your scholarship hunt, aim to explore as many scholarships as possible to maximize your chances of securing awards. Below, you’ll find the list we created of scholarships for high school sophomores to help you get started on your scholarship search.

Apply for scholarships for high school sophomores today to start gaining financial support for your college education.

Exclusive Scholarships for High School Sophomores with Upcoming Deadlines in 2025

Apply below right now to the Best Scholarships for High School Sophomores. Exclusive Scholarships found only in Bold.org!

Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship

Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship

The Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship will support the academic endeavors of one student who has struggled with or has been impacted by someone who struggles with mental health.

Award Amount: $4,500
Deadline: June 13, 2025
Winners Announced: July 13, 2025
$25,000 "Be Bold" No-Essay Scholarship

$25,000 "Be Bold" No-Essay Scholarship

The world will be shaped by the bold—the fighters, the risk-takers, the earnest overachievers who won’t take no for an answer. The $10,000 “Be Bold” Scholarship is a no-essay scholarship that will be awarded to the applicant with the boldest profile.

Award Amount: $25,015
Deadline: June 1, 2025
Winners Announced: December 1, 2025
Our Destiny Our Future Scholarship

Our Destiny Our Future Scholarship

This scholarship will support students who volunteer in their community.

Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: June 30, 2025
Winners Announced: July 31, 2025
Joseph A. Monachino Memorial Scholarship

Joseph A. Monachino Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship aims to honor the life of Joseph A. Monachino by supporting students who are committed to pursuing higher education.

Award Amount: $1,600
Deadline: July 1, 2025
Winners Announced: August 1, 2025
Beacon of Light Scholarship

Beacon of Light Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to support students who are pursuing higher education so they can afford to complete their degrees and go on to make a difference in the health and wellness of others.

Award Amount: $700
Deadline: August 19, 2025
Winners Announced: September 19, 2025
Dan Leahy Scholarship Fund

Dan Leahy Scholarship Fund

This scholarship seeks to honor Dan Leahy’s legacy by supporting high school and community college students so they can afford higher education.

Award Amount: $3,000
Deadline: May 15, 2025
Winners Announced: June 15, 2025
Cariloop’s Caregiver Scholarship

Cariloop’s Caregiver Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to support student caregivers so they can afford to pursue their dreams of higher education.

Award Amount: $8,500
Deadline: September 1, 2025
Winners Announced: October 1, 2025
Julia Elizabeth Legacy Scholarship

Julia Elizabeth Legacy Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to support underrepresented minority students who are planning to pursue a college degree in a STEM-related field.

Award Amount: $980
Deadline: June 5, 2025
Winners Announced: July 5, 2025
Servela Theodore Memorial Scholarship

Servela Theodore Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship aims to honor the legacy of Servela Theodore by supporting students who are pursuing careers in human services.

Award Amount: $900
Deadline: November 1, 2025
Winners Announced: December 1, 2025
Willie Mae Rawls Scholarship

Willie Mae Rawls Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to honor the legacy of Willie Mae Rawls by supporting students pursuing an education at an HBCU who plan to make a positive impact on the world through their studies and future career goals.

Award Amount: $1,500
Deadline: September 16, 2025
Winners Announced: October 16, 2025
Mikey Taylor Memorial Scholarship

Mikey Taylor Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship will support first generation college students who have overcome mental health challenges.

Award Amount: $500
Deadline: May 11, 2025
Winners Announced: June 11, 2025
Chi Changemaker Scholarship

Chi Changemaker Scholarship

This merit-based scholarship aims to support students who demonstrate significant social impact and who plan to continue being changemakers.

Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: May 12, 2025
Winners Announced: June 2, 2025
Bryent Smothermon PTSD Awareness Scholarship

Bryent Smothermon PTSD Awareness Scholarship

To honor the legacy of Bryent Smothermon, this scholarship exists to support military veterans or military family members who have suffered from PTSD.

Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: May 14, 2025
Winners Announced: June 14, 2025
Kristen McCartney Perseverance Scholarship

Kristen McCartney Perseverance Scholarship

This scholarship will support North Carolina female students who demonstrate perseverance and are passionate about their community.

Award Amount: $4,000
Deadline: May 15, 2025
Winners Announced: June 15, 2025
Desiree Jeana Wapples Scholarship for Young Women

Desiree Jeana Wapples Scholarship for Young Women

This scholarship aims to support female high school students in Virginia so they can be financially prepared for college.

Award Amount: $500
Deadline: May 17, 2025
Winners Announced: June 17, 2025
Curtis Holloway Memorial Scholarship

Curtis Holloway Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Curtis Holloway by supporting a student who has lost a parent or lives in a single-parent household.

Award Amount: $2,000
Deadline: May 18, 2025
Winners Announced: June 18, 2025
Deborah Brown Alexander Adventurer Award

Deborah Brown Alexander Adventurer Award

This scholarship seeks to honor the memory of Deborah Brown Alexander by supporting deserving students who have an "adventurer" spirit.

Award Amount: $2,000
Deadline: May 20, 2025
Winners Announced: June 6, 2025
Ojeda Multi-County Youth Scholarship

Ojeda Multi-County Youth Scholarship

The Ojeda Multi-County Youth Scholarship will be awarded to two deserving inner-city high school students to help pay for tuition and books.

Award Amount: $500
Deadline: May 25, 2025
Winners Announced: June 25, 2025
DK Memorial Sports Broadcasting Scholarship

DK Memorial Sports Broadcasting Scholarship

The community that loved DK aims to honor DK by supporting undergraduate and graduate students pursuing Sports Broadcasting or Sports Journalism.

Award Amount: $2,500
Deadline: May 26, 2025
Winners Announced: June 26, 2025
KC R. Sandidge Photography Scholarship

KC R. Sandidge Photography Scholarship

This scholarship will support one person that is interested in pursuing photography.

Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: May 30, 2025
Winners Announced: June 30, 2025
Mark Green Memorial Scholarship

Mark Green Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to help provide higher education opportunities to underprivileged and underserved students.

Award Amount: $3,000
Deadline: May 30, 2025
Winners Announced: June 30, 2025
Taylor Journal Scholarship

Taylor Journal Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to support young women who need assistance pursuing their educational goals.

Award Amount: $1,130
Deadline: May 31, 2025
Winners Announced: June 30, 2025
Colorado Pain Care - Excellence in Action Scholarship

Colorado Pain Care - Excellence in Action Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to reward students who go above and beyond, both in and out of the classroom, by alleviating the financial burden of college, vocational, and other educational programs.

Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: May 31, 2025
Winners Announced: June 23, 2025
David Ford / HDR College Scholarship

David Ford / HDR College Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to honor the life of David Ford by supporting students who share his passion for water resources.

Award Amount: $10,000
Deadline: May 31, 2025
Winners Announced: June 30, 2025
Wagner and Young Scholarship Opportunity

Wagner and Young Scholarship Opportunity

This scholarship aims to support students who are pursuing higher education so they can overcome the challenges they have faced in life and create the futures of their dreams.

Award Amount: $500
Deadline: May 31, 2025
Winners Announced: July 30, 2025
high school sophomores in class

Should You Apply for Scholarships as a High School Sophomore?

Absolutely. Many students think scholarships are only for seniors, but starting your scholarship search as a high school sophomore gives you a significant advantage. Plus, the earlier you start, the more opportunities you have to win scholarships over the next few years, easing the financial burden of college.

The Benefits of Applying for Scholarships Early

Applying for scholarships as a sophomore provides several benefits:

  • Less Competition: Many students wait until their junior or senior year to apply, so by starting now, you’ll face less competition.
  • Time to Perfect Your Applications: You’ll have plenty of time to develop your application materials, such as essays and letters of recommendation.
  • Preparation for Senior Year: Early scholarship applications prepare you for the larger college and scholarship process during your senior year.

Types of High School Sophomore Scholarships Available

Here are a few examples of available ways for high school sophomores to pay for college:

Academic Scholarships

Awarded based on your GPA or test scores, these scholarships reward academic excellence.

Extracurricular Scholarships

If you’re involved in sports, clubs, or other activities, scholarships that recognize leadership, teamwork, or talent are available.

Community Service Scholarships

Many scholarships reward students for their dedication to volunteering and making a positive impact on their community.

Demographic Scholarships

Some scholarships are designed for students from specific backgrounds or groups, such as first-generation students, minorities, or those with financial need.

high school building

Local Scholarships

Organizations within your local community, such as businesses or nonprofit groups, often offer scholarships to students in your area.

Institutional Scholarships

These scholarships are offered by colleges or universities to attract top-performing students or students who meet specific criteria, such as financial need or leadership skills.

Need-Based Scholarships

Awarded to students based on their financial need, these scholarships help ensure that all students, regardless of financial background, can afford higher education.

No-Essay Scholarships

These scholarships do not require essays and are typically awarded through a random drawing or based on minimal application requirements, making them easy and quick to apply for.

Major-Specific Scholarships

These scholarships are geared toward students pursuing a particular field of study, such as engineering, business, or healthcare, and are awarded to encourage students to excel in that specific discipline.

How to Find High School Sophomore Scholarships

Here’s how to begin your search for scholarships as a high school sophomore:

Scholarship Platforms

Use websites like Bold.org to search for scholarships specifically for sophomores.

School Guidance Office

Your school’s guidance counselor can help you find scholarships available for students in your area or grade level.

Local Organizations

Look for scholarships offered by community groups, local businesses, or nearby charitable foundations.

Extracurricular Networks

Some clubs, sports teams, or organizations you participate in may offer scholarships to active members.

Family and Friends

Ask your family members or friends if they know of any scholarship opportunities, particularly from their workplaces or professional networks.

high school scholarships

What Do Scholarship Committees Look For?

Academic Excellence

Many scholarship committees prioritize students with a strong academic record. Keep your grades up and challenge yourself with advanced or honors courses if possible.

Leadership Skills

Scholarship panels often favor students who demonstrate leadership in their schools or communities. Take initiative in clubs, sports, or volunteer activities to build leadership experience.

Community Service

Scholarship providers appreciate students who give back to their communities. Make an effort to volunteer consistently and document your hours, as this will strengthen your applications​.

High school freshmen, high school sophomores, high school juniors, and high school seniors all qualify for high school scholarships. Browse these scholarships specifically for high school students.

Using Scholarships to Build Your College Resume

Scholarships don’t just help financially—they also look impressive on college applications. Even smaller scholarships or essay competitions demonstrate that you’re proactive, dedicated, and able to compete successfully. This can give you an edge during college admissions, as many colleges appreciate students who have won competitive awards.

As a high school student, you have the opportunity to get ahead in gathering financial aid and win scholarships sooner rather than later. Take the time to apply for scholarships in high school to maximize your scholarship awards.

Tips for Winning High School Sophomore Scholarships

Winning scholarships as a sophomore is all about standing out. Here are a few tips to help you:

Focus on Your Strengths

Highlight what makes you unique, whether it’s academic achievement, leadership, community service, or a particular talent.

Be Authentic

Scholarship committees appreciate honest and authentic applications. Share your story, and don’t be afraid to let your passion and personality shine through.

Stay Organized

Keep track of deadlines and application requirements. You might not win every scholarship, but consistency in applying will increase your chances over time.

Polish Your Essays

Many scholarships require an essay. Take the time to write, revise, and edit. A strong, well-written essay can set you apart from other applicants.

Seek Recommendations Early

Start building relationships with teachers, coaches, or mentors who can write strong letters of recommendation when needed.

high school sophomore class

Apply Early: Students should apply early to ensure they have plenty of time to proofread their applications before they submit their applications.

Apply to Many Scholarships: Students should apply for as many financial awards as they can. The more that students apply, the better acquainted they will be with the application process. If students apply for multiple scholarships, probability shows that they will increase their chances of being awarded funds for college.

Don’t Ignore Scholarships With Smaller Awards: Because there is no limit on how many scholarships students can apply for, students should not ignore awards with smaller funds.

Stay Organized: Staying organized during the application process can keep students from clicking on and reviewing the same scholarships over and over. It’s also a good idea for students to note when they applied for specific awards for their records and to track application deadlines.

Common Scholarship Application Mistakes to Avoid

Missing Deadlines: This is the easiest mistake to make, yet one of the most harmful. Always double-check deadlines and submit your application with plenty of time to spare.

Ignoring Instructions: Each scholarship has its own set of instructions, from word count limits to specific formatting requirements. Failing to follow these instructions can disqualify your application immediately.

Generic Applications: Submitting the same application for every scholarship without tailoring it to fit the specific requirements of each one can make your application seem impersonal. Take the time to customize each one.

Overlooking Small Scholarships: Don’t dismiss smaller scholarships. These often have fewer applicants, which can increase your chances of winning. Plus, small amounts add up over time.

International students who plan to attend college in the U.S. can apply for scholarships while they’re high school students. Find international scholarships today.

sophomore scholarships

Frequently Asked Questions About High School Sophomore Scholarships

How Can I Improve My Chances of Winning High School Sophomore Scholarships?

There are a few things that students can do to improve their chances of winning scholarships for higher education. Students should aim to apply early to scholarships, apply to many scholarships, stay organized when applying to scholarships, and consider adding letters of recommendation to their applications.

How Many High School Sophomore Scholarships Can You Get?

There is no limit to the number of scholarships that a student pursuing higher education can receive for high school sophomores. Any scholarship award that students receive should be reported to the financial aid office at the student’s university. Because there is no limit, current high school students should complete applications for essay scholarships, non-essay scholarships, local awards, or anything they feel they could qualify for.

What Should I Focus On During My Sophomore Year to Strengthen Future Scholarship Applications?

Sophomore year is a great time to focus on academics, extracurricular activities, and community service. Maintaining strong grades, taking on leadership roles in clubs or sports, and getting involved in volunteer work can make you a more competitive candidate when applying for scholarships in the future.

When Should I Start Preparing for College Applications?

It’s never too early to start preparing for college. As a sophomore, focus on building a solid academic record, exploring your interests, and considering what type of colleges or universities you might want to attend. You can also start researching college admissions requirements and standardized tests like the SAT or ACT.

How Can I Make My Scholarship Applications Stand Out?

Focus on showcasing your unique strengths and experiences. Highlight leadership roles, personal achievements, and your commitment to academics or extracurricular activities. Writing thoughtful and genuine essays is another great way to stand out. Always start early, and make sure your applications are polished and free of errors.

Should I Worry About Standardized Testing as a Sophomore?

While you don’t need to take the SAT or ACT just yet, sophomore year is a good time to start preparing. Some students may take the PSAT in sophomore year as practice. This can help you identify areas where you need improvement and get familiar with the test format.

How Can I Balance Scholarship Applications with My Schoolwork?

Time management is key. Set aside specific times to work on scholarship applications, just as you would for homework or studying. Starting early and spreading out your applications will prevent them from piling up and becoming overwhelming.

Are High School Students Eligible for College Scholarships Once They Become College Freshmen?

When high school students become college or university students, they can still apply for scholarships as college students. Even in graduate school, students can find tons of scholarships to apply for as graduate students. It’s never too late or too early to apply for scholarships.

College scholarships specifically for high school sophomores allow high schoolers to get a head start on finding financial support for their future college education. Begin your scholarship journey today.

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