If you are a student who frequently participates in volunteer work at your school or in your community, there are many local and national organizations that are offering scholarships for volunteerism and community service to give back to students for their dedication at serving those in need. While you may not receive payment upfront when you donate your time, all of those hours spend participating in volunteer work projects could help generate some free money for affording a college education. The following are 25 of the most well-known and generous scholarships that are offered exclusively to youth community service leaders like you.
1. Alliant Energy Community Service Scholarship
Deadline: February 15th
Each year, Alliant Energy Foundation offers up to 25 Community Service Scholarships for $1,000 each to Midwest students who are enrolled full-time at an undergraduate institution within Iowa, Wisconsin, or Minnesota with a strong commitment for community leadership. Eligible candidates must be a current customer of one of Alliant Energy’s utility subsidiaries, be 24 years of age or under, possess a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, and submit a 250-word essay on recent volunteer activities.
Contact
Alliant Energy Community Service Scholarship
4902 North Biltmore Lane Suite 1000
Madison, WI 53718
(608) 458-0132
dlehtinen@scholarshipamerica.org
2. Angie Houtz Memorial Scholarship Fund
Deadline: April 30th
For students accepted to or currently enrolled in any two or four-year public institution within Maryland, the Angie Houtz Memorial Scholarship Fund provides an annual scholarship for $3,000 to students with a strong community service background who have participated in at least 200 hours of volunteer work in the last five years. Along with the application, candidates must include an official transcript, two-page typed essay on an indicated topic, three sealed letters of recommendation, and a comprehensive list of community service. (See: What Should be Included in a Letter of Recommendation on a College Scholarship Application?)
Contact
Angie Houtz Memorial Scholarship Fund
1450 Mercantile Lane Suite 207C
Largo, MD 20774
angiefund@yahoo.com
3. AXA Achievement Community Scholarship Program
Deadline: January 1st
With the mission of bringing access to higher education into every community nationwide, the AXA Foundation distributes up to 12 AXA Achievement Community Scholarships for $2,000 each to high school seniors who demonstrate strong ambition, determination, respect, academic achievement, and commitment to volunteer services. In addition, the program selects one outstanding student from each state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico to receive a one-time community service scholarship for $10,000.
Contact
AXA Achievement Community Scholarship Program
1290 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10104
(888) 292-4636
scholarship@axa.com
4. Bonner Scholars Program
Deadline: Varies
As a national philanthropic organization created by investor Bertram F. Bonner and his wife Corella in Princeton, New Jersey, the Bonner Scholars Program provides four-year $4,000 community service scholarships for up to 1,500 students enrolled at one of the 22 participating universities across the United States annually. In return for the financial support, recipients are required to commit at least 10 hours each week to volunteer work and participate in the foundation’s summer community service internship experience.
Contact
Bonner Scholars Program
10 Mercer Street
Princeton, NJ 08540
(609) 924-6663
info@bonner.org
5. Comcast Foundation Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship
Deadline: April 15th
In order to promote community service and build tomorrow’s leaders, the Comcast Foundation Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship program grants one-time awards for $1,000 to high school who are nominated by their high school principals or guidance counselors in recognition of their community service, academic performance, and leadership potential. Eligible candidates must reside in a community served by Comcast, maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or better, and be accepted to attend an accredited non-profit U.S. institution.
Contact
Comcast Foundation Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship
1701 JFK Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(800) 934-6489
comcast@applyists.com
6. Disabled American Veterans Youth Volunteer Scholarships
Deadline: February 7th
Sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Disabled American Veterans Youth Volunteer Scholarships program offers awards up to $20,000 to provide financial support for pursuing a higher education degree for young volunteers who are dedicated to serving disabled military veterans returning from service. Qualified applicants must have volunteered at least 100 hours at a VA medical center, be 21 years of age or under, and submit an essay on how volunteer work with veterans has impacted their academic/personal life.
Contact
Disabled American Veterans Youth Volunteer Scholarships
807 Maine Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20024
(202) 554-3501
VAVS@davmail.org
7. Disneyland Resort Celebrating Community Service Scholarship
Deadline: January 31st
The Disneyland Resort Celebrating Community Service Scholarship program awards 10 annual $7,500 scholarships to Orange County, California high school seniors who demonstrate excellent leadership skills through the accumulation of 150 or more hours of volunteer work. Eligible applicants must be graduating high school seniors pursuing post-secondary education at a U.S. institution, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and provide a letter of verification from the predominant charitable non-profit organization with which they volunteered.
Contact
Disneyland Resort Celebrating Community Service Scholarship
P.O. Box 3232
Anaheim, CA 92803
(714) 781-0856
DLR.Community.Relations@Disney.com
8. Echoing Green Climate Change Fellowship Program
Deadline: February 1st
In partnership with the ZOOM Foundation, the Echoing Green Climate Change Fellowship Program provides an $80,000 stipend with health insurance to individuals who agree to participate in one year of professional development in community or humanitarian public service within the developing countries of the world. For consideration, qualified next-generation social entrepreneurs must demonstrate a commitment to working on innovations in mitigation and adaption to global climate change crisis.
Contact
Echoing Green Climate Change Fellowship Program
494 Eighth Avenue 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10001
(212) 689-1165
info@echoinggreen.org
9. Gloria Barron Scholarship for Young Heroes
Deadline: April 15th
In honor of an outstanding woman who devoted more than 20 years of her life to working at the Colorado School for the Blind, the Gloria Barron Scholarship for Young Heroes is granted to 25 inspiring public-spirited young leaders between the ages of 8 and 18 who have made a significant positive difference to their communities and our environment. Winners of the $5,000 scholarship will receive a certificate of recognition, signed copy of “The Hero’s Trail,” and the opportunity to be paired with an adult mentor who is working in the winner’s area of interest.
Contact
Gloria Barron Scholarship for Young Heroes
545 Pearl Street
Boulder, CO 80302
ba_richman@barronprize.org
10. Good Deeds Scholarship
Deadline: December 31st
Each year, the Good Deeds Scholarship awards $1,000 to students who submit the best winning short 250-word essays discussing how their good deeds through volunteer work and community service have positively contributed to society to make a difference in the lives of others. At this time, the essay competition is only open to legal English-speaking U.S. residents who are current high school students in their freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior year and are planning to enroll in an accredited post-secondary institution.
Contact
Good Deeds Scholarship
3020 Hartley Road Suite 220
Jacksonville, FL 32257
gooddeeds@scholarshipexperts.com
11. Heart of America Christopher Reeve Award
Deadline: November 7th
For those with the tendency to swoop in to help others like Superman, the Heart of America Christopher Reeve Award presents $1,000 annually to extraordinary middle or high school students who have demonstrated a tremendous amount of compassion and service to his or her local community. In order to be selected for the scholarship, eligible nominees must provide information about recent community service efforts with supporting documentation and professional reference letters.
Contact
Heart of America Christopher Reeve Award
1625 K Street NW Suite 400
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 347-6278
scholarships@heartofamerica.org
12. Kohl’s Cares Scholarships
Deadline: March 14th
As one of the largest tuition assistance programs available for students who volunteer, the Kohl’s Cares Scholarships program offers $1,000 to regional winners and $10,000 for national winners who are nominated based on the benefits and outcomes of their outstanding commitment to volunteer community service projects. Nominees must be between the ages of 6 and 18, have participated in volunteer efforts within the last year, submit a detailed list of community service efforts, and be nominated by an adult age 21 years or older.
Contact
Kohl’s Cares Scholarships
17000 Ridgewood Drive
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
(262) 703-7000
kohls@scholarshipamerica.org
13. Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation Scholarships
Deadline: December 15th
Annually, the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation awards up to 140 scholarships for $2,500 each to high school seniors who are accepted for enrollment into an accredited U.S. undergraduate degree program full-time. Preference will be given to full and part-time Lowe’s employees with at least 90 days of service, their spouses/partners, and dependents. Requiring a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher, selection is based on academic performance, leadership potential, work experience, and community service involvement.
Contact
Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation Scholarships
1605 Curtis Bridge Road
P.O. Box 1111
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(877) 665-6937
corpgc@lowes.com
14. Minnesota Historical Society Student Volunteer Services Scholarship
Deadline: February 14th
Administered by the Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS), the Office of Student Volunteer Services presents three scholarships for $1,000 each to high school seniors who are active members in good standing with the MNHS and have contributed at least 25 hours of volunteer work throughout the year. All eligible candidates must be between the ages of 15 and 18 years old, demonstrate financial need, and be committed to participating in the society’s work.
Contact
Minnesota Historical Society Student Volunteer Services Scholarship
345 Kellogg Blvd. W
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 259-3188
volunteerservices@mnhs.org
15. National Caring Awards
Deadline: March 1st
Inspired by the example of Mother Theresa, the Caring Institute grants several National Caring Awards each year to individuals who are role models with an extraordinary dedication to community service and selfless concern for others. In order to receive the $2,000 award, young adults must be nominated before their graduation from high school or eighteenth birthday. All winners will be given an all-expenses paid trip to a special awards ceremony and VIP reception in recognition of entering the Caring Hall of Fame.
Contact
National Caring Awards
228 7th Street SE
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 547-4273
info@caring.org
16. Nestle Very Best in Youth Scholarship Competition
Deadline: July 1st
Created to spotlight the best in youth leadership and identify teens whose efforts are making a profound difference in our world, the Nestle Very Best in Youth Scholarship Competition is open to contestants between the ages of 14 and 18 years of age who demonstrate good citizenship, strong academic performance, and service to their school, church, or community. In order to be entered to win the $1,000 award, applicants must submit two letters of recommendation, a parent or legal guardian consent form, and an official transcript.
Contact
Nestle Very Best in Youth Scholarship Competition
800 North Brand Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91203
(818) 549-6677
NestleVeryBestInYouth@us.nestle.com
17. President’s Volunteer Service Award
Deadline: Varies
Established in 2003 by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation to recognize the significant contributions volunteers are making nationwide, the President’s Volunteer Service Award is one of the premier volunteer scholarships programs available to U.S. citizens. Open to kids aged 5 to 14, young adults aged 15 to 25, or adults over the age of 26, the award is offered at the bronze, silver, and gold level depending on the number of hours of volunteer service completed.
Contact
President’s Volunteer Service Award
600 Means Street NW Suite 210
Atlanta, GA 30318
(866) 545-5307
inquiries@presidentialserviceawards.gov
18. Prudential Spirit of Community Awards
Deadline: November 5th
Sponsored by Prudential and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), the Prudential Spiritual of Community Awards are granted for $1,000 to $5,000 each to high school seniors accepted for enrollment in an undergraduate degree program who have continually engaged in community volunteer service. Eligible candidates are required to complete an application, write a personal statement on significant leadership contributions to community service, and submit a recommendation from the high school’s principal.
Contact
Prudential Spirit of Community Awards
200 Crutchfield Avenue
Nashville, TN 37210
(615) 320-3149
spirit@prudential.com
19. Samuel Huntington Public Service Award
Deadline: January 18th
Established by the energy company National Grid, the Samuel Huntington Public Service Award is granted annually to graduating college seniors who wish to undertake one year of community service anywhere in the world before proceeding on to graduate school or a professional career. In order to qualify for the $15,000 stipend award, candidates graduating from a U.S. accredited institution must submit a one-page cover letter, service proposal, budget plan, official college transcript, resume, and three letters of recommendation.
Contact
Samuel Huntington Public Service Award
P.O. Box 11791
Newark, NJ 07101
(781) 296-8090
amy.stacy@nationalgrid.com
20. Sophia L. Gokey Scholarship Fund
Deadline: November 15th
In loving memory of American Idol alum Danny Gokey’s wife who devoted her short lifetime in touching the lives of children, the Sophia L. Gokey Scholarship Fund is designed to help youth achieve their higher education dreams despite significant roadblocks or setbacks from economic status. Eligible high school seniors for the $1,000 award must demonstrate accomplishments in community service and have a cumulative high school GPA of 2.7 or higher.
Contact
Sophia L. Gokey Scholarship Fund
2479 Murfreesboro Rd. Suite 515
Nashville, TN 37217
(800) 595-6269
21. Stephen J. Brady STOP Hunger Scholarships
Deadline: December 10th
Designed to recognize students who have made a significant impact on the national fight against hunger in America, the Stephen J. Brady STOP Hunger Scholarships are offered by the Sodexo Foundation to students between the ages of 5 and 25 who have demonstrated an on-going commitment to their community by performing unpaid volunteer work eliminating hunger. Recipients will receive a $5,000 scholarship for their education and a matching grant in their name for the hunger-related charity of their choosing.
Contact
Stephen J. Brady STOP Hunger Scholarships
9801 Washingtonian Blvd.
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
(615) 320-3149
STOPHunger@sodexofoundation.org
22. Violet Richardson Award
Deadline: May 1st
Named after the president of the first Soroptimist club, the Violent Richard Award is granted annually for $2,500 to honor young women who are making a difference in the world through participation in volunteer work, such as community service to end discrimination, fight poverty, assist women who are victims of domestic violence, or mentoring young girls. Eligible candidates for the award must be between the ages of 14 and 17 years old with a firm commitment to improving the lives of women and girls worldwide.
Contact
Violet Richardson Award
1709 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 893-9000
siahq@soroptimist.org
23. Washington Hospital Service League Volunteer Scholarships
Deadline: April 1st
Each year, the Washington Hospital Healthcare System presents the renewable Service League Volunteer Scholarships for $1,000 each to students in Fremont, Newark, Union City, and Hayward, California who are pursuing an undergraduate degree in a health-related field. Qualified applicants must be U.S. citizens, be 22 years of age of younger, have been accepted to an accredited institution full-time, submit three letters of recommendation, and contribute to the community by accruing at least 100 hours of volunteer service annually.
Contact
Washington Hospital Service League Volunteer Scholarships
2000 Mowry Avenue
Fremont, CA 94538
(510) 797-1111
scholarships@whhs.com
24. William R. Simms Award for Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy
Deadline: November 30th
In honor of one of the four founders of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), the William R. Simms Award for Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy is awarded to youth between the ages of 10 and 23 who demonstrate exemplary commitment to the community through direct financial support, volunteering, development of charitable programs, or leadership in philanthropy. Selection for the award is based on services conducted and long-term impact of the candidate’s work on community members involved.
Contact
William R. Simms Award for Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy
4300 Wilson Blvd. Suite 300
Arlington, VA 22203
(703) 684-0410
kheyman@afpnet.org
25. Youth Service America Grants
Deadline: March 1st
Youth Service America (YSA) has established several grants ranging in value from $1,000 to $15,000 each in recognition of youth leaders between the ages of 5 and 25 who have voluntarily participated on projects that promote social change in their local or national communities. All recipients are expected to participate in the youth-led community service projects and celebration events on Global Youth Service Day and report on the impact of the activities.
Contact
Youth Service America Grants
1101 15th Street NW Suite 200
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 296-2992
info@YSA.org
Overall, participating in community service projects gives students the opportunity to form new personal connections, learn new practical skills, give back to communities in need, and possibly earn some extra scholarship funding for college. Whether you have started your own non-profit organization fighting for a special cause or you only volunteer for a few hours each week, be sure to check out these 25 scholarships for community service and volunteerism to have some extra funding to afford the rising cost of achieving your higher education dreams.
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