Scholarships to Support High Achieving Rural Students with Financial Need

Here are some scholarships that support high-achieving rural students with financial need:

  1. The Gates Scholarship
    • Description: A highly competitive scholarship for exceptional, minority, high school seniors with significant financial need.
    • Eligibility: U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients who are high school seniors from low-income backgrounds.
    • Award: Full cost of attendance including tuition, fees, room, board, and more.
  2. The Horatio Alger Association Scholarship Program
    • Description: Provides scholarships to students who have overcome significant obstacles and have demonstrated academic achievement.
    • Eligibility: U.S. citizens or legal residents, high school seniors who have experienced financial hardship.
    • Award: Ranges from $10,000 to $25,000.
  3. The Dell Scholars Program
    • Description: Provides financial support and resources for low-income, high-achieving students who have overcome significant obstacles.
    • Eligibility: High school seniors who are Pell Grant-eligible and demonstrate a desire to succeed in college.
    • Award: $20,000, plus a laptop and other support services.
  4. The Rural and Small Town Scholars Program
    • Description: Specifically designed to support students from rural and small-town areas with significant financial need.
    • Eligibility: U.S. students from rural or small-town areas with a strong academic record and financial need.
    • Award: Varies by program.
  5. The National Rural Education Association (NREA) Scholarship
    • Description: Aims to support rural students pursuing higher education.
    • Eligibility: U.S. students from rural areas who are enrolled or plan to enroll in a college or university.
    • Award: Typically $1,000.
  6. The American Indian College Fund Scholarships
    • Description: Provides support to Native American students from rural areas pursuing higher education.
    • Eligibility: Native American students who are enrolled in a tribal college or university or a mainstream institution.
    • Award: Varies by scholarship.
  7. The Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement Scholarships
    • Description: Supports students pursuing careers in agriculture, including those from rural areas.
    • Eligibility: U.S. students with a demonstrated interest in agriculture or related fields.
    • Award: Ranges from $1,500 to $5,000.

These scholarships offer substantial support and opportunities for high-achieving rural students who need financial assistance. Make sure to check each scholarship’s specific eligibility criteria and deadlines.