The Ombudsman is an unbiased resource for helping families plan for post-secondary education including savings plans/strategies, identifying grant and scholarship resources, completing the Federal Student Aid process, understanding post-secondary admissions and financial aid packages sent to families by prospective colleges, universities and trade schools.
Scholarships and Grants
Ancestry’s HistoryMakers Scholarship
Closing Date: October 23, 2025
Amount: $2,500
GPA Requirement: 2.75
Description: Applicants must be an incoming full time undergrad or graduate student during Fall 2025 semester into Spring 2026. Students must attend Bowie State University, California State University, Sacremento, Florida International University, Tennessee State University, Queen Mary University, University of Westminster, City, University of London, or University Of Greenwich to be eligible. A preference is given to students pursuing a degree in computer engineering, computer science, data science, machine learning, mathematics, statistics, life sciences, marketing, finance, business economics, business management, cybersecurity, or user experience.
United States Senate Youth Program
Closing Date: October 27, 2025
Amount: $10,000
GPA Requirement: N/A
Description: Applicants must be a junior or high school senior, hold a leadership position for the current 25-26 academic year, and be a legal permanent resident of U.S. citizen, or be in possession of their I-551 “green card”.
Chick-fil-A Community Scholars
Closing Date: October 28, 2025, at 3:00pm CT
Amount: $25,000
GPA Requirement: 3.0
Description: Applicants must be 18 years old, live in the United States, Puerto Rico, or Canada. The applicant must also be a high school senior or enrolled as a college student or graduate student, and enrolled full time during the 26-27 academic year. Scholars must be involved in and/or demonstrate leadership in community service or extracurricular activities. Required documents include transcripts, copy of first two pages of parents’ or your own IRS 1040 income tax form or T-1 Canadian income tax return, and between one and three recommendations submitted no later than November 11, 2025, at 3:00pm CT.
Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards
Closing Date: November 2, 2025
Amount: Up to $4,000
GPA Requirement: 3.0
Description: Applicants must be a high school senior graduating in spring 2026, enrolled at an accredited higher education institution during 2026-27 academic year, and attendance at the virtual awards ceremony is mandatory.
Regeneron Science Talent Search
Closing Date: November 6, 2025, at 8:00pm ET
Amount: $25,000
GPA Requirement: 3.0
Description: Applicants must be between 13 and 21 years of age. The applicant must be a student enrolled in and attending a secondary school and a citizen of the United States and participating territories. The scholar must complete an individual research project. Specific guidelines about conducting research are available.
Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship
Closing Date: November 12, 2025
Amount: Up to $7,500 (per year)
GPA Requirement: 3.0
Description: Applicants must a current high school senior, U.S. citizen, and will enroll in four-year undergraduate degree programs at accredited U.S. American colleges or universities.
Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship Program
Closing Date: November 12, 2025
Amount: Up to $55,000 (per year towards full cost of attendance)
GPA Requirement: 3.75
Description: Applicants must be a graduating senior during spring 2026, and plan to enroll in an accredited four-year college during fall 2026. The applicant must demonstrate an unmet financial need and submission of a standardized test such as the SAT, ACT, AP, or IB exam are required. Submission of two academic recommendations, one counselor recommendation, and transcripts are mandatory.
Designli Empowering Women in Tech in Essay Scholarship
Closing Date: November 30, 2025
Amount: Up to $4,000
GPA Requirement: 3.0
Description: Applicants must be female high school seniors, undergraduate, or graduate. Required documents include a 250 word or less bio with intended field of study and education level, proof of education, evidence of U.S. citizenship, and a 1,000-word essay.