Scholarship information
Scholarships can come from the following sources, but please remember not to ever pay for scholarships:
- National Merit Scholarship: Students must take the PSAT/NMSQT in October of their junior year to qualify for this scholarship. The counseling office will announce sign-ups and the fee for this test each year.
- College Board Scholarship Partners: Students who take the PSAT/NMSQT in October of their sophomore or junior year and opt in for the Scholarship Search Service to receive information about a variety of scholarships offered through organizations that partner with the College Board.
- Academic/Merit: Based on academic excellence regardless of financial need. These might be through the university, the department in which your major is housed, or national, state, or local organizations.
- Talent-Based: Athletics or Fine Arts could be through the university itself or other organizations.
- Community Organizations: The applications and deadlines for these scholarships are normally in the spring of the senior year. These will come from Rotary, Lions Club, Exchange Club and more.
- Need-Based Scholarships: Many universities or other organizations offer these scholarships based on financial need.
- Alumni Associations: University alumni associations may offer scholarships to any incoming freshmen or freshmen who are children or grandchildren of graduates. Their criteria are often a bit lower than the university scholarship qualifications.
- Minority or Religious Scholarships: Some scholarships are based on race, culture, or religious membership
- Employer: Some employers offer scholarships to the children of their employees
- Upperclassmen Scholarships: Many universities have scholarships specifically for students after they complete their freshman year. Make sure you check with the scholarship office at your university for more information.
- Transfer Students: Transfer students with high marks may be eligible for certain scholarships.
Scholarship Database
January Scholarship Newsletter
All local Scholarship information can be found below:
Wilson County Retired Teachers Association $1500 Scholarship
The recipient of this scholarship must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and be a graduate of a Wilson County school. The recipient must also enroll in a post-secondary public college or university in the state of TN and pursue a teaching career in elementary or secondary education through a teacher preparation program. Deadline to apply is March 6, 2026.
The application can be found here
UT Chattanooga Westbrook Scholarship
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is proud to announce that we have opened the application portal for the 2026 Westbrook Scholarship for incoming freshmen interested in studying the sciences. Awards of $14,000 (over 4 years) will be presented to as many as ten entering freshmen majoring in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geology, or Physics (including STEM education). Once awarded these scholarships are automatically renewed provided the student meets specific academic requirements (utc.edu/westbrook).
More information can be found here
Community Foundation of Middle TN Scholarships
Currently, CFMT administers more than 160 different scholarship funds for students. These funds have been established to help students from a particular school or area, students pursuing a specific field of study, students with significant financial need and many other qualifications. We encourage all students from Middle Tennessee pursuing a college degree to apply for CFMT’s scholarship program.
For more information click here
Horatio Alger Scholarships for Juniors & Seniors
The Horatio Alger Association seeks to provide scholarship assistance to deserving students who have demonstrated integrity, determination in overcoming adversity, academic potential, personal aspirations, strength of character and financial need.
To JUNIORS: The Association awards a few $25,000 National Scholarships and several State $10,000 scholarships. Deadline is March 1.
To SENIORS: $10,000 to $52,000 scholarships to specific colleges and universities across the United States. Deadline is February 15.
For more information click here
Key criteria for qualification:
- Enrolled as a full-time high school junior (or senior for specific senior-specific scholarships)
- Demonstrate critical financial need (NEW INCOME LEVEL < $100,000)
- Display integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity
- At least a 2.0 GPA
- Be a United States Citizen
Nashville Athena Scholarship
The scholarships will be awarded to female high school seniors. This will take place at the ATHENA AWARDS on March 26, 2026, where will be honoring the achievements of women in the greater Nashville area.
To begin applying, applicants would need to create an account to apply for this opportunity, here There is a ‘Program Key’ that they will need to enter to access the application, which is “ATHENA” (all caps, without the quotation marks).
NOTE: the deadline to apply is Thursday, January 23, 11:59 EST.
Phoebe Connections Scholarship
PHOEBE Connections, Inc. is a 501©3 nonprofit organization that operates as a support group for widows. PHOEBE Connections is seeking to provide scholarships to children of widows in Wilson County who desire to further their education after high school.
For more information please click here
All applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2026
Nashville Sounds Scholarship
Each season, the Nashville Sounds Foundation awards scholarships to deserving Middle Tennessee graduating high school seniors who plan to attend college in the fall.
2026 the Nashville Sounds Foundation will be awarding SIX (6), $2,500 scholarships!!
Who Is Eligible?
Student applicants must meet the following criteria:
- College-bound senior currently attending a Nashville or Middle Tennessee area high school (must be attending a 4-year college or university in the fall of 2026).
- Minimum grade point average of 2.5.
- Demonstrate the value of education, good work ethic and community outreach.
There will be no discrimination regardless of gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation.
The Selection Committee will not base its decisions in any way on the employment status of an applicant or the employment status of the applicant's parents/guardians.
The application will open on Thursday, January 22, 2026-Monday, March 30, 2026. Applications and more information can be found here
Nashville Predators Jack Diller Education Award
Former Nashville Predators President Jack Diller was known for his visible community persona and dedication to strengthening the team's relationship with the city of Nashville. As a candidate for this scholarship, please write a 2-3 page essay explaining your community involvement or leadership role and the ways it has impacted you (essays longer than 3 pages will not be considered).
Who is Eligible?
- College-bound senior currently attending a Nashville or Middle Tennessee area high school (must be attending college in the fall of 2024).
- Display leadership qualities in the classroom and/or inspirational qualities on the athletic field.
- Minimum grade point average of 3.0 from sophomore to senior high school year.
- Demonstrate the value of education, good work ethic and community outreach.
- Scholarship payment will be paid directly to institution of the students’ choice.
- Merit and need are considered when evaluating applicants.
For more information and to apply, please click here
Deadline to apply: Friday, February 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CT
