MOCAN – Missouri College & Career Attainment Network

Increasing opportunity in college and career for Missouri students

Affordability

The New My Scholarship Central

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We are excited to share that My Scholarship Central is transitioning to a new scholarship management platform! As part of this transition, our current system, Blackbaud Award Management (BBAM), will sunset at the end of August, and our new platform, Survey Monkey Apply (SMA), will officially launch on Monday, August 31, 2026.

What Counselors & Advisors Need to Know

As you begin helping students navigate the new system, here are the three biggest changes to be aware of:

1. A Simplified Eligibility Profile

We’ve significantly streamlined the student eligibility profile to make the application process easier.  Instead of a general application, this quick 12 question profile will help students focus in on the scholarships that fit them best.

Important: Student responses directly determine which scholarships they can see. Unlike the previous system, students will not be able to view and apply to scholarships for which they are not eligible. Encourage students to answer every question carefully and accurately.

2. Easier Login Process

We’ve eliminated the previous multi-authentication login process, making it much easier for students to access their accounts and reducing common login problems.  Students will need to create a new account on the site using an email to which they have permanent access.

3. Reusable Applicant Tasks (RATs)

Our new platform introduces Reusable Applicant Tasks (RATs), allowing students to reuse responses they’ve previously entered when completing scholarship applications.

This feature is designed to reduce student workload. Students should always review reused responses to ensure their information is current and accurate before submitting each application.

Important Dates for the System Launch

  • August 21 – Blackbaud general application closes
  • August 24 – Soft launch for select scholarship programs
  • August 31 – Full Survey Monkey Apply platform launch
  • January 2027 – Most scholarship applications open for students

Update Your Resources

Please begin updating any websites, handouts, bookmarks, or advising materials with our new My Scholarship Central application site link: https://myscholarshipcentral.smapply.us

The My Scholarship Central website, www.myscholarshipcentral.org, is not changing.  Content and links will be updated on the MSC site by August 24.

Training Opportunities

We’ll be offering several opportunities to become familiar with the new platform.

DateEventLocationRegistration
September 2Counselor WebinarVirtual (Zoom)Register
September 11KC CUBE William Jewell CollegeRegister
September 14STL CUBE St. Charles Community CollegeRegister
September 29St. Louis Counselor Breakfast Boys & Girls Club Teen Center of ExcellenceRegister

My Scholarship Central updates will also be shared at the MASFAP High School Counselor Financial Aid Workshops in September and October. Register here.

Additional Training Resources

We’re currently developing a variety of training materials to help you and your students navigate the new platform, including step-by-step guides, quick reference documents, and short instructional videos. These resources will be available www.myscholarshipcentral.org .

In the meantime, SurveyMonkey Apply offers an extensive online Help Center with articles, tutorials, and getting-started resources that you may find helpful as you become familiar with the new system. SurveyMonkey Apply Help Center

Updated Printed Materials

We’re also refreshing our printed outreach materials to reflect the new My Scholarship Central platform. We will have these new materials available at events and college fairs throughout the fall.  If you would like to request items, please email [email protected].

Thank you for your partnership and for helping students prepare for this exciting transition. We’re looking forward to launching a more user-friendly My Scholarship Central experience that makes finding and applying for scholarships easier than ever.

If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team by emailing [email protected].

Financial Aid Specialist Credential

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Guiding students and families through the college financial aid process is complicated, and counselors and college advisors are looked to as the expert. To build confidence and skills in the financial aid process, MOCAN is offering advisors the chance to earn a Financial Aid Specialist credential.

Through a series of workshops, the Financial Aid Specialist Credential will prepare practitioners who are supporting students through the financial aid process. In partnership with national financial aid expert uAspire, the workshops will cover financial aid basics, how to complete the FAFSA form and required follow up steps, how to review financial aid offer letters, and how to navigate federal student loans. Participants will build their technical skills, as well as explore advising strategies and learn about resources that can be shared with students and families.

Click through the questions below to learn more and register for the credential.

This credential is for anyone who supports students through the financial aid process. This includes high school counselors, college advisors, staff at non-profit organizations, scholarship providers, and advisors at higher education institutions. The credential will be particularly helpful for people working with students from low-income backgrounds.

The financial aid process is multi-faceted and cannot be learned in a single workshop. Completing a credential demonstrates that the participants have validated expertise in a specific area.

To receive the credential, participants must first register with MOCAN.  They will then attend six virtual workshops and one in-person workshop. 

After each required workshop, participants will complete a short assessment to demonstrate their mastery of the information presented.

You can register for the credential here.

Workshop TitleDateTimeNotes
MASFAP High School Counselor WorkshopSeptember – OctoberVaries, most locations are 8-11Required to attend 1 of the 12
Introduction to Financial AidSeptember 189-10:30 amRequired
FAFSA Completion, Part ISeptember 259-10:30 amRequired
FAFSA Completion, Part IIOctober 29-10:30 amRequired
FAFSA Follow Up & VerificationJanuary 229-10:30 amRequired
Financial Aid Offer ReviewFebruary 129-10:30 amRequired
Navigating Federal Student LoansMarch 59-10:30 amRequired

YOu can see the schedule of the MASFAP workshops and register here.

PDI sessions on Missouri state aid programs, Workforce Pell grants, and navigating the scholarship application process will also be offered this year. Credential participants are encouraged to attend these workshops, but they are not required for the credential.

The virtual workshops will be held on Zoom. Participants are encouraged to attend the workshops live if possible, but recordings will also be available. MOCAN will use Canvas as its learning management system for this certificate program. Participants will be able to access workshop materials, assignments, and communication in one place. To earn the credential, participants will need to score an 80% or higher on all required post-workshop quizzes (10 question quizzes)

There is no cost to earn a Financial Aid Specialist credential.

Complete the registration form here. Registrations will be accepted through October 23, 2026

Kaitlyn Venta – [email protected]

MASFAP Fall Workshop 3 hours, in-person

Registration coming soon		MASFAP’s Early Awareness Committee offers free high school counselor workshops across Missouri (12 geographic locations) hosted on college campuses. The goal of these workshops is to educate practitioners on the FAFSA, what happens after filing the FAFSA, and covering the costs of college.
Introduction to Financial Aid 90 minutes, virtual

Register here		This training will provide practitioners with an overview of the main types of financial aid and the senior-year financial aid timeline while incorporating a student-centered approach to the terminology and requirements. Participants will be able to:
● Explain the key steps in the financial aid process in student-friendly terms
● Describe the main types of federal financial aid
● Identify strategies to increase completion of key financial aid action steps
FAFSA Completion, Part I + II 90 minutes, virtual

Register here Part 1

Register here Part 2		This training workshop will walk participants through the online form, provide opportunities to practice with complex scenarios, and highlight the potential pitfalls all practitioners and students should be aware of. Participants will be able to:
● Recognize the importance of timely FSA ID creation + strategies for troubleshooting
● Determine whether a student is considered dependent or independent on the FAFSA
● Complete the financial sections for different family financial situations
● Identify key resources for supporting accurate FAFSA completion
FAFSA Follow Up & Verification 90 minutes, virtual

Register here		This training will address common challenges and best practices of FAFSA follow-up, including the importance of reviewing the FAFSA Submission Summary (previously known as the Student Aid Report). Participants will also learn about federal verification requirements and strategies for helping students navigate the verification process. Participants will be able to:
● Differentiate between FAFSA submission and FAFSA completion
● Identify and discuss the information provided in the FAFSA Submission Summary
● Explain the purpose and process of verification in student-friendly terms
● Identify the federal verification procedure, requirements, and process
Financial Aid Offer Review 90 minutes, virtual

Register here		This training workshop highlights the power of analyzing financial aid offers and gives participants the tools, knowledge, and language to support students with this critical step in the financial aid process. The session will review key financial aid offer terminology, sample offer letters, and common formatting practices. The facilitator will then introduce the uAspire College Cost Calculator and walk through a case study to demonstrate the tool and practices reviewed in order to support a student and their family in interpreting their financial aid offer. Participants will be able to:
● Explain financial aid jargon in student-friendly terms
● Identify aid offer best practices, as well as common pitfalls ● Use uAspire’s College Cost Calculator to accurately compare college costs
● Respond to difficult scenarios that may arise for students during aid offer review
Summer Steps for Financial Aid 90 minutes, virtual

Register here		This training will provide an overview of best practices for advising students on critical summer financial aid activities, including paying the fall bill and planning for indirect expenses. Participants will be able to:
● Identify and describe the key financial aid tasks students must complete over the summer to successfully matriculate
● Help students understand the college bill and prepare for indirect expenses
● Identify payment options and strategies to minimize the cost of attendance
● Find opportunities for students to build self-advocacy skills

Summer Updates and Preparing to Apply for Scholarships

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Preparing for the New My Scholarship Central Experience 

As scholarship season begins winding down, we want to share several important updates with students, families, and partners as we prepare for an exciting transition this summer. 

My Scholarship Central Is Moving to a New Platform 

Over the summer, My Scholarship Central will transition to a new scholarship management platform. Beginning in September, users will access scholarship opportunities through the SurveyMonkey Apply platform as we move away from Blackbaud Award Management. 

We are hopeful this new platform will create a smoother and more user-friendly experience for both students and scholarship providers. Our goal is to alleviate many of the technical issues and frustrations users have experienced on the current site while improving accessibility, communication, and overall functionality. 

As we prepare for this transition, it is very important that rising seniors and other students do not create a new account on the current platform over the summer. Any new accounts created on the current site will not transfer to the new system, meaning students would need to create another account again once the new site launches in September. 

Additional information about the transition, including FAQs, tutorials, training opportunities, and support resources, will be shared throughout the summer and fall. We encourage students, counselors, and scholarship providers to watch for updates and training announcements in the coming months. 

Questions about the transition can be directed to:  [email protected] 

Reminder About High School Email Addresses 

Students currently using a high school email address for their My Scholarship Central account should have recently received an email from [email protected] encouraging them to review their account information. 

Many students lose access to their high school email accounts shortly after graduation. Because of the upcoming transition to the new platform, it is especially important that students update their accounts to an email address they will continue to access long-term. 

This is particularly important for students who have received renewable scholarships, as future communication regarding scholarship renewals, requirements, and updates may be sent through the email address connected to their account. 

Students should take time now to ensure they have an accessible personal email address connected to their scholarship account. 

There Is Still Time to Apply 

Although many scholarship deadlines have passed, there are still opportunities available with deadlines extending through the end of May and into June. 

We encourage students to continue checking My Scholarship Central regularly to review available opportunities and submit applications before deadlines close. 

Students can explore current opportunities here:  https://stlouisgraduates.academicworks.com/ 

Scholarship Timeline for High School Seniors 

Preparing for scholarships is a year-round process. Below is a general timeline students can follow throughout their senior year to stay on track. 

Summer Before Senior Year 

  • Build a list of extracurricular activities, honors, leadership roles, volunteer experience, and work experience  
  • Begin drafting and revising scholarship essays  
  • Research scholarships and organize deadlines  
  • Identify potential letter writers, such as teachers, counselors, employers, coaches, or mentors  
  • Reach out to recommenders early to ask if they would be willing to provide letters of recommendation during senior year  
  • Create a professional personal email address students will continue using after graduation 

September 

  • Create a new account on the revamped My Scholarship Central platform through SurveyMonkey Apply once the new site launches 
  • Begin researching scholarships and organizing application materials 
  • Start requesting transcripts and preparing a resume or activities list 

Site URL and additional instructions will be shared closer to launch. 

October 

  • Complete and submit the FAFSA as soon as it opens 
  • Begin applying for scholarships with early deadlines 
  • Continue building and refining scholarship essays 

November – December 

  • Continue applying for scholarships 
  • Request letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, employers, or mentors 
  • Keep track of deadlines and required materials 

January – April 

  • Most scholarship opportunities open during this timeframe 
  • Many scholarships are due by the end of April 
  • Students should consistently apply for scholarships throughout the winter and spring months 
  • Continue monitoring email and scholarship portals for updates or additional requirements 

April – May 

  • Review financial aid and scholarship award letters from colleges 
  • Compare financial aid packages and scholarship offers 
  • Continue applying for any late-season scholarship opportunities 

Summer Before College 

  • Complete scholarship renewal requirements if applicable 
  • Monitor email accounts regularly for scholarship communication 
  • Prepare for transition to college and maintain access to scholarship accounts and documentation 

As we prepare for an exciting new chapter for My Scholarship Central, we appreciate the continued support of students, families, schools, and scholarship providers throughout this transition process. 

Big News + Summer Scholarship Opportunities Still Available 

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As we move into May, we have an exciting update to share — along with important reminders for students still seeking scholarship opportunities. 

A New My Scholarship Central Platform Is Coming 

We’re excited to announce that My Scholarship Central will be transitioning to a new platform in August–September of this year. 

This transition is designed to improve the overall experience for students, families, and partners. We know our current system has presented challenges, and we are confident this new platform will help resolve many of those issues while making the application process more efficient and user-friendly. 

More details will be shared in the coming months. In the meantime: 

  • Be on the lookout for summer and fall training opportunities
  • Members of the class of 2027 should wait to create a My Scholarship Central account until the launch of the new site.  

We’re excited about this change and are here to support you every step of the way. 

Scholarship Season Is Wrapping Up — But It’s Not Too Late 

While many scholarship deadlines have passed, there are still opportunities available — including several with May 31 deadlines. 

Students should continue checking My Scholarship Central and submitting applications for any scholarships they qualify for. Below are several opportunities currently open: 

Scholarships with Upcoming Summer Deadlines 

Norwood Hills Scholarship 

Deadline: May 31 

Award: Up to $10,000, renewable 

The Norwood Hills Scholarship supports employees of Norwood Hills Country Club, as well as their children and grandchildren, who are pursuing postsecondary education. 

Eligible applicants may enroll part-time or full-time in a certificate or undergraduate program at an accredited nonprofit institution. Students must demonstrate academic potential, and preference is given to those with financial need. 

Recipients may reapply for up to four years of undergraduate funding, provided they continue to meet eligibility requirements. 

Apply here: 
https://stlouisgraduates.academicworks.com/opportunities/10142 

Rides N’ School Supplies Scholarship 

Deadline: May 31 

Award: Varies 

The Rides N’ School Supplies (RNSS) Scholarship supports high school seniors and current college students in the St. Louis metropolitan area who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, and leadership. 

Applicants must have at least a 2.75 GPA, complete a minimum of 10 hours of community service, and submit a video and written essay. Recipients are expected to give back by volunteering 15–20 hours annually with RNSS or its partners. 

Awards will be presented at the RNSS Charity Car & Bike Show on August 1, 2026. 

Apply here: 
https://stlouisgraduates.academicworks.com/opportunities/10559 

Vitendo4Africa Scholarship 

Deadline: May 31 

Award: $500-$1,000  

The Vitendo4Africa Scholarship provides financial support to African immigrant students in the St. Louis region pursuing postsecondary education, including college, university, or trade programs. 

Applicants must be graduating high school seniors or current college students with a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate an African immigrant background. This scholarship aims to expand access to education and support students on their academic journey. 

Apply here: 
https://stlouisgraduates.academicworks.com/opportunities/9969 

William D. Stiehl Scholarship 

Deadline: May 31 

Award: Up to $5,000 

The William D. Stiehl Scholarship supports students from East St. Louis or Brooklyn, Illinois, who are pursuing graduate-level education in law, education, city planning, or community development. 

Recipients may receive up to $5,000 per year, with the opportunity for renewal. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and commit to working in economically challenged communities after graduation. 

Apply here: 
https://stlouisgraduates.academicworks.com/opportunities/10515 

Keep Applying — It Matters 

Even as the scholarship season winds down, students are encouraged to continue applying. 

Many scholarships consider more than just GPA, including: 

  • Leadership and community involvement  
  • Financial need  
  • Career goals  
  • Personal experiences and perseverance  

Every year, scholarship dollars go unclaimed because students assume they won’t qualify. 

Final Reminder 

As we close out this scholarship cycle and prepare for an exciting system transition: 

Keep applying. Stay informed. Get ready for what’s next. 

Students and families can explore all open opportunities and begin applying here: 
https://stlouisgraduates.academicworks.com/ 

Scholarship Opportunities Closing Soon – March & April Deadlines 

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Many scholarship deadlines are approaching at the end of March, and students should begin submitting applications now. In fact, 18 scholarships available through My Scholarship Central close on March 31, making this an important time to log in, review opportunities, and complete applications. 

Scholarships can significantly reduce the cost of college by helping cover tuition, books, and other education-related expenses. Whether you are a graduating high school senior or a current college student, there may be opportunities that align with your academic goals and background. 

Below are several scholarships currently open that students should review right away. 

Scholarships Closing March 31 

Several scholarships available through My Scholarship Central are closing at the end of the month. Students should carefully review eligibility requirements and begin applications as soon as possible. 

Roger L. Nienkamp St. Louis School-Business Partnership Scholarship 

The Roger L. Nienkamp Scholarship recognizes students graduating from school districts participating in the St. Louis School-Business Partnership program. This scholarship honors students who demonstrate strong academic performance and involvement in extracurricular activities. 

Eligibility requirements include: 

  • Must be a graduating high school senior 
  • Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 
  • Must graduate from a St. Louis School-Business Partnership member district 
  • Must plan to enroll in a college, university, two-year college, business school, or technical program 

Participating districts include Affton, Fox, Hancock, Hazelwood, Lindbergh, Northwest R-1, Pattonville, Ritenour, Rockwood, Saint Louis Public Schools, and other partner districts. 

Each year, three students are selected who demonstrate academic achievement, school involvement, and dedication to continuing their education. 

Apply here: https://stlouisgraduates.academicworks.com/opportunities/10023 

Zonta Club of St. Louis Women’s Another Chance Scholarship 

The Women’s Another Chance Scholarship (WAC) supports single mothers over the age of 24 who are pursuing postsecondary education or career training. The scholarship provides financial assistance for tuition, books, lab fees, and classroom supplies. 

In addition to financial assistance, recipients are paired with a volunteer mentor from the Zonta Club of St. Louis. Mentors provide encouragement, guidance, and support while helping students access resources from the Zonta Club and the broader community. 

Eligibility requirements include: 

  • Must be 24 years of age or older 
  • Must be a female single parent and head of household 
  • Must live in Franklin, Jefferson, St. Charles, St. Louis County, St. Louis City, Madison County, Monroe County, or St. Clair County 
  • Must attend a school within 50 miles of St. Louis city limits 
  • Must demonstrate financial need 
  • Must have a high school diploma or GED 
  • Must already be enrolled in an accredited nonprofit postsecondary program 
  • Must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 

Applicants must also have sole responsibility for raising at least one child. Graduate students are not eligible. Finalists will participate in an interview as part of the selection process. 

Apply here: https://stlouisgraduates.academicworks.com/opportunities/10345 

Multi-Opportunity Scholarship Applications 

Some scholarship applications allow students to be considered for multiple scholarship funds through a single application, making them especially important to complete. 

St. Louis Community Foundation Multi-Opportunity Application 

Deadline: April 15 

This application provides access to a wide range of scholarships administered by the St. Louis Community Foundation. These scholarships support students from the St. Louis region pursuing two-year, four-year, or technical education programs. 

Students should complete the application and then review individual scholarship opportunities within the system to determine whether additional materials are required. 

Questions about these scholarships can be directed to: 
[email protected] 

Learn more & Apply: https://stlouisgraduates.academicworks.com/opportunities/10229 

Jewish Federation of St. Louis Scholarships & Interest-Free Loan Program 

Deadline: March 31 

The Jewish Federation of St. Louis Scholarships and Interest-Free Loan Program provides access to several scholarship funds and financial assistance opportunities for students in the greater St. Louis metropolitan area. 

Through one application, students may be considered for seven named scholarship and loan funds, supporting a range of educational goals and fields of study. Preference is given to applicants that are Jewish or have connections to the Jewish community. 

Questions can be directed to the Jewish Federation of St. Louis at (314) 442-3824. 

Learn more & Apply: https://stlouisgraduates.academicworks.com/opportunities/10201 

Specialty Scholarships 

Some scholarships are designed for students with specific affiliations, life experiences, or educational goals. If you meet the criteria for these opportunities, they can provide meaningful financial support for your education. 

SumnerOne Scholarship 

Deadline: April 15, 2026 

The SumnerOne Scholarship supports SumnerOne employees and the children of SumnerOne employees who are pursuing postsecondary education. To qualify, the employee must have worked at SumnerOne for at least one year by the application deadline. 

Employee applicants may enroll part-time or full-time, while children of employees must enroll full-time as undergraduate students. 

Applicants must attend an accredited nonprofit technical or trade school, two-year college, or four-year college or university in the United States and demonstrate unmet financial need. 

The scholarship provides $5,000 in funding and is renewable, with the possibility of renewal for up to three additional undergraduate years as long as recipients continue to meet academic and financial eligibility requirements. 

Learn more & Apply: https://stlouisgraduates.academicworks.com/opportunities/10162 

USS ST. LOUIS (LCS 19) Scholarship 

Deadline: April 15, 2026 

This scholarship supports current or former USS ST. LOUIS (LCS 19) crew members and their dependents who are pursuing postsecondary education. 

Plankowners and their dependents remain eligible as long as the scholarship fund exists. Crew members who joined the ship later and their dependents may apply for up to five years after their service on the ship ends. 

Applicants must: 

  • Be a current or former USS ST. LOUIS (LCS 19) crew member or dependent 
  • Plan to enroll in an accredited nonprofit postsecondary program 
  • Be pursuing a first technical certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree 
  • Demonstrate significant financial need 
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 

The scholarship may award up to $12,000 and is renewable for up to ten semesters. 

Learn more & Apply: 
https://stlouisgraduates.academicworks.com/opportunities/10213 

Ryan Hawn Memorial Scholarship 

Deadline: April 30, 2026 

The Ryan Hawn Memorial Scholarship supports Missouri high school seniors living with a diagnosed muscle disease who plan to continue their education after graduation. 

Applicants must: 

  • Be a current Missouri resident 
  • Have a diagnosis recognized on the Muscular Dystrophy Association disease list 
  • Plan to enroll in an undergraduate program at a two-year college, four-year university, or technical college 

The scholarship provides a $1,000 award. 

Applicants must also submit an essay describing how their diagnosis has impacted their life, their educational goals, and how the scholarship would support their future plans. 

Learn more: 
https://stlouisgraduates.academicworks.com/opportunities/10374 

With several deadlines approaching quickly, now is the time for students to take action. Logging in to My Scholarship Central, reviewing eligibility requirements, and submitting applications early can make a meaningful difference in securing financial support for college or career training. Even if you’re unsure whether you qualify, it’s worth applying. Many scholarships consider more than just GPA, including leadership, perseverance, and community involvement. Explore the available opportunities and start your applications today. 

Scholarships for Unique Journeys, Career Pathways, and Missouri Seniors

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It’s scholarship season! My Scholarship Central currently has over $100,000 in available scholarship funding available for students. If you are navigating a major life circumstance, pursuing a skilled trade or technical program, or you are a Missouri senior planning for college, there are opportunities open right now that may fit your situation. 

Below are scholarships currently open in three categories. 

Special Circumstances Scholarships 

Ava’s Grace Scholarship 
Deadline: April 15, 2026 
Award: $5,000, renewable (up to 10 semesters) 

This scholarship provides grants to students who have experienced parental incarceration. Eligible applicants must have a parent who is or has been incarcerated in a U.S. penitentiary, have lived in Missouri (or select Illinois metro counties) for at least two years, demonstrate significant financial need (with additional consideration requirements if SAI is over $17,500), have a minimum 2.0 GPA, and be pursuing a first technical, associate, or bachelor’s degree. 

Amethyst Scholarship
Deadline: April 15, 2026 
Award: Up to $5,000 

This scholarship supports students who, as a result of violent crime, have lost a parent. It will be awarded to students who are entering their final year of pursuing a bachelor’s degree, an associate degree, or a certification. Applicants must be residents of St. Louis, St. Louis County, or St. Charles County and demonstrate unmet financial need. Applicants must be age 24 or under.

Unbound Potential Scholarship

Deadline: April 1, 2026 
Award: $1,000 

This scholarship supports neurodivergent students pursuing college, trade school, or a certificate program. Applicants must have a diagnosed neurodivergent condition and live in one of the listed northwest or northeast Missouri counties included in the scholarship description.  

Trades and Vocational Pathway Scholarships 

Tammy Stratman Brown Charities Vocational and Trade School Scholarship 

Deadline: March 16, 2026 
Award: Varies 

This scholarship is for high school seniors who live in the Troy R-III or Wentzville R-IV school districts (including eligible private/home school students who live within the listed high school boundaries). Applicants must plan to attend an accredited trade, technical, or vocational school or program. Selection criteria include passion for the chosen field, relevant work/volunteer experience, general accomplishments, and financial need.  

IAABO/IAFO Technical School Scholarship 
Deadline: April 6, 2026 
Award: $2,000 

This scholarship is for high school seniors attending a designated IAABO-IAFO school who are planning to attend a technical/trade school. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and have a 2.0 GPA or higher.  

O’Fallon Firefighters Community Outreach Scholarship 
Deadline: April 15, 2026 
Award: $3,000 

This scholarship awards $3,000 to one high school senior who is a resident of the O’Fallon Fire Protection District. The scholarship must be used for higher education in a technical, trade, vocational, or certificate-level program, or for a degree/certification in the emergency services field.  

CCDI Build Our Future Diversity Scholarship 
Deadline: April 3, 2026 
Award: Up to $5,000 per year, renewable (up to $20,000 total) 

This scholarship supports students with a strong interest in pursuing a degree or credential related to the construction industry. Applicants must be high school seniors and residents of St. Louis City or St. Louis County, and pursue a degree or credential in areas such as engineering, architecture and design, construction/project management, safety management, information technology related to construction, or CTE trades programs.

Graybar Construction Trades Scholarship 
Deadline: April 15, 2026 
Award: up to $2,500, renewable 

This scholarship supports students pursuing careers in the construction trades. Applicants must plan to enroll full-time in a nonprofit two-year college, technical, trade, or vocational program, or participate in an apprenticeship program leading to work in fields such as carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, welding, construction management, and related trades. Students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA (or equivalent), demonstrate financial need, and show commitment to a career in the construction industry. Preference is given to students who have not previously completed a bachelor’s degree.Shape 

Statewide Missouri Opportunities 

Show-Me to College Scholarship 
Deadline: April 1, 2026 
Award: Varies, up to $2,000, renewable (anticipated total $8,000) 

This scholarship is for Missouri high school seniors with a Student Aid Index of 12,000 or less and a GPA of 3.50 or higher (through at least seven semesters at a Missouri high school). Applicants must plan to enroll full-time at an eligible Missouri public or private higher education institution and show involvement in activities such as community service, extracurricular participation, employment, and/or family caregiving. 

The MOACAC Bridge to College Scholarship 
Deadline: March 1, 2026 
Award: $3,500 

This scholarship supports Missouri high school seniors who fall into the financial aid gap. Eligible applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or greater, be Missouri residents or Missouri high school graduates, enroll full-time at a MOACAC member postsecondary institution, and submit a FAFSA Submission Summary showing a Student Aid Index between 7,400 and 20,000.  

Braxton Rethwisch Scholarship 
Deadline: March 1, 2026 
Award: $1,000 (non-renewable) 

This scholarship is for Missouri high school seniors who demonstrate commitment to learning, leadership skills, and community service involvement. Eligible applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or greater, be Missouri residents or Missouri high school graduates, graduate from a MOACAC member high school, and enroll full-time at a MOACAC member postsecondary institution. 

Purdy Emerging Leaders Scholarship 
Deadline: April 15, 2026 
Award: up to $5,000, renewable 

This scholarship supports Missouri undergraduate students who demonstrate leadership, character, academic achievement, and financial need. Applicants must be Missouri residents entering their second, third, or fourth year at an eligible Missouri public or private institution, have a cumulative college GPA of 2.50 or higher, be enrolled full-time (unless in their final semester), submit a FAFSA, and provide one recommendation. Both traditional students and adult learners returning to complete a degree are eligible.Shape 

Final Reminder 

Scholarships are not one-size-fits-all. Whether you are navigating a significant life circumstance, pursuing a trade or technical program, or preparing for college anywhere in Missouri, there are opportunities currently open that may help reduce the cost of your education. Be sure to check the site often, as new scholarships are added daily!   

Students and families can view all open opportunities and begin the application process at: 
https://stlouisgraduates.academicworks.com/