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.
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.
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.
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/
