Having a hard time finding money for college? There are plenty of high school students out there wondering about their future, too. The good thing is that you don’t have to rely on student loans to get through your college career with the help of a Louisiana college scholarship.
If you’re looking to get out of college with less student debt, apply for one (or all) of these Louisiana scholarships for high school students:
Patrick F. Taylor Foundation Scholarship
Patrick F. Taylor, the same man who TOPS (Taylor Opportunity Plan for Students) is named after, had a deeply-rooted passions for helping children break the financial barrier and get into college. Beyond the TOPS award program, the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation gives scholarships to Louisiana high school students that are getting a two or four-year degree from a Louisiana college. These scholarships are based on need and academics, and they give out multiple scholarships to Louisiana students each year.
In order to be considered for the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation Scholarship, you need to:
- Be a U.S. citizen and a Louisiana resident
- Enroll full-time as a first-time freshman following the first anniversary of high school graduation
- Earn at least a 2.5 cumulative high school GPA or higher
- Earn an ACT score of 19 or better (22 for students completing an approved home study program or getting their GED)
- Show completion of an advanced 19 unit TOPS core curriculum
- Have graduated from a Louisiana high school
- Have already received an acceptance letter to a Louisiana college
- Submit one reference letter and information about other financial assistance you’re receiving or expect to receive for the year, like other scholarships or grants
If you meet these criteria, you can apply for the Patrick F. Taylor Scholarship here.
Team Pelican
Each year, Pelican State Credit Union gives out multiple $1,000 scholarship awards to graduating seniors in Louisiana who are also Pelican members. These scholarships are good for tuition, textbooks, meal plans, and much more. Applications are accepted each year starting in January.
In order to qualify, students must:
- Be a current Pelican member in good standing
- Be a graduating high school senior for the current year
- Be scheduled to attend an accredited college for the fall semester
- Have a GPA of 2.5 or more
- Submit an official high school transcript and an official ACT score report
- Complete the scholarship form and questionnaire
Find out more about opening a Team Pelican Youth Savings account, visit pelicanstatecu.com/scholarship.
Sam S. Politz Scholarship Fund
Established in 1987 and dedicated to Sam S. Politz, former President and CEO of Associated Grocers, the Sam S. Politz Scholarship Fund helps provide up to four graduating Louisiana high school seniors with money for college. Each scholarship is worth $1,000 per semester for up to eight semesters, and winners are chosen each year to help provide financial assistance to deserving students.
In order to qualify, students must:
- Have a minimum ACT score of 20 and minimum GPA of 3.5
- Have been enrolled in honors or advanced placement (AP) courses
- Provide a letter of recommendation from high school principal or guidance counselor
- Show acceptance into an accredited college
In order to continue receiving the scholarship, recipients must earn a minimum 3.0 GPA per semester. Do you or someone you know meet these criteria? If so, they accept applications here.
Louisiana State New York Life Award
The Louisiana State New York Life Award offers $500 scholarships to two students in Louisiana whose works explore personal grief, loss, and bereavement.
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are the nation’s longest-running, most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. Entries for the 2022 Scholastic Awards open on September 1, 2021. Regional deadlines are as early as December 1, 2021. Visit our website to find out your regional deadline and how to enter.
In order to qualify, students must:
- Be a Louisiana resident
- Be in grades 7-12 (ages 13 and up)
- Complete a short, personal statement of 50 words or more about your work
For more information about the Louisiana State New York Life Award and how to apply, visit www.artandwriting.org/nylife.
Louisiana College-Specific Awards
There are more than just these awards available—too many to list! No matter where you plan to attend college, check out their financial aid section to see what university-specific scholarships you can apply for. Many colleges have scholarships to meet a variety of graduating high school seniors’ needs, including awards for honors students and those pursuing specific majors. Make sure to check out their websites to find a scholarship directly from your dream college!
If you’re looking for more money for college, apply for one or all of these Louisiana college scholarships today. Have you applied for any of these or other Louisiana scholarships? Let us know in the comments below!
Lover of writing, learning and teaching others about new things. Proud foodie. Sometimes I mix all of these subjects together.
