Scholarship Information

Young Scholars' Institute is proud to provide scholarship information as part of our commitment to supporting college-bound students on their journey to higher education. We believe that financial barriers should not stand in the way of academic success. By sharing timely and relevant scholarship opportunities, we aim to empower students and their families with the resources they need to make college more affordable and accessible.

1. The "Because College is Expensive" Scholarship is a modest $500 award offered by Cedar Education Lending, and it's structured more like a sweepstakes than a merit‑based scholarship:

Overview:

• Sponsor: Cedar Education Lending LLC

• Award Amount: $500 per winner

• Frequency: Four separate awards each year — deadlines on March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31. Winners are drawn and notified by mid‑month after each deadline

• Eligibility: Open to high school students (juniors and seniors), current undergraduate and graduate students, or anyone planning to enroll in college or graduate school within the next 24 months. U.S. citizens, legal residents, and international students with valid visas may apply

• Selection Method: One entry per person; winners are selected by random drawing—no essays or GPA requirement

Deadline Date: 9/30/25

Winner Contacted By: 10/15/25

Deadline Date: 12/31/25

Winner Contacted By: 1/15/26

Link: https://cedaredlending.com/scholarship/

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2. The JerkyGent Scholarship is a $250 award designed to support dedicated U.S. students. Two awards are available each academic year—one for the fall semester and one for the spring semester.

Overview:

• Award Amount: $250 (single one-time award per semester)

• Number of Awards: 1 scholarship per semester (Fall and Spring)

• Deadline for Fall 2025 Application: August 29, 2025

• Eligibility: You may apply if you're a U.S. resident or hold a valid U.S. student visa, you're at least 18 years old, you're either enrolled in or accepted to a full‑time undergraduate program at an accredited U.S. college or university

• High school seniors who have been accepted for Fall 2025 are also eligible

• Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

1. A 300-word original essay on one of the following topics:

• Discovering something new and how it sparked passion or led to unexpected opportunities

• Why small businesses and independent creators matter in today's economy

• What drives you to persist: a personal story of passion, perseverance, and goals

2. A PDF email submission to: scholarships@shopjerkygent.com with:

• Full name

• School name

• Major

• Expected graduation date (for high school seniors only)

• Email subject line: JerkyGent $250 Scholarship | (Your Full Name)

Deadline Date: 8/29/25

Link: https://tinyurl.com/jerkygent

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3. Boom  & Bucket  2026 Student Scholarship Program

Overview:

• Award Amount - $1,000 USD, paid directly to the school as a tuition contribution

• Eligibility:

• Open to students in the U.S. or Canada

• Must be currently enrolled or planning to enroll within the next 12 months in a college or trade program focused on heavy‑machinery, construction management, equipment operation, or skilled trades

• Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

1. Submit either: A 500+‑word essay or a two‑minute video

2. Details:

• Must introduce yourself, explain why you're passionate about heavy‑equipment industry, and state your field of study

• Essay entries must be typed in a word processor (no screenshots or handwritten text)

• If essay, submit as PDF format, including a title, your full name, and your study subject

Deadline Date: 3/31/26 by 12:00 PM Central Time

Winners Announced By: 4/22/26

Link: https://shorturl.at/WXrlO

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4. Healing Self and Community Scholarship

Overview:

• Award Amount - $500 USD

• The inaccessibility of mental health care is produced by a variety of factors, such as the high financial costs of therapy or other treatment and the stigmatization of mental illness that can exacerbate feelings of isolation in BIPOC communities. All young people deserve an equal opportunity to thrive as they develop into adulthood.

• This scholarship seeks to empower students to practice healthy coping mechanisms, pursue higher education, and go on to change the world.

• Eligibility: Any BIPOC high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student who is interested in changing the world through art and health promotion may apply for this scholarship.

Applicants must submit:

1. To apply, tell us what contribution you would like to make to help mental health care become more affordable and accessible.

Deadline Date: 11/23/25

Link: https://bold.org/scholarships/healing-self-and-community-scholarship/

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5. The Marie Jean Baptiste Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of Marie Jean Baptiste, known for her lifelong dedication to uplifting her extended family and broader community despite limited formal education

Overview:

• The scholarship offers one $1,000 award to a selected student.

• Eligibility: Open to African American high school seniors or undergraduate students who have demonstrated meaningful family contribution and involvement in non‑profit, volunteer, or community service activities. Applicants of Haitian descent are encouraged to apply and receive preference.

Applicants must submit:

1. The application requires a 4–5 minute video in which you should introduce your background, explain how you actively contribute to both family and community, and describe your plans for ongoing community involvement after college. If you're of Haitian descent, highlight that in the video too.

Deadline Date: 7/30/25

Winners Announced By: 8/30/25

Link: https://shorturl.at/IyEu2