College application season is a marathon—not a sprint. A key part of that journey is finding and applying for scholarships. While the process can seem daunting, securing financial aid for your higher education is one of the most important things you can do to set yourself up for future success.
Luckily, your college counselor and Concept Schools are here to help you navigate through it all. To help you get started, we've compiled a list of some of the top scholarships you should be considering. The best part? Many of these scholarships align perfectly with the values and experiences you've gained as a Concept-network student. Dive in, find the ones that are the best fit and start your applications today.
Elks National Foundation “Most Valuable Student” Scholarship
CYSP scholars: if you’re looking for a scholarship that not only recognizes your hard work in the classroom but also the time you put into helping the community, the Elks National Foundation offers just the one for you.
Through its “Most Valuable Student” program, Elks gives out 500 scholarships ranging between $1,000 to $7,500 per year for students pursuing a four-year degree at an accredited U.S. college or university. Beyond the initial awards, this scholarship also offers an incredible incentive for the highest-achieving applicants. From the 500 national finalists, the top 20 scholars receive an invitation to an all-expenses-paid leadership weekend in Chicago and are awarded a $30,000 scholarship.
“They specifically look for students who have the passion and the drive to be future change makers in society,” said one Elks scholar. “Elks has left an impact on my life and the many other people that have been involved (with it).”
If you’re a Concept Schools student, your school’s programming aligns with what Elks is looking for. Don’t wait! Apply for it today.
DEADLINE: Nov. 12, 2025 | LEARN MORE
Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship Program
The Cooke College Scholarship Program offers an unparalleled opportunity for high-achieving students who need a financial boost. This program is designed for future leaders who have demonstrated not only exceptional academic ability but also a strong will to persevere, leadership skills and a commitment to service. Beyond the generous monetary award, the Cooke Scholarship is a comprehensive support system that includes personalized educational advising, a strong network of fellow scholars and even potential graduate school funding. The financial award is a "last dollar" scholarship, meaning it's intended to cover any remaining educational expenses after other aid has been applied, potentially providing up to $55,000 per year and helping you graduate with little to no debt.
To be eligible, you must be a current high school senior planning to graduate in the spring and enroll in a four-year college in the fall. You must also have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.75 or higher and a family annual gross income up to $95,000. This is a highly competitive and prestigious program, and it's an excellent option for dedicated students who dream of attending a top-tier university but are concerned about the cost.
DEADLINE: Nov. 12, 2025 | LEARN MORE
Jackie Robinson Foundation
The Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) scholarship goes far beyond a simple financial award. It's a comprehensive, four-year program designed to support highly motivated college students with financial needs. JRF Scholars receive a generous scholarship of up to $35,000 over four years but perhaps even more valuable are the extensive support services. This includes mentorship, career guidance and even internship and job placement assistance, which is why JRF Scholars have an impressive 98% college graduation rate.
To apply, you must be a graduating high school senior who is a U.S. citizen with demonstrated financial need. You will also need to show a strong record of academic excellence, leadership potential and dedication to community service. The application process is thorough and requires multiple components, including four essays, one recommendation, your high school transcript and completion of the CSS Profile to assess financial need.
DEADLINE: Jan. 1, 2025 | LEARN MORE
Rob Brown Signature Scholarship
The Ron Brown Scholar Program is a prestigious scholarship dedicated to empowering community-minded and intellectually gifted African American high school seniors. This isn't just a financial award––it's a program that seeks to develop future leaders. Each year, the program awards 20 four-year scholarships worth $40,000 in total ($10,000 per year) to students who demonstrate exceptional leadership and academic excellence. The scholarships are flexible and can be used for any field of study at any accredited four-year college or university in the U.S.
To be considered for this opportunity, you must be an African American U.S. citizen or permanent resident and a current high school senior. The program looks for students who excel academically, exhibit strong leadership potential, participate actively in community service and have a demonstrated financial need. The application is a great way to showcase your passion for making a difference.
Note: the program isn’t accepting applications yet but a Ron Brown representative told Concept Schools students will be able to apply at some point this fall. The previous deadline was Jan. 9, 2025 though it isn’t guaranteed it’ll be the same date in 2026.
DEADLINE: TBD | LEARN MORE
SMART Scholarship Program
The SMART Scholarship Program is a great opportunity for high school seniors who are passionate about a career in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Funded by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), this program offers full tuition to any regionally accredited U.S. college or university, an annual stipend ranging from $30,000 to $46,000 and paid summer internships at a DoD facility. This hands-on experience provides scholars with invaluable real-world exposure and mentorship (which aligns with the Concept Schools model).
What makes this program particularly unique is the guaranteed civilian employment with the DoD after graduation. While this commitment is a significant part of the program, it ensures a smooth transition from student to professional life. High school seniors interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree in one of the 22 specified SMART STEM disciplines (such as Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or Chemistry) are encouraged to apply. This is an ideal scholarship for students who are not only academically strong but also eager to contribute to national security through their work in STEM.
DEADLINE: Dec. 5, 2025 | LEARN MORE
Chick-fil-A Community Scholars
The Chick-fil-A Community Scholars Program is another solid opportunity for students who are active in and out of the classroom. This scholarship, which is open to high school seniors as well as current undergraduate and graduate students, awards up to a $25,000 one-time scholarship to up to thirteen students each year. The scholarship funds can be used for any education-related expenses at an accredited two-year, four-year, or vocational-technical school. A key component of this program is the one-year leadership development program facilitated by Chick-fil-A, Inc., which provides scholars with mentoring and professional development.
To be eligible, you must be a U.S., Puerto Rico, or Canada resident with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. An online recommendation from a teacher, coach, or mentor is also a required component of the application–making your CYSP mentor the perfect person to advocate on your behalf. This scholarship is perfect for students who are actively involved in making a positive impact and are looking for a program that will invest in their personal and professional growth. Finalists are notified in the spring of 2026 and will need to provide financial information to demonstrate their need.
DEADLINE: Oct. 28, 2025 | LEARN MORE
If you miss out on these scholarship opportunities, don’t panic! Talk to your advisor today about how you can become a part of Concept Schools’ Future Institute program. Between receiving financial aid and networking opportunities, you can set yourself up for success in higher education before you graduate high school.
