You’re on your way to college soon, ready to study for your dream job. Great! Except only now has it hit you: that “broke college student” stereotype really is true. Paying for college is extremely difficult, especially if you don’t want to rack up serious debt with the government or the Bank of Mom and Dad. You certainly don’t want to be in debt with either. Your university’s financial aid office is always a big help, especially if you fill out your FAFSA every year. When that isn’t enough, your only other means of keeping yourself afloat is through local Connecticut scholarships.
Many Connecticut universities, even high-caliber ones like Yale, offer their students scholarships just for being a student. You can also get scholarships just for pursuing a certain major or playing your favorite sport. Scholarships have the added benefit of looking great on your resume, too. The best part is that most scholarships and grants don’t need to be repaid, so there’s zero debt when you get your degree. Not convinced? Take a look at the variety of Connecticut aid below and see for yourself.
Featured Programs
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1. Connecticut BBB Student Ethics Scholarship Award
If you’re a Connecticut resident and still in high school, the Better Business Bureau wants to help you get into college. This generous $2,500 scholarship is for those who show leadership, integrity, and academic merit. You’ll also need to submit a 500-word essay on character ethics, which will be judged by a panel. This scholarship can still be yours even if you plan to attend a two-year college, so it is worth a shot.
You can learn more about the Connecticut BBB Student Ethics Scholarship Award here.
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2. Connecticut Society of Professional Journalists Scholarship
If journalism is your thing, this $2,500 scholarship is for you. You qualify as long as you’ll be starting your third or fourth year in journalism at a Connecticut university. You also qualify if you are a Connecticut resident enrolled in an accredited university, no matter where that university is. Online students, your prayers are answered. You’ll also need to submit a 500-word essay, but that shouldn’t be a problem for any true ace reporter.
You can learn more about the Connecticut Society of Professional Journalists Scholarship here.
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3. Karen Ann Shopis-Fox Memorial Scholarship
How about a $2,500 scholarship for all you landscape architecture students out there? This scholarship is open to any Connecticut undergraduate in the field, as well as graduating seniors who have a graduate program already lined up. What makes this scholarship even more special is that if you’ve gotten it before, you can still reapply. For the uninitiated: very few scholarships even do this. Membership with the American Society of Landscape Architects is not required.
You can learn more about the Karen Ann Shopis-Fox Memorial Scholarship here.
4. Governor’s Scholarship – Need and Merit-Based Award
The Governor of Connecticut is looking for deserving high schoolers to hand a $5,000 scholarship to. As you might expect, it has tough requirements. You’ll need to be at 20% class rank, have an SAT score of 1800 or an ACT score of 27. You’ll also need to attend either a private nonprofit university or a public university. Ask your high school’s guidance counselor about this one and be ready to fill out a FAFSA.
You can learn more about the Governor’s Scholarship – Need and Merit-Based Award here.
5. The Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut, Inc. Scholarship Fund
Do you love learning about the environment? If you’re majoring in environmental studies or a related field, then this $2,500 scholarship is right up your alley. To qualify, you must be a Connecticut resident, you must be attending a university in any state in America in your third or fourth year, you must have a 3.0 GPA, and you must prove you need financial help. The only students that are not eligible are Ph.D. candidates.
You can learn more about The Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut, Inc. Scholarship Fund here.
6. Alma Exley Scholarship Program
If you are African-American, Asian-American, Native American or any other minority looking to become a teacher, take a look at this $5,000 scholarship. It’s awarded every year to minority college juniors, seniors or master’s degree-seekers in education. To apply, just get in touch with the dean or director of your program and they should have an application handy. This award also extends to minorities in teacher training programs, so long as they live in Connecticut.
You can learn more about the Alma Exley Scholarship Program here.
7. The Connecticut Community Foundation
Rather than just one scholarship, the Connecticut Community Foundation is a resource. Just one online application signs you up for more than 45 scholarships worth at least $1,000 each. All you have to do to apply is be a resident of any of the cities in the Connecticut Community Foundation’s service area. These cities include Bethlehem, Naugatuck, Litchfield, Southbury, Thomaston, Beacon Falls, Prospect, Bridgewater, New Milford, Roxbury, Waterbury, Morris and several other cities in Connecticut.
You can learn more about The Connecticut Community Foundation here.
8. Connecticut Independent College Student Grant Program
No matter what your plan to major in, you will need this grant. At $7,875, this scholarship is one of the single largest in the state. The better news is that this scholarship is awarded based on your financial needs. There’s also no form to fill out, other than your friendly neighborhood FAFSA. Just ask your university’s financial aid office and they can help you learn more. Do not let this one pass you by.
You can learn more about the Connecticut Independent College Student Grant Program here.
9. Connecticut Rising Junior Accounting Scholarship
Crunching the numbers is what accountants do best, so what better than a $5,000 scholarship to make things easier? If you’re a sophomore, this renewable scholarship is just the thing to help. Just create an account on the site linked above and apply with the online form before the due date. $5,000 can solve a lot of problems both in and out of any Connecticut resident’s classroom, so if you qualify, give it a shot.
You can learn more about the Connecticut Rising Junior Accounting Scholarship here.
10. Tina E. Yeh Community Service Fellowship
Even Yale students need help from time to time. If you are Asian-American and currently enrolled, recently graduated or are attending graduate school at Yale, this $3,000 scholarship is there for you. This is a fellowship, so you will need to volunteer at a nonprofit organization and file a report about your time there when you are finished. You’ll also need to be there as a resource for others who are interested in this scholarship.
You can learn more about the Tina E. Yeh Community Service Fellowship here.
11. Connecticut Architecture Foundation Scholarships
If you are a full-time undergraduate or graduate student studying architecture, here is a nifty $5,000 scholarship for you. While they usually prefer students at select universities, the Connecticut Architecture Foundation still encourages aspiring Connecticut architects to apply online. If your architecture program is NAAB accredited and you can prove you live or work in Connecticut, this scholarship could indeed be yours. Students in transition between undergraduate and graduate studies are also eligible.
12. Connecticut Building Congress Scholarships
This $2,000 scholarship is open to Connecticut high schoolers looking to get into construction management, surveying, engineering and similar majors. What makes this scholarship stand out is that it is open to students pursuing an associate’s, bachelor’s or master’s degree. To apply, just fill out a FAFSA and the organization’s online form. You’ll also be writing up a 500-word essay on how your degree will work out in the industry, so be prepared to write.
You can learn more about the Connecticut Building Congress Scholarships here.
13. Connecticut National Guard Foundation Scholarship Program
Is someone in your immediate family a member of the Connecticut National Guard and Organized Militia or the Connecticut ARMY National Guard? If so, you could be eligible for a generous $4,000 scholarship. To apply, you will need to submit a 200-word personal statement detailing your future goals and plans for how you will pursue your chosen major. Have your printer fired up as well, since you will want to submit these via snail mail?
14. Win Cash for Class Scholarship Program
If you are a member of Connecticut’s Healthcare Financial Management Association, you or your family members can apply for this $4,000 scholarship. This scholarship is open to both full time and part time accounting, finance, business an information systems students attending any university located in Connecticut. All you have to do is submit an essay and fill out the online application. If a panel of judges likes your essay, you could win the top prize.
15. Yale New Haven Hospital Minority Nursing and Allied Health Scholarships
If you are a Native American, African-American, Hispanic, Alaska Native or Asian and are about to graduate high school, give this scholarship a look. If you are from Greater New Haven and planning to study nursing or a related major, you could get your hands on a four-year scholarship for $2,000 per year. If you are studying to get your master’s in physical therapy, pharmacy or occupational therapy, you also qualify for this generous scholarship.
You can learn more about the Yale New Haven Hospital Minority Nursing and Allied Health Scholarships here.
16. Tabor Foundation Fund
Residents of northeast Dutchess County and northwest Litchfield County who are studying health care may want to bookmark this $4,000 scholarship. The Tabor Foundation is giving out this scholarship to health care majors, but you must be intending to work outside of these areas. They do favor people taking care of dependent family members during college, so this could be a big break. You’ll have to create an account on the site linked above to apply.
You can learn more about the Tabor Foundation Fund here.
17. David Silverstone Watershed Fund Leadership Scholarship
Here is a very generous $5,000 scholarship for anyone passionate about the environment, courtesy of The Watershed Fund. If you are a graduate or upper-level undergraduate student specializing in environmental studies with excellent grades and credentials and have a FAFSA filled out, you could walk away with this scholarship. This is mostly a need-based scholarship, but if you live in cities including Derby, Killingworth, New Haven, Bethany, Prospect, Branford, or West Haven, you are eligible.
You can learn more about the David Silverstone Watershed Fund Leadership Scholarship here.
18. Passport to Promise
This $1,000 scholarship may not seem like much compared to the ones listed thus far, but it isn’t called the “Passport to Promise” for nothing. If you maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA during your freshman year, you will be automatically eligible for higher-paying scholarships. To qualify, you must have at least a 2.5 GPA, live in New Haven and have a sharp attendance record, along with a few other requirements. You can apply at http://app.newhavenpromise.org.
You can learn more about the Passport to Promise here.
19. The Teddy Lee Drumm Memorial Scholarship
If you feel your grades will prevent you from getting a scholarship, the Teddy Lee Drumm Memorial Scholarship is here for you. This $1,500 scholarship is aimed at highly motivated Sharon residents looking for help with their college, university, vocational or professional studies. It also doesn’t matter where in the United States your school is located. It’s perfect for online students. Just visit the link above and create an account with the site to apply.
You can learn more about The Teddy Lee Drumm Memorial Scholarship here.
20. The Robert T. Kenney Scholarship Program at the American Savings Foundation
Here is a $3,500 need-based grant for community college, university and vocational students in any of 64 cities across Connecticut. If you have an American Savings Foundation location in your city, you are likely eligible for this scholarship. What makes this scholarship especially remarkable is that most recipients receive financial support for all four years of their respective programs, enhancing its value significantly. With roughly 400 scholarships given out annually, this is a fantastic opportunity.
You can learn more about The Robert T. Kenney Scholarship Program at the American Savings Foundation here.
21. Caryn Nesbitt, M.D. Memorial Scholarship
Female graduate students in the medical field will appreciate this renewable $2,000 scholarship for both its value and its rarity. To qualify, you must be a resident of Lyme, Waterford, Groton, Stonington, Ledyard and other cities in the area. You’ll also need excellent grades, faculty recommendations and be able to prove your financial need. If you are studying to be in primary or women’s care and will have your practice in southeastern Connecticut, even better.
You can learn more about the Caryn Nesbitt, M.D. Memorial Scholarship here.
22. CarterCares Scholarship
From Connecticut’s Carter Mario Injury Lawyers comes a nice $2,000 prize for high school seniors who will be in college come the fall semester. This program has been around for more than a decade in an effort to reduce needless deaths on the road. The law firm is passionate about preventing distracted driving, so the essay you must submit revolves around this. With six scholarships up for grabs, this scholarship is certainly worth a shot.
You can learn more about the CarterCares Scholarship here.
23. The Connecticut Library Association Scholarship
Are you a member of the Connecticut Library Association? If you also still live in Connecticut or work in a Connecticut library, you qualify or this $2,000 scholarship. You must also be studying for your Bachelors or Masters in Library Science with an accredited program. This scholarship is also renewable, but you will need to reapply to receive it. If you do receive this award, you’ll also get to attend the Connecticut Library Association’s conference.
You can learn more about The Connecticut Library Association Scholarship here.
24. DiGiovanni Future Teacher Scholarship Fund
Are you or one of your parents affiliated with the Connecticut Education Association? If so, you’ll want to look into their $2,000 scholarship for teachers-to-be. You must be a full-time student with at least three semesters behind you and must be pursuing a teaching career in Connecticut. You’ll also need to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA and demonstrate your financial need. Visit the link above for more information or contact Jeff Leake to apply.
You can learn more about the DiGiovanni Future Teacher Scholarship Fund here.
25. Hartford Foundation College Scholarships
If you are a resident of the Greater Hartford area, the Hartford Foundation wants to help you pay for college by any means necessary. Just one online application gives you a shot at more than 50 scholarships worth at least $3,000 each. If you will be starting your first year of college soon, will be a full-time student, have an excellent academic record and need a financial boost to make college feasible, then you qualify.
You can learn more about the Hartford Foundation College Scholarships here.
26. The Leonard H. Bulkeley Scholarship Fund
Who knew you could find scholarships on Facebook? If you live in New London, have a Facebook account and are between the ages of 12 and 25, you can apply for this scholarship.The Fund’s Facebook page is where they post announcements, deadlines and more, so don’t let this $2,500 scholarship pass you by.
You can learn more about The Leonard H. Bulkeley Scholarship Fund here.
27. The Connecticut Junior Soccer Association Scholarship
A scholarship from playing The Beautiful Game; what could be better? If you played in a soccer club affiliated with the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association, have a C+ GPA and plan to go to college, this $1,000 scholarship is no penalty. Your skills on the pitch aren’t enough, though. You’ll also need to write up a 250-word essay on what The Beautiful Game means to you. If the Association likes your essay, they’ll interview you.
You can learn more about The Connecticut Junior Soccer Association Scholarship here.
28. CATA Penny F. Dunker-Polek Scholarship
Speaking of sports, this $1,000 scholarship is targeted at undergraduate athletic training students, particularly those who are members of the National Athletic Training Association and the Connecticut Athletic Training Association. You must be a junior or senior, be in good academic standing and must be nominated by a licensed athletic trainer living in Connecticut. The athletic trainer nominating does not have to be a CATA member. Be sure to visit the link above for details.
You can learn more about the CATA Penny F. Dunker-Polek Scholarship here.
29. Joe Lieberman Connecticut Scholarship Program
The $1,500 Joe Lieberman Connecticut Scholarship program is a very popular one that ends quickly because it only accepts the first 500 applications they receive. If you are a citizen or legal permanent resident, are a high school senior and have a 3.5 or better GPA, you’re in. What makes this scholarship stand out is that it can be used toward any university or vocational school. It’s also open to homeschoolers, so don’t miss out.
30. Dr. Diters Scholarship
If you are a high school student in Canton heading to medical school soon, this $5,000 scholarship is an excellent way to start your college career. This scholarship, provided by the Canton Community Health Fund, is open to students in health-related fields. You can apply through your high school guidance counselor or fill out the online form. You will need to fill out a FAFSA and take your SAT or ACT before applying.
You can learn more about the Dr. Diters Scholarship here.
31. Karl J. Schwartz Rotary Award Fund Scholarship Program
If you are a college-bound high school senior living in Bristol, Terryville, Southington, Plainville, Burlington or Plymouth, this renewable $6,000 scholarship is worth a shot. So long as you attend full-time and maintain a 3.0 GPA or better, you qualify for this scholarship. All you have to do to apply is download, fill out and mail in the application on the above webpage. You don’t have to be a member of the Bristol Rotary Club.
You can learn more about the Karl J. Schwartz Rotary Award Fund Scholarship Program here.
We’ve worked hard to include a variety of scholarship opportunities within our list. If you have any suggestions on additional scholarships, please feel free to leave them in the comments section.
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