Quick Highlights:
- College costs are high, but scholarships can help reduce the financial burden.
- Delaware students have many scholarship options to help pay for college.
- Scholarships may have specific eligibility requirements, like GPA, SAT scores, or intended major.
- Many scholarships require essays, recommendation letters, or proof of financial need.
- Some scholarships are renewable, offering financial support for multiple years.
These days, paying for college feels like it costs an arm and a leg. As the price for college continues to grow it increasingly gets harder to pay for. Applying for scholarships will be able to help you with some of the financial burdens that come with going to college.
Students living in the state of Deleware will be able to apply for the following scholarships in order to help reduce the growing rates of tuition. These are the 35 Best Scholarships that can be found in the state of Deleware.
1. Achievement Scholarship For Students With a History of Chronic Illness Fund
Graduating seniors or former graduates of any Delaware high school can apply for this scholarship, provided they experienced a health-related issue lasting at least sixth months. The health issue must have impaired the individual’s pursuit of their education, as documented by a physician. Preference is given to students enrolled in First State School or related branches.
The doctor’s statement must be made by a primary care provider, discussing the illness and its impact on the student. The student must also write a personal statement about their struggles with the illness, and what they’ve had to overcome. Past awardees are allowed to reapply.
2. Anne Richards Maclary Munyun Scholarship
This scholarship is available to Newark High School seniors who have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to applicants pursuing a career in education.
The student must submit two recommendation letters, one from a non-relative NHS staff member, and another from an external source. The student must also write a single page essay on their post-graduation goals, and how their experiences at NHS prepared them for those goals. Include examples.
3. B. Bradford Barnes Memorial Scholarship
High school seniors applying to the University of Delaware are eligible for this scholarship. Applicants must have a combined score of 1800 on the SATs, and rank in the upper quarter of their class. Applicants must also file their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) before applying.
Full tuition, fees, room, board, and books at the University of Delaware will be awarded to those who receive this scholarship. The award is renewable for up to three additional years, provided the student has a cumulative GPA of 3.0.
4. Bob Laprad Scholarship
Scholarship available to graduating students who live within the Delmar, Laurel, Seaford, or Woodbridge school districts. Applicants must have community service experience, and they must also be recommended by a guidance counselor or a teacher. Preference is given to students who will attend a college/university in Delaware and major in engineering.
Applicants must write an essay on the importance of community service, and give examples of the community service they have personally completed.
5. Buffalo Soldiers of Delaware Motorcycle Club Scholarship
Seniors graduating from a Delaware high school can apply for this scholarship. Applicants must provide proof of their acceptance to a college, university, or tech school. They must also send an official college transcript at the end of the first semester to receive their check.
6. Charles L. Hebner Memorial Scholarship
Delaware high school seniors may apply for this scholarship, provided they have a combined score of 1350 on their SATs and rank in the upper half of their graduating class. Students must also be applying to enroll full-time at either the University of Delaware or Delaware State University. The student must file their FAFSA before the application deadline. The student must also pursue a major in humanities or social sciences, with preference given to political science majors.
7. Christa McAuliffe Teacher Incentive Program
This loan is eligible to Delaware high school seniors who rank in the upper half of their class and have a combined score of 1570 on their SATs. The loan is also available to full-time students enrolled at a Delaware college or undergraduate program leading to teacher certification. Must have at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to applicants planning to teach in critical need areas of Delaware.
The scholarship is renewable for three additional years, as long as the student has a cumulative GPA of 2.75. Loan forgiveness is available at a rate of one year of the loan for one year of teaching in a Delaware public school.
8. Dale Wolf Endowment Scholarship
Delaware residents who are pursuing a four-year degree in agricultural sciences/education can apply. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.5. Preference will be given to applicants with leadership experience, in honor of Dale Wolf’s legacy.
9. Delaware Engineering Society National Society of Professional Engineers
The Deleware Engineering Society National Society of Professional Engineers Scholarship is open to Delaware high school seniors who will enroll in an ABET-accredited college engineering program either in-state or out of state. Other requirements may apply.
10. Delaware PTA Scholarships
Delaware residents who are students with an average GPA of 2.5 or better can apply for these scholarships. The applicants must also pursue a career in education or early childhood education. They must also attend a Delaware school with an active PTA/PTSA in good standing, or be a Delaware PTA VIP member.
11. Delaware State University Inspire Scholarship
Eligible to graduates from a Delaware high school who are either applying to or are enrolled full-time at Delaware State University. Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 and they must file a FAFSA before applying for the scholarship.
To receive and maintain this scholarship, the student must maintain a 2.75 GPA, not have any felony convictions or charges pending against them, and must complete 10 hours of community service per semester. It is one of the more demanding scholarship opportunities listed.
12. Don & Anne Ward Scholarship
Don and Anne Ward scholarship will be awarded to eligible seniors graduating from Sussex Technical High School. High school students who will attend an accredited trade school, college, or university will be able to apply for this scholarship as well. This scholarship will not be renewable and the amount given to each student will vary depending on gpa, SAT and ACT as well as other criteria.
13. Ellendale Ruritan Scholarship Award
Full-time students who live within five miles of Ellendale, and have been accepted/are enrolled in college, trade schools, or graduate school can apply. Applicant must have financial need and strong academics. High school applicants must be in the upper 25% of their class, and have at least a 2.75 GPA.
Applicants must submit a short essay about their personal goals and why they feel they deserve the award. A personal interview may be requested by the Scholarship committee. The award is renewable for up to four years, and may be applied towards tuition or room and board.
14. Fred Fifer III Memorial Scholarship
Graduates of Caesar Rodney High School can apply. Applicants must be pursuing an education at a trade school, university, or graduate school. The amount of each scholarship will vary depending on the Sholarship advisory committee. This scholarship will not be renewable. Students interested in applying to this scholarship will need to do so online.
15. Generation III Scholarship
Delaware residents planning to attend the University of Delaware, Delaware Technical and Community College, Goldey-Beacom College, Wesley College, Delaware State University, or Lincoln University are eligible for this scholarship. Students must be pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in environmental studies. Students applying for this scholarship must live in the State of Deleware. If accepted students will recieve a renewable $1,000 scholarship.
16. Geneva Pepper Morris Memorial Scholarship
The Geneva Pepper Morris Memorial scholarship will go to eligible female students who are in their senior year and graduating from Cape Henlopen High School. Students must be pursuing a degree in a business-related field at an accredited college or university. The amount given to students accepted will be $1,000.
17. George & Jeannette M. Carey Scholarship Fund
The George and Jeannette M. Carey Scholarship Fund will be awarded to eligible graduating high school seniors living in the state of Delaware. The Scholarship will be given to those living in Ellendale, Lewes, Lincoln, Milford, Milton and Slaughter Beach. The student must be seeking a degree or professional designation in agriculture or education related field. Preference will be given to students majoring in an agriculture related field.
Winners of this award are based on academic performance (though not in the top 10 percent of class), their participation in 4-H, Future Farmers of America, and other community service related activities.
18. Herman M. Holloway, Sr. Memorial Scholarship
The Herman M. Holloway Sr. Memorial Scholarship will be given to eligible to high school applying full time to Delaware State University, who have a combined SAT score of at least 1350 and rank in the upper half of their graduating class. Students must be a full time student applying to Deleware State University. Students also must be in the upper half of their graduating class and have a score of at least 1350 on the SAT.
This scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years, as long as the student has a cumulative GPA of 3.0. You must file your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) when applying for this scholarship.
19. Horatio Alger Association Scholarship
This scholarship is available to Delaware high school seniors in critical financial need who have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and are involved in co-curricular and community service activities.
Applicant must show a strong commitment to pursuing and completing a bachelor’s degree at an accredited post-secondary institution in the United States. Must also show integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity.
20. J.B.L. Scholarship
The J.B.L Scholarship will be awarded to eligible graduating high school seniors planning to attend a Delaware university. Seniors must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and an SAT score of 1650 or higher. Also available for Delaware College undergraduate students with a GPA of at least 2.75. Undergraduates must be below 30 years of age.
The award amount is not specified. The award is renewable for a maximum of four years, at a total of $10,000 over that period (so roughly $2,500 per year). Exception made for when the normal undergraduate academic period is five years.
21. J.D. O’Connor Scholarship
This scholarship is available to graduating seniors from a Sussex County high school who will attend a Delaware university.Award Amount: $1,000, with semi-annual payments of $500.Students may reapply for future funding provided they maintained a 2.5 GPA, are a full-time student, and in good standing.
22. Jack Curran Memorial Scholarship
Jack Curran Memorial Scholarship will be given to eligible to high school seniors who are residents of New Castle County that have been accepted to a two or four-year college has been accepted into a two- or four-year college. Students must have a 2.5 GPA or higher to be given the scholarship.
Students must write an essay, submit a resume of their school and community activities, a high school transcript, test scores, and a recommendation letter from a school counselor.
23. Janosik Family Scholarship Fund
This application is eligible to students in grades 4 through 12 attending an Eastern Shore school. Must be recommended by a guidance counselor or teacher.
The amount awarded to students is not specified. Scholarships available to a student once they are accepted to an accredited university. Applicants must write a 250-word essay on the lessons learned from reading either Back to Basics by Johnny Janosik or Gifted Hands by Dr. Ben Carson. Students can apply for this award over multiple years until they graduate from high school.
24. Jill Biden Scholarship – Biden Breast Health Initiative
This scholarship is rewarded to Delaware students pursuing a career in health care or education. The award amount is at the discretion of the Delaware Community Foundation’s board of directors.To apply for this scholarship, the student must write 300 words on the following topic: “Why have you chosen a career in health care or education, and why do you feel it is important to encourage others to adopt a healthy lifestyle?”
25. John J. Ryan Scholarship Fund
The John J. Ryan Scholarship Fund will be given to graduating seniors from Caesar Rodney High School, who will major in education at an accredited college, university, or trade school. The amount given to the winners will be $1,000. One award is available per year and the application can be downloaded from their website.
26. John M. Roca Memorial Scholarship
John M. Roca Memorial Scholarship will be given to seniors graduating from Cape Henlopen High School, who are also accepted at a four-year college/university. Students must pursue an undergraduate degree in agricultural and natural resources management, pre-veterinary medicine, art, or other related fields.
27. Keisha M. Michael Memorial Scholarship
The Keisha M. Michael Memorial Scholarship is given to African-American graduating seniors who are residents of New Castle County. Seniors must have a minimum 2.5 GPA, and go on to attend a historically black college or university. The award amount is $1,000 and Students must write an essay on the following topic: “How will a college education help me make an impact on the community, and how will it affect my life?” A personal recommendation is required. Students who have community and/or church service will also be considered.
28. Kelly Family Scholarship Fund
Kelly Family Scholarship will be awarded to eligible female students in financial need who are graduating from Caesar Rodney High School. The student must have academic achievements, community service experience, and must have been involved in school activities. Students will be given $2,000.
29. Linda Canaday Memorial Scholarship
The Linda Canaday Memorial Scholarship will be given to eligible graduating high school seniors who are good standing members of Key Club International for over two years. Seniors applying for the scholarship must also have a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship is worth $2,500 and will be given to one student.
30. Newark High School Alumni Scholarship
Applicants for the Newark High School Alumni scholarship must have a personal recommendation letter when applying for this scholarship. They must also answer the questions on the application, and submit an essay. The essay must discuss the student’s post-graduate goals and their connection to the student’s experience at Newark High School. Students must give specific examples on how NHS prepared them for their future goals.
31. Rebekah Assembly of Delaware, Independent Order of Odd Fellows
The Rebekah Assembly of Deleware Independent Order of Odd Fellows Scholarship will go to eligible students that live in Delaware. The award amount is up to $500. Five awards available, to be paid to the recipient’s school of choice. The applicants must submit a completed application and one letter of recommendation. The letter must focus on the applicant’s character and eligibility.Contact the Rebekah Assembly of Delaware for an application.
32. The Rotary Club of Wilmington Scholarship
The Rotary Club of Wilmington Scholarship is given to eligible high school seniors (public or private school) who display a financial need and are residents of New Castle County. Students must also be involved in extracurricular activities, show experience in community service, and have solid academic achievements. The amount awarded will be determined by The Rotary Club of Wilmington Board. Students whose parents are members of The Rotary Club of Wilmington are not eligible for this scholarship. The award may be renewed annually.
33. Tony Silicato Memorial Scholarship
Eligible to graduating seniors from Lake Forest or Milford High School will be given the Tony Silicato Memorial Scholarship. Students must also be athletes who will pursue educations at a college, university, or trade school. Application must be submitted by April 1.
34. Vessa “Over the Rainbow” Performing Arts Scholarship
The Vessa ” Over the Rainbow” Performing Arts Scholarship will be given to students graduating from a New Castle County, high school who intend to study performing arts at a college or university. Students must also be a performing arts student, or involved in their high school’s drama club.
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