Scholarships for High School Freshmen
Yes, 9th graders can win money. These programs accept freshmen.
10 programs · up to $190,000 in combined top awards · updated Oct 14, 2026
- ✓ VerifiedMerit
VFW Voice of Democracy Audio Essay
Veterans of Foreign WarsAwardUp to $35,000DeadlineOct 31, 2026Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 · Open nationwide🔒 See requirements & apply — free 3-day trial → - ✓ VerifiedMerit
DECA Scholarships
DECA Inc.Award$1,000–$2,500DeadlineJan 11, 2027Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 · Open nationwide🔒 See requirements & apply — free 3-day trial → - ✓ VerifiedMerit
JFK Profile in Courage Essay Contest
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library FoundationAward$1,000–$10,000DeadlineJan 11, 2027 · 23:59 New York timeGrades 9, 10, 11, 12 · Open nationwide🔒 See requirements & apply — free 3-day trial → - ✓ Verified
AFSA National High School Essay Contest
American Foreign Service AssociationAwardUp to $2,500DeadlineLast cycle is closed; winners are notified in June. Next deadline not yet posted.Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 · Open nationwide🔒 See requirements & apply — free 3-day trial → - ✓ Verified
American Legion National Oratorical Contest
The American LegionAwardAmount variesDeadlineLocal contests run in winter; 2026 national finals were May 16–17. Contact your state department for dates.Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 · Open nationwide🔒 See requirements & apply — free 3-day trial → - ✓ Verified
Ayn Rand Institute Essay Contests
Ayn Rand InstituteAwardUp to $25,000DeadlineNext deadline listed as “TBD — coming soon.”Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 · Open nationwide🔒 See requirements & apply — free 3-day trial → - ✓ VerifiedMerit
Davidson Fellows Scholarship
Davidson InstituteAward$25,000–$100,000DeadlineOpens fall 2026; exact deadline not yet published.Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 · Open nationwide🔒 See requirements & apply — free 3-day trial → - ✓ Verified
Oklahoma's Promise
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher EducationAwardAmount variesDeadlineFile the 2027–28 FAFSA as early as possible and check this page for the state's deadline and any extra application.Grades 8, 9, 10, 11 · Oklahoma residents🔒 See requirements & apply — free 3-day trial → - ✓ Verified
Optimist International Essay Contest
Optimist InternationalAwardUp to $2,500DeadlineClub contests are held by early February; your local club sets the exact deadline.Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 · Open nationwide🔒 See requirements & apply — free 3-day trial → - ✓ VerifiedMerit
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Alliance for Young Artists & WritersAward$500–$12,500DeadlineRegional deadlines vary (usually winter) — not listed on the scholarships page.Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 · Open nationwide🔒 See requirements & apply — free 3-day trial →
See which of these your child qualifies for
Add your child’s 5-minute profile and TryScholarships checks every eligibility rule, unlocks each official application link, and reminds you before deadlines. Parents and guardians sign up — one plan covers up to 6 kids.
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Common questions
- How many freshmen scholarships does TryScholarships list?
- 10 programs right now, with top awards adding up to $190,000. 10 of them are fully verified against the sponsor's official site; the rest are marked so you know to confirm details before applying.
- What is the next freshmen scholarship deadline?
- VFW Voice of Democracy Audio Essay closes Oct 31, 2026. Deadlines are tied to the current award year, and unconfirmed dates are labeled.
- Do I have to pay to apply for these scholarships?
- No. Legitimate scholarships never charge an application fee, and none of the programs listed here should. TryScholarships charges only for its own matching, planning and reminder tools — never to apply.
- How do I see the full requirements and which ones my child qualifies for?
- A parent or guardian starts the free 3-day trial and adds a 5-minute profile for each child. TryScholarships then shows every program's full requirements and official application link, checks each eligibility rule — grade, GPA, state, major, test scores and more — and explains why your child matches or what's missing.