Quick Links
Skip to main contentSkip to navigation

Paola USD 368

Paola High

Working...

Ajax Loading Image

 

Scholarships

We recommend creating a new and appropriate email account to use for college/scholarship communications.

Please see individual college websites for complete listings of scholarships, requirements, and deadlines  

USD 368 Endowment Association scholarship information will be presented to graduating PHS students in December.
 


PHS Financial Aid Meeting & FAFSA Completion Night--January 23, 2025

FAFSA Information
Apply for an FSA ID HERE

Complete the FAFSA HERE 

  


Scholarship and/or financial aid websites:

State of Kansas Scholarships & Grants

Greater KS City Community Foundation-many scholarships in a variety of areas!  

Hispanic Scholarship Fund

American Indian Scholarship Fund

Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund

Niche

 

Appily

Kansas Association of Student Financial Aid Advisors  

Scholarships.com 

Scholarship Help  Student Scholarships -- Boasts the largest collection of scholarships on the web

United Negro College Fund

Fastweb.com

Varsity Tutors --Monthly scholarships awarded; $200; 200-900 words; submit online; promote your entry via social media  
  Unigo/ Scholarship Experts -short essays on a variety of topics; awards up to $5000; deadlines vary; can apply as early age 13  

 

NEW 2022-23! Going Merry Scholarship Application Platform
1. Create an account
2. Enter information: Organizations, offices, awards, GPA, ACT, future plans, etc
3. Get matched with scholarships & apply if interested
4. Going Merry auto-populates applications with information you enter. Enter information once, use it to apply for many scholarships

___________________________________________________________________________________________________
 

  Other Scholarships with varying deadlines    

Kansas Promise Scholarship

Students attending a Kansas community college, technical college, Washburn Institute of Technology, and certain private postsecondary educational institutions and enrolled in specified programs of study, generally in the fields of: information technology & security, mental and physical health care, advanced manufacturing and building trades or early childhood education & development. 

SEE LINK FOR MORE INFORMATION
SEE LISTING OF SCHOOLS AND INCLUDED PROGRAMS
HERE

This is a last dollar scholarship. What does that mean? It will cover ALL TUITION AND FEES not covered by other financial aid that you receive.

Phi Theta Kappa

PHS students who have completed 12+ college credit hours with a 3.5 GPA (on college courses only) may join Phi Kappa Theta. There is a one time, $100 lifetime membership fee. Members have access to numerous scholarship opportunities.    

American Legion Scholarships

Please visit the website to see the requirements for the 12 scholarships that they have available . Amounts vary 

Deadlines vary

Kansas American Legion Scholarships

Please visit the website to see the requirements for the scholarships that are available . Amounts vary Deadlines vary

Kansas Foster & Adoptive Children Scholarship Fund

Students who are or have been foster children in the State of Kansas, including foster children who have been adopted Amount & type of aid may include (but is not limited to) tuition, room & board, books, etc.

Applications accepted year round
Scholarships awarded June 1 and November 1 of each year

Education & Training Vouchers for Foster Care Youth

Available to youth in foster care after their 15th birthday for education costs related to post-secondary or certified training programs. Max is $3500/year. To be eligible, youth must show DCF that at least 5 scholarships and FAFSA have been applied for each year. Program can be extended to age 23 if enrolled in school and making satisfactory progress at age 21. See the counseling office with questions about this program.  
Northeast Kansas Scholarship FULL TUITION scholarship to Washburn University, high school graduates from Miami county, 3.0+ GPA, household income of $75,000 or less, less than $75,000 in assets on the FAFSA FULL TUITION No separate application is required. You are automatically considered for this when you apply to Washburn.


September

   
   
   
Eligibility Criteria
Amount Due

Beauty & Wellness Professionals Scholarship

Students applying to or enrolled in cosmetology, massage therapy, esthetics, barbering, nail technology, makeup artistry, and other relevant beauty industry programs $2500

September 3, 2024

Hagan Scholarship Foundation

Senior, 3.50 GPA, work requirement, financial need Amount varies--Up to $60,000

Application Opens: September 1: Due December 1

Questbridge National College Match and Scholarships

Seniors in the top 5-10% of class, ACT-28+, family income of $65K or less/year Full tuition to participating colleges

September 26, 2024

 

 

     

October

     
Scholarship Eligibility Criteria Amount Due

Rudd Foundation Scholarship

Seniors w/at least 3.0 GPA, have filled out the FAFSA and qualify for a Pell Grant, and plan to attend Kansas State University, Wichita State University, Fort Hays State University or Emporia State University $$--Covers ALL remaining costs of attendance after all other aid, grants, and scholarships are applied to a student's account; renewable for 4 years w/application and maintenance of 3.0 GPA

Application Opens: Oct 1  

Due: Dec 1

Kansas Buffalo Scholarship

Senior or college freshman involved in raising bison and/or planning to pursue a career in an agriculturally related field $1000

October 15

Wallace Engineering Scholarship--WSU

3.5+ GPA OR 27 ACT composite or rank in top 10% of class at the end of junior year; declare engineering major on admissions application $28,500

Apply to WSU and declare a College of Engineering major on your admissions application; complete the scholarship competition application by November 10, 2024; competition at WSU Nov. 22, 2024

WSU Scholarship Competitions: See link for scholarships for specific majors and general scholarships

3.5+ GPA or 27 ACT or top 10% AND be admitted to WSU by Oct 15, 2023.  $60,000 and various amounts

Apply to WSU by Nov 1, 2024; complete the scholarship  competition application by November 10, 2024; competition scheduled for Nov. 22-23, 2024

Tradition of Caring Mortuary Science Scholarship

Any high school or college student pursuing a mortuary science $3500/$500

October 14, 2024 to Newcomer Funeral Service Group

VFW Voice of Democracy Competition

9-12 Grade students may enter; see website for more information
Recorded, 3-5 minute essay over theme must be submitted 
2024 Theme: "Is America Today Our Forefathers' Vision?"
Prizes & scholarships awarded at the local, district, state & national levels

October 31


November

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria Amount Due

Kansas Masonic Public School Essay Contest

Juniors and Seniors; Complete application online and 300-500 word essay: Select a charitable organization within your community that does excellent work and explain why you believe this organization warrants financial consideration & support. If your essay is one of the top 8 chosen this year, an award of $1K will be given to your chosen charitable organization. Up to $4,000

November 1

Black and Veatch Scholars Program

NOTE: This is one of MANY scholarships for students attending Pittsburg State University and planning to complete a major in their Engineering Technology department. Please see the website for more opportunities.
Seniors admitted to PSU with major in Electronics Engineering Technology; 3.0+GPA, taken the ACT
Tuition and fees for up to 4 years! (up to $30,000)


Priority Date - November 1

Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship

Local winner advances to state; state winner advances to national selection. See PHS Counseling Office for address to send application $600-$40,000
 

November 12, 2024

Washburn Garvey Scholarship

3.25 GPA, take Garvey Scholarship Exam; see link for details
Complete application for admission to Washburn
$500-$2000 renewable annually

Take Garvey Exam: See link for dates

Prairieland Partners Technician Scholarship Program

Seniors interested in a John Deere tech program or a diesel tech program Two-year scholarship for select community colleges and vocational schools, plus costs for tools is covered.

Fall 2024 TBD ; Spring 2025, TBD (two rounds of scholarships are given)

Fred Tupper Scholarship

Students 18 years of age or older, attending or enrolled in an airport management/administration or similar program. $1500

TBD



December

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria Amount Due

Hagan Scholarship Foundation

Senior, 3.75 GPA, work requirement, financial need Renewable up to 7 semesters: Amount varies--Up to $7500 per semester

December 1, 2024

Rudd Foundation Scholarship

Seniors w/at least 3.0 GPA, have filled out the FAFSA and qualify for a Pell Grant, and plan to attend Kansas State University, Wichita State University, Fort Hays State University or Emporia State University $$--Covers any remaining costs of attendance after all other aid, grants, and scholarships are applied to a student's account; renewable for 4 years w/application and maintenance of 3.0 GPA

December 1

Kansas Masonic Scholarships

Variety of scholarships & criteria; going to 2 year or 4 year schools; students w/disabilities, etc. $500-$5000

Apply Early: Applications Open December 1 to February 15

Kansas State University Wabash Cannon Ball Scholarship

HS Senior living in Johnson, Miami or Wyandotte county; 3.25 or higher GPA, be admitted and complete KSU general scholarship application by December 1
$2500

December 1

JUNIORS ONLY******* Coolidge Scholars Program

Distinguished academic record; most rigorous course of study available to them; intellectual curiosity; interest in public policy and appreciation for Coolidge values; humility and leadership Full ride presidential scholarship to any American university: covers tuition, room and board, and expenses for four years of undergraduate study

December 11 

Acacia Leadership Scholarship Awarded to incoming male freshmen at the Manhattan campus of Kansas State University who display excellence in academics, motivation for personal success and an interest in studying the principles of leadership.

1 = $3000

2 = $1000

December 13

Burger King McLamore Foundation Scholarships

2.5 GPA; going to any 2 year or 4 year college or career technical school $1000-$50,000

December 16

Equitable Excellence Scholarship

2.5 GPA; Demonstrate ambition & self-drive to be a force for good in your community by encouraging others to pursue higher education.
$10,000-$25,000; State & National winners

December 18

National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution Knight Essay Contest & Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contests Open to all 10-12 grade students; Local, district, state and national winners. No affiliation with SAR is required.There is often a lack of applicants. APPLY! $500-$9000 December 31



January

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria Amount Due

KLL Memorial Scholarship Fund

Students who have lost at least one parent to cancer; interest in education, arts, environment, math, or science; involvement in school or community; financial need; 2 or 4 year school $2500 renewable up to 4 years; $8000 total 

January 10

Kansas State Department of Education of Educational Office Professionals Margaret Van Horn Scholarship

Must intend to continue education in an education or business-related program $400

January 10

Seven Days Kindness Scholarship

Senior who takes one of the Seven Days' themes and applies them to a lasting project to start a ripple to change the world. See application for more information. $1000

January 10, 2025

Greater KC Crime Stoppers/TIPS Hotline and the Metropolitan Chiefs and Sheriffs Association Scholarship Essay Contest

Seniors of good character and with no criminal background are eligible to apply $2000

January 15

Profile in Courage Essay Contest

9th-12th grade students are eligible; 1000 word (max) essay over topic
$500-$5000


January 17, 2025

DAR Scholarships (Daughters of the American Revolution)

Scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors for merit and in a variety of categories (medical &  nursing, education, etc). Amounts vary; $2500 to $5000; some renewable

January 31

Kansas Contractors Association

Students planning to study in a construction related program at a Kansas technical college, community college or 4 year college; intern with a KCA member construction company over the summer to earn an additional $1000; see link for scholarship and internship application $500-$2500

January 31

ECKSEC Future Special Educator Scholarship

Student planning to pursue a degree in Special Education or Related Services including: special education teaching, early childhood special education, gifted education, speech therapy, occupational therapy, or physical therapy, school psychology, or other related special education services. Must be graduating from: Central Heights, Pleasanton, Jayhawk Linn, Prairie View, Anderson County, Osawatomie, Paola, Louisburg  

January 31

O'Brate Foundation Traditional College Scholarship

Financial need, 2.5+GPA, full time student pursuing or planning to pursue an undergraduate or graduate level certification and/or degree at an accredited technical school, community college or college/university

2024 O'Brate Scholarship Income Guidelines

Family Size

Traditional College &   Dual-Credit Scholarships

1

$40,662.00

2

$55,188.00

3

$69,714.00

4

$84,240.00

5

$98,766.00

6

$113,292.00

7

$127,818.00

8

$142,344.00

For households w/ more than 8 persons, add $5,380/additional person.

$500-$5,000, renewable May 1; Early application is STRONGLY encouraged
American Legion Oratorical Contest Open to all Kansas high school students grades 9-12. Complete an entry form by TBD. Local contest will be in Paola TBD. See link for topics and more information. Winners advance from district, to state, to national competition. $150 to $25,000 TBD



February

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria Amount Due
Kansas Kiwanis Foundation Scholarships Students planning to further their education after high school Amounts vary February 1

KU Hixson Opportunity Award

Students who have faced personal hardship; planning to attend KU; financial need; students whose parents did not earn a 4 year degree will receive priority consideration $5000, renewable for 4 years

February 1

Scholarships for Military Children Program

Open to sons and daughters of active duty, reserve/guard, or retired military commissary customers; 3.0 GPA  $2000

February 12

Kansas American Legion Scholarships

Criteria vary; see website for details & a listing of scholarship opportunities $500-10,000

February 15

Kansas Association of Directors of Plant Facilities (KADPF)

Seniors whose parents are employed with a school district as non-instructional, support staff (building and grounds, food service, transportation).
Scholarships awarded to both college and technical college students.
$3500

February 15

The Ellis Foundation Rooted in Rural Scholarship

Seniors with a 3.0+ GPA, 21+ ACT composite, going into healthcare, agriculture, education or business at a partner school (see website for list of participating schools), financial need; See PHS Student Services or Class of 20xx, for application log in information $1000 renewable for up to 8 semesters; $8000 total award

February 15

The Ellis Foundation Rooted in Rural Vo-Tech Scholarship  

    Seniors planning to go into one of the following trade programs: See PHS Student Services or Class of 20xx, for application log in information

  • HVAC
  • Plumbing
  • Electrical
  • Construction
  • Welding & Fabrication
  • Automotive and Diesel Mechanic
  • Aerospace Mechanic
  • Cosmetology
  • Cybersecurity
  • Commercial Driver’s License -CDL
  • AutoCAD/Drafting
  • Manufacturing Technology
  • Machining
  • Masonry
  • Robotics/Drones
  • Lineman
  • Railroad Training
  • Carpentry
  • Major Appliance Technology
  • Early Childhood Education
$4000 renewable for up to 2 years; $8000 total award

February 15

Kansas Masonic Foundation Student Loan & Scholarship Program

Low interest loans; repay after completion of school; does not necessarily affect other financial aid. Also available: Cynthia Ruth Russell Memorial Grants for the physically challenged, Technical College scholarship, Legacy Scholarship, etc. Varies

February 15

Olathe Health Systems Health Career Scholarship

Seniors planning to pursue a career in the healthcare field; 3.25 GPA; ACT $1000

3 copies of application packet due to PHS Counseling office: February 23

Better Business Bureau Student of Integrity Scholarship Preference is given to students who qualify for free or reduced lunch and first-generation college students. $2000 February 28

Paola Optimist Club Oratorical Contest w/scholarship opportunity

Students under 18 write and deliver a speech on the topic: TBD 2023 Local winner moves to district level with possibility to compete in regional and world championship in St. Louis. -See the PHS Counseling Office for application and information up to $22,500

TBD


March

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria Amount Due

Kansas Crime Stoppers Association

Seniors planning to attend a Kansas school. $500

April 1


GPACAC (Great Plains Association for College Admisson Counseling) Scholarships

GPA 3.0 and higher; various scholarships available. See website for more information.
 
$1000

March 1


American Welding Society (AWS) Scholarships--National, District & Section Awards

Seniors going into a welding program or related field Amounts vary--$2500, $1000 

March 1

Heartland Art Guild

Senior planning to pursue a college degree or other advanced education in art or art related career. Must have a HS GPA of 3.0 or above in art courses. A portfolio of artwork is required. See application for more information. $1000 March 1

Kansas Crime Stoppers Association

Seniors planning to attend a Kansas school. $500

March 1

Kansas Junior Golf Scholarship

Senior who has participated in high school or Kansas junior golf programs (see link for more 
information)
$1500--Renewable for 4 years; $25,000 award for top applicant

March 10

Kansas Women's Golf Association (KWGA) Memorial Scholarship

Senior  who has participated in high school or recognized junior golf program in Kansas (see link for more information). $1500--one time award

March 10

Centriq Training Technology Scholarship

Scholarship towards tuition to Centriq's four month IT Career Training program for a student wanting to pursue a career in the technology industry. $5000

March 15

Kansas Grain and Feed Association Scholarships (KFGA)

Seniors w/excellent academic credentials, good school & community citizens, planning to attend Kansas 4 year or 2 year school $500-$1500

March 15

Kansas Ag Retailers Association Scholarships (KARA)

Seniors or current undergraduate students enrolled in Kansas post secondary school; planning to or currently majoring in an ag related field of study; self starter, excellent academic credentials, good citizen, strong desire to continue education $500-$1500

March 15

Horatio Alger Kansas Scholarship Program 

Several types of scholarship opportunities for JUNIORS AND SENIORS including Career Technical & Undergraduate
Financial need ($55K or less adjusted gross family income); involvement in school & community activities; display integrity & perseverance in overcoming adversity; 2.0 GPA; complete 4 essays (see website for topics and details)
$10,000-$25,000

March 15

Kansas Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (KACRAO) Scholarship

3.25 GPA, ACT 22 $250, renewable

TBD

Young American Creative Patriotic Art Scholarships
 

Open to 9-12 grade students; patriotic art submission; see website for details up to $10,000

March 31

Western Kansas Chapter of American Petroleum Institute (API)

Kansas Seniors; 3.0+ GPA;

Two scholarships: Regular scholarship for applicants whose parents/guardians/grandparents are employed in the oil or gas industry 

Industry Scholarship for applicants who are enrolling in an oil or gas-related major such as engineering or geology

$1000, renewable up to 4 years March 31

Lighthouse Guild Vision + Health Scholarships

Annual scholarship for legally blind students  $10,000

March 31

EEqual Scholarship Program    

Students who are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity or are in extreme poverty. up to $8000

TBD

True Blue KSHSAA Scholarship

Seniors who have rostered in a KSHSAA activity and are planning to further their education at two year or four year college, university or technical school.  $2000

TBD



April

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria Amount Due

Foley Technician Scholarship

Seniors w/2.5+ GPA and who plan to pursue a technical school or college degree and a career in diesel technology, heavy equipment or electric power generation $2000

April 1

American Legion Legacy Scholarship

Scholarship for children of post 9/11 veterans who died on active duty, or have a combined VA disability rating of 50% or greater Amount varies

April 1

Miami County Family and Community Education and Community Club Council Scholarship

Seniors or college freshmen who are Miami County residents; Involvement in school and activities $500

April 1

Kansas Seed Industry Association

Seniors planning to attend school in Kansas and major in: Agronomy, Ag Education, Ag Econ/Business, Ag Communications, Grain/Milling Science, Ag Technology, Ag Farm Management or Horticulture. $1000

April 1

Kansas Financial Scholars Annual Essay Scholarship Contest

Plan to attend a Kansas technical, community or four year school; must have completed at least one of these programs during high school either in school or on your own: EverFi Financial Literacy, The Stock Market Game, Personal Finance Challenge, or Life$marts $1000 to $3000

April 1

Marais des Cygnes Chapter DAR Scholarship

Seniors w/at least a 2.0 GPA $500

First Friday in April

UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship Program    

Students diagnosed w/epilepsy or immediate family member and/or caregiver of a person w/epilepsy $5000-$10,000

TBD

Nada Thoden Memorial Scholarship--Miami County Quilters Guild

Senior planning to pursue a major or career in a Family & Consumer Science related area (click HERE to see list) $500

April 5

Kansas County Clerks and Election Officials Association (KCCEOA) Scholarship Program

Attend a Kansas college and major in Journalism, Political Science, Communications or Business; 3.0GPA+ $500

April 5

Parker Rural High School Alumni Association Scholarship
  
Senior related to a PRHS graduate $400 April 8


Kansas City Area Scholarship for Future Shockers

Seniors planning to attend Wichita State University who live in certain counties in the Kansas City area (see link for more information--Miami County students may apply) $1000

April 14

Skills USA Scholarship

Awards for Junior or Senior Skills USA members pursuing career technical goals $300, $500, $750

TBD

Scholarship for Emerging Sport Leaders Seniors with a 2.5+ GPA, whose life has been impacted by soccer, demonstrated leadership skills and community service $5000 April 17

Heartland Rural Electric Line Worker Scholarship Application

Seniors planning a career as an electric line worker. $500

April 26

Construction Management Group (CMG) Midwest Scholarship

Seniors planning to attend a trade school or college with a focus in the construction industry. $1000

April 30

North American Equipment Dealers Foundation Scholarship

2.5 GPA, must be working towards a certification in the ag industry, must be approved by a dealer principal, renewable $1000

April 30

Foresters Competitive Scholarships

2.8 GPA, minimum 40 hours community service; particular award for applicants who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and extraordinary effort and ability to overcome adversity -Local Contact: Tyler Moore 913-731-9105 Up to $8000-$11000

April 30



May

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria Amount Due
O'Brate Foundation Traditional College Scholarship

Financial need, 2.5+GPA, full time student pursuing or planning to pursue an undergraduate or graduate level certification and/or degree at an accredited technical school, community college or college/university

2024 O'Brate Scholarship Income Guidelines

Family Size

Traditional College &   Dual-Credit Scholarships

1

$40,662.00

2

$55,188.00

3

$69,714.00

4

$84,240.00

5

$98,766.00

6

$113,292.00

7

$127,818.00

8

$142,344.00

For households w/ more than 8 persons, add $5,380/additional person.

$500-$5,000, renewable May 1; Early application is STRONGLY encouraged
Kansas Motor Carriers Association Scholarship Seniors pursuing education/training in the transportation industry (drivers, dock workers, mechanics, office personnel, etc). Must be planning on full time enrollment at a college, community college, technical or trade school in a transportation related field. $1000 May 5



June

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria Amount Due

SchoolHouse Connection Scholarship

For students who have experienced homelessness within the last six years $2500
 
June 2, 2025

Horatio Alger Career & Technical Scholarship Program

 

Complete HS or GED, enrolled in a 3 year or less technical degree/certificate program in Fall, attend a not for profit post secondary institution; demonstrate financial need (must be Pell Grant eligible), under the age of 30, US citizen $2500

June 15