Spring Scholarships

Scholarships will be posted here in order of deadline, with earlier deadlines at the top of the page. Check back regularly for updates! Please carefully read through all scholarship instructions and eligibility requirements.

For scholarships that require an essay, I recommend working on this in a google doc . You can see Ms. Ford or myself or ask another teacher for assistance with editing your essay before you submit it. Before the deadline, please make an appointment with me (Mrs. McMillen) in the counseling office. I will help you organize your materials, scan them in, and submit emailed applications electronically. I am also happy to mail documents for you if required to submit by mail.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email scholarship@allyouthflourish.org

The Trade/Technical Scholarship includes programming in addition to tuition and flexible funding for costs associated with diverse higher education programs. Since 2019, a total of $737,085 has been awarded in scholarships and grants, to over 189 recipients.

Programming gives recipients personal and professional support through:

• Mentorships
• Personal and Professional Development Programs
• Group Volunteering Coordination
• Semester check-ins

Eligibility:

• Member of an underrepresented racial or ethnic marginalized community
• Pursuing a Trade/Technical/Certificate Program within 30-miles of Boone County
• Between the ages of 18-22 years old at the time of applying
• U.S. citizen by date of award
• First generation & non-traditional students are strongly encouraged to apply!

Click title above or link here for application: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/47773c31025b46faa27d72026be74c40

Central Bank of Boone County Diversity Internship Program - LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP

DUE: on-going

Amount: up to $10,000 + paid internship

Application & Information

REQUIREMENTS:

1.Maintain satisfactory college academic progress and a grade point of average of 2.5 enrolled in college to retainthe scholarship.

2. Work a minimum of 15 hours per week at Central Bank of Boone County and maintain a commendable or above performance record while employed by the bank.

3. Be open-minded upon initial receipt of the scholarship as to employment upon college graduation with Central Bank of Boone County or within the Central Bancompany organization.

For more information or to apply contact Katelyn Conway at Katelyn.Conway@centralbank.net or by phone at 573-874-8563

Scholarship Amount: The amount of the scholarship is $2,000 which is payable as $1,000 each for fall and spring semesters after the student graduates from high school. These must be consecutive semesters. Scholarship monies are to be used for tuition, lab fees, textbooks and the cost of room and board at the institution.

1 recipient from Douglass High School will be selected.

Eligibility:

1. Recipients must permanently reside in the Boone Electric Cooperative service area. However, they do not have to be a cooperative member or live in a member household. Spouses and children of Boone Electric employees are eligible to apply. Boone Electric Board of Directors, Trustees and employees are not eligible.

2. Recipients must attend an accredited college, university or other postsecondary institution (trade or technical) within the U.S.

3. Full-time enrollment is required; however, exceptions may be made. Exceptions need to approved before disbursal of funds can be made. Recipients may reapply for additional years of scholarship support as an At-Large applicant.

***At the bottom of the application please note that you must attach your FAFSA Summary. Ask Mrs. McMillen for help with this AHEAD of the deadline if you need assistance.

Be sure to submit your FAFSA as soon as possible! You can still submit after February 1st, but many colleges will begin awarding aid after this date, so you could miss out on some funding opportunities if you wait. Student and Parent/Guardian must sign electronically before it is submitted. You can log in to check your status. Remember to update your college list as needed if you apply to any colleges that were not on your original list when you completed the FAFSA. Please see Mrs. McMillen in the counseling office if you need help.

The GFWC Tuesday Club of Columbia, Missouri area, offers a scholarship for young women who are high school seniors in a public high school in Boone County. Eligible students can apply for the scholarship through their public high school guidance offices. The award will contribute a one-time scholarship, a minimum of $500.00, for one young woman entering her first year in an accredited post-secondary institution. The scholarship amount will increase as funds are available each year for future high school seniors.

AMOUNT OF SCHOLARSHIP FOR 2026: At least a $500 one-time award.

ELIGIBILITY: Young woman graduating from a Boone County high school in 2026 and entering her first year in an accredited post-secondary institution in 2026 in Missouri.

CRITERIA: The scholarship is primarily based on volunteerism and community service, which is a hallmark of this Tuesday Club and its national organization GFWC-the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. GFWC, founded in 1890 during the Progressive Movement, is a federation of over 3,000 local women's clubs which promote civic improvements through the volunteer service of its more than 100,000 members.

ESSAY: Why is community service important to you and to our country? What societal issues can best be impacted by community service? What have you learned by volunteering? Tell us why you are the best candidate for this scholarship.

***This scholarship requires a counselor reference form. Please schedule an appointment with Mrs. McMillen to get this form completed, and please do not wait until the day it's due!

Thank you for your interest in the Columbia College Art Scholarship! We offer art talent scholarships to incoming students committed to majoring or minoring in Art. Scholarship amounts vary depending on your financial aid package and other scholarships awarded.

The art talent scholarship can be renewed, provided you remain a major or minor in art, maintain a 2.0 GPA, and continue to demonstrate academic and artistic merit, motivation, determination, and passion for the arts.

APPLY HERE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeOAo67QVH9jJadujGmMY3PR4f9dv4u_o2I0Guhb8dQsY5FwA/viewform

The Downtown Optimist Club of Columbia proudly awards scholarships each year to graduating seniors from Columbia’s four public high schools. This scholarship honors students who demonstrate resilience, community involvement, academic dedication, and a commitment to pursuing higher education. Our goal is to encourage the next generation of leaders by investing in their educational journey and future success.

***Two scholarships of $1000 each will be awarded to Douglass Seniors!

PLEASE GATHER ALL THE DOCUMENTS BELOW. THE GOOGLE DOC APPLICATION IS NOT WORKING FOR STUDENTS - PLEASE COMPLETE THE PAPER APPLICATION, AND WE CAN SCAN IT IN FOR YOU:

All of the following are required to have a full scholarship application. See the application for further details:

1. Completed, signed and dated application (download below)
2. A typed essay, 100 to 150 words on the topic "Why is it important for you to pursue higher education?"
3. Official school transcript with GPA (can be downloaded from your campus portal under "documents" or email Mrs. McMillen for a digital copy.
4. Two signed reference letters from non-family; no more than one from school personnel.
5. Do not send any additional information or pages.

This scholarship honors the character and volunteer spirit of two women, Judy Carter and Becky MacLellan, who were leaders in Assistance League of Mid-Missouri. Their caring hearts and creative vision made a difference in the lives of many in our community.

Purpose:

• To emphasize the importance of volunteer leadership and assistance in making a difference in the quality of life for others.
• To recognize a student who has demonstrated initiative and dedication in a volunteer role without need for recognition.
• To encourage achieving academic goal.

Eligibility:

• Graduating senior at Douglass High School
• GPA of 2.5 or higher or successful completion of the MO Options Program
• Excellent high school attendance
• Accepted in an accredited post-secondary education or career training program

Alpha Delta Kappa was founded by women who saw a need to recognize and support the professional efforts of outstanding women educators.

You will need the following in PDF form as part of your application process. You can upload one document with 3 pages, or three separate documents. Be sure your full name and full school name (no abbreviations) are on each page of all documents.

Example: Leslie Aguilar, Harrisburg High School

Page 1: Résumé or a list of both in-school and outside-of-school activities. (This could include club memberships and offices held, honors, sports, extra-curricular activities, scouting, church, club/community sports, organizations, jobs, volunteering efforts, etc.)

Page 2: Why are you planning to go into the field of education? (Limit response to 1000 words or less.)

Page 3: How will this scholarship impact your ability to attend college? Describe any circumstances that may be relevant to your application. (Limit response to 500 words or less.)

• Three $500 scholarships will be awarded.
• The application closes on February 20, 2026.
• https://forms.gle/QoRStqynCcMJkoqE8

The Paxton Keeley PTA offers a $500.00 (Five hundred dollar) scholarship to congratulate our former students on their graduation from high school. The money is intended to be used for their continuing education in college or technical school. The applicant must have attended Mary Paxton Keeley Elementary School for at least one full school year during their Kindergarten-5th grade years.

The Rock Bridge Lions Club has established $1,500.00 scholarships in the name of charter member L. Kim Graham.

Three deserving graduating senior students who are attending Columbia Public Schools (Battle, Douglass, Hickman, and Rock Bridge) will each be awarded a $1,500 scholarship to assist them in their post-high school education at a technical, trade, vocational school, or community college (with an emphasis in technical certification) with a physical location in Missouri. The criteria for selection are character, community involvement, personal drive, scholarship, career-directed coursework, and financial need. The scholarship is not weighted on GPA or class rank as much as financial need and educational tenacity. Students who have attended Columbia Area Career Center classes are also encouraged to apply.

Please complete all pages of this scholarship application and return it, with a copy of your high school transcript, to Sam Masters (wmasters51@gmail.com or by mail to 42 E. Southbrook, Columbia, Mo. 65203) by February 27, 2026. Please note that a portion of the application must be completed and signed by your school principal or counselor.

The students eligible for assistance will have participated in sanctioned school track and field or cross-country programs as either an athlete or trainer. Preference will be given to students showing evidence of financial need and who participated in more than one year of track and field or cross-country. Preference will also be given to applicants who have participated in the Columbia Track Club Summer Youth Program or worked as a volunteer for the Heart of America Marathon.

CLICK HERE to preview the application; there is one essay as well as some info to gather before you apply!

JET Alumni -The students eligible for assistance will be residents of Boone County, Missouri; show evidence of financial need; have displayed academic excellence, have displayed civic responsibility, and have the desire to attend an institution of higher education in Boone County, including trade or vocational school.

CLICK HERE to preview the application; there is one essay as well as some info to gather before you apply!

Before completing the application form online, please have the following essay completed and ready to go. You can use the word count under "tools" in your google doc or word document to check for 2500 characters (**not 2500 words). Anything after that limit will be cut off.

Essay topic:

In a maximum of 2,500 characters (including spaces), tell us about yourself, including the financial impact this scholarship would have on your education. Additionally, describe in detail how you have positively impacted your community.

Missouri Courage Award (MCA) is for Missouri students who have demonstrated commitment (or show great potential) to work for change in their community to advance the lives of LGBTQ people or impact other social justice causes.

Eligibility:

• Graduating high school seniors in Missouri
• Pursuing higher education (college, university, or vocational school)

Selection Criteria:

• Academic achievement
• School involvement
• Community engagement
• Diversity
• Courage
• Commitment to LGBTQ advocacy & social justice.

Awards:

• 3 scholarships - $1000 each

Preference for fields:

• Welding, Electrical, Industrial, Engineering, and Business

APPLY AT: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScE1MUtyigwucOUrVwKgheOBx1_Vflub1NV1KfyP2liitpDkA/viewform

The Columbia African American Association (CAAA) is committed to the development of America’s youth; specifically targeting African American students living in the Columbia, Missouri area. Our children are the future leaders of America and we accept the challenge and responsibility of preparing them for success. Our top priority is to cultivate and develop responsible citizens and leaders.

CAAA has established a scholarship fund to assist talented young African Americans in their pursuit of higher education (college, university, technical, trade and vocational schools). The CAAA Memorial Scholarship Fund will be presented in honor of former Columbia African American high school students who are now deceased. Applicants must meet strict eligibility requirements and deadlines to qualify. Children, relatives and friends of CAAA members are eligible to compete for the scholarship, however they must adhere to the same strict requirements.

Be sure to request one letter of recommendation as soon as possible.

Scholarship Eligibility Requirements:
1. Applicant must be African American.

2. Applicant must possess/maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.5 (cumulative).

3. Applicant must attend high school in Columbia, Mo.

The SEHON WILLIAMS JR. HERITAGE SCHOLARSHIP is offered at Frederick Douglass High School for ONE student in the amount of $2000.

Download application below. Be sure to request 2 letters of recommendation as soon as possible.

ONCE ALL INFORMATION IS COMPILED, MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH MRS. MCMILLEN FOR ASSISTANCE WITH SCANNING LETTERS AND SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION. DON'T WAIT TILL THE LAST DAY!

Eligibility:

• Current Boone County resident identifying as African American
• Douglass High School senior with a cumulative GPA of 2.3 or higher
• Accepted for admission as a full-time student at an ACCREDITED POST-SECONDARY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION OR PROGRAM.
• The successful applicant should demonstrate both scholarship and leadership and be involved in school/community activities. Applicants will also be evaluated based on financial need.

How to Apply: Please complete the application form and provide the name and phone number of at least TWO references (one academic) who can verify the information contained in the application, and provide letters of recommendation to us. The letters of recommendation and other supporting documentation become part of your application.

Only for students planning to attend MACC. Must have applied and be accepted and be planning to attend MACC to apply. You will need your MACC ID. Check your email for MACC ID and other important information.

MACC provides several scholarship opportunities from institutional and private sources to assist you with your educational expenses.

• Students shall receive no more than two (2) institutional scholarships and/or awards per semester.
• Students receiving a scholarship will not be able to renew it if they withdraw from classes or fail to follow the rules of the scholarship or of MACC
• Unless otherwise noted, institutional scholarships and awards are applied to educational expenses charged (fees, tuition, lab fees, books, housing, meal plan, supplies) at Moberly Area Community College.
• Cash refunds cannot be given for institutional scholarships.
• MACC institutional scholarships and awards may be used to supplement educational expenses charged at MACC that are not covered by the Missouri A+ Scholarship.
• Student scholarship recipients may re-apply for the same scholarship for subsequent award terms (on a semester or annual basis, depending on the specific scholarship guidelines).

Only for students planning to attend MACC and major in a health sciences field. Must have applied and be accepted and be planning to attend MACC to apply. You will need your MACC ID. Check your email for MACC ID and other important information.

MACC provides several scholarship opportunities from institutional and private sources to assist you with your educational expenses.

• Students shall receive no more than two (2) institutional scholarships and/or awards per semester.
• Students receiving a scholarship will not be able to renew it if they withdraw from classes or fail to follow the rules of the scholarship or of MACC
• Unless otherwise noted, institutional scholarships and awards are applied to educational expenses charged (fees, tuition, lab fees, books, housing, meal plan, supplies) at Moberly Area Community College.
• Cash refunds cannot be given for institutional scholarships.
• MACC institutional scholarships and awards may be used to supplement educational expenses charged at MACC that are not covered by the Missouri A+ Scholarship.
• Student scholarship recipients may re-apply for the same scholarship for subsequent award terms (on a semester or annual basis, depending on the specific scholarship guidelines).

It is strongly recommended that students submit their 2025-2056 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to document financial need.

Awards are one-time grants, but recipients may reapply annually.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a current high school senior
• Demonstrate financial need or significant personal challenges overcome.
  
• Exhibit strong character, leadership potential, and community involvement.
  
• Submit a complete application including:
  
• Personal essay (detailing goals, challenges, and impact of education)
  
• One letter of recommendation from a teacher, mentor, or community leader
  
• Official transcript or GED documentation
  
• Proof of acceptance to a post-secondary institution or program

The purpose of this scholarship is to provide educational funding assistance to an African American female who is passionate about furthering her education to help create a better place in the community, home life, and work environment.

This is a one-time scholarship in the amount of $500. The recipient of this scholarship must attend a college/university in Fall 2026.

Scholarship Criteria

• GPA at least 2.5
• Must be a graduating senior of the Columbia Public School System
• African American female
• Participation in community and school activities

Scholarship Submission Requirements

• Official high school transcript
• 500-word essay about your goals and reason for going to college
• 250-word essay on how your leadership personifies the principles of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
• One letter of recommendation from a high school teacher
• One letter of recommendation from a leader in the community
• The application must be received by March 15, 2026

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScj_yPuJOd-KzbSVTttdQwt_KXxjj7afmqfOmU7XrCAfopM4A/viewform

Diamond Council baseball league has started a scholarship fund for High School Seniors who have gone through our program. The purpose of these scholarships is to provide financial assistance to deserving graduating high school seniors to pursue continuing education at a 2-year or 4-year educational institution. This includes traditional colleges and universities and trade schools. Each scholarship award will be $500. We will be awarding at least one for each high school in Columbia. We will also offer scholarships to deserving students in surrounding communities. These Scholarships are a onetime gift.

Criteria and Eligibility

1. Applicant must have played in Diamond Council 3 years, or
2. Been employed as a concession worker or umpire for 3 seasons.
3. Applicant must be a graduating high school senior in the year of the award.
4. Applicant must have at least a 2.0 grade point average (or a “C” average).

Application Process

Applicant must submit the following items:

1. Completed application form (if handwritten, please print legibly).
2. Three (3) letters of recommendation, one of which must come from a choice of high school teacher, counselor, administrator or coach. Remaining recommendations can come from employer or individual with significant knowledge of applicant’s character.
3. An official and recent high school transcript with cumulative grade point average.
4. Personal essay highlighting your experiences with Diamond Council and how it has benefitted you and how you will use the scholarship money if awarded.

Please mail or submit your application in person to:

Diamond Council Educational Scholarship Program

ATTN: Scholarship Committee

1107 N. Providence Rd

Columbia, MO 65203

If you have any questions, please contact the Diamond Council office at 573-499-9741 or email Diamondcouncilcomo@gmail.com.

Essay question: In 500 words or less, tell us why you would like to receive the Joe Machens Drives Education Scholarship.

***They will select one winner each month, and if you do not win, you are automatically entered in the following month's contest. You do not have to re-apply. The sooner you apply, the more chances you will have to be chosen!

Applicants must be:

Joe Machens Automotive Group will award one Joe Machens Drives Education Scholarship each month between September 2025 and June 2026 for a total of nine (9) scholarship awards (each a “Scholarship”). Each Joe Machens Drives Education Scholarship will consist of exactly $2,500.00, which will be paid directly to the institution during the 2026-2027 academic school year.

CHECK BACK FOR 2026 APPLICATION ONCE IT OPENS UP

The New Traditions Scholarship is awarded to a student who is a member of a special population actively pursuing a degree or certificate at MACC. Special populations include single parents, displaced homemakers, dislocated workers, individuals with disabilities, economically disadvantaged, students seeking employment in an occupation traditionally dominated by the opposite gender (non-traditional), or limited English proficiency. This scholarship is valued at $500 per semester and is applied to educational expenses charged at Moberly Area Community College, including fees, tuition, lab fees, housing, meal plan, and/or books and supplies. A maximum of five (5) New Traditions Scholarships may be awarded annually. Scholarship recipients must be seeking a degree or certification at MACC and be enrolled in a minimum of nine (9) college-level credit hours per semester. This scholarship is renewable for one (1) consecutive semester if a cumulative 2.50 grade point average is maintained nine (9) college-level credit hours are completed. Recipients of this scholarship may reapply in subsequent years.

The New Traditions program also manages several private scholarships from external donors. Please see the list below under Non-Institutional & Endowment Scholarships.

In the Prep II summer internship, recent high school graduates work full-time to gain direct workplace experience at a Columbia-based employer. Participants must be ble to commit to working 35-40 hours/week during the summer internship and will need reliable transportation.

Our Summer 2025 worksites are:

• Veterans United Home Loans
• MU Health Care
• Habitat for Humanity
• Central Bank of Boone County
• QuesTec Mechanical
• Mid-MO Legal Services.

One day of each work week includes personal and professional development programming, where interns receive post-secondary planning support, personal finance education, and foundational life skill trainings. Prep II interns will be paid $15 an hour, and those who successfully complete the program will also earn a $2,500 scholarship.

Goals

• To help recent high school graduates to feel equipped to find employment or to connect to post-secondary opportunities by:
  • Learning and applying skills from training to internship work role
  • Job shadowing
• To help youth prepare for independent living by completing budget plans, connecting to community resources, and refining self-advocacy practices.

Click here for general information about the Flourish Internship programs: https://www.allyouthflourish.org/prep-internships/

Click the green button below for a direct link to the Prep II applicaton for students GRADUATING this year. There is a separate application for the Prep II internship, which is for JUNIORS:

This scholarship is for graduating seniors who plan to attend an accredited 4-year college or university.

Award:
Two students will be selected.
Each winner receives $2,000.

Write an essay on the following topic:

Today’s auto, home, and liability policies were primarily built for yesterday’s risks. By 2055, life may look very different:

• People may relocate inland as climate change reshapes coastlines
• Work and social life may occur almost entirely in immersive virtual spaces
• Homes and finances may operate through autonomous artificial intelligence systems

Your Challenge:

Design an insurance product for 2055 that protects against risks we don’t face today, but soon might. Think boldly, base ideas on emerging trends, and imagine how protection will evolve.

• Use double spacing with Times New Roman or other accessible font, 12-point size.
• Save the document as Word, PDF, or JPG format.
• Write 2–3 pages in length with one-inch margins, not including the cover letter.
• Include citations for all references.
• AI usage should be limited and cited appropriately.

Please include a cover letter as a separate document which states your name. Essays must be received by 4:00 pm on Thursday, March 19, 2026, emailed to centralmocpcuscholarship@gmail.com.

For additional information, please contact Deidre Backues at DRBackues@ShelterInsurance.com.

All applicants will be notified in mid-April. The winners will be invited to attend a Central Missouri Chapter meeting in Columbia, MO to be recognized.

Amount: $3,000 scholarship

Who can apply:

• Applicant must identify as female or nonbinary

• Preference will be given to applicants who identify as Black or African American and have experienced systemic barriers to STEM Education

• Applicant must be planning to pursue a degree or certificate in a STEM-related field (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math)

Preference may be given to students who:

• Identify as Black or African American

• Have faced barriers to STEM education

To apply, go to:

https://www.shinewithjoy.com/stem

CMNEA (Columbia Missouri National Education Association) will award a scholarship of $1,500 to a graduating senior who is attending Douglass High School and who is pursuing a degree from an accredited college, university, trade, technical, or vocational school. Applicants must attend Douglass High School.

Applicants will only need to fill out the Google Form to apply. Here is the link to the form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfdnITWIZGoOWMeHyDvL7JYdsis3Za1AnAMGg1VMZy1BOwH5g/viewform

The due date for the Google Form completion is March 25.

Amount: $1000

Eligibility: Up to one (1) high school senior boy and girl from each area high school and the private high schools who has played at least one year in the Columbia Youth Basketball Association league.

CYBA Dean Berry College Scholarship

Eligibility: One high school senior boy and one high school senior girl who has played at least one year for Columbia Youth Basketball Association.

Applicant must submit an essay (see below).

Deadline: Must be submitted on or by March 20, 2026

Submission: CYBA prefers essays to be sent via email.

Email: registration@cybahoops.org

Applicants must submit:

• A completed cover/information sheet.
• A 250–500 word essay responding to the prompt: “What did playing in CYBA teach me?”

Essay Requirements:

250–500 words

• Must be typed double spaced
• Double spaced and 12 point font
• Do not include your name on the essay (only on the cover sheet)

CHECK BACK SOON FOR APPLICATION

Students who have demonstrated community service and/or volunteer experience should apply, and students who demonstrate honesty, fairness, and goodwill toward others in their daily lives.

NO ESSAY REQUIRED!

United Credit Union awards eight $1,000 scholarships to area students every May. In order to qualify, the individual must be a member of UCU, planning to attend a school of advanced education, have maintained an overall high school grade point average of at least 2.75, must have good citizenship and leadership characteristics as well as be active in school and community activities. The deadline for scholarships is April 1st.

A private scholarship for students with a Student Aid Index of 12,000 or less and who have earned a cumulative 3.50 or higher on a 4.0 scale weighted or unweighted GPA through at least seven semesters at a Missouri high school. (Can earn up to $2000 per year)

• Before you start, you will need a copy of your FAFSA Submission Summary generated from the FAFSA and your high school transcript through at least seven semesters (through fall semester of your senior year).

• Go to myscholarshipcentral.org/apply and click “Apply Now”.

• On the top right of the page, click “Sign In” if you already have a My Scholarship Central account, or “Sign Up” if you’ve never used the site.

• Enter your email and password. If you are a new user, you will receive a confirmation email and must click the link in the email to validate your account. Use an email address that you will have access to after you graduate from high school.

• Complete the General Application if you have not done so this year.

• After submitting the General Application, you should see the Show-Me to College Scholarship on your list of Recommended Opportunities. If not, click “Opportunities” in the blue bar and choose “Ours.” Search “Show-Me”. • Click the orange “Apply” button next to the opportunity name. After completing the application, click “submit” at the bottom right of the page.

• Questions? Contact info@moslf.org or 636.733.3712.

To apply, please turn in to Mrs. McMillen (in the counseling office or AMcMillen@cpsk12.org) BEFORE the due date:

• The completed Cover Page, AND
• Your 1-2 sentence answers to each of the following prompts:

1. Please explain how you demonstrate exceptional character in the area of citizenship; in what ways are you helpful, considerate, and put others first? In what ways are you open-minded, kind, and welcoming to all?
2. Please explain how you demonstrate exceptional character in the area of responsibility - how are you accountable for your actions, trustworthy, motivated, hardworking, and reliable?
3. Please explain how you demonstrate exceptional character in the area of charisma? How are you outgoing? In what ways do you bring positivity to others, light up a room, and make others feel valued?
4. In what ways are you selfless and dedicated to the well-being of others? How do you actively makes a difference in your community?

1. Applicants must be a graduating senior in the 2025-2026 academic school year.
2. Applicants must plan to be enrolled in a college, university or other post-secondary educational institution within the U.S. on a full-time basis during the 2026-2027 school year.
3. Applicants must have been a student at Smithton Middle School.

Applicants will be evaluated by the scholarship committee based on the following criteria:

• Written expression. Submit an original essay on the topic listed below.
• School involvement. List all school activities in which you have been involved, if applicable, and be sure to list any leadership positions held.
• Community activities. List all community activities you have been involved in and leadership positions.
• Work ethic. Include any part-time work and/or volunteerism.
• Character. Include a letter of reference (must include contact information for recommender).
• Scholarship essay: Applicants will be required to write a 500-word essay on the following topic: An important moment in my education journey

How to apply:

• Complete and sign the application.
• Write the essay.
• Obtain a letter of reference.
• Submit all items to our office by mail or in person at:

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated was founded in 1908 at Howard University to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, to study and alleviate problems concerning girls and women and open to others as well to maintain a progressive interest in college life and to be of service to all mankind.

Selection Criteria: “B” average or above

Interest in pursuing a bachelor’s degree

Involvement in extracurricular and community activities

Demonstrated leadership and service in the high school community

Strong character and integrity; good citizenship

Award Amount: $1000, one year, non-renewable

Required Essays

Brief Biography: Please tell us about you and your personal goals.

Essay: Imagine this scenario! The year is 2030 and it’s the day of your college graduation. Your family and friends are gathered for the celebration. Please write the speech you will give to your family and friends to inform them of your growth and accomplishments during the past four years of college. Also, include your plans for the future now that you are a college graduate. The essay should be no more than 300 words and submitted on a separate type-written page.

Please include your high school transcript and 3 letters of recommendation with the application.

Applications mailed to:

Brenda K. Hammond – Scholarship Chairman

P.O. Box 251

Columbia, MO 65205

The Day Dreams Foundation Jenny Bradley College Scholarship is awarded each year to a high school senior in Columbia that has been impacted by extracurriculars. The scholarship is named for Jenny Bradley, a retired early childhood teacher and the mother of Day Dreams Foundation Founder, Joe Bradley.

Amount

• One $1,000 scholarship (paid out as $500 each semester)

• Scholarship may be renewed for seven more consecutive semesters, for a total of eight semesters. If you have to withdraw from school for a semester, you will be eligible to renew your scholarship the next semester, however the $500 from the semester you were not in classes will not be applied to future semesters.
• Must maintain a 2.5 semester GPA and be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours.

Eligibility

• Columbia, Missouri high school senior
• Must have participated in an extracurricular in high school for at least two years
• Accepted into two or four-year college/university (verification required)
• Applicants with financial need and those involved in volunteer work will be given strong consideration

Requirements

• Complete online application
• 250-word minimum essay answering the following prompt: How have you been positively impacted by your participation in extracurricular activities and how do you think those activities have prepared you for your future?
• One or two letters of recommendation from a non-family member

How to Apply

Apply online by filling out the form at the bottom of this page (https://daydreamsfoundation.org/college-scholarship): Essays and letters may be emailed to director@daydreamsfoundation.org or mailed to the Day Dreams Foundation office at 1 E BROADWAY STE C, Columbia, MO 65203.

***If you need assistance emailing your letters and essays please send them to Mrs. McMillen at amcmillen@cpsk12.org or give a printed copy to me or Ms. Ford and I will send them for you! Remember there are 2 parts to this process. You can also upload them directly into the online form, which may be easiest if you can get it to work!

QUESTIONS:

Email director@daydreamsfoundation.org

CHECK BACK FOR UPDATED 2026 APPLICATION

• Must US Citizen to apply.
• Online Application link:
• Must get two recommenders complete the reference form of the application.
• Share this link with your recommenders:

• Essay topic: 300-500 words describing your personal background, current circumstances, and how education has made or is expected to make a difference in your life.

***Email Mrs. McMillen or see Ms. Suzette in the main office for a copy of your official transcript which you can upload or make an appointment with Mrs. McMillen for assistance submitting the form.

CHECK BACK FOR 2026 APPLICATION

Requirements:

GPA: None

Class Rank: None

Instructions:

Submit an essay, as brief or as long as you like, along with the attached form. You can pick up a copy of the form from Ms. Ford or Mrs. McMillen in the counseling office.

The essay topic should describe how you have chosen your career path for life after high school and explain how willing this scholarship will assist you in reaching your goals.

Deadline: Email to info@performanceeyecare.com or stop by the Columbia Performance Eyecare office to drop off your application at 30 E Southampton Dr. Unit 109, 573-874-3937

Advancing Futures Fund

The Advancing Futures Fund provides one-time financial assistance to Missouri students pursuing short-term credentials in high-demand career fields, as defined by the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD). Eligible students must attend a Missouri career center, community college, or technical college. Advancing Futures is a critical need fund that supports students who face a barrier that could prevent them from continuing or completing their education. The fund helps cover a serious financial out-of-pocket expense.

This grant fund helps students with documented financial need cover specific out-of-pocket costs — not including tuition or fees — that could otherwise prevent completion of a certificate or credential program.
Funds are intended to support direct and indirect program-related costs. Examples include:

• o Tools, equipment, uniforms, and supplies
• o Books, software, and training materials
• o Transportation (e.g. practicum or clinical travel)
• o Technology needs such as internet access
• o Childcare support or living costs directly tied to program completion
• o Certification/licensure exam fees or testing costs

Eligible students must:

• Be a Missouri resident with a high school diploma, GED or equivalent, who has not yet completed an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
• Have a Student Aid Index (SAI) of 12,000 or less on the FAFSA or Federal Student Aid Estimator.
• Attend an eligible Missouri career center, community college, or technical college.
• Be enrolled part-time or full-time in a short-term credential program (e.g. certificate, certification, apprenticeship or special training required for licensure) in a high-demand field as defined by MDHEWD for their programming.

If this award is used for educational expenses that are not required for your academic program, such as housing, meals or transportation, your scholarship may be considered taxable income. You should consult your tax advisor about your specific situation.
This program is administered by the Financial Aid Office in accordance with program rules and applicable laws. Grants are the decision of the MSLF and the participating school.
Missouri Scholarship & Loan Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, national origin, gender, age, color, sexual orientation, veteran status, physical or mental disability.

Questions? Contact info@moslf.org or 636.787.2677.

Steps to enrolling:

1) Apply to MACC by April 1st. (If you have already applied, move to step 3!)

Click here to apply: https://www.macc.edu/student-affairs/admissions-advising/

2) Ask Mrs. McMillen to send your transcript!

3) Once accepted, make an appointment with an advisor to enroll in your class.

4) When you meet with the advisor, you must mention "SENIOR SUMMER START" and enroll in any 3 credit hour class that meets in person or "virtual" zoom (NOT FOR ONLINE CLASSES).

Enrollment for courses begins April 7th, and classes start in early June.

***Only the first 200 students to enroll will qualify for this program so sign up early and get your free class!