The College JumpStart Scholarship is an annual, merit-based competition—financial need is not considered—that is open to 10th-12th graders, college students, and non-traditional students. The main requirement is that students are committed to going to school and can express their goals for getting a higher education. The first place prize is a $1,000 scholarship to help cover educational expenses. This award can be used at any college or university in the United States. Scholarships are awarded in the fall and the spring.
The program offers four scholarships:
- Love of Learning Scholarship: This $1,000 award offers you time to share an idea or subject that you are passionate about.
- Show Grit Scholarship: The $1,000 College JumpStart Show Grit Scholarship rewards students who demonstrate grit and who continue to push themselves in spite of obstacles or challenges.
- Gratitude Scholarship: This $1,000 award allows you to share your thanks for when someone has done something kind for you.
- Pay it Forward Scholarship: This $1,000 scholarship allows you to share a time that you have paid it forward.
Location(s)
- Remote
Schedule
- Scholarship deadlines are in December, March, June, and September
Cost/Compensation
- Free
Eligibility Requirements
- Current student (high school 10th-12th or college) or planning to enter college within the next 12 months
- You are a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
- You are currently attending or you are planning to attend an accredited two-year, four-year, community, vocational or trade school in the U.S. Online programs also qualify.
- You must be committed to using education to better your life and that of your family and/or community.
Deadline
- Love of Learning Scholarship: December 31, 2026
- Show Grit Scholarship: March 31, 2026
- Gratitude Scholarship: June 30, 2026
- Pay it Forward Scholarship: September 30, 2026
Application or Entry Requirements
- Completed online application
- Love of Learning Scholarship: Please answer ONE of the following questions in 250 words or less.
- What is the idea or subject about which you are the most passionate and why? -OR-
- Write about the topic of your choice.
- Show Grit Scholarship: Please answer ONE of the following questions in 250 words or less.
- What is a challenge or setback you have faced and what did you learn from the experience? -OR-
- Write about a time when "hard work" paid off. -OR-
- Write about the topic of your choice.
- Gratitude Scholarship: Please answer ONE of the following questions in 250 words or less.
- Describe a time someone has done something for you and how this has helped you grow. -OR-
- Write about something that you are thankful for and its significance in shaping who you are. -OR-
- Write about the topic of your choice.
- Pay it Forward Scholarship: Please answer ONE of the following questions in 250 words or less.
- Reflect on a time that you’ve paid it forward and how it has affected you and what you’ve learned from the experience. -OR-
- Write about the topic of your choice.
Notifications of Decisions
- Recipients are typically notified within 8-10 weeks of the application deadline
Financial Aid Details
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
Have other questions?
The College JumpStart Scholarship is a nonprofit organization that was launched in an effort to reverse the trend of rising student debt and reward students who demonstrate a love of learning. The scholarship is supported entirely through private and corporate donations, and all funds raised are used to support students.
