Scholarship Opportunities
2026 Portage High School Local Scholarships now available!
2026 Dollars For Scholars Now OPEN! Deadline April 15th 2026
June 2026
May 2026
St. Mary Medical Center & Powers Health Rehabilitation Center employees, volunteers, dependents, or direct descendants from an active adult volunteer in good standing, recipients of this scholarship from one year prior to those listed. Employees must be employed at least one full year working at a .6 FTE or above for themselves or their dependents to qualify. University enrollment should reflect a two- or - more-year accredited college program.
Applicants must be seeking a post-secondary degree in any medical field related to the biological edifice of a person. These applicants must have a cumulative and current Grade Point Average of 3.0 or higher.
Applicants must be United States citizens or legal permanent residents. Applicants advancing to the interview round of the process will be asked to provide page one of their Federal Student Aid Report (SAR) from FAFSA.
Applicants may only apply to one system hospital for a scholarship.
Official school transcripts of grades and course work demonstrating good academic standing. Transcripts should not be watermarked "unofficial"
Letter of acceptance from the educational institution the applicant is planning to attend (high school applicants only).
High school students are required to submit two letters of recommendation in support of their application, one personal and one professional. College applicants should have two professional recommendations reflecting this past school year's accomplishments. All recommendations must be current and dated.
If the applicant is an employee or volunteer or their dependent, a photocopy of the
employees or volunteers badge is required. Applicants may apply to only one system hospital for a scholarship.
Be an employee or employee dependent of St. Mary Medical Center or Powers Health Rehabilitation Center who has worked at .6 or above for the last full year prior to this notice or be a dependent of the previously stated employees for principal support and maintenance.
Employee and employee dependent must agree to allow the Volunteer Services Department of St. Mary Medical Center to verify my employment with Powers Health Human Resources. Employees are to be at .6 or above for the last full year prior to this notice or be dependent on the previously stated employees for
principal support and maintenance. Furthermore, qualified applicants must authorize Powers Health to utilize this information for public relations purposes
(See Application for signature page).
A typed essay.
The essay should be a personal reflection of your education/career goals in the healthcare field. This essay should explain why you are choosing this career path. Please include a plan on how you will achieve your goals.
Elaborate on any information you think the committee should know that would be helpful to you in attaining a scholarship.
Applicants who previously received an award should have the essay reflect why they are deserving of another scholarship and the accomplishments/challenges that they may have experienced in the last year. Applicants should not replicate the previously submitted essay nor include components of that essay.
Friday, May 15th, 2026, by 2:00 P.M.
To submit your application:
Submit application to the Gift Shop volunteer by Friday, May 15th , by 2:00 PM.
Application must be enclosed in one envelope labeled “Scholarship
Application.” If an application is not complete at the time of submission, the application will be
denied. Use "NA"(non-applicable) in any section that does not apply to your
application. Do not leave any blank spaces. All students submitting applications for scholarships will receive equal
consideration without discrimination based upon sex, religion, national origin, ethnic background, color or age.
The decisions of the Scholarship Committee of the St. Mary Medical Center Auxiliary of Hobart, Indiana, will be final and cannot be appealed.
April 2026
Must plan to attend a four-year College or University or a two-year Vocational/Trade Program.
Must hold a 3.4 Cumulative GPA or higher, and participate in extracurricular activities.
Must demonstrate character, leadership, and community involvement.
Must complete the application, a personal essay, and provide a letter of recommendation.
Write your essay using prompt on application
The Mitchell Sterling Foundation
Email: [email protected]
Subject Line: “Scholarship Application – [Your Name]"
Become a Safe Driving Ambassador
Recipients of the Mitchell Sterling Scholarship are invited to:
Share safe driving messages with peers and on social media
Continue advocating for focused, distraction-free driving
graduation.
A. Personal data (background, interests, hobbies, work, volunteer, etc.)
B. Activities, sports, clubs/organizations participated in and awards received during the past four years.
C. Future educational and career plans.
2. Submit a transcript and a copy of your second semester courses.
3. The following are required:
A. A letter of reference from a High School teacher or administrator.
B. Write a short essay (5-8 sentences) describing an experience or your thoughts on the activities, sports,
or clubs/organizations you are particularly proud or how they have impacted your life in a positive
way.
Calumet Athletic Officials Association - Scholarship
c/o Jennifer Samble, CAOA Board Member
[email protected]
graduation.
A. Personal data (background, interests, hobbies, work, volunteer, etc.)
B. Activities, sports, clubs/organizations participated in and awards received during the past four years.
C. Future educational and career plans.
2. Submit a transcript and a copy of your second semester courses.
3. The following are required:
A. A letter of reference from a High School teacher or administrator.
B. Write a short essay (5-8 sentences) describing an experience or your thoughts on the activities, sports,
or clubs/organizations you are particularly proud or how they have impacted your life in a positive
way.
Calumet Athletic Officials Association - Scholarship
c/o Jennifer Samble, CAOA Board Member
[email protected]
Improving the lives of women and their families through support of the arts, culture, education, health and wellness, and human service programs.
Deadline: April 5th 2026
Graduating high school seniors in Northwest Indiana.
Deadline:
March 2026
Flyers can be found with Ms. Sabrina Alaniz in the PHS Guidance office
• Must attend high school in Porter County
• Must be accepted to an accredited public or private college, university, or technical school by July 1, 2026
1. Applicants must submit a complete application to be considered.
2. Completed application form must be typed/neatly printed and signed by
applicant.
3. Include applicants official high school transcript.
4. Include a copy of applicants official notification of SAT/ACT score (if available).
5. Include a copy of Student Aid Report from FAFSA or Financial Information pages
within this application.
6. Include a Letter of Recommendation.
Do NOT make the application two-sided.
The complete application packet must be returned by March 14th, 2026 to:
Director of Development
Valparaiso Family YMCA
1201 Cumberland Crossing Drive
-Must submit all required and requested documentation, including essay question response.
-Must be graduating from a Northern Indiana High School in 2026.
-Must meet GPA requirements determined by post-secondary path with a minimum GPA of 3.0 if attending accredited college or university OR a minimum GPA of 2.5 if attending trade or technical school
-Must submit/upload an official high school transcript documenting GPA.
-Must attend an accredited college/university or technical/trade school.
-Must submit/upload a copy of college/university or trade/technical school acceptance letter.
-Must provide a list of all awards, scholarships and grants currently awarded.
-Must provide a list of extracurricular activities, awards, accolades, community service and employment history, if applicable.
-Must submit/upload two, (2) letters of recommendation from a non-family member, including but not limited to a teacher (current or former), guidance counselor, administrator (ex: principal, dean, etc.), community member or other mentor.
-Must submit headshot photo
-If awarded, applicant must submit letter of acceptance to college or trade school
DEADLINE: All applications and necessary documentation must be submitted/uploaded by March 6, 2026. No late submissions will be accepted for consideration.
• Scholarship award recipients will be notified directly by the HHCC no later than March 23, 2026. Recipients must accept or decline no later than March 30, 2026
• The HHCC reserves the right to revoke disbursement for any false information provided and/or unfulfillment of enrollment in post-secondary education.
scholarship is in force; The Porter County Scholarship requires a Porter County membership for at
least 1 year. Please check the county your parent is a member of before applying to county
specific scholarships.
Be a high school senior accepted in an approved/accredited college or university; OR Be a full-
time student attending an approved/accredited college or university. Students are eligible to win
the county scholarship twice.
All application materials must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. EST on March 1, 2026.
For district and state scholarships only: Applicant is NOT eligible if he/she is the child of: an
Indiana Farm Bureau employee, an Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance employee, a member of the
Indiana Farm Bureau State Board of Directors, or a member of the Indiana State Women's
Leadership Committee. A longer membership may be required for these scholarships
At least one letter of recommendation from an educator or community member.
An original essay answering and explaining all requested content (page 3).
A certified transcript or photocopy of certified transcript of the applicant’s high school academic career.
Application and all required attachments must be submitted NO LATER THAN March 10, 2026 to the Chamber Office, 6340 E Main St, Suite A, Portage, IN 46368 or by email to [email protected]
Applicants will be judged on the following basis:
Impact of Essay 60%
Non-classroom Activities 30%
Overall Academic Performance 10%
The scholarship will be awarded when the student has graduated from high school and has been enrolled in a post-secondary institution and/or program.
The scholarship award shall be paid directly to the educational or training institution on behalf of the award winner.
2.The student must have been an active participant in the Portage Township YMCA programs in the past.
3. The student must display the five (5) core YMCA values – honestly, caring, respect, responsibility and faith.
4. The student must currently be an active member, volunteer or program participant at the Portage Township YMCA.
5. The student must demonstrate the abilities of being a strong leader and supporter.
6. The student must exhibit a positive attitude and participate in other community or school activities.
7. The student must demonstrate the ability to appreciate diversity.
8. The student must demonstrate that they have the capacity to succeed academically.
10. The scholarship will be awarded when the student has graduated from high school and has been enrolled in a post secondary institution.
11. Judging shall be on the following basis:
Character/Leadership 30%
Essay/Application 30%
Academic Achievement 40%
THE DECISION OF THE JUDGES SHALL BE FINAL.
Must live in Lake, Newton, Porter, or Jasper County, Indiana.
Must be a current senior at a high school in Lake, Newton, Porter, or Jasper County, Indiana or homeschooled.
Must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 (out of 4.0).
Must have a minimum composite 1200 SAT / 25 ACT or greater (may be super scored).
Must be admitted unconditionally as a full-time undergraduate degree-seeking student to one of the following universities:
Indiana University Bloomington (IU)
Indiana University Northwest (IUN)
Indiana University Indianapolis (IUI)
Purdue University West Lafayette (PU)
Purdue University Northwest (PNW)
Purdue University in Indianapolis (PUI)
Ball State University Muncie (BSU)
February 2026
Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen;
Must be a current high school senior or college student in Indiana;
Must have graduated or will graduate from an Indiana accredited high school or non-accredited non-public high school;
Must be able to utilize the scholarship for at least two full academic years;
Must meet one of the three Academic Requirements:
Rank in the top 20% of high school graduating class; or
Have a top 20% ACT or SAT score; or
Have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale;
Must currently attend or plan to attend an eligible Indiana institution as a full-time student;
In some cases, degree-seeking students may use the scholarship during the summer while enrolled part-time. Refer to the specific guidelines for using the scholarship during summer terms.
Must pursue or intend to pursue a course of study that leads to teaching licensure;
Must obtain a license to teach in Indiana;
Must serve as a full-time teacher at an eligible Indiana school for five years after college graduation;
Must maintain a 3.0/4.0 GPA, complete 30 credit hours per year or their equivalent and meet all other requirements established by their program to renew the scholarship;
Must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year;
Must not be in overpayment or default on a federal student loan or grant; and
Must complete the service requirement or have all funds provided converted to a loan that must be repaid.
**Priority will be given to students graduating high school, although current college freshmen and sophomore students are eligible to apply.
January 2026
Generous Scholarships: This year, the Taco Bell Foundation is awarding an estimated $14.5 million in scholarships to students pursuing their passion through education.
Community of Inspiration: If selected as a recipient, students will join a vibrant community of 3,000+ like-minded young individuals who are confidently pursuing their passions and inspiring others to do the same.
Exclusive Opportunities: Students will gain access to exclusive opportunities, resources, and connections that can help you make a significant impact on the world.
Peoples Bank Scholarship – Two (2) $1000 awards, One (1) $500 award
Schrage Family Enrichment Scholarship – One (1) $2000 award
Crossroads Chamber Scholarship – Three (3) $1000 awards
Arts & Music Scholarships- minimum award of $1000
Norah Salt Scholarship - senior who will be studying the STEM Field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) – $3800 - Boone Grove or Hebron High ONLY
Scott Campion Special Education Teacher – student who wants to become Special Education teacher – one (1) renewable for $4,000 ($16,000 total)
December 2025
Military children must be between the ages of 13 and 18, at the time of nomination.
Child and one adult guardian must be available to travel to the Washington, DC area April 21-24, during the month of the military child, for the Operation Homefront Military Child of the Year Awards Gala award presentation.
Officers, directors, employees, and agents of Operation Homefront and its subsidiaries or affiliated organizations, and their immediate family members (parent, child, sibling, and spouse of each) and those living in the same households of each are not eligible to receive programs, services, grants, or donated goods intended for use by Operation Homefront’s clients.
Previous Operation Homefront Military Child of the Year Award Recipients, including Innovation Award recipients, are no longer eligible.
November 2025
The Elks National Foundation (ENF) awards 500 four-year scholarships based on academics, leadership, and financial need. National awards range from $1,000 per year to $7,500 per year. The national awards will be announced in April 2026. Additionally, the Valpo Elks #500 awards six $500 scholarships–3 male, 3 female–to winners who move on to the district level from our lodge..
Eligibility
Current high school seniors (or equivalent) who are citizens of the United States are eligible to apply.
Applicants do not have to be related to a member of the Elks.
Male and female students compete separately.
Applicants select from a list of the Lodges closest to their home address zip code. Please have your students choose Valparaiso Elks #500, 157 Jefferson St., Valparaiso, IN 46383 as their sponsoring Lodge. Complete details can be found at enf.elks.org/MVS.
October 2025
August 2025
January 2025 Scholarships
GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program
Award
GE-Reagan Foundation Scholars:
- Earn a $10,000 renewable scholarship - up to $40,000 total - for tuition, school fees, books, supplies, and on-campus room and board
- Attend an exclusive, all-expenses-paid Scholars Retreat in California
- Receive support throughout their leadership journeys in college and beyond
Eligibility
Candidates must:
- Demonstrate the attributes of leadership, integrity, drive, and citizenship within their communities, schools, and workplaces
- Display strong academic performance (minimum 3.0 grade point average/4.0 scale or equivalent)
- Be citizens of the United States of America
- Be current high school seniors attending high school within the United States, (including any U.S. territories or commonwealths), and graduating in winter 2024 or spring 2025. Homeschooled applicants and applicants living on a U.S. Armed Forces base and attending high school outside the U.S. are eligible.
- Plan to enroll in a full‑time undergraduate course of study at an accredited four‑year college or university in the United States for the entire 2025-2026 academic school year
Application
Click to apply and for additional information.
Deadline
Applications are due by January 3rd, 2025, 3PM.
Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards
Award
Up to 15 recipients will receive $36,000.
Eligibility
- 13-19 years old
- Self-identified as Jewish
- A resident of the United States
- Volunteering without any compensation
- Currently serving in a leadership role on a project or initiative aimed at repairing the world
Application
Click to apply and for additional information.
Deadline
Applications are due by January 9th, 2025.
Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship
Award
JRF Scholars receive college scholarships of up to $35,000 over four years and are financially sponsored to attend JRF‘s annual, four-day “Mentoring and Leadership Conference“ in New York City and other events throughout the year.
Eligibility
- Be a graduating, minority high school senior;
- Be a United States citizen;
- Present evidence of financial need;
- Demonstrate a record of academic excellence;
- Demonstrate leadership potential and a dedication to community service;
- Plan to attend an accredited and JRF-approved 4-year college/university within the United States or affiliated with a United States-based college or university;
Application
Click to apply and for additional information.
Deadline
Applications are due by January 9th, 2025.
INACAC SCHOLARSHIP
Award
Scholarships will range from $500 to $1,000, and will be awarded to the students' Freshman year (non-renewable). The award will be paid directly to the school and may be applied to assist with tuition, fees, books, or housing and food.
Eligibility
In order to apply, the student must:
- Be a high school senior entering an Indiana College or University.
- Submit a letter of recommendation.
- Complete the essay prompt within the application.
Deadline
Applications are due by January 10, 2025.
Union Plus Scholarship
Award
Amounts range from $500 to $4,000.
Deadline Applications are due by January 31, 2025.
March 2025 Scholarships
April 2025 Scholarships
Knights of Pythias Poster/Visual Arts Contest
Award
Prizes range from $100-$500 at the state level, with an opportunity to earn more at the national level.
Eligibility
Applicants must be enrolled in a high school, parochial school, or home schooled at the high school level in Indiana.
Application
Click for more information about how to apply.
Deadline
Posters are due by April 1, 2025.
Indiana Sheriff’s Association Scholarship
Award
The committee shall recommend the amount and number of scholarships to be awarded annually.
Eligibility
Applicant:
- Must be an Indiana Resident
- Must be committed to pursuing an education and career in a law enforcement field and at Indiana college or university
- Must be a current member of the Indiana Sheriff's Association OR a dependent child or grandchild of a current member of the association (If you do not meet the membership requirement, an application for membership is attached to the application. Complete the application and return it with the scholarship application to meet the requirement)
- Must enroll as a full-time student (12 hours)
Application
Click for application information.
Deadline
Applications are due by April 1, 2025.
Valparaiso Woman’s Association Scholarship
Award
Two $500 scholarships will be awarded.
Eligibility
Must be a senior attending a Porter County high school.
Application
Click for application download.
Deadline
Applications are due by April 14, 2025.
Purdue Early Start Get Ahead Scholarship
Award
Covers Early Start tuition, room and board, allowing students to begin their Purdue journey with academic credits, peer connections, and campus engagement in a supportive environment.
Eligibility
Applicants must be enrolled in a high school, admitted to Purdue, and choose to participate in Early Start. Click for more information about the Early Start program.
Application
Click for application information.
Deadline
Priority Deadline is April 15, 2025.
Partners for Clean Air Scholarship
Award
This year, one or more scholarship(s) of $2,500 will be awarded
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- At the time of application, be a senior at a high school in Lake, Porter, or LaPorte counties, Indiana, and be on track to graduate
- Have at least a 3.0 cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA)
- Be attending an accredited college, university, or trade school in the following school year
- Be pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree or a minimum two (2)-year trade school certification or degree. Any applicant will be considered provided that the applicant demonstrates how their planned field of study supports the goals of Partners for Clean Air
Application
Click for application download. and for more information. Completed applications should be submitted to [email protected]
Deadline
Consideration for this scholarship opportunity will be limited to the first 100 applications received by PCA and/or those received by 5:00 pm CST on April 30, 2025, whichever comes first.
May 2025 Scholarships
June 2025 Scholarships
Schoolhouse Connection Youth Leadership and Scholarship Program
Award
$2,500 scholarship award and monthly stipends of up to $100 throughout college.
Eligibility
- You are currently residing in the United States. Note: undocumented applicants are eligible.
- You were born on or after June 2, 2005
- You will be starting college (four year, community college, or trade school) for the first time in the 2026-2027 academic year (not including dual-enrollment courses). This applies to high school juniors, high school seniors planning to take a gap year, or students receiving a GED and planning to begin college for the first time in the 2026-2027 academic year.
- You experienced homelessness in the last six years
Application
Click Application link to apply and for more information.
Deadline
Applications are due by 11:59 PM PST on June 2, 2025.July 2025 Scholarships