Scholarships 2025-2026
Welcome to the Scholarships page of Portage High School!
Here students can find a variety of local, state, and national scholarships to help offset the cost of college. Scholarships for the 2025-2026 school year are currently being added to this page. To your right is a list of Scholarship Search Engines. The scholarships below are organized by deadline date. Please read through each scholarship carefully to learn about the application process and requirements. Contact your school counselor with any questions.
March 2026
Jim and Betty Dye Scholarship Program
Award
$2,000 per semester toward tuition for a maximum of eight (8) consecutive full-time undergraduate fall and spring semesters ($16,000 total). Of the awarded scholarships, up to ten (10) will be selected to receive a scholarship in the amount of $5,500 per semester toward tuition for a maximum of eight (8) consecutive full-time undergraduate fall and spring semesters ($44,000 total). Universities may adjust the amount of a Jim and Betty Dye Scholarship based upon other received scholarships, awards, or grants.
Eligibility
Must be a U.S. Citizen.
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 superscored).
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)
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 superscored).
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)
Application
Available from January 1, 2026-March 1, 2026
See this Application Link to apply and for additional information
Deadline
Applications are due March 1st, 2026
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC Gary Alumnae Chapter 2026 Scholarship
Award: $1000 for 1 Graduating Male Senior; $2500 for 2 graduating Female Seniors
Eligibility:
Current senior attending a public or private high school within the service areas of the Gary Alumnae Chapter (Gary, Lake, LaPorte and Porter County)
GPA of 2.75 and above
Verification of enrollment at an accredited college or university for the fall of 2026-2027 school year required.
Application:
See THIS FLYER for specific QR codes
Deadline:
Applications are due March 1st, 2026
CEP Student Scholarship
Award: 5, $1,000 scholarships awarded
Eligibility:
Students must have earned at least 3 Purdue University Northwest credits (one CEP class) upon applying, must be enrolled as a full time student at PNW, starting in the Fall of 2026.
Application: Click HERE to apply.
Deadline:
March 1st 2026
Advance Financial Credit Union 2026 Scholarship Program
Award:
$3,000 scholarship awarded in April of 2026 for one student to an accredited college or university.
Eligibility:
-Applicants must be an AFFCU member or immediate family of an AFFCU member in good standing. Becoming a member is easy to do. Interested students will need a parent/guardian to open the account and accounts can be opened at the Schererville or East Chicago location.
-Must be a Lake or Porter County high school graduating senior whose goal is to attend a 2-year or 4-year accredited university or college.
-Have a GPA of 2.50 or higher
-Be enrolled as a full time student (12 or more credit hours)
-Submit a one page essay and other documentation outlined in the application.
Application:
Applications will be available January 2nd, 2026 and can be picked up in person at either AFFCU branch or online. HERE is the link to the online application. Completed applications are due by March 31st 2026.
Deadline:
March 31st 2026
February 2026
Elks Legacy Awards
Award
The Legacy Awards contest opens on September 1, 2025. Legacy Awards provide $4,000 scholarships for children and grandchildren of dues-paying Elk members. The ENF offers a total of 350 national awards.
Eligibility
Children and grandchildren of dues-paying Elks members.
Application
Please visit enf.elks.org/Leg for more details and the application link.
Deadline
February 2, 2026
Horatio Alger Association Various Scholarships
Award: Varies by State and University, find out more HERE
Eligibility: Varies by Scholarship
Application: Click HERE to apply
Deadline: For seniors- February 15th 2026
For Juniors: March 1st, 2026
January 2026
Legacy Foundation's Universal Scholarship
Award:
Varies by Scholarship- With one online application, students can apply to all scholarships for which they meet the eligibility requirements. The Legacy Universal Scholarship application asks specifics questions regarding the eligibility for each of our scholarships. The system will automatically determine which scholarships they qualify for. You can view our Scholarship Booklet HERE which details eligibly requirements for each scholarship.
ANY MAJOR and ANY COLLEGE!
The John W. Anderson Foundation Scholarship - One (1) scholarship to a Porter County senior for $10,000 a year ($40,000 total)
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
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
Major - Specific Scholarships
Dream Catcher Scholarship - senior who will be studying the STEM Field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) – $3000 renewable ($12,000 total)
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)
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)
Eligibility:
Varies by scholarship.
Application: Apply HERE
Deadline:
January 15th 2026
Tri Kappa State Level Scholarships
Award
Multiple scholarships available with varying awards
Eligibility:
Varies by scholarship
Application: Apply Here
Deadline
January 31st 2026
Grand Lodge Knights of Pythias of Indiana Scholarship
Award:
$1,000 to 35 2026 graduates that are awarded.
Eligibility:
At least a 3.0 GPA and completed application. Learn more about the Knights of Pythias of Indiana HERE.
Application: Apply HERE
Deadline:
January 31st 2026
December 2025
Operation Homefront: Military Child of the Year®
Award
The annual awards recognize outstanding young people ages 13 to 18. Recipients will represent a branch of the armed forces — the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Space Force — for their scholarship, volunteerism, leadership, extracurricular involvement, and other criteria while facing the challenges of military family life.
All Operation Homefront Military Child of the Year Award recipients will be flown with a parent or guardian to Washington, D.C., and recognized at the April 2026 gala, during which senior leaders of each branch of service will present the awards. They also will receive $10,000 each, a laptop computer, and other donated gifts. The gala is usually held in April, the month of the military child, as a way to recognize the support and appreciation we provide to military families.
Eligibility
Child must be a legal military dependent. Status confirmed by DEERS enrollment form.
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.
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.
Application
Nomination FormDeadline
December 2nd 2025
November 2025
Sallie Mae NO ESSAY Contest!
Award
$2,000 monthly sweepstakes
Eligibility
A student who is currently enrolled as a high school junior or senior who intends to enroll in an accredited college or university located with the United States, within a year of graduating high school ("Entrant").
*Void outside the U.S. and the US Territories and wherever prohibited by law. Employees of SLM Education Services, LLC (the “Sponsor”) and its parents, members, agencies, affiliates, and subsidiaries, and their immediate family members (spouse, parents, children and siblings, and their respective spouses) and persons living in the household of each are not eligible to participate.
Application: HERE
Deadline
November 30th 2025
Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Contest
Award
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
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
MVS scholarships are for high school seniors who plan to pursue a four-year degree on a full-time basis (minimum of 12 semester hours), at a U.S. college or university starting in 2026-27. Some important applicant details include:
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.
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.
Application
The 2026 MVS application is now open. Applications can be found online at https://www.elks.org/scholars/scholarships/MVS.cfm.
Deadline- November 12th 2025
Holy Cross College at Notre Dame- Cabrini Scholars Elementary Education Scholarship
Award
Admitted Holy Cross freshman that are selected for this award and commit to completing their major in Elementary Education can receive FULL TUITION for 4 years.
Eligibility
Admitted Holy Cross freshman that commit to completing their major in Elementary Education
Application
Find out more HERE
Deadline
November 1st 2025.
Eureka College- Ronald W. Reagan Leadership Program Scholarship
Award
All students named as Reagan Fellows are awarded a four-year tuition scholarship. This equates to a scholarship totaling over $115,000.
Eligibility
Students are eligible to apply for the Reagan Leadership Program if they are a current high school senior planning to graduate in spring 2026.Students are eligible to apply for the Reagan Leadership Program if they have earned at least a 3.30 cumulative high school GPA (weighted) at the time of application. Students are eligible to apply for the Reagan Leadership Program if they are planning on completing a four-year college degree. Students are eligible to apply for the Reagan Leadership Program if they are planning on enrolling in university beginning with the Fall 2026 semester.
Application
Click HERE for more information
Deadline
November 1st, 2025
Lilly Scholars at Purdue
Award: Full tuition for participating Lilly Scholars Program students
Eligibility:
-Students must have completed their application to Purdue by November 1st 2025. This scholarship application is only for the Lilly Scholars at Purdue program. The benefit includes a full tuition scholarship for up to 8 semesters at Purdue University. Interested students must still apply for admission to Purdue University through the Common Application. The Lilly Scholars at Purdue program aims to support students who are from under-resourced urban and rural communities, who have overcome socioeconomic or educational disadvantages, or who are among the first generation in their family to attend college. Those with a shared commitment to reducing barriers to education are also encouraged to apply. The Lilly Scholars at Purdue program strives to support students who are interested in pursuing a career in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry with an emphasis on developing careers associated with engineering, science and technology, research, development, creation, and manufacturing of medications.
For questions about this scholarship, please email [email protected].
The scholarship requirements for the Lilly Scholars at Purdue program include enrolling in specific courses and curriculum focused on the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry and engaging in specific programming events. Any student awarded this scholarship must uphold these participation and academic requirements to have their scholarship renewed. Find a full description of the requirements and the list of majors eligible for the program at www.purdueforlife.org/lilly-scholars.
Application:
Click HERE to apply
Deadline: November 1st, 2025
October 2025
The Indiana University Bloomington Wells Scholars Program
Award
One of the most competitive and prestigious awards offered by any American University, the IUB Wells Scholars Program guarantees the full cost of attendance for a period of eight semesters of undergraduate study at Indiana University Bloomington. Portage High School will be allotted 2 counselor nominated students that meet the criteria below. Students that are not nominated by their school are still able to fill out a Self-Nomination form.
Eligibility
In addition to a pattern of serious commitment to one or more activities outside of class, past successful nominees generally place in the top 5% by class rank, have a GPA of at least 3.9 out of 4.0, and (optionally) a 1430+ SAT score and/or 32+ ACT score. The Wells Scholars Program does follow IU Admissions’ policy of test-optional application, and your completed file will be considered whether or not you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores to us. However, unlike the Office of Admissions, the Wells Scholars Program cannot accept changes after the November 1 deadline.
Students who apply by early-binding decision to other institutions are not eligible for the Wells Scholars Program. Early-action or other non-binding applications to other institutions do not affect WSP eligibility.
Application
Deadline- Google form due to counselors by October 24th 2025
Final November 1st 2025
The William Henry Harrison DAR Good Citizen Award
Award
Once a student is chosen as their school's DAR Good Citizen the student is invited to participate in the scholarship portion of the program. This consists of a personal statement and an essay. Student participation in the scholarship portion of the program is optional.
Scholarships are awarded to essay winners at the chapter, state, division and national levels!
Eligibility
The DAR Chapter honors an outstanding young person in the senior class that demonstrates the qualities of a good citizen.
Application
Please fill out this FORM by October 22nd 2025 so that we may select our student and submit it by the deadline of November 1st, 2025.
To nominate yourself, please see THIS attachment
Deadline
October 22nd, 2025
Louie's Tux Shop Model Search 2026
Award
Select individuals will be invited to participate in a prom photo shoot sponsored by Louie’s Tux Shop. One male and one female will be selected as the “Top Model” and each will win a $1,000 scholarship from Louie’s Tux Shop. Winners will be selected before January 31, 2026.
Eligibility
Entrants must be 15 years of age and must be enrolled in high school at the time of the photo shoot. Participating students must live in Indiana or a county that directly borders Indiana. Students must be able to attend the photo shoot in South Bend, Indiana. Students must complete and sign a standard release document and parental consent form prior to the shoot. Students are responsible for their own travel, meals & lodging if needed. Girls must provide their own dress for the shoot and all dresses must be have prior approval the week before the shoot.
Application
Click HERE for more information
Deadline
October 12, 2025
August 2025
Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship-
Deadline August 27th 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
May scholarships will be available soon.
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
July scholarships will be available later.