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National Scholarship Month is observed throughout November, championing the pursuit of debt-free higher education. This initiative, led by the National Scholarship Providers Association, empowers students to actively seek and secure financial aid they won’t have to repay. Make a plan, research opportunities, and apply diligently to unlock your academic future.
Want to sponsor National Scholarship Month? Learn how
Expected National Scholarship Month Deals
Throughout National Scholarship Month, organizations and educational institutions focus on providing invaluable resources rather than commercial deals. Look for free workshops on essay writing, FAFSA completion, and scholarship search strategies from local colleges, high schools, and non-profits like the National Scholarship Providers Association. Many scholarship platforms, such as Scholaroo, offer enhanced access to their databases and expert advice during November. Financial aid offices often host open houses or virtual Q&A sessions. Additionally, some corporations may announce new scholarship programs or increase funding for existing ones. We will update this page with confirmed live resources and program announcements as November approaches.
Platform Guide for National Scholarship Month
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #NationalScholarshipMonth. Share tips for applying or highlight success stories.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalScholarshipMonth. Engage with community groups on scholarship opportunities and advice.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalScholarshipMonth. Share quick facts, application deadlines, and links to valuable resources.
National Scholarship Month Hero
Maria Hinojosa
National Scholarship Month timeline
After World War II, the JACL begins as a way to support the Japanese-American community — featuring the National Scholarship and Awards Program.
Irving Fradkin, a Massachusetts optometrist, creates the organization — now in its seventh decade. As of July 2019, the group had over 60 scholarships listed on their website.
Scholarship America establishes the observance in order to help kids make it through college. The inaugural event features speeches from Gen. Colin Powell and Sen. Ted Kennedy.
The National Scholarship Providers Association (NSPA) selects November as National Scholarship Month. Fastweb, the nation's recognized leader in helping students pay for college, challenges students to apply for 10 scholarships during the month.
Scholaroo, a scholarships search engine, launches its new site to make finding scholarships easier for students.
National Scholarship Month - Survey Results
National Scholarship Month FAQs
When is National Scholarship Month?
National Scholarship Month runs throughout November 2026, encouraging students to focus on securing funds for their higher education. It’s a prime time to explore various scholarship opportunities.
How much scholarship money is available?
Each year, billions of dollars in scholarship money are available from various sources, including private organizations, colleges, and the government. In 2026, students should actively seek out these funds to minimize college debt.
How many students apply for scholarships?
Millions of students apply for scholarships each year, making the competition significant but not insurmountable. In 2026, tailoring applications and meeting specific criteria will be key to standing out.
What is the difference between a scholarship and a grant?
Scholarships are typically merit-based, awarded for academic achievement, talent, or specific criteria, while grants are usually need-based, determined by a student’s financial situation. Both are forms of ‘gift aid’ that don’t need to be repaid, making them highly desirable for 2026 applicants.
How to Observe National Scholarship Month
Learn the secrets
Call him "book smart"! Author-turned-CEO Ben Kaplan won two dozen different scholarships. That — combined with a year's worth of AP credits — led to a "free ride" at Harvard. His book, “How to Go to College Almost for Free,” guides students through the intricacies of finding free scholarship money. According to Kaplan, you can succeed no matter where you come from, your household income, or even your GPA. Now a successful entrepreneur, Kaplan believes the difference between scholarship winners and losers comes down to creativity and persistence.
Take an inventory of your interests
Approach your scholarship search as a treasure hunt. There's one for almost every passion. For example, an interest in the food and retail industries could qualify you for $8,000 courtesy of the National Growers Association. If you need help finding scholarships, Scholaroo has you covered with it's extensive list of scholarships.
Contact your college (or high school) guidance office
Don't work hard — work smart! Save yourself time and energy by visiting, calling, or emailing your local high school or college guidance office. The counselors keep a running tab of information on the latest scholarships so they can work with you on exactly what's available, their timelines, and qualifications.
5 Unusual Scholarships That Might Just Pay For College
Scary — but true
The Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship offers $2,000 for the best answer to this question: "Imagine that your high school or college has been overrun with zombies. Your math professor, the cafeteria ladies, and even your best friend have all joined the walking dead. Flesh out a plan to avoid the zombies, including where you’d hide and the top five things you’d bring to stay alive." (250 words or less.) Nothing quite like a cafeteria lady zombie.
Tape, tape, and more tape
If you're extremely creative, why not enter the Stuck at Prom scholarship. All you have to do is create a prom outfit – using only duct tape!
Twice the money
Teachers and students are used to seeing double at Kansas' Sterling College thanks to its Twin Scholarship program that splits a scholarship between twins. (No word on quintuplets.)
Short and sweet
The Little People of America Association (LPA) looks out for its own with scholarships ranging from $250 – $1,000 for members 4'10" or shorter.
A visionary scholarship
The National Federation of the Blind provides over $120,000 each year to legally blind students in all 50 states. Applications are available on Nov. 1.
Why National Scholarship Month is Important
It's free money
National Scholarship Month shines a light on how to snag free money for college. You'll be surprised to discover there are scholarships to fit any personality type or occupation. For example, do you envision yourself as a future YouTube star? Test your talents and apply for a Video Contest Scholarship.
Play to your strengths
Do you prefer merit-based scholarships or have you pinned your hopes on winning a lottery scholarship? It takes perseverence and skill to match your interests with the scholarship of your choice. If you vigorously participate in extra-curricular activities, but your academic score doesn't quite make the grade, a lottery scholarship can level the playing field. Remember, don't give up — you can still be a contender even if your grades need work.
Visit Scholaroo - a scholarship search engine
In the past, students searching for scholarships spent hours digging through library "card catalogs." (Remember those? No? Ask your parents!) One of the best all-around scholarship search sites is Scholaroo, it's made finding a scholarship that suits you so much easier.
National Scholarship Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | November 1 | Sunday |
| 2027 | November 1 | Monday |
| 2028 | November 1 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | November 1 | Thursday |
| 2030 | November 1 | Friday |
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