Scholarship Opportunities
PHS Scholarship Resources
Keep these resources handy throughout senior year. Both documents include important information to help students stay organized, meet deadlines, and continue searching for scholarship opportunities.
2026–2027 PHS Scholarship Guide
View the complete PHS Scholarship Guide for current scholarship opportunities, eligibility information, award amounts, deadlines, and live application links.
View Scholarship GuidePHS Senior Scoop – Fall 2026
View the Senior Scoop for important Class of 2027 dates, TN Promise information, FAFSA reminders, and a senior-year checklist to help you stay on track.
View Senior ScoopKeep Checking Back: Scholarship opportunities are added throughout the school year. Check this page, your PHS email, and school announcements regularly for new opportunities and updated deadlines.
2026–2027 Scholarship Opportunities
Browse current scholarship opportunities by deadline. Eligibility, award amounts, and deadlines may change, so always verify final requirements with the scholarship provider before applying.
October Deadlines
| Scholarship | Grade | Eligibility / Details | Amount | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aspire Award | 12 | Need-based supplement to the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship. Student must meet HOPE requirements and the applicable adjusted gross income limit. Students may receive Aspire or GAMS, but not both. | Up to $750/semester at 4-year institutions; $250/semester at 2-year institutions | 10/1 |
| FAFSA | 12 | The 2027–28 FAFSA is scheduled to launch by Oct. 1, 2026. Complete the FAFSA for federal aid and Tennessee HOPE/TELS consideration. | Variable | 10/1 |
| General Assembly Merit Scholarship (GAMS) | 12 | Supplement to the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship. Requires at least a 3.75 weighted high school GPA and 29 ACT or qualifying SAT, plus HOPE eligibility. | $500/semester | 10/1 |
| Hope Foster Child Tuition Grant | 12 | For eligible Tennessee students with qualifying foster-care status who also meet HOPE academic requirements. Award is based on tuition and mandatory fees less gift aid; additional rules apply. | Variable | 10/1 |
| Hope Scholarship | 12 | Tennessee resident meeting HOPE requirements; generally 3.0 high school GPA OR 21 ACT or qualifying SAT. Complete the FAFSA to apply. | Up to $2,250/semester for freshmen/sophomores at 4-year institutions and eligible 2-year institutions with housing; other award levels vary | 10/1 |
| QuestBridge College Match | 12 | High-achieving high school seniors from low-income backgrounds. QuestBridge notes a typical household profile under $65,000 for a family of four with minimal assets; 55 college partners. | Full four-year scholarship valued at $360,000+ | 10/1 |
| YoungArts Award | 9–12 | Young artists who meet 2027 YoungArts eligibility; generally grades 10–12 and/or ages 15–18 as of Dec. 1, 2026, with required U.S. work/tax eligibility. Discipline-specific portfolio or audition required. | Cash awards and possible scholarship opportunities | 10/6 |
| AES Engineering | 12 | High school seniors and postsecondary students. Engineering major is not required. Submit a 500–1,000 word essay; selection is based on character as reflected in the essay. | $500 | 10/8 |
| ETSU Roan Scholars | 12 | Graduating senior in Tennessee or a bordering eligible state; competitive ETSU applicant; U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen; ACT or SAT required. Emphasis on character, intellectual curiosity, leadership, impact, and growth. | Four years of tuition and fees, room and board, and books/supplies | 10/15 |
| Stephen J. Brady STOP Hunger | 9–12 | Ages 5–25 who demonstrate creativity, leadership, and measurable impact fighting hunger in their communities. | $10,000 scholarship + $5,000 grant to hunger-relief charity | 10/20 |
| Voice of Democracy Competition | 9–12 | Submit an original 3–5 minute audio essay on the 2026–27 theme, “What a Veteran Taught Me About America,” plus typed essay and entry form through a participating VFW Post. | National awards; top scholarship $35,000 | 10/31 |
| Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship | 9–12 | Legal U.S. resident age 14+ who meets Unigo enrollment requirements; short creative response required. | $2,000 | 10/31 |
November Deadlines
| Scholarship | Grade | Eligibility / Details | Amount | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belmont University | 12 | Fall 2027 first-year applicants: Nov. 1 is the Early Action I application deadline and Top Merit Scholarship deadline. Dec. 1 is the Early Action II, departmental scholarship, and Belmont FAFSA priority date. | Variable | 11/1 |
| Buy-Rites Annual Beauty School Scholarship | 12 | Open to U.S. residents who have applied to or are enrolled as full-time beautician/cosmetology students. Applicants describe a meaningful achievement and how it relates to their future as a hairstylist. | $1,000 | 11/1 |
| Hispanic Heritage Foundation Youth Awards | 12 | High school seniors graduating Spring 2027; minimum unweighted 3.0 GPA; must enroll in an accredited higher-education institution in 2027–28. | $1,000 | 11/1 |
| UT Knoxville Scholarships & Honors Programs | 12 | For freshman competitive scholarship consideration, submit the UT admissions application by the Nov. 1 early action deadline and complete the Self-Reported Academic Record by Nov. 15. | Variable | 11/1 |
| TN Promise | 12 | Class of 2027 Tennessee seniors must complete the TN Promise application by Nov. 2, 2026. Additional requirements include FAFSA, mentoring or meetings as applicable, and community service. | Last-dollar tuition and mandatory fees at eligible institutions | 11/2 |
| Regeneron Science Awards | 12 | High school seniors submitting an eligible individual research project to the 2027 Regeneron Science Talent Search. Application and recommendations are due Nov. 5, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET. | 300 Scholars receive $2,000; 40 finalists receive at least $25,000; top awards are higher | 11/5 |
| Elks Most Valuable Student | 12 | Current high school seniors who are U.S. citizens and plan to enroll full-time in a four-year U.S. undergraduate degree program. Judged on scholarship, leadership, and financial need. | 500 awards: $4,000–$30,000 over 4 years | 11/12 |
| 10 Words or Less | 17–25 | Age 17–25 and attending a U.S. or Canadian college/university in Fall 2027. Submit a response of 10 words or less and follow the sponsor's application instructions. | $1,000 and $500 awards | 11/15 |
| Education Matters | — | Legal U.S. resident; short response of 250 words or less explaining the value of education. No minimum GPA listed. | $5,000 | 11/30 |
| Overcoming the Impossible | 12 | High school seniors and students in accredited vocational, college, or graduate programs; minimum 3.0 GPA. Essay, résumé, and transcript requirements apply. | $1,000 | 11/30 |
| Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant | — | Tennessee resident enrolled in an eligible TCAT certificate or diploma program. Apply by completing the FAFSA. Term deadlines vary. | $2,000/year | 11/1 Fall |
December Deadlines
| Scholarship | Grade | Eligibility / Details | Amount | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Americanism Essay Contest | 7–12 | Grades 7–12, including homeschool students. Submit a 350-word essay through an FRA member or local FRA branch on the annual Americanism/patriotism theme. | $500–$1,500 national awards | 12/1 |
| MTSU & MTSU Honors College | 12 | Fall 2027 freshman guaranteed scholarships begin at 3.5 GPA and 22 ACT. Admission file and qualifying materials must be complete by Dec. 1, 2026. | $3,500–$8,000/year | 12/1 |
| MTSU Buchanan Fellowship | 12 | Apply for MTSU admission and submit the Buchanan application by Dec. 1; minimum 3.5 GPA and 30 ACT or SAT equivalent. | Full tuition (competitive) | 12/1 |
| Military Child of the Year Award | Age 13–18 | Military-connected youth ages 13–18. Awards recognize scholarship, volunteerism, leadership, extracurricular involvement, and resilience in military family life. | $10,000+ | 12/1 |
| Mississippi State University | 12 | Scholarship criteria vary. Students should review MSU's scholarship portal for awards matching their profile. The competitive Maroon and White Scholarship requires qualifying materials by Dec. 1, 2026. | Variable | 12/1 |
| UT Chattanooga Various Scholarships | 12 | Fall 2027 first-time freshmen should complete the UTC admissions file with qualifying GPA/test scores by Dec. 1, 2026. The institutional scholarship application is due Feb. 1, 2027. | Variable | 12/1 priority |
| U.S. Rice Producers of America: Ray Stoesser Memorial Scholarship | 12 | High school senior or current college student living in the U.S. and interested in an agriculture-related career. Selected recipient serves as a USRPA student ambassador. | $5,000 | 12/4 |
| University of Alabama | 12 | Summer/Fall 2027 first-time freshmen should submit the admission application and supporting documents by the Dec. 4, 2026 priority deadline. | Variable | 12/4 |
| TN Concrete Association Essay Contest | 10–12 | Tennessee high school students ages 16–18 at the beginning of the school term. Submit a typed, double-spaced essay of up to 600 words. | $750 / $500 / $250 | 12/11 |
| Burger King Scholars | 12 | The 2027–28 application cycle opens Oct. 15, 2026 and closes when 30,000 applications are received or Dec. 15, 2026, whichever comes first. | $1,000–$60,000 | 12/15 |
| North American Van Lines Logistics Scholarship Competition | — | U.S. citizen or permanent resident enrolling full-time in an accredited U.S. college/university for an undergraduate degree in logistics, supply chain management, or equivalent field; minimum 2.5 GPA. | 3 awards of $1,000 | 12/15 |
| Rubincam Youth Writing Competition | 9–12 | Genealogy writing competition for youth. Senior division includes students in grades 9–12; follow current NGS submission requirements. | $500 cash prize | 12/15 |
| Tennessee Tech University | 12 | For 2027–28 scholarships, apply for admission and complete the Tennessee Tech scholarship application by Dec. 15, 2026. Supporting materials are due Jan. 15, 2027. | Variable | 12/15 |
| UT Promise Scholarship | 12 | High school seniors graduating in 2026–27 and enrolling at a UT campus in Fall 2027 must complete the UT Promise application and apply for admission by Dec. 15, 2026. FAFSA and service/mentoring requirements follow. | Last dollar for mandatory tuition and fees after financial aid | 12/15 |
| Doodle for Google | K–12 | Annual U.S. K–12 art contest. Follow the current Doodle for Google site for the active theme, entry form, and official rules. | National winner scholarship and finalist awards | 12/17 |
| BBB Students of Integrity Scholarship | 12 | High school senior graduating in 2027 in the BBB Middle Tennessee & Southern Kentucky service area; minimum 3.0 GPA. Leadership, community service, integrity, academics, and essay are considered. | 15 awards of $1,000 | 12/19 |
| Top Ten List | 14+ | Legal U.S. resident age 14+ who meets Unigo enrollment requirements. Submit a response of 250 words or less. | $1,500 | 12/31 |
| Unigo $10K | 14+ | Legal U.S. resident age 14+; free Unigo registration and a short response to the current prompt are required. | $10,000 | 12/31 |
| Western Kentucky University Academic Merit & TOPDollar Scholarship | 12 | Fall 2027 incoming freshmen should be fully admitted by Dec. 31, 2026 for full scholarship consideration. TOPDollar uses one general scholarship application. | Variable | 12/31 |
January & Later Deadlines
| Scholarship | Grade | Eligibility / Details | Amount | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Pledge Scholarship | 12 | UT Knoxville Tri-Star scholarship for eligible Tennessee residents. Current UT information describes Tennessee Pledge for admitted freshmen with family income of $40,000 or less; FAFSA and other eligibility requirements apply. | Last-dollar support toward tuition, mandatory fees, and average housing/food costs | 1/5/27 |
| UT Knoxville Regular Admission Deadline | 12 | For Summer/Fall 2027 first-year admission, UT Knoxville's Regular Decision submission deadline is Jan. 5, 2027; materials are due Jan. 20. | — | 1/5/27 |
| UT Knoxville Volunteer Scholarship | 12 | In-state first-year students with strong GPA/test scores. Current published award table begins at 28 ACT / 1300 SAT. | $3,000–$9,000/year | 1/5/27 |
| AIAA Roger W. Kahn Scholarship | 12 | Current high school senior intending to pursue aerospace or a related major; minimum 3.5 GPA; demonstrated aerospace interest; free AIAA High School Membership required. | Up to 4 awards of $10,000 | 1/7/27 |
| Farm Credit Mid-America Customer Agricultural Scholarship | 12 | Child or grandchild of a Farm Credit Mid-America customer pursuing an agriculture or rural-community- related career. | $1,500 | 1/15/27 |
| Scarlett Family Foundation STEM & Business College Scholarship | 12 | Middle Tennessee applicants pursuing eligible Business, Education, or STEM programs must meet current income, GPA, ACT, residency, and enrollment requirements. | $2,500–$15,000 | 3/15/27 |
Deadline To Be Determined
| Scholarship | Grade | Eligibility / Details | Amount | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship | 12 | 2.3 GPA with financial gap to fill, plans to pursue computer science or engineering, experience trying hardware engineering, and eligible to work in the U.S. for at least two years. | 400 awards up to $40,000 plus Amazon internship opportunities | TBD |
| Athena Scholarships | 12 | Female senior must reside in Davidson, Wilson, Williamson, Robertson, Sumner, Cheatham, Dickson, or Rutherford County with a 3.0 GPA. | Variable | TBD |
| Elks Emergency Educational Grants | — | Provides financial assistance to children of deceased or totally disabled Elks who wish to obtain or further their college education. Other details apply. | Up to $5,000 | TBD |
| Sons of the American Revolution: Knight Essay Contest | 9–12 | U.S. citizens or legal resident aliens in grades 9–12 may submit an original 800–1,200 word essay based on an event or person associated with the American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, or U.S. Constitution. | $100–$5,000 + travel | TBD |
Important: This list is intended as a starting point. Scholarship requirements, deadlines, and award amounts may change. Use the PHS Scholarship Guide above to access the live scholarship links and always verify current information with the scholarship provider before applying.
FAFSA & Tennessee Financial Aid
Scholarships are only one part of paying for college or technical training. Students should also explore federal and Tennessee financial aid programs that may help reduce the cost of continuing their education after high school.
Complete the 2027–2028 FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to determine eligibility for federal financial aid and is also important for many Tennessee financial aid programs, including HOPE/TELS consideration. Students should complete the FAFSA as soon as the 2027–2028 form becomes available.
Visit StudentAid.govTennessee HOPE Scholarship
Tennessee residents who meet HOPE eligibility requirements may qualify for state scholarship assistance. The PHS Scholarship Guide notes that students generally qualify with a 3.0 high school GPA or a 21 ACT, or qualifying SAT score. Students must complete the FAFSA to apply.
Aspire Award & GAMS
The Aspire Award and General Assembly Merit Scholarship (GAMS) are supplements to the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship. Aspire is need-based, while GAMS includes higher academic requirements. Students may receive Aspire or GAMS, but not both.
TN Promise
TN Promise provides last-dollar tuition and mandatory fee assistance at eligible Tennessee institutions. Class of 2027 students must complete the TN Promise application by November 2, 2026 and complete all additional program requirements, including FAFSA, meetings or mentoring as applicable, and community service.
Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant
This grant is available to eligible Tennessee residents enrolled in qualifying Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) certificate or diploma programs. Students apply by completing the FAFSA. Term deadlines may vary.
UT Promise
UT Promise is a last-dollar scholarship for eligible students attending participating University of Tennessee campuses. Students must complete the UT Promise application, apply for admission, complete the FAFSA, and meet applicable mentoring and service requirements.
College for TN
College for TN provides information about Tennessee grants, scholarships, and financial aid programs. Students can use the site to learn more about HOPE, Aspire, GAMS, TN Promise, and other state opportunities.
Remember: Financial aid requirements and deadlines can vary by program and institution. Complete required applications early and verify all current eligibility requirements before submitting.
Senior Scholarship Checklist
Use this checklist to stay organized as you work through applications, financial aid, and scholarship deadlines during your senior year.
Stay on Track
- Apply to colleges, TCATs, military programs, or workforce opportunities that match your plans after graduation.
- Check November and December priority admission and scholarship deadlines carefully.
- Request transcripts and recommendation letters early so you have time to meet application deadlines.
- Create or check your StudentAid.gov account before completing the FAFSA.
- Check your PHS email and school announcements regularly for scholarship and senior-year updates.
- Keep applying for scholarships throughout the year. Scholarship season does not end after one application.
Senior Year Moves Fast
Use a calendar to track important dates and deadlines. Save confirmation emails and keep copies or screenshots whenever you submit applications or required documents.
The PHS Senior Scoop includes important senior dates, TN Promise reminders, FAFSA information, and other Class of 2027 information.
View the PHS Senior ScoopImportant Senior Deadlines
Senior year moves quickly. Keep these important dates and financial aid reminders on your calendar as you prepare for college, technical school, military service, or the workforce.
November 2, 2026
TN Promise Application Deadline
Class of 2027 Tennessee seniors must submit the TN Promise application by November 2. Additional program requirements, including FAFSA completion, meetings, mentoring, and community service requirements, may also apply.
December 3, 2026 • 10:30 AM
Mandatory TN Promise Meeting
PHS students participating in TN Promise should plan to attend the mandatory TN Promise meeting at Portland High School.
2027–2028 FAFSA
Complete the FAFSA
The FAFSA is the gateway to federal financial aid, Tennessee financial aid programs, and many college-based opportunities. Students should complete the FAFSA as soon as the 2027–2028 form becomes available.
Fall 2026
Watch Priority Deadlines
Many colleges and scholarship programs have priority deadlines during November and December. Check admission and scholarship requirements early so you have time to request transcripts, recommendation letters, and other required materials.
Stay on top of your applications: Check your PHS email and school announcements regularly, save confirmation emails, and keep copies of submitted applications and supporting documents.