Scholarship Blog

Welcome to the new PGA scholarship blog!  In an effort to reach more students and their families, many scholarships that come across our desk can now be located on this site.  Click on the individual links below to access scholarship applications. As always, please continue to visit the HS Counseling office regularly to check on available scholarship opportunities.

• PHEAA Scholarship Tips - posted 9/25/24
  

Society of Women Engineers - Lehigh Valley Professional Section - posted 11/4

Female Seniors: Want To Be An Engineer?

The Lehigh Valley Professional Section of Society of Women Engineers grants scholarships to graduating high school seniors who identify as female and will be entering an accredited engineering program.  Evaluation is based on academic achievement, extracurricular and leadership activities, an evaluation form and an original essay.  A one-time award of up to $4,000 will be granted to each of the successful applicants.

CLICK HERE for more information and/or to apply!

Deadline:  February 1, 2026 by 5:00pm

William & Debrah Pettigrew Scholarship -posted 10/31

Bill Pettigrew will provide a donation of $10,000 to be utilized for an annual $1,000 scholarship for a graduating high school student who wishes to attend college to become a teacher. Both Bill and his late wife Debrah, worked over 50 years in public education. Debrah was a speech and language instructor, and Bill was a long-time superintendent of schools and an original, and founding father  member of the PARSS board

The criteria for submissions are as follows:

• Student must have a cumulative high school 2.5 GPA or better
• Submission of a merit essay describing academic and  professional goals including why those goals were chosen and what has been done thus far to prepare for postsecondary education (300-900 words; 2-4 pages)
• Express a clear intent to pursue a career in teaching.
• Student must be accepted for enrollment to a four-year institution for teacher preparation

The chosen essay will be presented to the individual with a check and certificate during the Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools Conference at the Wyndham Hotel in Boalsburg, Pa., April 30, 2026
Submit essay and information to: Dr. Edward Albert ealbert@parss.org 

CLICK HERE for the Application!

Deadline: February 1, 2026

The Cirkled In Scholarship - posted 2/3

-Grades 9-12 grade can apply!
-No income or GPA requirements and no long essay!
-$2,500 award - you can use it immediately after receiving it
-Use for any educational need

How to Apply: Create a free account on www.cirkledin.com by clicking Apply > Sign Up / Login

CLICK HERE to view the flyer and website information.

Deadline: December 31, 2025 (notification by February 15th)

Coolidge Scholarship (Attention Juniors!!!) - posted 10/22

The Coolidge Scholarship is a full-ride, 4-year, merit scholarship. Applicants must intend to enroll full-time at an accredited U.S. college or university.  Any high school junior who plans to enroll in college in the fall of 2026 and is an American citizen or legal permanent resident is eligible to apply (current high school seniors are not eligible to apply). Alert: the application requires that candidates read President Coolidge's Autobiography and complete a few other readings and then write three essays.. While the book is not overly long, we encourage students to begin the application early!

CLICK HERE for more information and/or to apply!

Deadline: Wednesday, December 16, 2025

PSECU Scholarship - posted 10/23

Our scholarship program helps graduating high school seniors reduce the financial burden of pursuing postsecondary education. Each year, we award six scholarships, worth up to $8,000 each (up to $2,000 per year, up to four years.) To be eligible, applicants must have their own PSECU account and complete the application by February 28, 2026.

Students interested in joining PSECU must be eligible for membership, and there are many ways to become a member. Please note that joint owners are not automatically PSECU members.

CLICK HERE if you are already a PSECU Member and would like to apply for the scholarship!

Deadline: February 28, 2026 by 11:59pm

America 250 PA Semiquin Scholarship -posted 9/26/25

In commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary and to honor the legacy of Pennsylvania’s strong commitment to education, America250PA will be awarding $250,000 in scholarships to deserving Pennsylvania students attending Pennsylvania colleges and universities in the 2026/2027 academic school year.  

Who
Pennsylvania High School Seniors who are planning to attend an accredited Pennsylvania college or university for the 2026/2027 academic school year 

What
Twenty-five $10,000 Scholarships will be awarded throughout America250PA’s six designated regions. 

Where
Any Pennsylvania College or University 
• Up to 12 to any Pennsylvania Community College 
• Up to 13 to any Pennsylvania Post-Secondary College or University 

When
Application: September 16, 2025 – January 31, 2026.
Review: February 1 – March 15, 2026
Notifications: By March 30, 2026
Public Announcements: Scholarships will be awarded in April 2026 for the 2026/2027 academic year. 
Luncheon Honoring Awardees: Late April in Harrisburg

CLICK HERE for more information and/or to apply!

Deadline: January 31, 2026

Schuylkill County Quilters Guild Scholarship -posted 9/23

The Schuylkill County quilters Guild will be offering a $1,000 scholarship this school year! One (1) scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior in the Schuylkill County Area.

Qualifications include, but are not limited to:

• Has the student participated in the Family & Consumer Science class?
• Has the student worked with textiles in art class?
• Has the student worked with costumes in the school play?
• Has the student completed community service involving the use of textiles?
• Is the student in 4H?
• Does the student quilt, sew, knit or crochet?

Requirements:

• Students will need to submit in writing why they feel they are qualified for this award. They can submit photos (if applicable).
  

Applicant Letters get mailed to:  Schuylkill County Quilters Guild, PO Box 85, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972, C/O Colleen Potts

Deadline: Letters must be postmarked no later than February 6, 2026

Knight Essay Contest - posted 9/19

The Valley Forge Chapter SAR is again sponsoring locally the National Society Knight Essay Contest. This contest is open to students in 10th, 11th & 12th grades.
To participate, entrants must submit an original 800-1200 word essay based on an event, person, philosophy, or ideal associated with the American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the US Constitution. Judging at all levels of this contest emphasizes following contest rules.

CLICK HERE for important additional contest rules and information!

Entries MUST be received prior to December 4, 2025.

BigFuture Scholarships -posted 12/20

No essay, no minimum GPA or test score, or citizenship requirements. Just follow the steps for chances to win. The more steps you complete and the earlier you start, the more chances you have to win! 

Opportunity starts December of your Sophmore Year!
Deadline: End of February of your Senior Year!

Hagan Scholarship -posted 10/8

The Purpose of the Hagan Scholarship is to provide each recipient with the opportunity to obtain a four-year college education and
graduate debt-free. And, to provide each recipient with a practical understanding of important life skills not typically covered in the school curriculum. The Hagan Scholarship provides $2,000 to help purchase essential items for college, up to $7,500 each semester for up to 8 consecutive semesters, workshops to learn important life skills not typically covered in the college curriculum, HSF Schwab Brokerage Account to manage to learn how to invest, and up to $8,000 to study and travel abroad.