10 NYC (New York City) Scholarships for High School Students
Scholarships for high school students provide crucial financial support and open doors to higher education. Beyond covering tuition, books, or living expenses, scholarships allow you to focus on your academic goals without the burden of financial stress. This can make all the difference in pursuing higher education and career opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. Many scholarships also offer added benefits such as mentorship, internships, and networking opportunities that can further enhance your future prospects.
Here are 10 NYC scholarships that high school students should consider applying for!
This scholarship supported by Bright Lite Charity covers educational expenses to help students access higher education. The scholarship is designed to assist those committed to community service, giving them the financial support they need to continue their education and drive meaningful change. By easing the burden of tuition costs, this scholarship allows you to focus on your academic and career goals while contributing positively to your community.
Winner Announcement: January 1, 2025
Amount: $500
Eligibility: Any low-income high school senior or undergraduate student from New York who has at least a 3.0 GPA
Application Deadline: December 2, 2024
This scholarship honors the memory of Nasser Seconi, a talented soccer player known for his positive attitude and dedication to helping others. It supports graduating high school seniors from New York who share Nasser’s passion for soccer and commitment to uplifting others. Applicants are required to discuss the highs and lows of their soccer journey, the lessons learned, and how the scholarship would assist them in reaching their goals.
Winner Announcement: February 10, 2025
Amount: $2,000
Eligibility: This scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors from New York or South Carolina with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Eligible students must demonstrate a passion for soccer, maintain a positive attitude, and be committed to helping others.
Application Deadline: 11 January, 2025
This scholarship supports female high school and undergraduate students from New York who are pursuing a career in music therapy by easing the financial burden of tuition. It aims to help those dedicated to furthering their education and making a difference. Applicants must share how mental health has shaped their decision to become a music therapist and submit a photo of themselves.
Winner Announcement: May 15, 2025
Amount: $1,000
Eligibility: Female high school or undergraduate students who are New York residents and are pursuing a career in music therapy
Application Deadline: April 16, 2025
This scholarship supports low-income Hispanic or Latinx high school seniors in New York, providing financial assistance to help them afford college. It aims to give students the resources needed to pursue higher education without the burden of excessive debt. Applicants must share their educational goals and explain why they deserve the scholarship.
Winner Announcement: June 18, 2025
Amount: $2,000 (2 winners, $1,000 each)
Eligibility: Low-income Hispanic or Latinx high school seniors in New York
Application Deadline: May 19, 2025
This scholarship honors the memory of Jesus Baez-Santos by supporting BIPOC high school seniors or freshman undergraduates in New York who will be first-generation college students. It prioritizes applicants from New York City as well as undocumented or DACA recipients. The scholarship aims to help students who have faced challenges in pursuing higher education. Applicants are asked to describe a meaningful moment with someone important in their life, explain their significance, and share their experiences as a first-generation student.
Winner Announcement: October 1, 2025
Amount: $1,000
Eligibility: BIPOC high school seniors or freshman undergraduates in New York who will be first-generation college students. Preference is given to applicants from New York City and those who are undocumented or DACA recipients
Application Deadline: September 2, 2025
The Bai Corporate Scholarship Program, part of the Harlem Y's initiative, supports college-bound high school seniors in New York City with a minimum 2.7 GPA. The scholarship focuses on students who demonstrate academic achievement and leadership potential. Applicants must reside within the five boroughs. Selected recipients may be recognized at the Annual National Salute to Achievers in Industry Awards Gala in March.
Winner Announcement: No information available
Amount: $2,500
Eligibility: High school seniors with a minimum 2.7 GPA who reside within the five boroughs of New York City
Application Deadline: January 7, 2025
This scholarship recognizes that success means different things to different people, encompassing academic excellence, personal passions, and unique goals. It highlights that achievement is characterized by passion, perseverance, and self-education, demonstrating that potential extends beyond traditional academic paths. The focus is on a commitment to improvement and resilience in overcoming challenges. To apply, describe your personal definition of success and explain how this opportunity will help you achieve it.
Winner Announcement: May 1, 2025
Amount: $20,000 (8 winners, $2,500 each)
Eligibility: Open to all
Application Deadline: April 2, 2025
The New York Farm Bureau Agricultural Youth Scholarship supports high school seniors involved in agriculture who plan to pursue studies in this field. Applicants must be graduating seniors in the year the scholarship is offered and continuing their education toward an agriculture-related career. The scholarship reflects NYFB's mission to support agriculture and address industry challenges through advocacy and education.
Winner Announcement: No information available
Amount: $1,500
Eligibility: High school seniors who live or work on a farm or have agricultural involvement in some capacity
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025
The Banyan College Scholarship for South Asian Americans supports New York City high school seniors from South Asian communities who are pursuing higher education. The scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, aiming to provide financial assistance and empower them to achieve their college and career goals. Now in its ninth year, the scholarship has helped 39 students to date, reflecting a commitment to uplifting South Asian American youth in New York City.
Winner Announcement: No information available
Amount: $10,000
Eligibility: South Asian Americans in New York City
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025
To help foster Louisiana’s young artists, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, The Helis Foundation John Scott Center, and artist Gustave Blache III have partnered to offer the Gustave Blache III Art Scholarships for Aspiring Artists. These scholarships support Louisiana students attending the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York City, providing up to $25,000 annually. Applicants must submit a portfolio of 10-15 original artworks and secure acceptance into SVA’s illustration or fine arts program. The scholarship is exclusively for SVA and cannot be applied to other schools, covering tuition and related educational expenses.
Winner Announcement: No information available
Amount: $25,000
Eligibility: High school seniors from Louisiana who plan to attend the School of Visual Arts in NYC
Application Deadline: January 6, 2025
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, you could also consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.