8 Medical Scholarships for High School Students
As a high school student planning to pursue a degree in pre-med, or looking for research opportunities in medicine, applying for a medical scholarship can be a transformative step. These scholarships not only alleviate the financial burden associated with medical education but also offer unique opportunities for personal and intellectual growth. By securing financial assistance, you’ll be able to better focus on your studies, engage in valuable research experiences, and participate in extracurricular activities that enhance your understanding of the medical field.
Additionally, landing a competitive scholarship is viewed very positively by admissions officers, not just because of its prestige, but also because it showcases your skills and motivation to excel in a field you are passionate about.
Below, we have compiled a list of 8 amazing medical scholarships for high school students.
The Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation is a non-profit initiative developed by Lumiere Education. Stemming from the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, a prominent 1-on-1 research initiative for high school students, this foundation extends independent research opportunities to talented, low-income students who lack access to traditional research programs. The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program is Lumiere Education’s equivalent to an Individual Research Scholar Program.
The foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, providing these opportunities to high school seniors from around the world at no cost. With no strict cut-offs for GPA, income, or test scores, this would be a great option for any student who feels they have a holistically impressive transcript.
Grant Amount: N/A
Eligibility: High school students.
Deadlines: The fall cohort deadline is Sunday, August 27.
The Dr. Francis Anthony Beneventi Medical Scholarship, provided by The Daughters of the American Revolution, is a scholarship made to support your planned path into pre-med at university. This scholarship is available for students currently enrolled or intending to enroll in an accredited medical school, college, or university. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25 and while the scholarship is not automatically renewed, recipients have the opportunity to reapply annually for up to four consecutive years. Renewal is contingent upon providing evidence of ongoing enrollment (excluding pre-med, veterinarian, or physician assistant programs) and submitting an annual transcript showing a minimum GPA of 3.25 after the first semester.
Grant Amount: $5,000
Eligibility: High school seniors and undergraduate students.
Deadlines: January 31st, 2024.
The Save a Life Scholarship, offered by the American Academy of CPR and First Aid, Inc., aims to promote awareness of the significance of first aid and CPR training. Students currently enrolled in or planning to enroll in a healthcare-related degree program within the upcoming academic year are welcome to apply.
This scholarship is granted biannually, once in the spring and once in the fall. This ensures that each $1,500 award benefits a different student, maximizing the scholarship's impact. The goal is to amplify awareness about the significance of first aid and CPR training, while also highlighting diverse stories from upcoming educators and healthcare professionals.
Grant Amount: $1,500
Eligibility: High school seniors and undergraduates.
Deadlines: Fall Scholarship Deadline: October 1st, 2023. Spring Scholarship Deadline: May 1st, 2024
The Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship, another scholarship made possible through The Daughters of the American Revolution, is awarded to three students who are facing financial need and have been accepted into an accredited nursing school. Alongside the application, the scholarship requires either a letter of acceptance into a nursing program or a transcript confirming the applicant's enrollment in a nursing program.
Grant Amount: $2,500.
Eligibility: High school seniors on track to pursue a degree in pre-med at their university.
Deadlines: January 1st, 2024.
The NSHSS Foundation offers STEM scholarships to underrepresented groups, aiming to break down financial barriers for individuals with academic prowess, leadership potential, and a passion for STEM careers. High school graduates with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a demonstrated commitment to majoring in or pursuing a STEM discipline are encouraged to apply for this scholarship.
NSHSS and its partners provide more than $2 million in scholarships annually, but the competition is steep. So be sure to keep those grades up and an eye out for next year’s application!
Grant Amount: $1,000
Eligibility: High school seniors.
Deadlines: October 13, 2023. (2024 applications have yet to open).
Offered by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the Leslie Andree Hanna Medical Scholarship is annually awarded to women pursuing careers in medicine. Applicants must be female U.S. citizens who are planning on attending medical school. Selection criteria emphasize academic merit, requiring a minimum GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale and evidence that she has applied to a pre-med track at her chosen university. While the recipient would have the option to reapply annually, the award is not automatically guaranteed.
Grant Amount: $5,000
Eligibility: High school graduate.
Deadlines: January 1st, 2024
Also funded by the Daughters of the American Revolution, this scholarship is designed for a student accepted into, or pursuing, an approved course to become a medical doctor at accredited institutions. Excluding pre-med, veterinarian, or physician assistant programs, eligible candidates can reapply for consideration each year for up to four years (which means, in total, you could earn $20,000 in scholarships), although automatic renewal is not guaranteed.
Grant Amount: $5,000
Eligibility: High school graduates.
Deadlines: January 1st, 2024.
NSHSS is a distinguished academic honor society, committed to recognizing and serving the highest-achieving student scholars in more than 26,000 high schools across 170 countries. With the goal of acknowledging the profound impact of technological innovations in our daily lives, the NSHSS offers this grant for students looking to study Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEAM) in university.
As a NSHSS scholar, you will have access to valuable resources and a network of over 2 million exceptional peers, all because of your academic dedication and outstanding leadership. From high school to college and beyond, NSHSS scholars are expected to make significant contributions in their schools, workplaces, and communities.
Grant Amount: $1,000
Eligibility: High school graduates.
Deadlines: March 29, 2024.
One more option - Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you're interested in pursuing independent research in medicine and related fields, you could also consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, a selective online high school program for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Mandy Brenner is a current junior at Harvard University. She is concentrating in History and Literature and loves to read and write in her free time.
Image Source: NSHSS logo