Starter catalog

Scholarship & aid directory

Filter by place, effort, or topic. This is not every scholarship on Earth — it's a strong starter set plus the search tools you use to grow your own list. Always verify deadlines on the official page.

Showing 69 of 69 entries

Where to searchMust-doEasy app

Bold.org filtered by your identity keywords

Bold.org

Amount
Many small-to-mid awards
Timing
Rolling
Who it fits
You — weekly habit

Why look here: Search Bold for: biomedical, engineering, robotics, music, clarinet, band, Marine, military child, veteran parent. Your tag combination is uncommon — filters find niche awards.

How to apply: Save searches, turn on alerts, apply to easy fits every week.

Biomedical eng.VEX roboticsClarinet / bandMarine parentsSearch toolSTEMMilitary familyArts / writing
Open official page
Local / CNYMust-doMedium effort

CNYCF graduating senior scholarships

Central New York Community Foundation

Amount
Multiple funds — some renewable
Timing
Typically spring windows — use their finder
Who it fits
CNY high school seniors (criteria vary by fund)

Why look here: Onondaga County / CNY community funds are built for students like you — not 50,000 national applicants.

How to apply: Use the CNYCF scholarship finder and apply to every matching fund.

Open to most seniorsNeed-basedMerit / GPAService / leadership
Open official page
NationalMust-doMedium effort

College band / wind ensemble participation scholarships

Each college music department / bands

Amount
Often $500–several thousand per year (stacks with academic aid at many schools)
Timing
Audition timelines often Dec–April; some earlier
Who it fits
Students who can audition on an instrument and commit to ensemble

Why look here: You play B♭ and E♭ clarinet. You do NOT need to major in music. Engineering majors who audition for concert band or wind ensemble get real money at many campuses — and most BME applicants never try.

How to apply: For every target college, email the band director: instrument(s), years played, NYSSMA levels if any, and that you plan to major in biomedical engineering.

Tip: Record clean audition video early. Mention E♭ clarinet — it is a useful doubling skill for ensembles.

Clarinet / bandBiomedical eng.Arts / writingMerit / GPA
Open official page
NationalMust-doMedium effort

Each college's own financial aid + scholarship application

Your target colleges

Amount
Often the largest awards after federal/state aid
Timing
Varies — often Nov–Feb for priority packages
Who it fits
Anyone applying to college

Why look here: Schools give their own money. Missing the college's scholarship or CSS Profile deadline can cost more than any essay contest.

How to apply: On each school's admissions/financial aid site, find scholarship deadlines, CSS Profile (if required), and departmental awards. Put them on a calendar.

Tip: Ask: “What scholarships does my major department award to incoming freshmen?” Email the department if the site is unclear.

Need-basedMerit / GPAOpen to most seniors
Open official page
NationalMust-doMedium effort

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

U.S. Department of Education

Amount
Unlocks Pell Grant, loans, work-study, and most college aid
Timing
Open Oct 1 for next school year — file as early as possible
Who it fits
Every student planning college, trade school, or certificate programs

Why look here: This is the master key. Almost every scholarship and college aid package starts here.

How to apply: Create an FSA ID at StudentAid.gov (you and one parent each need one). Complete the FAFSA online. List every school you might attend.

Tip: Errors delay aid. Have tax info ready. If your family situation is complicated, call the school financial aid office early.

Need-basedOpen to most seniors
Open official page
Local / CNYMust-doEasy app

High school band booster / NYSSMA-related local awards

Your band program + local music associations

Amount
Often $250–$1,500
Timing
Usually spring of senior year
Who it fits
Band/orchestra students at your school

Why look here: Local music money with tiny applicant pools. Your dual clarinet work and years of ensemble service matter here.

How to apply: Ask your band director this week: “What senior music scholarships should I apply for?”

Tip: Directors often know about county music association awards that never hit national websites.

Clarinet / bandArts / writingService / leadership
Open official page
NationalMust-doMedium effort

Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation

Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation

Amount
Need-based awards; often multi-year (confirm current ranges)
Timing
Usually one major cycle per year — watch mcsf.org
Who it fits
Children of Marines / eligible Marine family students (see current rules)

Why look here: Both parents are Marines. This foundation exists specifically for children of Marines (and sometimes other eligible Marine-connected students). This is one of your highest-priority specialized apps.

How to apply: Create an account at mcsf.org, complete the application, and have parent service documentation ready.

Tip: Parents: gather DD-214 / service proof early. Student: write a clean academic + activities story; VEX Worlds + BME plans stand out.

Marine parentsBiomedical eng.Military familyNeed-basedMerit / GPA
Open official page
New York StateMust-doMedium effort

NYS awards for veterans & military families

NYS HESC

Amount
Multiple programs (//see HESC)
Timing
Program-specific
Who it fits
Veterans, service members, and sometimes dependents

Why look here: Both of your parents are Marine veterans — New York military-family aid is a real lane for you. Scan every HESC military-related program.

How to apply: Browse HESC military-related awards and match your status.

Marine parentsMilitary familyNeed-based
Open official page
New York StateMust-doMedium effort

NYS Excelsior Scholarship

New York State HESC

Amount
Covers remaining tuition at SUNY/CUNY after other grants (income caps apply)
Timing
Typically open into late summer for fall start — confirm each year on HESC
Who it fits
NYS residents with qualifying income attending SUNY or CUNY full-time, meeting credit and residency rules

Why look here: If your household AGI is within the cap (check current year — often $125,000) and you attend full-time at SUNY/CUNY, this can make tuition free.

How to apply: FAFSA + TAP first, then apply for Excelsior on HESC. Read the residency and credit requirements carefully.

Tip: Excelsior has post-grad NYS residency expectations and full-time credit rules. Not a fit for every path — still worth reading.

Need-basedOpen to most seniors
Open official page
New York StateMust-doEasy app

NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

New York State HESC

Amount
Up to several thousand dollars toward tuition at NYS schools
Timing
Apply after FAFSA; HESC usually prompts you to finish TAP
Who it fits
NYS residents attending approved NYS colleges

Why look here: You live in New York. TAP is free money for in-state tuition that many families miss or delay.

How to apply: File FAFSA first. Complete the NYS Student Aid Payment Application (TAP) through HESC when prompted.

Need-basedOpen to most seniors
Open official page
Local / CNYMust-doEasy app

Parent employer, union, and credit union scholarships

Parents' workplaces / unions

Amount
Often $500–$5,000
Timing
Usually winter–spring
Who it fits
Dependents of employees or members

Why look here: Almost free money. HR pages and union halls quietly post scholarships every year.

How to apply: Ask each parent/guardian: “Does your job, union, or credit union have a scholarship for kids?” Check benefits portals.

Tip: Also check: churches, volunteer fire departments, Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis, Elks lodge, VFW, American Legion.

Open to most seniors
Open official page
Local / CNYMust-doEasy app

Paul V. Moore / Central Square local scholarship packet

Your high school Counseling Office

Amount
Local awards — often hundreds to a few thousand each; less competition
Timing
Usually late winter / spring — watch school email and counseling page
Who it fits
Graduating seniors from the district

Why look here: Bridgeport is in Central Square CSD. Local scholarships from clubs, churches, and businesses are the easiest wins — few applicants.

How to apply: Check the counseling scholarship page, join Google Classroom / email lists, and ask counselors about the local packet. Deadlines cluster in spring.

Tip: Counseling Office: 315-668-4231 (ext. 53022 / 53033). Visit early senior year — don't wait until May.

Open to most seniorsService / leadershipMerit / GPA
Open official page
NationalMust-doMedium effort

REC Foundation / VEX-related scholarships

Robotics Education & Competition Foundation

Amount
Multiple partner and foundation awards (varies by year)
Timing
Often aligned with competition season — check annually
Who it fits
VEX / RECF program participants and robotics students

Why look here: You competed through VEX and reached Worlds. RECF and partner orgs are the first place robotics kids should look — many classmates never check.

How to apply: Create/login to RECF accounts, check scholarship listings, and ask your coach for sponsor awards tied to events.

Tip: If that path 404s, start at roboticseducation.org and search Scholarships. Document Worlds year, team number, awards, and your technical role.

VEX roboticsBiomedical eng.STEMMerit / GPAService / leadership
Open official page
New York StateMust-doMedium effort

RIT institutional merit + FAFSA package

Rochester Institute of Technology

Amount
Large share of students receive RIT grants/scholarships; merit often automatic with admission
Timing
Follow RIT first-year aid priority dates for your decision plan
Who it fits
Applicants / admits to RIT

Why look here: RIT is on your list. Co-op culture fits VEX builders; merit + FAFSA + outside awards + possible co-op earnings change the real cost.

How to apply: Apply for admission (merit consideration), file FAFSA on RIT’s timeline, review military aid page with parents.

Tip: RIT does not require CSS Profile. Still hunt outside scholarships — report them to finaid.

Biomedical eng.VEX roboticsMarine parentsClarinet / bandMerit / GPANeed-basedSTEMOpen to most seniors
Open official page
New York StateMust-doMedium effort

SUNY campus scholarships

Your SUNY campus

Amount
Varies by campus
Timing
Often with admissions / by Feb–March
Who it fits
Students applying to SUNY campuses

Why look here: Each SUNY has its own foundation scholarships. Applying to the school is not the same as applying for campus awards.

How to apply: After applying (or sometimes with the app), open the campus scholarship portal / AcademicWorks.

Merit / GPANeed-basedOpen to most seniors
Open official page
New York StateMust-doMedium effort

University at Buffalo merit + Scholarship Portal

University at Buffalo (SUNY)

Amount
Merit (auto + Honors/Presidential) + portal awards; stacks with TAP/Excelsior when eligible
Timing
Merit with admission; portal after UBIT access; Honors/Presidential on their calendar
Who it fits
Applicants / admits to UB

Why look here: UB is on your list. NYS resident + BME is a strong financial path if you catch merit, portal scholarships, and state aid.

How to apply: Apply to UB, file FAFSA/TAP, watch for Pride of New York / Presidential / Honors paths, then complete buffalo.academicworks.com.

Tip: SEAS scholarships run through the portal. Email Bands about clarinet as a non-music BME major.

Biomedical eng.Clarinet / bandMarine parentsMerit / GPANeed-basedSTEMOpen to most seniors
Open official page
New York StateMust-doCompetitive

University of Rochester merit + need-based aid

University of Rochester

Amount
Merit considered with admission; need-based aid is central — complete all docs
Timing
Admission + financial aid document deadlines (some high-value tracks favor early complete files)
Who it fits
Applicants / admits to University of Rochester

Why look here: UR is on your list. Selective, but aid packaging can change the net price dramatically — never compare sticker prices alone.

How to apply: Submit a strong application, complete every aid form UR requests, re-check scholarships hub after applying.

Tip: Ask Financial Aid how outside awards (e.g. Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation) are treated in the package.

Biomedical eng.Clarinet / bandMarine parentsVEX roboticsMerit / GPANeed-basedSTEMOpen to most seniors
Open official page
NationalhighMedium effort

American Legion Legacy Scholarship & related awards

American Legion

Amount
Varies by program
Timing
See Legion scholarship hub
Who it fits
Military kids and community students (program-dependent)

Why look here: Legion posts fund many military-family and community awards. Also enter the Oratorical contest if you like speaking.

How to apply: Browse legion.org scholarships; contact a local post for district awards.

Marine parentsMilitary familyNeed-basedService / leadership
Open official page
NationalhighMedium effort

BMES (Biomedical Engineering Society) student opportunities

Biomedical Engineering Society

Amount
Awards, travel, and chapter support vary
Timing
Mostly after you enter a BME program — plan ahead
Who it fits
Biomedical engineering students

Why look here: This is your future professional society. Bookmark it now; apply for student awards once enrolled and use it to find BME-specific funding.

How to apply: Create a BMES account; join your college chapter as a freshman; watch student awards.

Tip: On college visits, ask: “Does your BMES chapter help freshmen find lab or scholarship opportunities?”

Biomedical eng.STEM
Open official page
Where to searchhighEasy app

Bold.org

Bold.org

Amount
Thousands of smaller awards; easy filters
Timing
Rolling — new scholarships appear weekly
Who it fits
All students

Why look here: Best modern search board for high school seniors. Filter by your interests and apply often.

How to apply: Create a free profile. Complete it 100%. Set email alerts. Apply to 2–5 easy fits per week.

Search toolOpen to most seniors
Open official page
Where to searchhighMedium effort

Central New York Community Foundation scholarships

CNY Community Foundation

Amount
Many local funds for Onondaga-area students
Timing
Usually winter–spring; check their finder each year
Who it fits
CNY high school seniors and college students

Why look here: This is how you find real Central New York money that national sites miss.

How to apply: Use their scholarship finder tool and apply to every fund that matches your school, town, or interest.

Search toolOpen to most seniors
Open official page
NationalhighCompetitive

Coca-Cola Scholars Program

Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation

Amount
$20,000 (150 scholars typical)
Timing
Usually Aug 1 – Sep 30 of senior year
Who it fits
U.S. high school seniors (citizenship/residency rules apply)

Why look here: Prestigious national award for leadership and service — not just GPA.

How to apply: Apply online during the open window. Strong activities list and essays required.

Tip: If you're a rising senior, mark August on your calendar now.

Merit / GPAService / leadership
Open official page
NationalhighMedium effort

Departmental awards at your intended major

College academic departments

Amount
Varies
Timing
Often after admission
Who it fits
Students with a planned major

Why look here: Engineering, nursing, education, music, and trades often have money that only majors can get.

How to apply: Email the biomedical engineering department: “I'm an incoming freshman planning BME. What scholarships should I apply for as a first-year?”

Biomedical eng.Merit / GPASTEMArts / writingTrade / CTE
Open official page
NationalhighCompetitive

Elks Most Valuable Student (MVS)

Elks National Foundation

Amount
$4,000–$30,000 over four years (500 awards)
Timing
Typically mid-November of senior year
Who it fits
U.S. high school seniors planning a four-year degree

Why look here: Large award pool. You do not need to be related to an Elk.

How to apply: Online application at elks.org/scholars. Leadership, scholarship, and need all count.

Merit / GPAService / leadershipNeed-based
Open official page
Where to searchhighEasy app

Fastweb

Fastweb / Monster

Amount
Large national database
Timing
Rolling
Who it fits
All students

Why look here: Classic matcher. Expect lots of email — filter hard and only chase real fits.

How to apply: Create account, answer matching questions carefully, check matches weekly.

Search toolOpen to most seniors
Open official page
Where to searchhighEasy app

Going Merry

Going Merry

Amount
Matched scholarships + one profile for many apps
Timing
Rolling
Who it fits
All students

Why look here: Reuse essays and profile data so you don't retype everything for every $500 award.

How to apply: Build profile, upload essays, auto-match and apply to multiple scholarships.

Search toolOpen to most seniors
Open official page
NationalhighMedium effort

Horatio Alger Scholarship Programs

Horatio Alger Association

Amount
Typically $10,000+ (state and national tracks)
Timing
Often mid-fall — check state vs national
Who it fits
Seniors with critical financial need and perseverance stories

Why look here: For students who have overcome adversity and have financial need.

How to apply: Online application; essay about overcoming obstacles is central.

Need-basedService / leadership
Open official page
Where to searchhighMedium effort

NYS HESC grants & scholarships directory

New York State HESC

Amount
Multiple state programs beyond TAP/Excelsior
Timing
Program-specific
Who it fits
NYS residents

Why look here: Official New York aid list — STEM, STEM incentive, veterans/military family programs, and more.

How to apply: Browse HESC grants and scholarships. Apply for each program that matches your situation.

Search toolNeed-based
Open official page
New York StatehighMedium effort

NYS STEM Incentive Program

NYS HESC

Amount
Tuition awards at SUNY/CUNY for top STEM students (service commitment in NYS)
Timing
See HESC each year
Who it fits
Top 10% high school graduates entering approved STEM majors at SUNY/CUNY

Why look here: If you're top of class and BME is an approved STEM major at your SUNY/CUNY campus, this can be serious tuition help (read the NYS work commitment).

How to apply: Confirm eligibility on HESC and apply when the program opens.

Biomedical eng.STEMMerit / GPA
Open official page
Local / CNYhighEasy app

Rotary / Lions / Kiwanis / Elks lodge local awards

Local civic clubs near Bridgeport / Central Square

Amount
Often $250–$2,000
Timing
Spring
Who it fits
Local high school seniors

Why look here: Tiny applicant pools. Showing up and writing a clear essay often wins.

How to apply: Ask counseling for the list; also call nearby clubs in Central Square, Cicero, Brewerton, North Syracuse, and Syracuse.

Service / leadershipOpen to most seniors
Open official page
NationalhighMedium effort

Scholarships for Military Children (Commissary)

Fisher House / partner programs (verify current administrator)

Amount
Often ~$2,000 range historically
Timing
Usually winter — confirm each year
Who it fits
Military children meeting program eligibility

Why look here: Classic military-kid scholarship track. If your family has/had commissary privileges or meets program rules, apply.

How to apply: Find the current year's application via Fisher House or the program's official page; do not use random repost sites.

Marine parentsMilitary familyMerit / GPA
Open official page
NationalhighMedium effort

SME Education Foundation scholarships

SME / SME Education Foundation

Amount
Many awards; amounts vary
Timing
Often early February
Who it fits
Students pursuing engineering and manufacturing-related majors

Why look here: Manufacturing and engineering pathway awards — strong fit for robotics builders heading into BME/device design.

How to apply: Apply through the SME Education Foundation scholarship portal.

Biomedical eng.VEX roboticsSTEMMerit / GPA
Open official page
NationalhighMedium effort

ThanksUSA Scholarship

ThanksUSA

Amount
Varies; supports military dependents and spouses
Timing
Often spring — confirm
Who it fits
Dependent children and spouses of U.S. military service members/veterans (see rules)

Why look here: Built for military families. Worth a profile every year you remain eligible.

How to apply: Apply at thanksusa.org during the open window.

Marine parentsMilitary familyNeed-based
Open official page
NationalhighCompetitive

U.S. Marine Band Concerto Competition

“The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band / Marine Corps Heritage Foundation

Amount
Scholarship award for winner (historically $2,500 class) + performance opportunity
Timing
See marineband.marines.mil each season
Who it fits
High school musicians (woodwind, brass, percussion — confirm current categories)

Why look here: High-level woodwind/brass/percussion competition. Clarinet players can compete; the Marine connection is a meaningful full-circle story with your parents’ service — only if your playing is competition-ready.

How to apply: Follow the official Marine Band concerto competition application and repertoire rules.

Tip: Ask your private teacher or band director if you are ready. Even preparing raises audition quality for college band scholarships.

Clarinet / bandMarine parentsArts / writingMerit / GPA
Open official page
NationalhighMedium effort

VFW Voice of Democracy

Veterans of Foreign Wars

Amount
Local → national prizes up to large amounts
Timing
Usually Oct 31 for audio essays
Who it fits
High school students (grades 9–12 typically)

Why look here: Audio essay contest. Local posts judge first — Bridgeport/CNY students can win local money even without national placement.

How to apply: Write and record a 3–5 minute audio essay on the year's theme. Submit through a local VFW post.

Tip: Find a nearby VFW post early. Local wins are common when few students enter. Military family background can help you connect with posts — still open to all students.

Marine parentsEssay contestService / leadershipMilitary family
Open official page
NationalgoodEasy app

AES Engineers Scholarship

AES Engineers

Amount
$500
Timing
Often Oct 8 — essay only, no GPA requirement historically
Who it fits
High school seniors / college students (see current rules)

Why look here: Quick essay scholarship for practice and a shot at easy money.

How to apply: Submit the required essay online by the deadline.

Essay contestOpen to most seniors
Open official page
NationalgoodCompetitive

American Legion Oratorical Contest

American Legion

Amount
Local to national prizes (national top awards are large)
Timing
Local contests often winter; confirm with post
Who it fits
High school students

Why look here: Speech contest on the Constitution. Strong for students who can speak, not just write.

How to apply: Contact a local American Legion post; prepare assigned and assigned-topic speeches.

Essay contestService / leadership
Open official page
NationalgoodMedium effort

ASME scholarships

American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Amount
Multiple awards
Timing
See ASME students page (some require membership / college enrollment)
Who it fits
Engineering students (some high school; many undergraduate)

Why look here: BME programs often overlap with mechanical design, materials, and dynamics — ASME is a long-term society for you.

How to apply: Review available high-school and undergraduate awards; join as allowed.

Biomedical eng.VEX roboticsSTEMMerit / GPA
Open official page
NationalgoodMedium effort

Burger King Scholars

Burger King Foundation

Amount
Typically $1,000–$50,000
Timing
Usually mid-fall through mid-winter — confirm on site
Who it fits
High school seniors (and some employees/partners)

Why look here: Open to many seniors; employees and non-employees can apply in different tracks.

How to apply: Apply at bk-scholars.com during the open period.

Open to most seniorsNeed-basedMerit / GPA
Open official page
NationalgoodMedium effort

Equitable Excellence Scholarship

Equitable Foundation

Amount
Up to $5,000 (some renewable tracks historically)
Timing
Often Dec–Jan — confirm each year
Who it fits
U.S. high school seniors planning college

Why look here: Looks for ambition and community impact, not perfect test scores alone.

How to apply: Online application; prepare short essays about goals and impact.

Merit / GPAService / leadershipOpen to most seniors
Open official page
NationalgoodMedium effort

IEEE student scholarships & awards

IEEE

Amount
Varies
Timing
Program-specific
Who it fits
Students in engineering/computing pathways

Why look here: If your VEX work leaned into sensors, controls, or embedded systems, IEEE is a natural professional home alongside BME.

How to apply: Browse IEEE scholarships and local section student awards.

Biomedical eng.VEX roboticsSTEMMerit / GPA
Open official page
NationalgoodMedium effort

Mike Rowe Work Ethic Scholarship

mikeroweWORKS Foundation

Amount
Varies — for skilled trades training
Timing
Often spring — confirm
Who it fits
Students entering trade, technical, or skill-based programs

Why look here: College is not the only path. Trade programs are a smart play for many students.

How to apply: Apply via mikeroweworks.org; work ethic essay and program acceptance matter.

Trade / CTEService / leadership
Open official page
NationalgoodMedium effort

MOAA scholarship / education assistance programs

Military Officers Association of America

Amount
Varies
Timing
Usually winter–spring
Who it fits
Children of eligible officer service members/veterans (see MOAA rules)

Why look here: If a parent qualifies as an officer veteran for MOAA-connected programs, dependent scholarships may apply. Confirm parent eligibility first.

How to apply: Parents check MOAA membership/eligibility; student applies to open dependent awards.

Marine parentsMilitary familyMerit / GPA
Open official page
Where to searchgoodEasy app

NAfME student opportunities & music scholarships hub

National Association for Music Education

Amount
Varies by listed program
Timing
Program-specific
Who it fits
Student musicians

Why look here: Central jumping-off point for music education and performance-related awards while you stay on a BME path.

How to apply: Browse listed scholarships and competitions; pursue any that allow non-music majors.

Clarinet / bandSearch toolArts / writing
Open official page
NationalgoodMedium effort

National FFA Scholarships

National FFA Organization

Amount
Many awards, amounts vary
Timing
Usually mid-January
Who it fits
FFA members

Why look here: If you're in FFA (common in rural NY districts), this is high-ROI.

How to apply: One application can open many FFA awards.

Service / leadershipTrade / CTEOpen to most seniors
Open official page
NationalgoodMedium effort

National Honor Society Scholarship

NHS / NASSP

Amount
Varies (national + chapter)
Timing
Usually late fall / winter via chapter
Who it fits
NHS members

Why look here: Only if you're an NHS member — easy to miss if the chapter advisor doesn't push it.

How to apply: Work with your NHS adviser; national app is often online.

Merit / GPAService / leadership
Open official page
NationalgoodMedium effort

National Military Family Association scholarships

NMFA

Amount
Varies by program
Timing
Program-specific
Who it fits
Military family members

Why look here: Military family advocacy org with education support pathways — check what is open for dependent students.

How to apply: Browse NMFA education/scholarship offerings and apply to matching programs.

Marine parentsMilitary family
Open official page
Where to searchgoodEasy app

Onondaga Community College scholarship portal

SUNY OCC

Amount
Varies — useful if OCC is on your list
Timing
See AcademicWorks portal
Who it fits
Incoming and current OCC students

Why look here: If you're considering OCC (or transferring later), one portal lists many campus awards.

How to apply: Create an AcademicWorks account and complete the general application.

Search toolOpen to most seniors
Open official page
Local / CNYgoodEasy app

Onondaga County Public Library education funding resources

OCPL

Amount
Resource hub (grants, scholarships, aid databases)
Timing
Ongoing
Who it fits
Any Onondaga County student

Why look here: Libraries still help students find aid — free databases and staff help.

How to apply: Visit the funding-for-education page and/or ask a librarian for scholarship database access.

Open to most seniors
Open official page
Where to searchgoodEasy app

Scholarships360

Scholarships360

Amount
Curated lists + direct apps
Timing
Rolling
Who it fits
All students

Why look here: Clear write-ups and “no essay” filters when you need quick applications.

How to apply: Browse filters (state, GPA, no essay). Create account for reminders.

Search toolOpen to most seniors
Open official page
NationalgoodMedium effort

Society of Women Engineers Scholarships

SWE

Amount
Varies widely
Timing
Often mid-spring for following year
Who it fits
Students pursuing engineering and related fields (see current eligibility)

Why look here: Engineering society money — check current eligibility if it fits. Also a model for other societies (BMES, ASME, IEEE) you should hunt as a BME major.

How to apply: Create SWE account and complete scholarship application.

Biomedical eng.STEMIdentity / first-gen
Open official page
NationaloptionalEasy app

Abbott and Fenner Scholarship

Abbott & Fenner Business Consultants

Amount
$1,000
Timing
Often mid-June — essay based
Who it fits
High school juniors/seniors and college students (confirm site)

Why look here: Simple essay application for practice runs.

How to apply: Email essay as instructed on their scholarship page.

Essay contestOpen to most seniors
Open official page
NationaloptionalCompetitive

Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship

Amazon

Amount
Large multi-year awards for CS path students
Timing
Usually winter — confirm
Who it fits
Seniors planning CS/related majors (see current criteria)

Why look here: Only if your coursework/VEX coding path meets CS eligibility. BME with heavy software may qualify — read rules carefully; do not force a mismatch.

How to apply: Apply through the Amazon Future Engineer scholarship page.

VEX roboticsBiomedical eng.STEMNeed-based
Open official page
NationaloptionalMedium effort

American Chemical Society Scholars

ACS

Amount
Up to several thousand renewable
Timing
Usually early March
Who it fits
Students planning chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, etc.

Why look here: For chemistry and related majors from underrepresented groups.

How to apply: Apply via ACS funding/scholarships portal.

STEMIdentity / first-genNeed-based
Open official page
NationaloptionalMedium effort

APIASF / APIA Scholars

APIA Scholars

Amount
Varies
Timing
Usually mid-January
Who it fits
API students with financial need

Why look here: For Asian and Pacific Islander American students.

How to apply: Apply at apiascholars.org during open season.

Identity / first-genNeed-based
Open official page
NationaloptionalCompetitive

Army ROTC Scholarship

U.S. Army

Amount
Full or partial tuition + stipend (service commitment)
Timing
High school applications often due mid-senior year; start junior year research
Who it fits
Students willing to serve as officers after college

Why look here: If military service interests you, this can fund college completely.

How to apply: Apply via goarmy.com ROTC path; medical, fitness, and interview process.

Merit / GPAService / leadershipMilitary family
Open official page
NationaloptionalEasy app

Courage to Grow Scholarship

Courage to Grow

Amount
$500 monthly winner model (historical)
Timing
Monthly — see site
Who it fits
U.S. students 16+ with GPA requirements — confirm current rules

Why look here: Low barrier essay; good for building essay habit.

How to apply: Short online form + essay.

Essay contestOpen to most seniorsNeed-based
Open official page
NationaloptionalMedium effort

Folds of Honor scholarships

Folds of Honor

Amount
Significant awards for eligible military families
Timing
See folds of honor education programs
Who it fits
Spouses and children of fallen or disabled service members (confirm criteria)

Why look here: Primarily for families affected by service-related disability or loss — only apply if eligibility truly fits. Do not stretch facts.

How to apply: Review eligibility carefully on the official site before starting an application.

Marine parentsMilitary familyNeed-based
Open official page
NationaloptionalMedium effort

Hispanic Scholarship Fund

HSF

Amount
Varies
Timing
Often mid-February
Who it fits
Students of Hispanic heritage (see site)

Why look here: If you have Hispanic heritage, this is a major portal for awards and support.

How to apply: Create HSF profile and complete the scholarship application.

Identity / first-genNeed-basedMerit / GPA
Open official page
NationaloptionalCompetitive

Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

Amount
Up to ~$55,000/year (highly competitive)
Timing
Usually fall of senior year
Who it fits
High-achieving seniors with significant financial need

Why look here: Huge need-based + high-achiever award if your family income is lower and academics are strong.

How to apply: Apply through the foundation portal; strong academics and leadership required.

Need-basedMerit / GPA
Open official page
NationaloptionalCompetitive

Junior Science & Humanities Symposium (JSHS)

JSHS / AEOP

Amount
Regional to national awards + scholarships
Timing
Regional deadlines vary (often fall–winter)
Who it fits
High school students with research to present

Why look here: STEM research competition path with scholarship upside — good if you present a project tied to sensors, rehab devices, or biomechanics.

How to apply: Find your regional JSHS and submit abstract/paper per rules.

Biomedical eng.STEMMerit / GPA
Open official page
NationaloptionalCompetitive

Navy / Marine Corps ROTC Scholarship

U.S. Navy

Amount
Full tuition track available (service commitment)
Timing
Usually Dec 31 of senior year for high school applicants
Who it fits
Students interested in Navy or Marine officer path

Why look here: Same idea as Army ROTC — major funding for service-minded students.

How to apply: Apply through the official NROTC application system.

Merit / GPAService / leadership
Open official page
NationaloptionalMedium effort

NESA / Eagle Scout scholarships

National Eagle Scout Association

Amount
Multiple awards
Timing
Varies by award
Who it fits
Eagle Scouts

Why look here: If you're an Eagle Scout, apply — many people skip free money.

How to apply: Browse NESA scholarship list and apply to matching awards.

Service / leadershipMerit / GPA
Open official page
NationaloptionalEasy app

Niche “No Essay” Scholarship

Niche

Amount
$2,000 (drawing-style)
Timing
Monthly
Who it fits
Anyone 16+

Why look here: One-click style entry. Low odds, zero effort — fine as a side task, not a strategy.

How to apply: Create Niche account and enter each month.

Open to most seniors
Open official page
NationaloptionalCompetitive

Point Foundation Scholarship

Point Foundation

Amount
Significant multi-year support for LGBTQ students
Timing
Usually early winter
Who it fits
LGBTQ students with academic and leadership strength

Why look here: Major support network if this is your identity and you need funding + mentoring.

How to apply: Online application through Point Foundation.

Identity / first-genNeed-basedService / leadership
Open official page
New York StateoptionalMedium effort

Polish Scholarship Fund

Polish Scholarship Fund, Inc.

Amount
Around $1,000 (historical)
Timing
Often mid-March
Who it fits
Students of Polish descent in Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, or Oswego counties

Why look here: If you have Polish descent and live in Onondaga or nearby counties, this is a real local-regional award.

How to apply: Confirm current application on scholarship directories or local guidance offices.

Identity / first-genOpen to most seniors
Open official page
NationaloptionalCompetitive

Regeneron Science Talent Search

Society for Science

Amount
Large national awards for research projects
Timing
Usually mid-November of senior year
Who it fits
High school seniors with original research

Why look here: Only if you have (or can finish) a serious research project. Robotics + biomedical curiosity can become a research entry — but do not force a weak project.

How to apply: Submit research through the Society for Science portal if you have a qualifying project.

Biomedical eng.VEX roboticsSTEMMerit / GPA
Open official page
NationaloptionalCompetitive

The Gates Scholarship

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Amount
Last-dollar scholarship (full remaining need)
Timing
Usually mid-September of senior year
Who it fits
Pell-eligible minority students with strong academics (see site for current criteria)

Why look here: If you meet identity + Pell-eligible + academic criteria, this can cover almost everything.

How to apply: Apply online during the open window; multiple rounds.

Need-basedIdentity / first-genMerit / GPA
Open official page
NationaloptionalEasy app

Unigo monthly scholarships

Unigo

Amount
Small awards ($1,500 and under common)
Timing
Monthly themes
Who it fits
High school and college students

Why look here: Short prompts. Good for filling quiet months.

How to apply: Create Unigo account and enter monthly contests.

Essay contestOpen to most seniors
Open official page