Last updated on August 4, 2025

Leadership Scholarships to Apply for in 2025

The Best Leadership Scholarships with Upcoming Deadlines

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  1. Sweet Dreams Scholarship

    Funded by
    Sweet Hut Bakery and Food Terminal
    This scholarship aims to support students who embody the spirit of community and hope so they can complete their education and become leaders.
    • Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student
    • State: Texas or Georgia
    • Background: Non-profit or volunteering experience and work or internship experience
    $5,000
    Only 5 days left!
    1
  2. Boatswain’s Mate Third Class Antonie Bernard Thomas Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Chris Thomas
    This scholarship seeks to honor the memory of Antonie “Tony” Bernard Thomas by supporting a student who is pursuing higher education.
    • Education Level: Undergraduate or graduate student
    • Background: Military service member, police officer, or family of military or police
    $1,100
    Deadline:Nov 07, 2025
    One Click Apply
    2
  3. ACHE Southern California LIFT Scholarship

    Funded by
    ACHE of Southern California
    This scholarship aims to lift up the next generation of healthcare professionals so they can access the positions of their dreams.
    • Education Level: Undergraduate or graduate student
    • State: California
    • Field of Study: Health administration, public health or nursing
    $1,800
    Deadline:Sep 10, 2025
    One Click Apply
    3
  4. Kelly S. Ellis Athletic Training Scholarship

    Funded by
    Kelly Ellis
    This scholarship aims to support students who are working hard to become athletic trainers so they can improve wellness and treatment in the sports field.
    • Field of Study: Athletic training
    • GPA: 3.0 GPA or higher
    • Background: Leader in their community and school
    • Identity: Minority
    • Education Level: Current/Incoming Masters or Doctoral student
    $1,000
    Deadline:Aug 07, 2025
    One Click Apply
    4
  5. Olympians Academy Leadership Wings Scholarship

    Funded by
    The Olympians Academy, LLC.
    This scholarship aims to support students pursuing professional leadership or management so they can lead the world to a better future.
    • GPA: 3.0 or higher
    • State of Residence: Tennessee
    • Field of Interest: Business Administration - Management, Human Resource Management, Project Management, Public Administration, Business Management, Global Leadership, Organizational Leadership
    • Education Level: Undergraduate
    $2,000
    Deadline:Aug 07, 2025
    One Click Apply
    5
  6. Emerging Leaders in STEM Scholarship

    Funded by
    Venkata Kishore
    This scholarship seeks to provide financial assistance and motivation to students who are eager to make a positive impact in their chosen field.
    • Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
    • Field of Study: STEM
    • Identity: Minority
    $500
    Only 1 day left!
    One Click Apply
    6
  7. Cooper Congress Scholarship

    Funded by
    Matthew Cooper
    This scholarship seeks to bridge divides through dialogue and policy by supporting the next generation of political leaders and encouraging them to work together.
    • Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
    • Citizenship: U.S. citizen
    • Field of Study: Law, legislation, political science, public policy, or government
    $1,000
    Only 14 days left!
    One Click Apply
    7
  8. Build and Bless Leadership Scholarship

    Funded by
    Build and Bless Foundation
    This scholarship seeks to support Christian students to exemplify the power of the community in uplifting people and helping them reach their goals.
    • Education Level: High school, undergraduate, or graduate student
    • Religion: Christian
    $1,000
    Only 17 days left!
    One Click Apply
    8
  9. Crowned to Lead HBCU Scholarship

    Funded by
    Crowned to Lead
    This scholarship seeks to make college more accessible by supporting and celebrating young women of color who are boldly stepping into leadership—both on campus and in their communities.
    • Education Level: High school senior or college freshman
    • Gender: Female-identifying
    • School Type: HBCU
    • GPA: 2.8 GPA or higher
    $2,500
    Deadline:Oct 07, 2025
    One Click Apply
    9
  10. Craig Huffman Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Huffman Family
    This scholarship seeks to support students who are passionate about pursuing higher education and careers in aviation.
    • Field of Study: Aviation
    • Education Level: High school student, undergraduate, graduate student, or trade school student
    $2,000
    Deadline:Oct 15, 2025
    One Click Apply
    10
  11. Patrick Roberts Scholarship for Aspiring Criminal Justice Professionals

    Funded by
    Patrick Roberts
    This scholarship seeks to encourage and empower students to uphold the rule of law, advocate for the underrepresented, and contribute fiercely to the betterment of society through criminal justice.
    • Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
    • Field of Study: Career related to law or criminal justice (law enforcement, pre-law, paralegal, etc. as long as the focus is on criminal justice)
    $5,000
    Deadline:Oct 24, 2025
    One Click Apply
    11
  12. Dr. Terran Jordan International Excellence in Leadership, STEM & Emergency Management Scholarship

    Funded by
    Dr. Terran Jordan
    This scholarship seeks to support Black students in STEM and emergency management in order to invest in future leaders who will drive technological advancements, policy improvements, and global disaster preparedness.
    • Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student
    • Age: 18+ years old
    • GPA: 3.0 GPA or higher
    • Race: Black
    • Field of Study: Leadership, STEM, or Emergency Management
    $1,000
    Deadline:Nov 01, 2025
    One Click Apply
    12
  13. National Business Leadership Scholarship

    Funded by
    Anonymous
    This scholarship seeks to support the next generation of great business leaders as they prepare to pursue their educational goals.
    • Education Level: High school student
    • Religion: Christian
    • Background: Athlete
    • Field of Study: Business
    • Experience: Non-profit volunteering experience
    • Identity: Female
    • Scores: 3.75+ GPA, 1500 SAT or ACT equivalent score
    $3,500
    Deadline:Nov 05, 2025
    One Click Apply
    13
  14. Ethics in Law Leadership Scholarship

    Funded by
    Anonymous
    This scholarship seeks to support Christian mixed-race students in their journey to become cross-cultural leaders in the legal field.
    • Identity: Mixed-race
    • Religion: Christian
    • Field of Study: Law
    • Education Level: Undergraduate or college graduate with a bachelors
    • Background: At least a 3.75 GPA and a 1500 SAT score or equivalent ACT score
    • Experience: Work experience
    $3,500
    Deadline:Nov 05, 2025
    One Click Apply
    14
  15. College Connect Resilience Award

    Funded by
    Home Infusion Options
    This scholarship seeks to support resilient students balancing academics and chronic care so they can succeed in all of their goals.
    • Education Level: Undergraduate student
    • Background: Diagnosed with a chronic illness
    $1,000
    Deadline:Nov 15, 2025
    One Click Apply
    15

Are you a high school senior or college student with excellent leadership skills and a passion for making a difference? If so, leadership scholarships could be the key to unlocking your dreams of studying at the college or university of your choice.

In this ultimate guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about these scholarships. We will also delve into the application process, providing you with tips and insights to help you stand out from the competition and answers to some frequently asked questions about scholarship applications.

Bold.org is dedicated to aiding students in overcoming student debt. Start applying for scholarships today!

The Role of Leadership Scholarships in Higher Education

Leadership scholarships are financial awards given to students who demonstrate strong leadership skills either in high school or as an undergraduate student. These awards recognize the difference that aspiring leaders can make in their communities and aim to nurture their potential by providing financial support for their college or university education.

Such scholarships enable organizations and institutions to invest in developing the leaders of tomorrow by rewarding students who have demonstrated exceptional community involvement in a leadership role.

The selection process typically involves a comprehensive evaluation of the applicant's leadership experiences, achievements, and potential according to their online application. Scholarship committees assess factors such as the applicant's involvement in extracurricular activities, community service, and leadership roles held in school or other organizations.

They also consider the applicant's personal statement, letters of recommendation, and academic performance. Once selected for a scholarship, students often have access to additional resources and opportunities that further enhance their leadership development beyond the scholarship money.

Many colleges and universities provide leadership training programs, mentorship initiatives, and networking events specifically tailored for scholarship students. These programs aim to cultivate leadership skills, expand students' professional networks, and provide them with the tools to make a positive impact in their chosen fields.

Leadership scholarships can open doors to unique experiences and internships that allow students to apply their leadership skills in real-world settings. These opportunities can range from participating in leadership conferences and workshops to working on projects that address pressing social issues in the local community.

By engaging in these experiences, scholarship students gain valuable practical knowledge, build their resumes, and develop a deeper understanding of the challenges and responsibilities that come with leadership.

Leadership Scholarships Image 1Types of Leadership Scholarships

There are a variety of leadership scholarships available to both high school seniors and college students:

Scholarships for Specific Leadership Roles

Some awards are specifically targeted towards those who have excelled in certain leadership positions, such as student government, community service, or sports team captains, either as college students or as high school students.

These awards not only acknowledge the exceptional leadership skills of the students but also highlight the importance of leadership roles in shaping individuals' character and abilities.

Community Service Scholarships

Government Scholarships

Performing Arts Scholarships

Athletic Scholarships

Band Scholarships

LGBTQ Scholarships

Music Scholarships

Leadership Scholarships Image 2Scholarships for Student Athletes

Being a student-athlete allows you to participate in a thrilling sport while advancing your leadership development as a team captain or mentor for younger team members, either as a high school senior or as an undergraduate student. There are an array of sports-based leadership awards available to high school seniors and college students to help fund a bachelor's degree or graduate study:

Basketball Scholarships

Baseball Scholarships

Swimming Scholarships

Wrestling Scholarships

Football Scholarships

Soccer Scholarships

Lacrosse Scholarships

Leadership Scholarships Image 3Leadership Scholarships by Career

Whether you are interested in engineering or entrepreneurship, there is a leadership scholarship for every career path. High school students and college scholars who identify as future leaders in their career fields should apply for these awards depending on their field of interest:

Entrepreneur Scholarships

Law School Scholarships

Nursing Scholarships

Teachers Scholarships

Business Scholarships

Medical School Scholarships

Engineering Scholarships

STEM Scholarships

Writing Scholarships

Science Scholarships

Art Scholarships

Leadership Scholarships Image 4Merit-Based Scholarships

Merit-based grants are awarded to student leaders who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements and strong leadership skills. These awards typically consider factors such as GPA, standardized test scores, and letters of recommendation.

Receiving a merit-based leadership scholarship not only provides financial support for students but also recognizes leaders' hard work and dedication. There are frequent restrictions on who is eligible for merit-based awards, such as minimum GPA requirements and maintaining good academic standing in order to keep the award.

Top Merit-Based Scholarships

Scholarships by GPA

Need-Based Leadership Scholarships

Need-based leadership scholarships are designed to assist students who come from low-income backgrounds and demonstrate financial need, such as first-generation college students. These awards take into account the applicant's family income, assets, and other financial factors.

Receiving a need-based leadership scholarship can be life-changing for students who face financial barriers to pursuing higher education. This type of leadership scholarship often comes with additional support services, such as mentoring and career counseling, to ensure that the recipients have the resources they need to succeed in college or university.

Need-Based Scholarships

First Generation College Student Scholarships

Leadership Scholarships Image 5Eligibility Criteria for Leadership Scholarships

Academic Requirements

While the specific academic requirements for leadership scholarships may vary, most programs expect students to have a solid academic record. Aim to maintain a good GPA well above the scholarship minimum and take challenging courses that display your intellectual curiosity and commitment throughout school, college, or university.

Many colleges and universities also offer leadership programs to enrolled students. If you already attend an institution, check if there is a leadership institute at the school where you are enrolled offering mentorship and awards to student leaders.

It is often easier to win a student leader award at the school you are enrolled at since the pool of competitors will be smaller than that of a national award. Some schools even have identity-based leadership awards for which only specific demographics are eligible.

Extracurricular and Leadership Experience

Besides academics, leadership scholarships seek candidates who have demonstrated leadership potential through their involvement in extracurricular activities that benefit their community. This could include participating in student government, leading clubs or organizations, or organizing community service initiatives.

Be sure to highlight your leadership roles and the impact you made in these activities when applying for awards. Many committees are interested in hearing not only about your accomplishments but also about the values and skills you developed through these experiences.

Personal and Financial Criteria

A leadership scholarship may require applicants to meet specific personal or financial criteria. For example, a leadership scholarship might prioritize applicants who are the first in their family to attend college or who come from underrepresented communities. Ensure that you carefully review the scholarship requirements to determine if you are eligible according to specific personal or financial criteria.

Additionally, recommendation letters play a crucial role in the scholarship application process. Choose recommenders who can speak to your leadership qualities and provide specific examples of your accomplishments and character. It is important to maintain strong relationships with mentors, teachers, or supervisors who can vouch for your leadership skills and potential.

This might be a person working in your field of interest, a mentor you met in high school, college, or graduate school, or someone from a community organization who can speak on your commitment to leadership. Make sure you contact your recommender well in advance of any deadline so they have ample time to complete their recommendation.

Leadership Scholarships Image 6How to Apply for Leadership Scholarships

Preparing a Strong Application

While researching awards, remember to take note of all application deadlines and requirements as listed on the website. If the program requires an online application, begin the process well in advance of the deadline. Applying early and being mindful of all the necessary materials will give you a competitive advantage. Pay close attention to any specific requirements to make sure you are eligible for the award.

Don't limit yourself to national or international scholarships. Many local organizations, businesses, and community groups also offer leadership scholarships. These awards are often less competitive and can provide a unique opportunity to make a significant impact within your own community.

When preparing your scholarship application, take the time to thoughtfully present your leadership experiences, achievements, and aspirations. Start by crafting a compelling personal statement that highlights your leadership journey, showcasing how your experiences have shaped your leadership ambitions and commitment to making a difference in your community. Emphasize how the award will help you continue to apply your leadership skills at college or university.

Seek feedback from a teacher, mentor, or counselor to ensure your application is persuasive and coherent. Complete your personal statement well in advance of any deadlines so you can get ample feedback before submitting it. Emphasize the unique qualities and perspectives you bring to the table. This will ensure that you stand out from other students and increase your likelihood of succeeding at securing award funding.

Leadership Scholarships Image 7