[Page 6] The 240 Best Merit-Based Scholarships in May 2026
Updated: May 4, 2026
Written by:
Elise


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If you’ve worked hard in school, scholarships should reward that effort. This page highlights merit-based scholarships on Bold.org, ranked by award amount, effort, and eligibility — built to recognize your achievements.
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100% free.Samuel D. Hartley Memorial Scholarship
Funded byHartley FamilyThe Samuel D. Hartley Memorial Scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to students passionate about golf and striving to achieve their dreams in their chosen field as a tribute to the late Samuel D. Hartley.Amount$775Deadline:Nov 15, 2025Education LevelHigh SchoolScholarship is awarded to Takes minutes
1 winner151Undergraduate Minorities in STEM Scholarship
Funded byLeslie SmithThis scholarship seeks to support underrepresented students pursuing STEM degrees at HBCUs who are involved in their communities.Amount$803Deadline:Oct 21, 2025Education LevelUndergraduateScholarship is awarded to Takes minutes
1 winner152Johnnie M. Parris Public Service Scholarship
Funded byJohnnie M. Parris FoundationThis scholarship seeks to honor the life of Johnnie M. Parris by supporting African American students who are pursuing degrees in public service or related fields.Amount$760Deadline:Nov 1, 2023Education LevelUndergraduateScholarship is awarded to Takes minutes
1 winner153Taylor Ibarrondo Memorial Scholarship
Funded byIbarrondo FamilyTo honor the legacy that Taylor Ibarrondo left behind, this scholarship will support two graduating high school seniors who plan to attend college and embody some of her most inspiring traits and qualities.Amount$2,386Deadline:Jun 7, 2023Education LevelHigh SchoolScholarship is awarded to Takes minutes
2 winners154Doan Foundation Arts Scholarship
Funded byDoan Incorporated (Doan Foundation)This scholarship aims to support marginalized teens in California who are pursuing careers in the arts so they have the resources they need to achieve their dreams.Amount$2,000Deadline:Mar 1, 2026Education LevelHigh SchoolScholarship is awarded to
4 winners155Josephine's Light Nursing Memorial Scholarship
Funded byFriends and love ones of the St. John familyThis scholarship aims to honor the memory of Josephine St John by supporting students who share her dedication to nursing and giving back.Amount$4,100Deadline:Apr 5, 2026Education LevelAnyScholarship is awarded to Takes minutes
2 winners156Jeffrey A. Mattos Memorial Nursing Scholarship
Funded byGifted Scholars Leadership ProgramThis scholarship seeks to support young women of color who are following Jeffrey’s path and pursuing careers in nursing.Amount$3,198Deadline:Apr 16, 2022Education LevelUndergraduate, GraduateScholarship is awarded to Takes minutes
3 winners157Michael James Mitrik Soccer Scholarship
Funded byVaccaro/Mitrik FamilyThis scholarship seeks to honor the memory of Michael James Mitrik by supporting students who share his passion for soccer.Amount$3,000Deadline:Apr 5, 2026Education LevelHigh SchoolScholarship is awarded to Takes minutes
3 winners158Stan Moran Jr. Memorial Scholarship
Funded byStanley Moran JrThis scholarship aims to support student-athletes who demonstrate commitment, perseverance, and a love for running—qualities Stan embodied throughout his life and career.Amount$3,000Deadline:Apr 22, 2026Education LevelHigh SchoolScholarship is in reviewTakes minutes159Scarlet Croft Memorial Scholarship
Funded byCroft FamilyThis scholarship aims to honor the life of Scarlet Croft by supporting students who are preparing to graduate from high school and pursue their college goals.Amount$2,140Deadline:Feb 12, 2026Education LevelHigh SchoolScholarship is awarded to Takes minutes
2 winners160Young Achievers For Higher Education
Funded byDouglas G. ChestangThis scholarship seeks to support students who are goal-oriented and devoted to achieving their dreams through higher education.Amount$2,117Deadline:Jul 22, 2025Education LevelHigh SchoolScholarship is awarded to Takes minutes
2 winners161Betty and Louie Dicks SCSU Scholarship
Funded byAugustus DicksThis scholarship seeks to honor Betty & Louie Dicks by supporting an undergraduate male student at South Carolina State University.Amount$1,500Deadline:Aug 3, 2025Education LevelUndergraduateScholarship is awarded to Takes minutes
2 winners162Bobie Bao Memorial Scholarship
Funded byBao FamilyThis scholarship aims to honor the life and spirit of Bobie Bao by supporting students who share his driven attitude.Amount$3,000Deadline:Mar 9, 2026Education LevelHigh SchoolScholarship is awarded to
2 winners163Grant Woolard Memorial Scholarship
Funded byRachel YatesThis scholarship aims to honor Grant Woolard’s love of music and intellectual curiosity by supporting students studying music or foreign languages.Amount$1,300Deadline:Aug 1, 2022Education LevelAnyScholarship is awarded to Takes minutes
1 winner164Joe Massaro Achievement Scholarship
Funded byEmily TsaiThis scholarship seeks to honor the legacy of Joe Massaro by uplifting students who participate in music programs.Amount$1,020Deadline:Mar 31, 2026Education LevelHigh SchoolScholarship is awarded to Takes minutes
1 winner165Etherine Tansimore Scholarship
Funded byOllie TansimoreThis scholarship is perfect for high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who want to make a difference through a career in the medical field.Amount$1,010Deadline:Dec 12, 2024Education LevelHigh SchoolScholarship is awarded to Takes minutes
2 winners166Deach Family in STEM Scholarship
Funded byDeach FamilyThis scholarship seeks to support students who have strong interests in STEM and a willingness to give back to their communities through time and effort.Amount$1,500Deadline:May 9, 2025Education LevelHigh SchoolScholarship is awarded to Takes minutes
1 winner167Beacon of Opportunity Scholarship
Funded byHannah PenceThis scholarship aims to support underserved students who may not have the resources or guidance they need to reach their full potential.Amount$1,000Deadline:Aug 23, 2025Education LevelHigh SchoolScholarship is awarded to Takes minutes
1 winner168Youth Always Wins Scholarship for Chesapeake Public School Students
Funded byYouth Always WinsThis scholarship aims to support students of Chesapeake Public Schools as they prepare to embark on their academic journeys by lowering the financial barriers posed by higher education.Amount$1,000Deadline:Apr 15, 2025Education LevelHigh SchoolScholarship is awarded to Takes minutes
1 winner169The Lois Johnson Kemble Memorial Scholarship
Funded byRyne HigginsThis scholarship exists to support two female students pursuing degrees in business or teaching.Amount$1,100Deadline:May 2, 2022Education LevelHigh SchoolScholarship is awarded to Takes minutes
1 winner170Chantel S. Husted Memorial Scholarship
Funded byFamily of Chantel S. HustedThis scholarship seeks to honor the memory of Chantel S. Husted by supporting students interested in pursuing careers in mental health or social services.Amount$6,050Deadline:Jul 19, 2022Education LevelUndergraduate, GraduateScholarship is awarded to Takes minutes
2 winners171Make Me Laugh Meme Scholarship
Funded byTaylor Dodd-OwensThis scholarship is open to all high school seniors and above who love to share memes and funny pictures!Amount$1,000Deadline:May 1, 2021Education LevelAnyScholarship is awarded to
1 winner172Joe Bonamassa Music Studies Scholarship
Funded byKeeping the Blues AliveThe Joe Bonamassa Music Studies Scholarship will support one budding musician in their studies and career in music.Amount$1,000Deadline:Jun 1, 2021Education LevelAnyScholarship is awarded to Takes minutes
1 winner173"A's Don't Matter" No-Essay Scholarship
Funded byCalvin RosserThis scholarship will support one curious and ambitious student who thinks outside of the box, follows his or her interests, and has a genuine love for learning.Amount$500Deadline:Jul 31, 2021Education LevelAnyScholarship is awarded to Takes minutes
1 winner174Education Matters Scholarship
Funded byAnonymous Well WisherThis scholarship s open to all motivated and driven students in any field of studyAmount$15,000Deadline:Aug 23, 2021Education LevelUndergraduateScholarship is awarded to Takes minutes
2 winners175Texas Black Careers Cross The Stage Scholarship
Funded byTexas Black CareersThis scholarship seeks to support Black undergraduate seniors who are attending college in Texas.Amount$1,000Deadline:Nov 30, 2021Education LevelUndergraduateScholarship is awarded to Takes minutes
2 winners176LikelyThis.xyz, LLC First Generation Scholarship
Funded byLikelyThis.xyz, LLCThis scholarship aims to support first-generation undergraduate students who are looking to transfer schools.Amount$1,000Deadline:Mar 2, 2022Education LevelUndergraduateScholarship is awarded to Takes minutes
1 winner177RESILIENCE Scholarship
Funded byKristin KogaThis scholarship seeks to support high school seniors or undergraduate students who have lost a parent/legal guardian during their time in high school or college.Amount$500Deadline:Mar 17, 2022Education LevelHigh School, UndergraduateScholarship is awarded to Takes minutes
1 winner178Be Like 22 Scholarship
Funded byMillai MadisonTo honor the life and legacy of Kielyn Toone, this scholarship will be awarded to one student at Bosse High School who brings joy and happiness to those around them.Amount$500Deadline:Mar 23, 2022Education LevelHigh SchoolScholarship is awarded to Takes minutes
1 winner179Focus Forward Scholarship
Funded byKathryn HuberThis scholarship will support two undergraduate students in their sophomore, junior, or senior years. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA or higher and have at least one student loan.Amount$2,000Deadline:Apr 10, 2022Education LevelUndergraduateScholarship is awarded to Takes minutes
2 winners180