The Scholarship Collective ®
The Next Chapter Scholarship
The Next Chapter Scholarship is a $500 award that recognizes exceptional high school seniors who demonstrate outstanding leadership potential, academic excellence, and a commitment to making a positive impact in their school and community. This scholarship is designed to support graduating seniors who are preparing to become the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers as they transition to college.
Eligibility Requirements
Academic Standing
Must be a current high school senior graduating in Spring 2026
Must be planning to enroll in a college or university for Fall 2026 or Spring 2027
Must be a U.S. Citizen planning to attend a U.S. institution (Online universities are eligible)
Application Requirements
Required Documents
Completed Application Form - Include personal information and college enrollment plan
Essay (250 words maximum) - Tell us what your next chapter is in life. Big or small we want to know it all!
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be evaluated mainly based on the essay:
Leadership Impact (65%) - Quality and significance of leadership experiences during high school
Future Potential (20%) - Clarity and feasibility of college and career vision
Communication Skills (15%) - Quality of written responses and overall application presentation
How to Apply
Complete the online application at the bottom of this page by 11:59 PM EST on December 31, 2025
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by a panel of education professionals and community leaders
Winner will be notified by February 15, 2026
Award funds will be disbursed directly to the recipient
Additional Information
Only one application per student will be accepted
Incomplete applications will not be considered
Recipients are required to participate in promotional materials for The Scholarship Collective and sign a publicity waiver. Lack of participation will forfeit your award.
Questions? Contact us at hello@scholarshipjunkie.com
The Next Chapter Scholarship is sponsored by The Scholarship Collective, dedicated to helping students achieve their educational goals through scholarship opportunities and financial literacy education. By applying for this scholarship, you agree to The Scholarship Collective's privacy policy and agree to be opted-in to The Scholarship Collective Weekly newsletter distribution list.