Scholarships Overview

Current Scholarships

Financial Aid

Intern/Leadership Opportunities

National Scholarship Database

We encourage all students and their families to check the PHS Scholarships page weekly to view any and all scholarship opportunities that are open to PHS students.  Please know that all scholarships that are made available to PHS students from local organizations are posted on this webpage so that all students, their families, staff, and the community can access this information at any time. 

Click HERE to access the November 2025 Newsletter from studentscholarships.org that lists multiple national scholarships that are currently available.

Click HERE to view the list of the scholarships that were posted on the PHS Scholarships Webpage during the 2024-25 school year. There is no guarantee that each of these scholarships will be available again for the 25-26 school year; however, we are hopeful that they will be and that the timeframes will be similar of their application availability as they were last school year!

Below are mostly local, state, and/or some national scholarships that are currently available for students to apply to:

1) UNG New Student Scholarships (posted on 10/28/25)

-Newly admitted freshmen and transfer students to UNG can now complete one scholarship application for to be considered for all Undergraduate Admissions Academic and Leadership Scholarships for which they might qualify.

-Click HERE to view more information regarding new student scholarships at UNG.

-Click HERE to access the online scholarship application.

-The priority deadline to submit this online application was November 1st, the general deadline is December 1st, and the final deadline is February 1st.

2)  Hagan Scholarship Foundation (posted on 10/28/25)

-The Hagan Scholarship is a nationwide four-year need-based merit scholarship that provides up to $7,500 each semester for up to 8 consecutive semesters.

-Some of the eligibility requirements are being a graduate of the 2025-26 school year, having a 3.5 GPA, must enroll in an eligible college or university, and the applicant’s Adjusted Household Income reported for Federal Income Tax Purposes must not exceed $100,000.

-Click HERE to access information about the scholarship and the suggested timeline for applying.

-Click HERE to access the online application.

-The deadline for this online scholarship opportunity is December 1st, 2025.  The Hagan Scholarship Foundation will award the scholarship recipients in April of 2026.

3) PCREA Outstanding Youth Service Leader of the Year Award 2026 (posted on 11/28/25)

-The Pickens County Retired Educators Association (PCREA) is a group of individuals who have lived a life of service through their dedication to educating youth and in many other ways.     This group is committed to recognizing and celebrating the remarkable service of a graduating PHS Senior who is leaving a legacy of service in our community as he/she goes on to new adventures.  The Youth Community Service Award celebrates the remarkable dedication, compassion, and leadership of young individuals who make a positive impact in our community. This is a reminder to us all that the energy and vision of youth can transform communities and shape a brighter future.  While there is a small monetary gift, it is not a scholarship program.

-Click HERE to access the application and review its requirements.

-Completed applications and all of their required documents/items are due to the PHS Graduation Coach, Ms. Champion, in PHS Room 410 by 12pm on Thursday, January 11th, 2026.

4)  John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest (posted on 11/28/25)

-This essay contest is open to all U.S. high school students in grades 9-12. Twenty students will be recognized and the first-place winner will receive a $10,000 cash award, second-place a $3,000 award, and three finalists $1,000 each.

-Click HERE to learn more about the eligibility requirements for this national contest, the topic of the essay, and how to submit your essay.

-The deadline to submit your essay online is January 12th, 2026.  Winners will be notified by both email and telephone by April 30th.

5) UNG Army ROTC Scholarship (posted on 11/28/25)

-Awarded Nationally and covers either 1) room and board or 2) tuition and fees (can be used in conjunction with the HOPE Scholarship in Georgia).  Awarded as 3- or 4-year scholarship.  You will also receive a $420 monthly stipend once you sign your contract and $1,200 per/yr for books and supplies.

-Any Army commission, Active Duty, Reserve or Guard, carries an 8-yr obligation.

-Click HERE for more information regarding the scholarship application and requirements.

-Click HERE to access the online application.

-Application Round Deadlines are listed below:

• Round 2 is due by January 12th to be reviewed by the board from 1/20-1/23.

• Round 3 is due by March 17th to be reviewed by the board from 3/23-3/27.

• Round 1 was due by October 14th to be reviewed by the board from 10/20-10/24.

6) National BETA Scholarship Program (posted on 10/28/25)

-The National BETA Scholarship Program offers multiple scholarships to outstanding BETA members in their senior year of high school with awards ranging from $1,000 to $20,000.

-This scholarship program occurs in two phases.  In order to apply you must be an active member of the PHS BETA Club and be able to submit your membership # (you can get this from Dr. Christi Hobgood or Mrs. Shaina Nix), be able to upload documentation of your ACT and/or SAT scores, and be able to upload a copy of your high school transcript.

-Click HERE to learn more about this scholarship program.

-Click HERE to access the scholarship application (opens 11/3/25).

-The deadline for submitting your online application is 11:59PM on January 15th, 2026.  The top 100 semifinalists will be notified by February 12th from the Nation BETA Organization.

7) Big Canoe Chapel Scholarship (posted on 11/28/25)

-Any PHS Class of 2026 senior may apply to the Big Canoe Chapel Scholarship (BCCS) if he/she is a resident of Pickens or Dawson County and wishes to further his/her education as a full-time student after graduating from high school.

-In order to apply, students must complete all of the items identified in the 2026 BCCS Requirements Document.

-Click HERE to access the BCCS Application 2026 (make sure to type your responses in the fillable form and to include a headshot with your printed application).

-Click HERE to access the BCCS Senior Profile 2026 (make sure to answer this in “essay” format).

-BCCS Interviews will take place on Thursday, February 12th, in the PHS Media Center.  All students invited for an interview will be notified beforehand by Ms. Champion.

-Completed scholarship packets must be printed in their entirety and turned in to the PHS Graduation Coach, Ms. Champion, in PHS Room 410 preferably by Thursday, January 15th, 2026.  Please know that NO applications will be accepted after 12pm on Friday, January 16th, 2026.

8) Army ROTC Scholarship (posted on 6/25/25)

-The Army ROTC scholarship pays either 1) all tuition and fees or 2) all housing and food. In return, scholarship recipients commission as Army officers in either the Active Duty Force, the Army Reserves, or the National Guard.

-To get started on your ROTC scholarship application, create an account (Opens in new window) and log in (Opens in new window) to the Scholarship Application via the goarmy.com website. From there, you’ll locate and contact the Recruiting Operations Officer at the college that you plan to attend. In addition, you must apply to the college that you are hoping to attend.

-Click HERE to view more information on this scholarship opportunity, its requirements, and the obligations that you will have to fulfill by accepting this scholarship.

-ROTC scholarship applications opened on June 14, 2025, for the 25-26 school year for high school seniors to apply to. Applications must be started no later than March 4, 2026 to be eligible for review by the Army ROTC National Scholarship Board for the 2025 – 2026 school year. There will be three rounds of reviews by the Board:

-Round 2 is due by January 19th, 2026.

-Round 3 is due by March 16th, 2026.

-Round 1 was due by October 13th, 2025.

9) Dalton State Foundation Scholarships (posted on 11/28/25)

-Dalton State College Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for Dalton State students to apply to.  If you plan on attending Dalton State College during the 2026-27 school year, then don’t let this amazing scholarship opportunity pass you by!

-Click HERE to view more information on the scholarships available to incoming Dalton State College students and to also access the online application link.

-In order to be considered for scholarships, current high school seniors must be accepted to Dalton State and must have access to the Roadrunner Portal. Roadrunner Portal login credentials are found in your Dalton State acceptance letter.

-The deadline to submit the online scholarship application in its entirety is January 23rd, 2026.  Applicants will be notified of their status in the spring by Dalton State College.

10) The Rotary Club of Big Canoe Scholarship (posted on 10/28/25)

-Any Class of 2026 senior student may apply to the Rotary Club of Big Canoe Scholarship if he/she is a resident of Pickens or Dawson County and wishes to further his/her education as a full-time student after graduating from high school at a post-secondary institution (4-year colleges/universities and technical colleges) while pursuing a STEAM related career (science, technology, engineering, arts, and/or math) or a career in International Business by studying abroad.

-To be considered for one of the College/University Scholarships, the student must provide the Scholarship Committee with an official high school transcript and a copy of his/her ACT/SAT scores. Applicants must be HOPE qualified, with a 3.25 GPA in core courses (aka your HOPE GPA). Please list any AP and/or Dual Enrollment Credits as well.

-To be considered for one of the Vocational-Technical Scholarships, the student must provide the Scholarship Committee with an official high school transcript. Applicants should have earned an overall high school GPA of 2.5 or greater. Please list any Dual Enrollment Credits as well. Note, if you are applying for the vocational/technical scholarship, you must answer Optional Essay #4 in the Personal Response Section of the Application.

-To be considered for the Heinz Ebener International Business Scholarship the student must provide proof of at least 2 years of academic study in a second language, copy of an official high school transcript, copy of your ACT/SAT scores, be HOPE qualified with a 3.25 GPA in core courses, list any AP and/or DE courses you have taken, and proof of application to an international university.

-All scholarship applicants must provide two written personal references (one from the school, such as a teacher, counselor, or administrator; and one from an adult outside the school or family (such as someone you who have worked for or volunteered with for example), PHS Senior Profile/Info Sheet, Letter of Acceptance from the college you will be attending, Senior Resume from grades 9th-12th (different from the PHS Senior Profile/Info Sheet), a headshot picture with your scholarship application, answer the essay questions in the application, and include a copy of your current high school course schedule.

-Click HERE to access the scholarship requirements document.

-Click HERE to access the scholarship application.

-Ms. Champion will notify you of your scholarship interview time which will take place on 2/12.

-Applications and their required documents must be submitted altogether in one packet.  Complete application packets should be turned into the PHS Graduation Coach, Ms. Champion, in Room 410 by 12pm on Friday, January 30th.

11) Georgia Mining Foundation 2026 Cliff Sheppard Endowment for Education Scholarship (posted on 11/28/25)

-All Georgia high school seniors attending schools in counties where mining companies maintain mining operations are eligible to apply to this scholarship.  Pickens County meets this requirement and thus, PHS seniors are eligible to apply for this scholarship that is open to students planning to attend a four year college/university after graduating from high school.  The Endowment for Education Scholarship will provide one Georgia high school senior with $1,000 per year over four years of college education.

-Eligible students must have an SAT score of 960 and/or an ACT score of 18.  The applicant must have been accepted and is planning on attending one of the following colleges: Georgia Tech, Mercer University, Kennesaw State University, University of Georgia, and/or Georgia Southern University.

-Click HERE to visit the scholarship program’s website.

-Click HERE to access the scholarship application and to review all of the scholarship’s application requirements.

-Please see the PHS Graduation Coach, Ms. Champion, in PHS Room 410 to sign off on the Teacher/Counselor/Staff member signature.  This helps PHS keep a count on who applies to the scholarship as Ms. Champion will contact the organization in April to ensure our winners are recognized.

-All completed applications must be submitted and mailed by the student (PHS is not responsible for mailing these applications on behalf of the student) to the address identified in the scholarship application by January 30th, 2026.  Winners of this scholarship will be announced at the PHS Honors Night in May of 2026.

12) AEMC Scholarship Program (posted on 11/28/25)

-The Amicalola EMC (AEMC) scholarship program is open to PHS Seniors who reside in a home where AEMC supplies their power.  Seniors will need their GPA (numerical value), SAT/ACT score, and amount of household income to complete the online application.

- Winners will be selected based upon GPA, SAT and/or ACT scores, and financial need.  Applicants will be required to upload a copy of their official transcript.

-Click HERE for more information about the scholarship opportunity and to access the online scholarship application.

-The deadline to apply for this scholarship opportunity is January 31st, 2026.  AEMC will notify students if they have won or not and the winners will be recognized at a scholarship banquet in March hosted by AEMC.

13) AEMC Washington Youth Tour (posted on 11/28/25)

-Amicalola EMC will choose four high school juniors to represent our service area on the 2026 Washington Youth Tour, a prestigious youth leadership program in Georgia. Delegates from around the state enjoy an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. Along with this experience, AEMC delegates will also receive a college scholarship. The 2026 Washington Youth Tour will take place June 12-19, 2026. To be eligible for this opportunity students must live in an AEMC household.  For this program, AEMC is looking for the best overall student; someone who is well rounded, has the ability to meet new people, and works well with a group. Winners are chosen primarily based upon the essay they submit and their ability to do well during a face-to-face interview with a selected committee from AEMC. We will schedule these interviews in February once all of the applications have been received and the PHS Graduation Coach, Ms. Champion, will notify you of your interview day and time. 

-Click HERE for more information about the scholarship opportunity and to access the online scholarship application.

-The deadline to apply for this opportunity is January 31st, 2026.  AEMC will notify the winners of this scholarship opportunity in March.

14)  DAR Scholarships (posted on 11/28/25)

-The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) have a number of scholarship opportunities available on their website.  All applicants must be US citizens and must plan to an attend an accredited college/university in the US.  DAR Chapter sponsorship is not required for these scholarship opportunities.

-Click HERE to begin your application and review the numerous scholarship opportunities available.

-The deadline to submit any and all online DAR applications is January 31st, 2026.

15) 2026 EngineerGirl Writing Contest (posted on 11/28/25)

The 2026 EngineerGirl Writing Contest theme this year is “The Art of Engineering.”  Students are to use art to express how engineers can create a better world and also include a written statement that explains how the artwork demonstrates that contribution.

can write a piece describing a common object they would make “smart” and tell what it would do, how it would help people, and what could go wrong. The contest is open to all students in grades 3-12.

-The first-place prize for each of the three grade categories is $1,000.

-Click HERE for more information on this opportunity and to submit your online application.

-The deadline to submit your online application and all required documents is February 1st at 11:59pm.  Winners will be notified via email by May 1st.

16) Georgia Military Service Scholarship (GMSS) through UNG (posted on 8/4/25)

-UNG awards 42 full ride scholarships annually via the GMSS for Georgia high school seniors who plan to attend UNG and participate in the Corps of Cadets – the Boar’s Head Brigade.

-Service Obligation: 4 years in the Georgia Army National Guard.  You will commission as an officer in the Georgia Army National Guard with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant.

-Click HERE for more information regarding the scholarship application and requirements.

-Click HERE to access the online application.

-First Consideration Applications were due by November 15th, 2025, and the final deadline to apply is February 1st, 2026.

17) Bent Tree Foundation Scholarship (posted on 10/29/25)

-The Bent Tree Foundation Scholarship is open to all graduating seniors at PHS who plan on entering an accredited two year or four-year post-secondary degree program or a one-year certificate program.

- Complete application packets must include the application form, copy of your PHS transcript (minimum overall GPA of 85 to apply), copies of SAT and/or ACT scores, two recommendation letters (one from a teacher and the other from another adult in your life), a letter of acceptance from the school you plan to attend (last day to send this item is 4/10/26), PHS Senior Info Sheet, and a resume.

-Click HERE to access the Bent Tree Foundation Scholarship Application.  Please download this Word document, type in your answers, and then print your application form once it is complete.

- To apply to this scholarship opportunity, PHS seniors must turn in complete application packets to the PHS Graduation Coach, Ms. Champion, in PHS Room 410 by 12pm on Friday, 2/13/26.

18) Bent Tree Courts Scholarship (posted on 10/29/25)

-The Bent Tree Courts Scholarship is open to all PHS seniors who were/are active in the PHS Tennis Program for a minimum of two years (including their senior year) or in some way associated with the Bent Tree Tennis Club.

-Click HERE to access the Bent Tree Courts Scholarship Application.

-Complete application packets must include the application form, copy of your PHS transcript, copies of ACT and/or SAT scores, two recommendation letters (one from a teacher and the other from another adult in your life), and a letter of acceptance from the school you plan to attend (no later than 4/10/26).

-Qualified applicants who wish to apply to this scholarship must turn in complete application packets to the PHS Graduation Coach, Ms. Champion, in PHS Room 410 by 12pm on Friday, 2/13/26 (the application says 2/20 but PHS will be closed for the Winter Break).

19) Georgia Mining Foundation Technical College Scholarship Program (posted on 11/28/25)

-All Georgia high school seniors attending schools in counties where mining companies maintain mining operations are eligible to apply to this scholarship.  Pickens County meets this requirement and thus, PHS seniors are eligible to apply for this scholarship that is open to students planning to attend a Technical College after graduating high school.  Several $500 scholarships will be awarded.

-Click HERE to visit the scholarship program’s website.

-Click HERE to access the scholarship application and to review all of the scholarship’s application requirements.

-Please see the PHS Graduation Coach, Ms. Champion, in PHS Room 410 to sign off on the Teacher/Counselor/Staff member signature.  This helps PHS keep a count on who applies to the scholarship as Ms. Champion will contact the organization in April to ensure our winners are recognized.

-All completed applications must be submitted and mailed by the student (PHS is not responsible for mailing these applications on behalf of the student) to the address identified in the scholarship application by February 27th, 2026.  Winners of this scholarship will be announced at the PHS Honors Night in May of 2026.

20) Georgia Mining Foundation College Scholarship Program (posted on 11/28/25)

-All Georgia high school seniors attending schools in counties where mining companies maintain mining operations are eligible to apply to this scholarship.  Pickens County meets this requirement and thus, PHS seniors are eligible to apply for this scholarship that is open to students pursuing a degree at a four year college/university after graduating high school.  Multiple scholarships at $500 will be awarded and six $1,000 scholarships.

-Click HERE to visit the scholarship program’s website.

-Click HERE to access the scholarship application and to review all of the scholarship’s application requirements.

-Please see the PHS Graduation Coach, Ms. Champion, in PHS Room 410 to sign off on the Teacher/Counselor/Staff member signature.  This helps PHS keep a count on who applies to the scholarship as Ms. Champion will contact the organization in April to ensure our winners are recognized.

-All completed applications must be submitted and mailed by the student (PHS is not responsible for mailing these applications on behalf of the student) to the address identified in the scholarship application by February 27th, 2026.  Winners of this scholarship will be announced at the PHS Honors Night in May of 2026.

21) Mercer University CASE Program (posted on 11/28/25)

-To be a CASE (Certificate of Achievement and Service Excellence) Scholar through Mercer University, students must be a sophomore or junior during the 2025-26 academic year, hold a 3.5 GPA or higher, demonstrate continued involvement in service during high school, and submit an application form or be nominated for the program by a school staff member. Eligible nominees will then be invited to apply to the program by the Office of University Admissions. Scholars will be awarded the Certificate of Achievement and Service Excellence along with a $500 scholarship, contingent upon their acceptance and enrollment to Mercer University.

-Click HERE for more information on the CASE Program.

-Click HERE to complete a student application.

-The deadline to submit your online student application is March 1st, 2026 (not identified on the website yet, but this was the deadline date last school year).  If chosen as a CASE Scholar, then you will be notified by Mercer University in April of 2026.

22) GA Foundation for Ag Scholarships (posted on 11/28/25)

-The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture has a number of scholarship opportunities available for students who aim to pursue agriculture-related courses of study.  There are scholarship opportunities for both technical-college bound and four-year college bound applicants.

-Click HERE to view the multiple scholarship opportunities available via the GA Found of Ag website, the scholarships application requirements, and to access the online applications.

-Click HERE to view the 2026 Technical College Scholarship for Agriculture for students who are tech-college bound.

-Click HERE to view the 2026 GA Foundation Scholarship for Agriculture for students who are four-year college bound.

-Click HERE to view the 2026 B. Frank Strickland Memorial Scholarship at ABAC for students who plan on attending ABAC in Fall 2026.

-All 2026 GFA scholarship applications are open through March 1st, 2026, and must be submitted online via the organization's website.  The GA Foundation for Ag will announce their winners in May of 2026.

23) The Georgia Energy and Industrial Construction (GEICC) Scholarship (posted on 11/28/25)

- GEICC is offering scholarships to students who are high school seniors in the state of Georgia that plan on pursuing a postsecondary education in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and/or Math) career in the energy industry.  There will be twenty scholarships at $2,000 each awarded.

-Click HERE to access the website, scholarship criteria, and to apply for the scholarship online.  Please do not use your PHS Gmail account to complete this application; rather, use a personal email.

-Applications must be submitted in their entirety online no later than 11:59pm on March 8th, 2026  GEICC will contact the scholarship recipients.

24) Lewis Cenker Scholarship (posted on 11/28/25)

-The Lewis Cenker Scholarship was created by the Home Builders Assoc. of Georgia in honor of the late Lewis B. Cenker, who was an outstanding Georgian and national industry leader.  Multiple scholarships will be awarded.

-Eligible applicants must be entering an area of study directly related to the home building industry.

-Click HERE for more information on this scholarship opportunity and to access the online application.

-Each applicant will be notified by letter in late April if they are a scholarship recipient or not.  The deadline to submit the online application in its entirety is March 15th, 2026.

25) Pickens County Farm Bureau Jerry R. Barnes Scholarship (posted on 10/29/25)

-The Pickens County Farm Bureau will provide one Jerry R. Barnes Scholarship in the amount of $1,000 to a PHS senior who intends to pursue a bachelor’s degree in agriculture or an agricultural related field at a public college in Georgia or at Berry College.

-Click HERE to access the scholarship policy document.

-Click HERE to access the scholarship information/checklist document.

-Click HERE to access the scholarship application.

-Completed applications are due in their entirety by March 19th, 2026.  You can either email them to rehoffbauer@gfbco.org or to the address provided in the info/checklist document.

26) Ted G. Wilson Memorial Scholarship (posted on 11/28/25)

-The Ted G. Wilson Memorial Scholarship is available to all high school seniors that plan to further their education in the fields of either construction or engineering by attending a four-year college/university.  Only those that are a resident of, or plan to attend a school or university in the states where PCEA (Professional Construction Estimators Association) has an established Chapter will qualify. At present, those states are North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.  The Scholarship is funded, in part, by the Order of Isosceles Fellowship.

-Click HERE to view more information regarding PECA and the scholarship opportunity.

-Click HERE to access the scholarship application.

-Please have the PHS Graduation Coach, Ms. Champion, in Room 410 complete the Guidance Official document for you so we can keep an accurate list of who has applied to this scholarship.

-The deadline to submit this scholarship application in its entirety is March 31st, 2026, and must be mailed by the student to P.O. Box 9146, Charlotte, NC, 28299.  PECA will notify the scholarship recipient.

27) The David Skinner/GDA Scholarship (posted on 11/28/25)

-The David Skinner/GDA (Georgia Development Authority) Scholarship awards scholarships in the amount of $2,400 that will be awarded annually to students enrolled in the study of Agriculture or an Agriculture related field.

-Those applying must be a senior, successfully passed their high school academic requirements, have college entrance exam scores (SAT/ACT) qualifying their admission to an accredited Georgia College, must be a Georgia resident living in a rural county (Pickens is a rural county), and must be pursuing a degree directly related to agriculture.

-Click HERE to access the website to this scholarship for more information as well as the online application.

-The scholarship application and all required documents must be postmarked no later than the first Monday in May if you completed a physical copy of the application.

-The deadline for the application submission is May 4th, 2026.

28) UNG Cadet Leadership Scholarships (posted on 7/16/25)

-Awarded to interested high school students who will be a Cadet at UNG.  Scholarships range from $500-$12,000.  These scholarships are fully funded by Alumni and donors to the UNG Corps of Cadets.

-Click HERE for more information regarding the different cadet scholarship opportunities as well as the scholarship application and its requirements.

-The application process will open on 8/1/25 and applications will be accepted until all scholarships are filled (no official deadline posted).

The following is a list of scholarship opportunities that were posted on the Current Scholarships page and the deadlines have since passed:

1) The Gates Scholarship (posted on 8/4/25 & the deadline was 9/15/25).

2)  Coca-Cola Scholars Program (posted on 8/4/25 & the deadline was 9/30/25).

3) DAR Good Citizens Scholarship Opportunity (posted on 10/22/25 & the deadline was 10/30/25).

4) Cooke College Scholarship Program (posted on 9/8/25 & the deadline was 11/12/25).

5) Georgia State University “The Stamps and Presidential Scholarships” (posted on 10/22/25 & the deadline was 11/15/25).

6) UGA CAES Rural Scholars Program (posted on 10/22/25 & the deadline was 11/14/25).