Niche College Scholarship
Updated: March 26, 2024

Leadership Scholarships

What is a Leadership Scholarship?

Leadership scholarships are given to students with a proven record of commitment to their school, community or extracurricular activities. These scholarships are designed to reward student leaders who have served as heads of clubs, student bodies and more. Even captains of sports clubs may qualify as leaders.

Continue reading the article below the scholarship list.

25 Leadership Scholarships with Approaching Deadlines

  • 1

  • Emerald Creek Capital $10,000 NYC Scholarship

  • Amount$10,000
  • DeadlineJune 1, 2024

The Emerald Creek Capital Scholarship Foundation aims to provide support and assistance to outstanding students in the New York City area. Graduating seniors who have demonstrated excellence throughout their high school career will be eligible to receive up to $10,000 towards their continuing education this coming fall. Eligibility Graduating high school senior New York City

  • 2

  • Golden Key Undergraduate Achievement Award

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineJune 15, 2024

To be eligible for the Golden Key Undergraduate Achievement Award, applicants must be: student members; be a current/active undergraduate student, full-time or part-time, enrolled in a undergraduate program before the application deadline; and have a 3.5 GPA. Emphasis will be placed upon academic excellence and how this individual lives out the values of Golden Key on a daily basis. In

  • 3

  • University of Washington Martin Honors Scholarship

  • Amount$36,000
  • DeadlineJuly 1, 2024

To be eligible for the University of Washington Martin Honors Scholarship, applicants must: be Washington State residents who are either US citizens, permanent residents or are eligible for in-state tuition through HB 1079 qualification or DACA standards; be currently attending or have attended a community college in the state of Washington; and have earned a minimum of 36 credits at a Washington

  • 4

  • National Honor Society Scholarship

  • Amount$25,000
  • DeadlineNovember 30, 2024

For over 75 years, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) has been a cornerstone in supporting outstanding National Honor Society (NHS) seniors. Having awarded over $23 million in scholarships, NASSP's steadfast commitment to shaping the futures of young scholars and acknowledging their achievements continues. Scholarship Details NASSP offers $2 million in

  • 5

  • Rutgers National Merit Scholarships/College Sponsored Merit Award

  • Amount$4,000
  • DeadlineDecember 1, 2024

Scholarships are a form of gift aid and do not need to be repaid. Continuing and admitted students who submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are automatically considered for a wide range of scholarships awarded by the Office of Financial Aid. Even if you believe you will not qualify for need-based financial aid, it is still important to file the application, since some merit

  • 6

  • University of Tennessee Provost Scholarship

  • Amount$8,000
  • DeadlineDecember 15, 2024

The University of Tennessee Provost Scholarship is awarded to National Merit finalists and National Achievement finalists. In combination with the National Merit Scholarship, it is valued at $2,000 per year and may be added to other scholarships awarded by UT. It is available to both Tennessee residents and out-of-state students. To be eligible, you must name UT as your first college choice with

  • 7

  • University of Minnesota Gold Scholar Award

  • Amount$40,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 1, 2025

Scholarship decisions are based on a very careful, overall assessment of each admitted student's academic preparation and performance, as well as the additional information provided in the admission application, based on the academic and context factors listed below. The strongest consideration in the decision is given to the primary factors, and no single factor is the deciding factor in the

  • 8

  • Clemson University National Scholars Award

  • Amount$212,344
  • DeadlineJanuary 3, 2025

Scholarships are defined as a type of financial aid, in the form of a grant (a sum of money or other aid) that does not have to be repaid by the recipients to assist students as they pursue their studies. Scholarships are most often given to students for a couple of reasons: academic merit/achievement or financial need (or a combination of both). Eligible first year, as well as continuing

  • 9

  • Michigan State University National Merit Scholarship

  • Amount$8,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 31, 2025

Discover the options, requirements and important deadlines to receive financial support. Learn about applying for FAFSA and loans. You'll also discover other options for financial assistance. Admitted students are automatically considered for many scholarships. Find out how to search and apply for other scholarships, too. Michigan State University offers multiple scholarships, based on a number

  • 10

  • Texas A&M University National Merit Scholarships

  • Amount$28,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 31, 2025

Scholarships are a great way to help pay for college and are one of many ways that you can fund your education. University scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit, leadership/participation, and financial need or any combination of these items. University scholarships are awarded by Scholarships & Financial Aid as well as academic colleges/departments and other units. Throughout

  • 11

  • SLU National Merit Award

  • Amount$8,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 31, 2025

Saint Louis University offers undergraduate scholarships that recognize, among other areas, academic accomplishment, service involvement and leadership capability. Depending on your major, there may be additional scholarship opportunities offered by your program or department. Scholarships are awarded at the beginning of your first term and are generally automatically renewed each year, provided

  • 12

  • Macalester College National Merit Scholarship

  • Amount$8,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 31, 2025

Macalester is one of few colleges that is committed to providing a financial aid package that meets 100% of every admitted student’s demonstrated need for financial aid and offers a robust merit-based scholarship program. All non-need-based (merit) scholarships are awarded at the time of admission. Students who are awarded a merit scholarship will receive a merit scholarship award letter at the

  • 13

  • House Scholarship Foundation Aspiring Scholars Award

  • Amount$2,500
  • DeadlineJanuary 31, 2025

We are the House Scholarship Foundation, a student-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization from Southern California with the goal of providing financial assistance and enriching educational opportunity to students dedicated to the arts, sciences, literature, and other scholarly achievement. Scholarship Details Offers both need-based and merit-based scholarships Targets high school students

  • 14

  • National Merit Scholarship Corporation Program

  • Amount$10,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 31, 2025

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) recognizes the academic achievements of U.S. students. Founded in 1955, NMSC celebrates young academic talents and fosters respect for learning. Scholarship Details Competition involving around 1.5 million high school students annually. Focuses on celebrating academic talent, encouraging scholastic excellence,

  • 15

  • Indiana University Merit Finalist Scholarship

  • Amount$4,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 1, 2025

Indiana University Bloomington offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for incoming students. You’ll receive consideration for IU Academic Scholarships and for the Selective Scholarship Application just by applying for admission to IU before the November 1 early action deadline. Admitted incoming students should submit their General Scholarship Application before February 1. The Selective

  • 16

  • New Mexico Tech Freshmen Presidential Scholarship

  • Amount$24,000
  • DeadlineMarch 1, 2025

New Mexico Tech seeks to admit students who are intrigued by STEM and will thrive in a small school setting that provides an intense, focused education. Our students look forward to the challenges and opportunities presented to them alongside our faculty who share their passion for knowledge. Hands-on learners do especially well at New Mexico Tech due to the abundance of research

  • 17

  • New Jersey City University Honors Program

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineMarch 15, 2025

The Honors Program at New Jersey City University provides exciting opportunities for exceptional students who are talented, motivated, and intellectually curious. It is designed for students who have a passion for learning and provides the training and experience needed for fulfilling, 21st-century careers. Students in our program receive a generous scholarship, dedicated advising, unique faculty

  • 18

  • Executive Women International Scholarship Program

  • Amount$10,000
  • DeadlineMarch 25, 2025

The EWISP Scholarship is a non-discriminatory, educational scholarship program for the benefit of traditional students pursuing an associates, bachelor's or master's degree, or certification program in a specific career path. These include persons who are: High school seniors enrolled in a public, private, charter or parochial school located within the boundaries of a participating EWI Chapter or

  • 19

  • University of Nebraska Chancellor’s Tuition Scholarship

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineVaries

The Chancellor’s Tuition Scholarship is awarded to finalists in nationally recognized scholar competitions (e.g., National Merit, National Hispanic Recognition). National Merit finalists must select the University of Nebraska–Lincoln as the first-choice school through the National Merit Corporation. This scholarship can only be applied to University of Nebraska–Lincoln tuition. For more

  • 20

  • Michigan State University Merit Recognition Scholarship

  • Amount$4,000
  • DeadlineVaries

Discover the options, requirements and important deadlines to receive financial support. Learn about applying for FAFSA and loans. You'll also discover other options for financial assistance. Admitted students are automatically considered for many scholarships. Find out how to search and apply for other scholarships, too. Michigan State University offers multiple scholarships, based on a number

  • 21

  • Oklahoma State Regents Academic Scholars Program

  • Amount$6,000
  • DeadlineVaries

The Academic Scholars Program, established by the state Legislature and governor in 1988 and operated by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, provides scholarships to academically outstanding students who attend an Oklahoma college or university. Academic Scholars receive a scholarship to help cover the cost of room, board, tuition, books and incidental fees for up to eight semesters.

  • 22

  • Iowa Provost Scholarships

  • Amount$12,000
  • DeadlineVaries

All admitted first-year students entering the upcoming fall with or without an ACT or SAT score on file will be considered for merit scholarships awarded by the Office of Admissions. Scholarship awarding decisions for students who do not provide test scores will be made following a review of a student's credentials. Students who are able to take the SAT or ACT after application or admission are

  • 23

  • Principia College Dean's Scholarship

  • Amount$56,000
  • DeadlineVaries

Discover Principia College: where education is grounded in love, and personal growth and academic achievement go hand-in-hand. Visit our picturesque campus community, meet students from 26 countries and a variety of faith backgrounds, and find out why U.S. News and World Report ranked us the #1 Best Value Liberal Arts College in the nation. Principia College provides a world of opportunity in a

Unlike other scholarships, there is no specific requirement to apply for a leadership scholarship. Even being treasurer or secretary of one club in your high school career can make you eligible. A leader can be anyone who has guided a group of people. Colleges and organizations give out leadership scholarships because they believe these students exhibit essential personal qualities. A student who is heavily involved in the student council or the honor society may be more likely to become a leader in the professional world.

Being a leader means you have devoted hours to a certain activity and that you have learned valuable soft skills. In some cases, you must have a leadership record with a specific organization to qualify for a scholarship.

How to Win a Leadership Scholarship

If you only have minimal leadership experience, use the essay portion of the application as an opportunity to showcase what you learned from being a leader. If you have to provide a letter of recommendation, choose a teacher, coach or another adult who has seen your leadership skills in action. Having someone else endorse your leadership qualities can improve your chances of winning a scholarship. This may be a different person than you use for other scholarship applications.

Try to show what you did as a leader. For example, if you increased the number of members or added more club activities, describe those accomplishments in detail. You can also talk about how you facilitated events with other clubs or schools. Even if you haven’t served in an official leadership capacity, you can still spin your resume to prove that you have leadership skills. For example, if you helped mentor younger members of your mock trial team or were the lead in a community service project, talk about that in an essay.