Tennessee scholarships: Free money for TN students

The Tennessee Reconnect Grant is open to students who are classified as independent on the FAFSA or at least 23 years of age by January 1 of the academic year who have not previously earned an associate degree or more advanced degree and are enrolled in an eligible program of study. The award amount varies based on the amount of remaining tuition and mandatory fees after all other gift aid has first been applied. The students must be enrolled in a federal Title IV eligible curriculum of courses leading to a certificate or associate degree. Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) at the end of each academic year, as determined by the institution, and participate in a college success program, as determined by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC). Please visit the award's website for more information and a list of the eligible institutions.

The Dual Enrollment Grant program is for students who are attending an eligible high school and who are also enrolled in college courses at eligible postsecondary institutions for which they will receive college credit. The program provides opportunities for students to earn an initial technical credential or a semester of college credit free of tuition and fees, while still pursuing a high school diploma. A student must meet the admission requirements of the institution the student plans to attend and apply for the grant as a high school junior or senior if enrolled at a two-year or four-year institution or; be at least a high school freshman if enrolled at a Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT). Students may receive an award amount at a 2-year or 4-year institution for the first five courses. Please visit the award's website for more information.

The Dependent Children Scholarship Program provides aid for students who are dependent children of a Tennessee law enforcement officer, firefighter, or an emergency medical service technician who has been killed or totally and permanently disabled while performing duties within the scope of such employment. The parent must be a Tennessee resident and have been on duty when the incident occurred. The award shall be for four years or the period required for the completion of the program of study, whichever is less. Students in a program that requires more than four years may apply for an extension for a fifth year. The application must be accompanied by documentation detailing that the parent who was a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or emergency medical service technician was killed or totally and permanently disabled while performing duties within the scope of such employment. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.

Tennessee Promise is a scholarship, mentoring, and community service program that covers tuition and mandatory fees not covered by the Pell Grant, HOPE scholarship, or Tennessee Student Assistance Award. A student is also eligible by earning a high school equivalency credential approved by the state board of education, e.g. GED, HiSET, or New Pathways, prior to the 19th birthday. The student must attend a mandatory Tennessee Promise meeting and complete eight hours of community service for each semester the award is received. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.

The Scarlett Family Foundation Scholarships are open to Middle Tennessee high school seniors who will graduate or obtain a GED prior to June 1, 2026, and to current college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. Scholarships are renewable awards for up to four years or until the recipient completes their undergraduate degree, whichever comes first. For incoming freshmen, a minimum GPA of 2.5 and a minimum ACT score of 21 are required. Applicants must have obtained a high school diploma or GED as ...

The Walter Gallinghouse, K5DSL, Scholarship will be awarded to those who must hold a Technician Class or higher Amateur Radio Operators license. Preference will be given to applicants residing in Louisiana. If no qualified applicant is identified, the scholarship may be awarded to an applicant from the Delta Division (Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee). Applicants must be pursuing their studies in a fully-accredited institution or university. Please visit the scholarship's website o...

The Gary Wagner, K3OMI, Scholarship will be awarded to those with an active Novice Class Amateur Radio License or higher. Applicants must be pursuing their studies toward a Bachelor of Science degree in any field of engineering. Applicants must submit transcripts which must cover the applicant's entire high school career to date and, if in college, must include all semesters for which grades have been awarded. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the ARRL Foundation Inc. for more information.

Since 1962, the NAJA Graduate Scholarship Program has awarded scholarships for graduate studies in fields addressing the special needs of children and youth. Applicants must be working or planning to work directly with children. They must be pursuing graduate level studies for one year in fields which address the special needs of children and youth; this includes, but is not limited to, Counseling, Psychology, Mental Health, Special Education, Speech Pathology, Exceptional Children, Remedial Skills Development, Hearing Impaired, and Gifted & Talented. Scholarships are not awarded for graduate work in administration or general education. They must be planning to attend a U.S. college or university. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.

The purpose of The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program "A Constitutional Speech Contest" is to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States among high school students. Other objectives of the contest include the development of leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently, and the preparation for acceptance of the duties and responsibilities, rights, and privileges of American citizenship. Scholarships are awarded by the American Legion of Tennessee and in cooperation with the National American Legion organization. Winners may use their scholarship to attend any accredited college or university, junior colleges or vocational trade school within the United States following graduation from high school, unless by service in the Armed Forces, and granted an extension of eligibility. All contestants must be presently enrolled in a high school or junior high school (public, parochial, military, private or state accredited home school) in which the curriculum of said high school is considered to be of high school level, commencing with grade nine and terminating with grade 12. High school students that graduate early during the school year are eligible to compete if they are not enrolled in a college, university, trade school or other institution of higher learning at the time of the department finals contest. Contestants must be either legally domiciled within or attend an educational institution within Tennessee. Applications may be submitted to the American Legion Department of Tennessee through mail or email. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.