Comprehensive Guide to Leading Scholarships: Amounts, Eligibility, and Award Timelines

By Benjamin ClarkeLast Updated April 15, 2025

Introduction

Securing scholarships can play a pivotal role in reducing the financial burden of higher education. With a variety of scholarship opportunities available-from university-specific awards to national merit-based programs-students have numerous options to explore. This guide provides detailed, up-to-date information on the Alix Earle Scholarship, Mike Rowe Scholarship, National Honor Society (NHS) Scholarship, Coolidge Scholarship, and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF), including award amounts, eligibility, timelines, and actionable steps for application.

How Much Is the Alix Earle Scholarship?

The Alix Earle Scholarship is a need-based award created for juniors and seniors pursuing business degrees at the University of Miami. According to available information, the award amount can range from several thousand dollars up to the full cost of tuition and living expenses for four years . However, the specific amount granted to each recipient is determined based on demonstrated financial need as assessed by the University of Miami’s Office of Financial Assistance and Employment [1] . Past cycles have required a resume and a two-minute video as part of the application. The scholarship stands out for its focus on upperclassmen in business majors, aiming to support students who might otherwise face barriers to completing their degrees.

To apply, students must already be enrolled at the University of Miami and should monitor the university’s scholarship portal and official communications for updates, as availability and deadlines may shift each year. If the application period is closed, interested students are encouraged to prepare their financial documentation and a compelling personal statement in anticipation of the next cycle [1] .

How Much Is the Mike Rowe Scholarship?

The Mike Rowe WORKS Foundation Scholarship is designed to encourage students pursuing skilled trades. While the exact award amount may vary each year, recipients have historically received up to $10,000 per student , though the foundation has offered varying amounts based on tuition needs and available funding. The program is unique in that it supports students enrolling in vocational training programs, community colleges, or trade schools, rather than traditional four-year universities.

To determine the current award amount, applicants should refer directly to the Mike Rowe Works Foundation’s official website and review the details for the current year’s application cycle. The website will provide the most up-to-date figures and eligibility requirements, including recommendations, video submissions, and verification of enrollment in an approved program.

When Does the Mike Rowe Scholarship Open?

The application window for the Mike Rowe Scholarship typically opens in the spring each year, though exact dates can vary. For the most accurate timeline, visit the official Mike Rowe Works Foundation website and look for the current year’s program announcement. Application deadlines and opening dates are clearly posted on the foundation’s official page, and interested students should sign up for email alerts or check the site regularly for updates.

Applicants are generally required to provide proof of acceptance to a trade or technical school, submit responses to essay questions, and often upload a short video about their career goals and commitment to the trades. Early preparation is key, as supporting documents such as references and transcripts may take time to gather.

How Much Is the NHS Scholarship?

The National Honor Society (NHS) Scholarship is one of the oldest and most respected awards for high-achieving high school seniors who demonstrate excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, and character. The NHS typically awards 575 national scholarships each year , with amounts ranging from $3,200 to $25,000 for the top national winner . Most recipients receive awards in the lower range, while a select few are honored with larger scholarships based on their leadership and impact.

To access the NHS Scholarship, students must be active NHS members in good standing and should consult their school’s NHS chapter adviser for application instructions and timelines. The application is usually available in the fall, with winners announced the following spring. The National Honor Society’s official website provides comprehensive details about eligibility and award amounts for each application cycle.

What Is the Coolidge Scholarship?

The Coolidge Scholarship is a highly prestigious, merit-based, full-ride scholarship that covers tuition, room, board, and expenses for four years of undergraduate study at any accredited U.S. college or university. Open to high school juniors, the award is notable for its focus on academic excellence, interest in public policy, and demonstrated leadership.

The application process for the Coolidge Scholarship is rigorous and includes essays, recommendations, and a review of academic records. Finalists are invited to participate in an interview process. The program is administered by the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation, which provides updates and detailed instructions on its official website. Given its competitive nature, applicants are encouraged to begin preparing well in advance, focusing on academic distinction and leadership activities.

When Are Hispanic Scholarship Fund Awards Announced?

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) Awards are announced annually, typically in late spring to early summer. Finalists and recipients are notified by email, and award details are published on the official HSF website. Students who apply can check their application status by logging into their HSF Scholar Portal. The exact timeline may vary, so applicants should regularly monitor their email and the official portal for updates.

HSF scholarships are open to students of Hispanic heritage at the high school, undergraduate, and graduate levels, with awards ranging from $500 to $5,000 based on merit and financial need. The foundation also offers support services, networking opportunities, and career development resources for recipients.

How to Access These Scholarships: Step-by-Step Guidance

Accessing and applying for these major scholarships involves careful planning, attention to eligibility criteria, and timely submission of required materials. Here are actionable steps for each program:

Alix Earle Scholarship: If you are a junior or senior business major at the University of Miami, monitor the university’s official financial aid page and communications. Prepare a resume, financial documentation such as FAFSA and CSS Profile, and a short video describing your goals. For details, contact the University of Miami Office of Financial Assistance and Employment.
Mike Rowe Scholarship: Visit the Mike Rowe Works Foundation’s official website for current application timelines and requirements. Prepare proof of enrollment in a trade or technical school, gather recommendations, and create a video or essay about your commitment to the trades.
NHS Scholarship: Speak with your high school’s NHS adviser to confirm eligibility and obtain application instructions. Complete all required essays and documentation by the posted deadline.
Coolidge Scholarship: Review eligibility and application requirements on the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation’s official website. Prepare essays, transcripts, and recommendations well in advance. Focus on academic excellence and leadership activities to strengthen your application.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund: Register for an account on the official HSF website and complete the online application. Prepare transcripts, recommendations, and proof of Hispanic heritage. Monitor your email and the HSF Scholar Portal for award notifications.

Examples and Alternatives

While these scholarships are highly competitive and may have strict eligibility criteria, many students pursue alternative awards or combine multiple scholarships to cover education costs. For additional opportunities, consider searching for local community foundation scholarships, employer-sponsored awards, and grants offered by professional associations in your field of study. Many universities and colleges also offer institutional scholarships for both merit and need.

If you do not meet the requirements for a specific scholarship or miss a deadline, you can often find similar opportunities by searching for terms like “need-based college scholarships,” “trade school scholarships,” “merit-based undergraduate scholarships,” or “scholarships for [your background/major].” Guidance counselors, campus financial aid offices, and reputable databases such as those operated by the College Board and U.S. Department of Education are valuable resources for identifying and applying for scholarships.

Potential Challenges and Solutions

Applying for scholarships can be time-intensive, with deadlines, essays, and supporting documentation often required. Students may encounter obstacles such as limited eligibility windows, highly competitive applicant pools, or lack of clarity in application instructions. To overcome these challenges, it is essential to:

Start the search and application process early-ideally six to twelve months before deadlines.
Maintain a detailed calendar of application openings and closing dates.
Seek feedback on essays and video submissions to improve your materials.
Contact scholarship administrators or your school’s financial aid office with any questions.
Apply to multiple scholarships to maximize your chances of receiving an award.

Summary and Key Takeaways

Major scholarships such as the Alix Earle, Mike Rowe, NHS, Coolidge, and HSF awards offer significant financial support for students but require careful attention to eligibility, deadlines, and application requirements. By following the step-by-step guidance in this article and leveraging additional resources, students can greatly improve their chances of securing funding for their education.