Horatio Alger National Scholarship — Up to $25,000 (Adversity + Financial Need)

About This Opportunity

The Horatio Alger National Scholarship is a separate and distinct award from the Horatio Alger Nebraska/Western Iowa state scholarship (which is co-administered by the Aksarben Foundation and is already listed in this database for Nebraska and Council Bluffs students). The National scholarship awards up to $25,000 to high school seniors from all 50 states who have demonstrated strength of character in overcoming adversity and who have critical financial need. Approximately 106 scholarships are awarded nationally per year. The Horatio Alger Association was founded to honor the American ideal that adversity and hard circumstances do not determine a person's future — the scholarship specifically seeks students who have persevered through difficult family situations, poverty, instability, or hardship. Unlike purely merit-based scholarships, Horatio Alger national emphasizes the student's personal story of resilience. Financial need is a hard requirement — family income typically under $55,000. The application opens in April with an October 25 deadline. Omaha and Council Bluffs students who have overcome significant life challenges are encouraged to apply.

Who Can Apply

High school senior. U.S. citizen. Critical financial need (family income typically under $55,000 annually). Minimum 2.0 GPA — this is a low threshold intentionally, as the scholarship emphasizes resilience over grades. Demonstrated record of perseverance in overcoming adverse circumstances (financial hardship, family instability, illness, or other significant challenges). Engaged in community service or extracurricular activities. Apply at scholars.horatioalger.org by October 25. Note: This is the NATIONAL program — a distinct award from the Nebraska/Western Iowa state scholarship (also in this database, migration 021).