At Class 101-Dayton, we promote a smarter scholarship search for our students. Although there is no single source for scholarship information, there are strategies to find and apply for scholarships successfully. Here are a few tips from Class 101-Dayton. 

Institutional Scholarships

First, check your applicant and accepted student portals to search for competitive scholarships at your colleges. Some schools will connect accepted students with large scholarship platforms; for example, Ohio State University, the University of Cincinnati, Purdue University, the University of Kentucky, and many others use Scholarship Universe. 

Family and Community Scholarships

Next, seniors should talk with their family members to understand eligibility for possible employer sponsored scholarships, credit union scholarships, or family legacy scholarships (ie. organizations like Masons or alumni scholarships from parents and grandparents). Professional associations and civic organizations also award scholarships. 

Major and Interest Scholarships

We recommend that students reflect on who they are to narrow the focus on where to search for scholarships. For example, a future education major who runs cross country might look for scholarships from the local teachers’ union and The Flying Pig Marathon Scholarship.  A senior whose parent is in a union will look at the Union Plus Scholarship. Or a student who is active in community service might submit an essay to the Centerville Noon Club or enter the Springboro Optimist Speech Contest. 

Military Scholarships

Military families should explore the scholarship opportunities listed by Fisher House as well as local scholarships from organizations affiliated with Wright Patterson Air Force Base. 

Class 101-Dayton Scholarships

The 101 Scholar program awards students who have demonstrated leadership in service and overall academic achievement. The program is open to students in grades 9-12; they are asked to create and submit a 1-2-minute video or 500-word essay on their service and leadership activities. The national 101 Scholar award is $3000; in addition, there are $500 local scholarships. (We strongly recommend the video submission option). Applications are due March 15, 2026. Link: https://www.class101.com/101scholar/

The DeRosa family sponsors the Jamison-Find Your Voice Scholarship for seniors who demonstrate a passion for the performing arts by participation in vocal music, instrumental music, dance, and/or theater during their high school years. This application is open now. Seniors should apply by March 20, 2026. Link: https://forms.gle/HdHzRjdJeShubyaq5

Local and regional scholarships offer smaller application pools and generous awards. There is no magic formula for scholarships, so we recommend a regular cadence of research and applications that prioritizes local opportunities.  Class 101 – Dayton posts several scholarships on social media channels (Instagram and Facebook), and area high schools usually post local scholarship applications in February for their students. 

All links and due dates provided were accurate at the time of posting. Students should do their own research to find and apply to scholarships in a timely manner.