Beyond the Classroom Scholarship
- Who can applyU.S. high school students graduating in 2027 or 2028 and current undergraduate students, including community college students.
Who can apply
- U.S. high school students graduating in 2027 or 2028, or current undergraduate students, including community college students
- All majors
- No minimum GPA
- Financial need is not required
About the scholarship
Not everything worth learning is taught.
Some of life’s most important lessons happen beyond the classroom. In the things you build. The people you help. The responsibilities you take on. The ideas you refuse to give up on.
They don’t always come with grades, certificates, or applause. But they shape who you become.
The AspireOpen Beyond the Classroom Scholarship celebrates students who make a difference in their own way.
Whether you’ve taught yourself something new, supported your family, started a project, overcome a challenge, or simply taken the first step toward something that matters—we want to hear your story.
Because potential isn’t measured by a transcript. And achievement doesn’t need a classroom.
We don’t need your GPA. We don’t need a list of awards. We want to know what matters to you—and what you’ve done about it.
It doesn’t have to be extraordinary to anyone else. Maybe you helped someone through a difficult time. Built something from scratch. Learned a skill nobody taught you. Took responsibility when it mattered.
If it meant something to you, we’d love to hear about it. What you’ve learned matters. What you’ve done matters more than you think. Your story deserves to be seen.
- Scholarship type
- Merit-based
- Application format
- Short written response, 200–300 words
- Field of study
- All majors
- Minimum GPA
- None
- Financial need
- Not required
- Application fee
- 100% free
- Frequency
- Annual
- Winner announcement
- October 15, 2027
Awards
Number of winners: 1
Application prompt
What’s something you’ve done outside the classroom that you’re proud of? Tell us what inspired you, what you did, and what it taught you about yourself. Write 200–300 words.
How to apply
- Create your AspireOpen profile.
- Write a 200–300-word response to the application prompt above.
- One story. No perfect answers. Submit your written response by October 1, 2027.
Scholarship timeline
- Scholarship published on AspireOpen (done)
- Applications open (done)
- Application deadline:
- Scholarship panel review
- Winner announced on:
- Winner contacted by email
Applications close at the end of the deadline day, Eastern Time.
- Merit-based
- High school class of 2027 or 2028
- Undergraduate
- All majors
- No minimum GPA
Last reviewed
Frequently asked questions
How do you choose a winner?
We’re not looking for the longest résumé or the most impressive vocabulary. We’re looking for students who show initiative, purpose, and growth. Initiative—taking meaningful action without waiting for someone to ask: 35%. Personal impact—making a difference in your own life or the lives of others: 30%. Growth—learning, adapting, and developing through experience: 25%. Authenticity—sharing an honest, thoughtful story: 10%.
Does my achievement have to be a large public accomplishment?
No. Applications are evaluated based on their substance, not writing sophistication. A small personal achievement can be just as meaningful as a large public accomplishment.
When will the winner be announced?
The winner will be announced on October 15, 2027, 14 days after the application deadline.
How is the award paid?
The award is paid directly to your school and applied to your tuition.
Does it cost anything to apply?
No. Applying is 100% free.
When is the deadline for the Beyond the Classroom Scholarship?
Apply by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on October 1, 2027.
How much is the Beyond the Classroom Scholarship worth?
The Beyond the Classroom Scholarship awards $2,000 to one winner.
Who can apply for the Beyond the Classroom Scholarship?
U.S. high school students graduating in 2027 or 2028 and current undergraduate students, including community college students. Every requirement is listed under “Who can apply” on this page.
What do I need to write for the Beyond the Classroom Scholarship?
One written response: “What’s something you’ve done outside the classroom that you’re proud of? Tell us what inspired you, what you did, and what it taught you about yourself. Write 200–300 words.”
How do I apply for the Beyond the Classroom Scholarship?
Create your profile, then apply on this page with your profile and your written response. You need 200 points to submit an application, and finishing your profile earns them.
How will I find out if I won?
We email the winner and notify them in the app. A winner has 14 days to accept, so keep your email address current and check your spam folder around the announcement date.
Can I apply to this scholarship anywhere else?
No. This scholarship is exclusive to AspireOpen.
More questions? Read the student FAQ.
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How AspireOpen works
-
Step 01
Create your profile
It takes about 2 minutes. Scholarship panels see your profile when you apply.
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Step 02
Apply on AspireOpen
Scholarships are run and reviewed on AspireOpen, so you apply right here with your profile.
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Step 03
Award paid to your school
Award money is applied to your tuition automatically, with no paperwork for you.