Scholarship Opportunities

  • About Scholarships
  • Scholarship Deadlines
  • Foundation and Institutional Scholarships
  • Emergency Scholarship
  • Outside Scholarship Opportunities
  • Transfer Scholarships
  • Veterans/Reservists
  • Finish Line Degree Grant Program
  • Missouri ETV Foster Success

About Scholarships

East Central College awards over $525,000 in academic and need-based scholarships annually. Students will be considered for scholarships by filling out the scholarship application online, the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), and turning in a most recent unofficial transcript. The application is open now, please apply as soon as possible.

ECC Foundation Scholarship Application:

Scholarship Application

Institutional Scholarship Procedures

A.  Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of merit and/or need as defined by the scholarship type.

B.  All award processes will abide by federal and state statutes and regulations concerning non-discrimination.

C.  Full Award – The cost of no more than 15 credit hours, plus general fees, per semester at the Tier I rate. It does not cover special fees or books. With administrative approval, Full Awards may be divided into Partial Awards and divided among students.

D.  Supplemental Award – Up to $500 credit per semester to be applied to special fees, books, or summer session.

E.  Scholarships not used in the semester in which they are awarded will be forfeited.

F.  Unless otherwise noted, all scholarship award recipients must enroll full–time for a minimum of 15 credit hours per semester.

G.  To be eligible for an institutional scholarship, all scholarship applicants must first complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the online College scholarship application by the priority deadline for early consideration. Information on financial aid, scholarships, the application process and relevant deadlines is available electronically through the Office of Financial Aid and the ECC Foundation Office.

H.  Institutional awards will not exceed the amount equal to in-district tuition and common fees charge.  Students must be a native U.S. Citizen, Naturalized, or Permanent Resident.  Students who have been granted an institutional award equal to the amount of in-district tuition and common fees charges from one college source shall not be eligible to receive an additional award from another college source.  Other tuition-specific awards will be used before any institutional scholarship is awarded (e.g., A+, VA funding).

I. Scholarships will only pay for courses required for a student’s degree or certificate.  General eligibility for scholarships is terminated when a student completes 66 or more credit hours at ECC (students are allowed to change majors one time and, in such cases, will no longer be eligible at 96 credit hours); when a student completes the requirements for an ECC degree, regardless of whether or not they apply for graduation; or when a student obtains a degree from ECC.

J.  Unless otherwise noted, scholarships may be awarded to new or returning students.

K.  Students found to be in violation of a Code of Conduct may lose scholarships as a consequence.

L.  All scholarship awards, whatever the source of funding, must be awarded and monitored by the Office of Financial Aid.

Scholarship Deadlines

March 1, 2026, ECC Scholarship Application Priority Deadline for the 26/27 Academic Year.


Submit the ECC Scholarship Application by this deadline to be given first consideration for a scholarship award. 

Students match with scholarships based on major, GPA, enrollment status and other qualifications. 

Foundation and Institutional Scholarships

ECC offers students many scholarship opportunities through the Foundation and Institution.

Foundation Scholarships:

Complete list click here.

Institutional Scholarships

Board of Trustees Scholarship – This award is for full-time students and will recognize high academic achievers who reside in the East Central College taxing and service district and who have graduated within the last five calendar years. Awards will not exceed the amount equal to in-district tuition and common fee charge.

New Recipient Eligibility

New recipients must meet one of the following criteria:

a. High school graduates with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or who rank in the top 10% of their high school class.

b. High school equivalency completion – HiSET students who have made a minimum total scaled score of 75 on the examination.

c. Homeschooled students, completing a course of home study and scoring in the ninetieth percentile on a nationally recognized test measuring academic achievement.

d. Currently enrolled East Central College (ECC) students who have completed at least twelve credit hours of coursework numbered above 100 at ECC and have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5.

e. Transfer students who have completed at least twelve credit hours of coursework numbered above 100 at ECC and have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5.

Renewal Recipient Eligibility

a. Recipients must maintain a 3.3 minimum cumulative grade point average.
b. Recipients must complete at least 30 credit hours annually.
c. Recipients may be awarded for up to five terms, including summer, if eligible.

President’s Scholarship – This award is for students enrolled less than full-time, but at least half-time, and will recognize high academic achievers who reside in the East Central College taxing and service district and who have graduated within the last five calendar years. Awards will not exceed the amount equal to in-district tuition and common fees charge.

New Recipient Eligibility

New recipients must meet one of the following criteria:

a. High school graduates with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or who rank in the top 10% of their high school class.

b. High school equivalency completion – HiSET students who have made a minimum total scaled score of 75 on the examination.

c. Homeschooled students, completing a course of home study and scoring in the ninetieth percentile on a nationally recognized test measuring academic achievement.

d. Currently enrolled East Central College (ECC) students who have completed at least six credit hours of coursework numbered above 100 at ECC and have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5.

e. Transfer students who have completed at least six credit hours of coursework numbered above 100 at ECC and have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5.

Renewal Recipient Eligibility

a. Recipients must maintain a 3.3 minimum cumulative grade point average.
b. Recipients must complete at least 15 credit hours annually.
c. Recipients may be awarded for up to ten terms, including summer, if eligible.

Non-traditional Student Scholarship – This non-renewable award is for students over the age of 23 whose family income makes the student ineligible for need-based federal financial aid. To be eligible, the student must be enrolled in no fewer than six (6) credit hours and have completed a minimum of 15 credit hours at East Central College with a 3.0 grade point average. Awards will not exceed the amount equal to in-district tuition and common fees charge.

Targeted Recruitment Scholarships – Targeted recruitment scholarships will be utilized to help realize the College’s recruitment goals.

Music

Scholarship awards are provided for music majors and for students who may not be music majors but who participate in musical group performances. Eligibility criteria will be determined by faculty from the discipline. Scholarships will be awarded based on faculty recommendations. This award is for full-time students. Awards will not exceed the amount equal to in-district tuition and common fees charge.

Art

Scholarship awards are provided for art majors. Eligibility criteria will be determined by faculty from the discipline. Scholarships will be awarded based on faculty recommendations. This award is for full-time students. Awards will not exceed the amount equal to in-district tuition and common fees charge.

Communications, Media, and Theater

Scholarships are provided for communications, media and theater majors and/or students working in and on theater productions. Eligibility criteria will be determined by faculty from the discipline. Scholarships will be awarded based on faculty recommendations. This award is for full-time students. Awards will not exceed the amount equal to in-district tuition and common fees charge.

Academic Division Scholarship

This award is for full-time students. Each division will be approved for an equal number of one year, non-renewable awards. Each division will decide on the award distribution within and among the disciplines, taking into consideration the availability of other scholarships and financial aid.

Harrison M. Eaton Scholarship

This waiver of tuition and general fees is provided for an education major; renewable if a 3.3 grade point average is maintained on at least 30 credit hours completed annually.

Technical Skills Scholarship

This full scholarship award is available to students from any high school in the East Central College taxing and service district pursuing an AAS degree in an area where they have demonstrated exemplary skills by scoring either first, second or third in a state (or higher) level technical skills competition in a program area articulated from their high school or area career center to a degree program at the College. The scholarship is renewable for a second year if a 3.3 grade point average is maintained on at least 30 credit hours completed annually.

A partial scholarship award is available to students from any high school in the East Central College taxing and service district pursuing an AAS degree in an area where they have demonstrated high potential in their chosen career field by scoring either first, second or third in a district level technical skills competition in a program area articulated from their high school or area career center to a degree program at the College. The scholarship is renewable for a second year if a 3.3 grade point average is maintained on at least 30 credit hours completed annually.

College Completion Scholarship

This award is for students who are within 12 credit hours of degree or certificate completion. Awards will not exceed the amount equal to in-district tuition and common fees charges for one course.

Recipient Eligibility

a. Must be 12 credits or less away from degree completion.
b. Must have a cumulative grade point average or 2.0 or above.
c. Must not receive federal or state grants or loans, nor third-party forms of payment

Operation: Graduation! Scholarship

This one-time, $500 award is for students who are meeting the 15 to Finish timeline toward degree completion within the first two years of college coursework following high school graduation.

Recipient Eligibility

a. Student must complete 30 credit hours during a one-year period at ECC.
b. Must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.3 or above.

HiSET Transition Scholarship – Application

Students who have earned a high school equivalency diploma (HiSET) through the AEL program at East Central College are eligible to receive a tuition waiver of a three (3) hour college credit class at East Central College. In order for a student to qualify for the incentive, a student must have completed the HiSET program or/and exam with East Central College within twelve (12) months prior to enrollment and it must be his or her first time attending any college.

Emergency Scholarship

Emergency Scholarship Application

Emergency Scholarships are funded by ECC Foundation and are available to provide assistance to students at risk of dropping out due to unforeseen circumstances and/or financial stress. Other initiatives are targeted at helping former students relieve balances due and return to the college.

Purpose

Emergency Scholarships are available to aid students at risk of dropping out due to unforeseen circumstances and/or financial stress.

Eligibility

To qualify for the Emergency Scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:

  • Be currently enrolled as a degree- or certificate-seeking student.
  • Have completed, or be willing to complete, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the current academic year.
  • Demonstrate extenuating circumstances that have created an urgent financial need by completing the Emergency Scholarship Application.
  • Have not received an Emergency Scholarship in a previous or the current academic year.
  • Consent to the Emergency Scholarship Committee submitting a Care Team Referral, allowing the Care Team to conduct a brief needs assessment.

Award Amount

The scholarship award will cover the amount needed to address immediate financial obligations, up to a maximum of $500.00.

  • Assistance is awarded without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, age, gender, disability, or national origin.
  • Emergency funds are available for needs that fall within the defined Scope of Funding. If a request falls outside this scope, students may be referred to appropriate community resources for additional support.
  • The total amount awarded through Emergency Scholarships cannot exceed the student’s total tuition cost.
  • Funding is limited, and while every effort will be made to assist qualifying students, not all requests can be guaranteed.

Outside Scholarship Opportunities

2026 NADCA Chapter 17 Scholarship – NADCA chapter 17 is committed to supporting the future leaders of the die casting industry. To be eligible for this scholarship you must be a student with a major in Precision Machinery. Proof of School Acceptance or school transcripts are required. Minimum award $1,000. Application for 2026 is not open.

P.E.O Chapter LV Scholarship 2026 – This scholarship is for females currently enrolled at ECC that demonstrate financial need.  Application for 2026 is not open.

Horatio Alger National Career & Technical Scholarship Program – On this page you can find the Association’s scholarship programs for students who plan to pursue career or technical training. Submission is accepted March 15th through June 15, 2026.

The Dennis G. Glore Memorial Scholarship Fund For Hospitality Students – Provides scholarships to needy, academically promising students attending an approved Hospitality Studies or Culinary Arts Program in the St. Louis area. Deadline for application is April 2026.

NTMA- National Tooling & Machining Foundation Scholarship – Awards scholarships up to $2500 to graduating high school seniors, undergraduates and graduate students pursing two-year, four-year or advanced degrees in manufacturing.

Due Date Friday March 30, 2026. The 2025-2026 application has not been published at this time.

Microsoft Cybersecurity Scholarship – The Microsoft Cybersecurity Scholarship Program provides the following types of support:

Financial assistance up to $500. Financial assistance is intended to cover short-term basic needs, such as food, rent, health-related, transportation/car issues, and/or a laptop/device OR Exam Certification Vouchers for exams valued up to $375

Scholarships – Business Women of Missouri Foundation – Application Deadline is MARCH 01, 2026 Scholarships Application BWM Foundation will award thirty $1,000 scholarships in April at their 2026 State Conference. Since 1995, the Federation has awarded more than $125,000 in scholarships to deserving individuals. Applicants must be a Missouri resident and a citizen of the United States. Scholarships…bwmfoundation.com
Applications for 2025 are now closed.

James L. and Nellie M. Westlake Scholarship Program – Application Deadline is February 23, 2026

All applicants must be Missouri residents and either (a) high school seniors with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale, or (b) community college students with at least one year of transferable credits and a GPA of 2.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Community college applicants must be planning to transfer to a four-year university to complete their bachelor’s degree.

​​​Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship– Application must be post marked by Jan. 31, 2026

The Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital (MBSH) Auxiliary offers scholarships to qualified students who have chosen a medically related career that could be practiced at MBSH. Must be accepted for Fall admissions, furnish a high school transcript, submit one recommendation letter from HS or college advisor and one from individual who knows applicant through his/her extra-curricular activities, write a one-page essay with the completed application.

Franklin County Public School Retirees $1,000.00 Scholarship

You are eligible if:

You are a resident of Franklin County and attending a two-year or four-year college or university

You the candidate:

  1. Must be planning to pursue a major in the field of education
  2. Must have a minimum 2.75 Grade Point Average
  3. Must show proof of enrollment for the first and second semester to the Committee before payment will be made
  4. Must notify the Committee if you drop out of school
  5. Must show a monetary need for the scholarship

The application form should be filled out by the candidate in your own handwriting and sent to the Franklin County School Retirees Scholarship Committee. The application must be postmarked by**March 31, 2026** Application Here

Transfer Scholarships

Veterans/Reservists

Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship:  The Fry Scholarship provides Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits to the children and surviving spouses of Service members who died in the line of duty while on active duty after September 11, 2001.

Wartime Veteran’s Survivors Grant Program

These grants are available annually to children and spouses of Veterans whose deaths or injuries were: a result of combat action or were attributed to illness that was contracted while serving in combat action, or who became 80% disabled as a result of injuries or accidents sustained in combat action since September 11, 2001.  The total number of Veterans that may receive a grant in any year is limited by statute to 25.  The Veteran must have been a Missouri resident when first entering the military service or at the time of death or injury.  The Missouri Veteran’s Commission determines whether the Veteran meets the program’s requirements.

Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant

You may be eligible to receive the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant if:

  • You are not eligible for a Federal Pell Grant on the basis of your Student Aid Index (SAI), but
  • meet the remaining Federal Pell Grant eligibility requirements, and
  • your parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. armed forces and died as a result of military service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11, and
  • you were under 24 years old or enrolled in college at least part-time at the time of your parent or guardian’s death.

 Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Scholarships:

Army ROTC

Air Force ROTC 

Naval ROTC

Marine ROTC

The following major national organizations offer scholarships primarily to active duty military, veterans, and/or their families:

American Legion            

AMVETS 

Disabled American Veterans    

Paralyzed Veterans of America

Veterans of Foreign Wars

Finish Line Degree Grant Program

The Finish Line Degree Completion Grant from Missouri Scholarship & Loan Foundation (MSLF) is a pilot program designed to assist Missouri student who have left school and are prevented from re-enrolling and completing a degree due to an outstanding balance with the institution.

Eligibility and Requirements

  • Eligible students must be a Missouri resident.
  • Eligible students’ past due balance cannot exceed $3,000.
  • Eligible students must complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and have a current Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of 12,000 or less.
  • Eligible students must be financial aid eligible or have another funding sources to cover future courses.
  • Eligible students must be current on student loan debt.
  • Eligible students must be within 30 credit hours of degree completion and must meet with Academic Advisor and request My Academic Plan (MAP).
  • Eligible student must mee satisfactory academic progress for financial aid recipients set by East Central College.
  • Eligible students must have a current bill from ECC showing a past due balance.
  • Eligible students must re-enroll in a minimum of 6 credit hour at ECC per semester.
  • Eligible students must meet with a financial aid counselor on either campus.

Application Process

How to Apply Online

Start at www.MyScholarshipCentral.org

Click the box that says “apply now.” To create an account, enter a valid email address and password to create a secure user profile that will allow you to complete the General Application. The system will send you an email with a link that you must click to confirm your account before you can proceed.

Complete the General Application

  • Once you have confirmed your account password, log in again to Scholarship Central to complete the General Application.
  • The General Application will ask for your contact information, GPA, college attending and other information. You will be asked to upload your most current transcript, which does not need to be an official transcript. If you cannot obtain a transcript at this time, please upload your My Academic Plan (MAP) so you can move forward to the next step.
  • Click on opportunity and select “Ours” then select the “Finish Line Degree Completion Grant”
  • Upload the following items within the application:
    • My Academic Plan (MAP) prepared by you and an ECC Advisor.
    • A current bill showing the outstanding back balance owed to ECC.
  • Complete the process by signing the disclosure agreement in Scholarship Central (You will need to electronically sign this statement)

Please note: If you do not complete the degree or program, up to half of the past due balance may be reinstated by the college.

After completing the Finish Line Degree Completion Grant application, you may want to apply for other scholarships.

  • Click “Opportunities” and “Recommended” to see if there are applications open for which you might be eligible. Scholarship Central includes applications for many other scholarships. You will need to apply for each of these scholarships individually after completing the General Application on Scholarship Central. Scholarship Central does not automatically apply for scholarships for you; you need to complete the questions for each scholarship to complete various applications.
  • PLEASE NOTE you can only apply for a scholarship while it is accepting applications. Most scholarships accept applications January through April. Check Scholarship Central frequently to find new scholarship opportunities.

Education and Training Voucher (ETV) in Missouri

Foster Success is the new chosen organization to oversee the Education and Training Voucher (ETV) in Missouri. This program provides up to $5,000 a year for up to 5 years for eligible young people in financial assistance toward a postsecondary credential. In addition to this, we provide academic and student support for young people with lived experience in foster care who are enrolled in the program.

We now also oversee the administration of the MO Reach Tuition Waiver and MO Reach CCE Programs, which can cover the cost of tuition and mandatory fees toward an Associate or Bachelor’s degree or short term certificate at Missouri public institutions. Before we tell you what your next steps are – let us introduce ourselves!

Who We Are

We are here to hear, support, and empower you as you transition out of foster care. Headquartered in Indiana, Foster Success is a national organization that provides support to teens and young adults as they transition from foster care to adulthood. For nearly 15 years, we’ve partnered with young people like you to create programs and resources that help you reach your education, career, financial, and personal goals.

What Makes Us Different

Everything we do is shaped by the voices of young people who have experience in foster care. We know that everyone’s path is unique, so we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Our team will meet you where you are and support you in developing plans and goals that are right for you.

Next Steps

The portal and application to apply for the Education and Training Voucher (ETV) program, the MO Reach Tuition Waiver, and MO Reach CCE is now open! We are so excited to connect with you! Here’s what we need from you:

  • Go to the Foster Success website and click on Missouri.
  • Check to see if you meet the criteria for ETV eligibility and/or MO Reach Tuition Waiver or CCE.

Please note that ETV and the MO Reach Tuition Waiver and CCE criteria are different. All three programs can be applied for through the same application and eligibility for each program will be determined on an individual basis. 

  • Create a login and answer the initial questions.
  • Go back into the portal and, on your dashboard, click on “New ETV Application.” Fill out all information and submit it. We will follow up with you from there!

If you have any questions or want to talk more, please reach out to MOETV@fostersuccess.org.

At the end of the day, our goal is to ensure you have everything you need to succeed. We look forward to meeting you!

East Central College financial aid team is here to assist, if you have any questions, please contact us at Financialaid@eastcentral.edu or by phone at 636-584-6500.