What Kinds of Scholarships Are on Bold.org?
Bold.org offers a wide variety of scholarships funded by private donors. Each scholarship has its own purpose, eligibility requirements, and selection criteria. Below are the most common categories you'll see on the platform.
Academic Scholarships
Based on academic achievement, GPA, or academic goals
May target specific majors, fields of study, or education levels
Identity-Based & Background Scholarships
Designed to support students from specific backgrounds or communities
May focus on factors such as gender, ethnicity, religion, first-generation status, or personal experiences
Career & Field-Specific Scholarships
Intended for students pursuing particular careers or industries
Often tied to majors, certifications, or long-term career goals
Financial Need Scholarships
Focused on supporting students who demonstrate financial need
May consider income level, family circumstances, or financial challenges
Essay & Merit-Based Scholarships
Require a short essay or personal response
Selection is based on thoughtfulness, originality, and alignment with the scholarship's mission
Community, Service & Leadership Scholarships
Awarded to students involved in volunteering, leadership, or community impact
Emphasize service, initiative, and positive contributions
Easy-Apply & No-Essay Scholarships
Require minimal information and no long essays
Often have higher competition due to ease of entry
Important Things to Know
Each scholarship is unique and may fall into more than one category
Always review the eligibility requirements and description before applying
Meeting eligibility does not guarantee selection — each scholarship has its own selection process
Ready to start? Browse all scholarships to find opportunities that match your profile.
Related Articles
How Scholarships Work on Bold.org — Full overview of the scholarship process
Scholarship Eligibility — What determines eligibility
My Matches: How Scholarships Match to You — How matching works