How the College Board's BigFuture Scholarship Opens Doors for Students
The cost of higher education can be daunting for students and their families. Thankfully, resources like the College Board are paving the way for aspiring college students. From guiding test preparation to providing scholarships, the College Board is committed to breaking down barriers and opening up opportunities for all.
What is the College Board?
The College Board is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting students on their journey to higher education. Known for programs like the SAT, AP courses, and BigFuture, it offers comprehensive tools to plan for college and careers. These resources help students explore their options and access valuable financial support.
Spotlight: The BigFuture Scholarship Program
One of the College Board’s standout initiatives is the BigFuture Scholarship Program. Unlike traditional scholarships that often require essays or minimum GPAs, BigFuture rewards students for simply taking concrete steps toward their college goals. By creating college and career lists, completing the FAFSA, and submitting college applications through the BigFuture platform, students earn entries for scholarship drawings each month.
For example, in April 2025, Hawthorne Middle/High School sophomore Melody Watson was surprised in a school-wide assembly when she won a $40,000 BigFuture scholarship from the College Board. Melody’s journey highlights how the program supports students from all backgrounds, allowing them to pursue their dreams without the stress of heavy student loan debt.
Making College Dreams Possible
The BigFuture program isn’t just about the financial reward. The College Board aims to motivate students to take timely actions that set them up for future success. Actions like building college lists or exploring career paths are important steps in the transition from high school to college.
According to Mainstreet Daily News, Melody was the first student in her district to win the BigFuture scholarship. She completed the necessary steps with guidance from her school's TRIO Educational Talent Search program. Her win not only has a profound impact on her own future, but also inspires other students to take similar initiatives. The scholarship will help her pursue her dream of becoming a nurse, free from the burden of financial uncertainty.
Who Can Apply and How to Get Involved
Eligibility for the BigFuture Scholarship is open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors across the United States. There are no GPA, test score, or essay requirements. Students are entered into the scholarship drawing each time they complete any of the six qualifying steps on the BigFuture platform. Additional entries are available for students from lower-income families or schools with higher rates of free or reduced lunch recipients.
The Lasting Impact of the College Board’s Work
The College Board continues to innovate and expand its resources, making college more accessible to all students. By creating opportunities like BigFuture, the organization is helping students overcome challenges and achieve their academic goals.
Conclusion
Education opens countless doors, but it can come with obstacles. The College Board’s dedication to student success shines through initiatives like the BigFuture Scholarship Program. Whether through test preparation, guidance, or direct financial support, the College Board makes college dreams a reality for students from every walk of life.
Take the first step toward your future today—explore what the College Board and its BigFuture program can do for you.