Financial Aid is available in many different ways including loans, grants, scholarships, and federal work study. Loans must eventually be paid back, however grants, scholarships, and work-study are all great ways to offset the cost of college.
- FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid- required for loans, grants, and work-study. All students attending a 2 year, 4 year, or vocational college that are not paying solely out-of-pocket must complete.
- CSS Profile - Addition application for Financial Aid required by some private colleges. ONLY FILL OUT IF REQUIRED.
- FastWeb and Scholarships.Com - Free scholarship and grant websites
- Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority - great information on how to fund college
- Scholarships360.org Vetted scholarships for high school, college and graduate students.-
- Scholarships for seniors - Go to: https://studentscholarships.org to search and apply
- HBCU Scholarships - https://www.hbcugraduates.com/hbcugrad/2020/10/3/an-extensive-list-of-hbcu-scholarships
Scholarships 2026 - 2027
Log on to www.fafsa.gov to complete federal student aid report on October 1, 2026
Voice of Democracy Essay Contest 2026
VFW Post 448 announces "The Voice of Democracy Essay" this scholarship is open to students in grade 9-12. Essay requirements include a 3-5 minute cassette tape or CD recording, include a neatly typed essay with tape, your name on both, submit a completed VFW form with parental approval if you chosen from Taconic.The theme of the essay is "What a Veteran Taught Me About America" Each school must select and submit one winner only, return all required information to the Guidance Office by October 19th for judging. 10/19/2026
Coca Cola Scholars Foundation
The Coca Cola Scholars Foundation Scholarship is an achievement-based scholarship awarded to graduating high school seniors each year. Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, and their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities. The phase 1 application deadline is September 30, 2026. On-line application go to coca-colascholarsfoundation.org/apply.
Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship Program.
500 four-year scholarships nationwide to the highest- rated applicants in the 2026 competition. Applicants will be judged on scholarship, leadership and financial need. Any high school senior who is a citizen of the U.S. is eligible to apply. Deadline to apply is November 12, 2025 Online application at www.elks.org deadline 11/12/2026
Massachusetts Elks CTE Scholarship
The seniors applying for this scholarship needs to be attending a vocational/technical school, a junior college, or a community college working toward an associates degree, diploma or certificate. This is a renewable scholarship.Copies available in Guidance. 3/2/2027