MSA National Scholarship

2026 Scholarship Application is Open

Magnet Schools of America (MSA) is a non-profit organization that represents and supports magnet schools, their parents, families, and district leaders at a national level. Every year, MSA hosts a national conference featuring keynote speakers, sessions on best practices, networking opportunities, and awards for students, teachers, administrators, and districts. This year, along with the Student Poster contest, MSA is hosting a National Student Scholarship program for magnet high school students enrolled in a member school or program registered for the April 14-17 conference. This is a great opportunity for students to earn a scholarship funded solely by donations from MSA members, Past Presidents, the Board of Directors, and the national office staff. Each registered school or district representative may submit one applicant.

Student scholarship winners will be selected from member magnet schools and programs that are registered for the annual conference, April 14-17. Each $1,000 postsecondary scholarship award may be used for expenses, including textbooks, technology, and other related educational materials at a two/four-year college or career and technical training institution. To be considered for a scholarship, students must complete an application, upload two essays, provide two recommendations, and obtain parent and principal verification. 

Complete applications with all supporting documents are due by 11:59 PM Eastern Time (ET) February 20, 2026. 

Application Packet
Application Form

Background


Magnet Schools of America (MSA) is a non-profit organization that represents and supports magnet schools, their parents, families, and district leaders at a national level. Every year, MSA hosts a national conference featuring keynote speakers, sessions on best practices, networking opportunities, and awards for students, teachers, administrators, and districts.

This year, along with the Student Poster contest, MSA is hosting a National Student Scholarship program for magnet high school students enrolled in a member school or program registered for the April 14-17 national conference.

This is a great opportunity for students to earn a scholarship funded solely by donations from MSA members, Past Presidents, the Board of Directors, and the national office staff. Each registered school or district representative may submit one applicant.

Info

Student scholarship winners will be selected from member magnet schools and programs that are registered for the annual conference, April 14-17. Each $1,000 postsecondary scholarship award may be used for expenses, including textbooks, technology, and other related educational materials at a two/four-year college or career and technical training institution. To be considered for a scholarship, students must complete an application, upload two essays, provide two recommendations, and obtain parent and principal verification. 

Scoring

The application will be scored by magnet experts using a rubric that includes supporting documents; well-written and error-free essays; leadership, academics, peer relations; awards and honors; and community activities. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

Requirements

Students must be:

  • Enrolled as a full-time senior student in a magnet program at an MSA paid member school with a 2026 graduation date.
  • Applications from a school that is registered for the April National Conference is preferred for each scholarship awardee; however, a district representative will be acceptable.
  • Each school is allowed only one applicant, and each district representative may only sign off on one scholarship application. (Please email support@magnet.edu for all membership-related questions.)
  • Be accepted or have applied to a two/four-year college or career and technical school.
    Note: Finalists will be required to complete a W9.

Application

Students must prepare and upload two essays online of no less than 400 and no more than 500 words each, one about the importance of magnet schools and one based on the MSA Five Pillars. Applicants are encouraged to highlight experiences in their magnet school that will support them in the next phase of their education or life experience (i.e., discuss the theme, community engagement, instruction, etc.) and what makes them the best candidate for a scholarship. Students’ essays should be their authentic work and focused on the questions posed.

Checklist

Students will submit the application online. Please check with the principal/designee and those who are completing the recommendations to make sure they do so by the deadline. A complete application must include:

  • Application
  • Recommendations (2)
  • Essays (2)
  • Principal/Designee Checklist and Verification  PDF
  • Applicant and Parent/Guardian Consent Form  PDF

Donate

Each $1,000 postsecondary scholarship award may be used for expenses, including textbooks, technology, and other related educational materials at a two- or four-year college or career and technical training institution.

MSA’s scholarships are funded solely by donations from MSA members, past presidents, the Board of Directors, and the national office staff.

See the 2023 Scholarship Winners here!

Consider donating to the Student Scholarship Fund to benefit magnet school students!

Donate today!

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