Navigating programming scholarships as a high school junior

As someone who's passionate about computer science and programming, I'm on the lookout for scholarships that cater to these interests. Are there any more specific scholarships for students pursuing a career in programming? I'd love recommendations on where to look or any particular scholarships that stand out. This could really help me ease the financial burden of college, so any advice or experiences would be greatly welcomed!

There are quite a few scholarships out there specifically intended for students interested in computer science and programming. Here are a few examples that you may find helpful:

1. Future Innovators Scholarship Program: This scholarship is awarded to high school seniors planning to major in STEM. Awardees are decided based on their creativity, leadership, and innovation in computer science and technology fields.

2. Palantir Future Scholarship: This scholarship targets underrepresented groups in technology fields and is open to high school seniors intending to study related disciplines. The merit-based scholarships run up to $10,000.

3. Microsoft disAbility Scholarship: This scholarship supports high school seniors living with a disability (as defined by WHO) intending to pursue a career in technology. Awards are $5000 towards tuition for a CS degree.

That said, you should also look into scholarships offered by the universities you're interested in. Many universities offer their own scholarships for students pursuing computer science or programming, based on academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and personal essays. Another strategy is to participate in programming competitions that often provide scholarships to high performers.

Remember to double-check eligibility criteria when you apply, as some scholarships may be restricted to specific areas, underrepresented groups, or minimum GPA thresholds. Best of luck in your scholarship search!