Over Million in Scholarships Awarded to Students Nationwide, Continuing Support for the Class of 2030
New York, NY─December 1, 2025─ The College Board has announced a significant expansion of its BigFuture® Scholarships program, committing an additional .5 million to support students nationwide in planning for their futures after high school. This latest investment will extend scholarship opportunities to students through the graduating class of 2030, bringing the total financial support for BigFuture to over million since its inception.
Launched in 2019, the BigFuture Scholarships program has already made a considerable impact, awarding more than million to over 24,000 recipients across all 50 states. The initiative aims to address educational equity and increase college access, particularly for underrepresented students.
“Each and every student deserves the opportunity to own their future after high school,” stated Amy Reitz, Senior Vice President of BigFuture. “BigFuture Scholarships turn aspirations into action, helping teens dream big and take concrete steps to make those dreams real. This investment reinforces our commitment to opening doors for all students, especially those who need support the most as they plan what comes next.”
BigFuture provides a free, user-friendly online platform that has empowered millions of students to explore potential careers, navigate college preparations, and identify funding options. It offers personalized tools designed to guide students through the various steps necessary for post-secondary success.
The scholarship program distinguishes itself from traditional scholarship avenues by removing barriers such as essay requirements, standardized test scores, or minimum GPA thresholds. Instead, students qualify for scholarships by completing practical planning milestones on the BigFuture website, such as career exploration, creating college lists, and learning about financial aid. Each month, BigFuture awards two ,000 scholarships alongside hundreds of 0 scholarships to participants who engage with the platform.
Notably, approximately 60% of scholarship recipients hail from lower-income backgrounds, and nearly half are first-generation college students. This underscores the program’s effectiveness in democratizing access to higher education. For students from families earning under ,000 annually, the program offers double the chances to win, incentivizing them to engage in more planning steps.
One recipient, Dinora Ramirez, shared her family’s experiences with the program: “I only have a GED. This scholarship will break the cycle in our family; my kids can go to college now.” Their success stories illustrate the transformative impact of financial aid on families eager to support their children’s educational ambitions.
Starting this month, students currently in 10th grade—the class of 2028—are now officially eligible to qualify for BigFuture Scholarships as they complete steps on the platform through their senior year.
About BigFuture
BigFuture® serves as a comprehensive, free online resource assisting students in taking essential steps after high school. The platform facilitates college planning, financial aid navigation, and career exploration, catering to a range of educational pathways, including four-year universities, community colleges, and vocational training. For more information, visit bigfuture.org.
About College Board
The College Board is a not-for-profit membership organization that annually supports more than 7 million students in their journeys from high school to college and career. Founded over 120 years ago, the College Board pioneered programs such as the SAT® and AP® to enhance educational opportunities and develop essential skills for students. Through initiatives like BigFuture®, the organization continues to help students effectively plan for their futures. More information can be found at cb.org.
