Think leadership is only for CEOs or politicians? Think again. Leadership starts with small choices, bold thinking, and self-awareness. Even as a teen, you can start building leadership skills that will help you now and in the future. Here are five lessons to help you lead with impact, not just authority: 1. Integrity Isn’t Optional Your word is your currency. Leaders earn trust by being honest, consistent, and accountable. When you stand by your principles, even when it’s ha

1.      Ron Brown Scholar Program   Amount:  $40,000 per student (20 awards available nationwide, $10,000 per year for 4 years). Eligibility:  Black/African American high school senior who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with demonstrated financial need, academic excellence, leadership potential, and active community service. Requirements:  Application (via Ron Brown Scholar website) including two essays (~500 words each), academic transcript, standardized test scores

1. Rumba Meats Scholarship (USHLI) Amount:  $1,000 (25 awards). Eligibility:  High school senior graduating Spring 2026; enrolled/accepted full-time at a U.S. 2- or 4-year institution (incl. territories); non-U.S. citizens eligible (DACA/undocumented); financial need; community service; ≥2.5 GPA; at least one parent of Hispanic ancestry. Requirements:  Two essays (500–1,000 words each); portrait photo; résumé; transcript. Deadline:  November 30, 2025 (11:59 PM CT)   2. Design

Practical advice for keeping your focus and confidence strong through the application process Why Motivation Matters  College application season is one of the most exciting and challenging times in your high school journey. Between essays, recommendation letters, and deadlines, it is easy to feel stressed or lose focus. But staying motivated during this time is key to reaching your goals.  Motivation fuels persistence. When you remind yourself of why you are applying to colle

Charles Pulling Sr. Memorial Scholarship   Amount: $1,000 (2 awards).   Eligibility: High school or college students; first-generation students and parents/single parents eligible.  Requirements: 600-word essay (topic: what makes you a non-traditional student and what drives you). Deadline: November 17, 2025.     Point Foundation Flagship Scholarship   Amount: $12,000  Eligibility: Must be an out member of the LGBTQ+ community, be enrolled or intend to enroll at an accred

Four Practical tips for managing money and preparing for your financial future Why Financial Literacy Matters Learning how to manage money is one of the most important skills to build before college. Financial literacy helps students make smart decisions about saving, budgeting, and planning for the future. When you understand how money works, you are better prepared to achieve your goals, whether that means paying for college, starting a savings plan, or handling your first

10 Words or Less Scholarship   Amount: $1,000  Eligibility: Scholarship is open to students between the ages of 14-25 who will be attending school in the Fall of 2026.  Requirements: Applicant must share in 10 words or less why they deserve the scholarship.  Deadline: November 15    Concerto Competition   Amount: $2,500 (1st), $1,000 (2nd), $500 (3rd)  Eligibility: Competition is open to high school musicians (grades 9-12) enrolled during the 2025-2026 academic year.  Require

Here’s some advice to ease the transition and to thrive as a first-generation student.   A New Chapter for First-Generation College Students  Are you the first in your family to attend college? You are part of a powerful community of first-generation college students who are shaping the future of education. And despite the countless hardships that you may experience as a first-gen student, FLP is here to help. Here’s a guide on how to make the most of the opportunities and as

Tips for students to develop their networks to help inspire their future careers  Why Building Your Network Early Can Help  “Networking” can sound intimidating. You might picture professionals trading business cards at a conference. Or, maybe connecting via social media platforms such as LinkedIn. However, your professional network goes far beyond and includes your friends, neighbors, parents, extended family, and anyone you have a personal connection with.  Fortunately, you

1.         Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship Program Amount:  Up to $55,000 per year for up to four years. Eligibility:  High-achieving HS seniors with financial need planning to attend a four-year U.S. college. Requirements:  Online application, essays, recommendations, transcripts, financial info. Deadline:  November 12, 2025   2.         Elks National Foundation Amount:  $1,000 or $7,500 per year (four years) Eligibility:  U.S. citizen high school seniors; judged on scho