Special School District of St. Louis County is fortunate to partner with regional organizations and individuals who provide scholarship opportunities for our students. Over the years, many thousands of dollars have been donated to help SSD students take the next step in their education journey.

Graduating seniors should consider applying for these scholarships that are exclusively available to students who receive SSD services and/or attend one of the District’s technical high schools. Each scholarship has specific requirements, and applications must be completed online. Scholarship applications are typically posted in mid-October.

The application deadline for the Westbury, Bonhomme Lions Club, and Haake scholarships is December 13, 2023.

All 2024 scholarship winners will be honored by the District at an event on May 9, 2024.

James E. Westbury Memorial Board of Education Scholarships

The SSD Board of Education and other donors provide funds for scholarships each year to SSD students who plan to attend a college, university, or post-secondary program. These scholarships are named in memory of James E. Westbury, who served on the SSD Board for many years and dedicated his life to the education of students throughout the St. Louis region. 

Scholarships are awarded to the students who best demonstrate the ability to define a goal and are preparing to achieve that goal.

Members of the SSD Board will select recipients of this scholarship. In most years, two students are selected for scholarships in the amount of $2,000. The funds will be paid directly to each student's college, university, or post-secondary program.

The deadline for submitting an application is Dec. 13, 2023. Apply for a 2024 Westbury Scholarship here.

Bonhomme Lions Club Scholarship

For many years, the Bonhomme Lions have donated funds for scholarships to SSD students. The organization selects students who have demonstrated strong character, high academic achievement, and participation in community service.

Scholarship applications will be reviewed, and the Bonhomme Lions Scholarship Committee will determine recipients. The scholarship recipients each typically receive $1,000 to be used toward education expenses at the recipient's chosen college, university, or post-secondary program. The scholarship amounts will depend on the funds available.

The deadline for submitting an application is Dec. 13, 2023. Apply for a 2024 Bonhomme Lions Club Scholarship here.

Allison M. Haake Memorial Scholarship

Established in 2008, the Allison M. Haake Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a qualifying SSD student each year. The scholarship was established in memory of Allison Marie Haake, a former SSD teacher assistant. Allison was an inspirational young woman who, at an early age, knew she wanted to make a career of working with children.

Scholarship applications will be reviewed and a recipient will be determined by the Haake family. The scholarship recipient will receive $2,500 to be used toward expenses at the recipient's chosen college, university, or post-secondary program.

The deadline for submitting an application is Dec. 13, 2023. Apply for a 2024 Allison M. Haake Memorial Scholarship here.

John Cary Scholarships

The John Cary Scholarship is administered by the Special Education Foundation (SEF). These scholarships are awarded to graduating students who have received services from the Special School District of St. Louis County (special education and/or technical education) and plan to attend a four-year college or university. The selected students will reflect the characteristics most admired by John Cary — resiliency, courage and determination. The scholarship committee looks for evidence of future success by considering academics, leadership and community volunteer activities, and success in athletics and/or the arts. Well-rounded individuals, particularly those with exceptional achievement in a particular area, are likely to be successful applicants. Overcoming obstacles carries weight in the screening process. Financial need and teacher recommendations are also considered. The funds may be used for tuition only.

Read more and apply for a 2024 John Cary Scholarship.