Students

OPPORTUNITY STARTS HERE

You Are the Future

We believe every student holds incredible potential—and our role is to help unlock it. Whether you’re applying for a scholarship, nominating an educator who’s made a difference in your life, or simply looking for support, we’re here to walk alongside you. This is your place to dream big, access resources, and take the next step toward your future.

YOUR FUTURE AWAITS

Senior Scholarships

Every year, the DeSoto County Education Foundation connects graduating seniors with scholarships funded by generous community members, businesses, and organizations who believe in your potential. These awards help open doors to college, technical programs, and career pathways—and they’re made just for students like you.

Whether you’ve been dreaming of college since kindergarten or just started thinking about what’s next, we’re here to help. Our application is designed to be simple, and if you have questions along the way, our team is here to support you. Your next chapter is waiting—and we can’t wait to see where it takes you.

IMG_7256
IMG_6968-1
IMG_4700
Desoto County (23)
unnamed
Whalen 3
IMG_1050-1

CELEBRATE THE DIFFERENCE-MAKERS

Nominate a Teacher Who RISEs Above

Has a teacher made a lasting impact on your life? The RISE Above Award is your chance to say thank you by nominating an educator who goes above and beyond to inspire, support, and empower their students. Whether it was a small moment or a life-changing one, your story matters—and your nomination helps us celebrate the teachers who truly make a difference in DeSoto County.

Summer Finishers

Future Achievers!

Our Summer Finisher initiative helps DeSoto County students complete their college degrees or certifications by covering tuition gaps, especially during Summer A which isn’t always fully covered by financial aid.

Sometimes all it takes to keep a student on track is a little extra support at just the right time. That’s where we come in, helping close the gap so students can finish strong and take the next step toward their future.

Thanks to generous community support, we’re removing barriers and opening doors, one college graduate at a time.

Summer-Finishers
IMG_4019-(1)---Privitello,-Karen
NTO-5