Wisconsin Students Get Month to Find Scholarships

Families planning for college can use November's National Scholarship Month to look for gift aid that does not have to be repaid.

Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Scholarships

Wisconsin Students Get Month to Find Scholarships

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Gov. Tony Evers has proclaimed November as National Scholarship Month in Wisconsin, a move announced by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions and the Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board. It is part of a nationwide effort to raise awareness of scholarships that help students pay for education after high school.

Why it matters

Scholarships are gift aid that does not have to be repaid, so they can reduce how much students need to borrow. The proclamation is meant to draw attention to these opportunities during the month, when many families are planning for the coming school year.

The proclamation names November 2026 as National Scholarship Month in Wisconsin. Scholarships are gift aid, and students do not need to be a valedictorian or star athlete to qualify for them.

The players

Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions

The state agency that announced the proclamation and oversees financial regulation in Wisconsin, including consumer protections relevant to student finance.

Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board

The state board that administers Wisconsin's higher-education grant and aid programs, including state financial aid for students attending in-state schools.

Gov. Tony Evers

The Governor of Wisconsin, who issued the proclamation encouraging students and families to explore scholarship opportunities.

The details

The proclamation is part of a nationwide effort to highlight scholarship opportunities across the country. Students are encouraged to start with their school counselors and to check with colleges or universities they are considering for scholarships they offer. Completing the FAFSA is described as an important first step for students seeking federal and Wisconsin state financial aid, since it is the gateway to many aid programs. Legitimate scholarship opportunities generally do not charge a fee simply to apply, which is a useful check when evaluating offers.

November 2026: Wisconsin observes National Scholarship Month following Gov. Evers' proclamation.

Education Landscape

Student borrowing and rising college costs have made gift aid such as scholarships a central part of college planning for many families. Awareness campaigns like National Scholarship Month sit alongside the FAFSA as the main tools students use to reduce reliance on loans.

Students planning for the coming academic year can use November to search for scholarships through their school counselors and prospective colleges. Before applying, check whether an offer charges an application fee, since legitimate scholarships generally do not, and ask your school's financial-aid office how scholarship awards interact with other aid you receive.

The takeaway

Scholarships are gift aid that can ease the need to borrow, and National Scholarship Month is a useful reminder to look for them now. Complete the FAFSA as a first step, and ask your school counselor or financial-aid office which scholarships you may qualify for.