The City of Meridian offered up to four $1,000 scholarships to students graduating from high school in Spring 2026 and planning to start an accredited college or vocational program that fall. Applicants had to live in Meridian or its area of impact, or have served on the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council since the prior year. The city asks applicants to show leadership through community involvement, volunteering, school activities, or work.
The award is a competitive $1,000 city scholarship, not an automatically renewable tuition benefit. The city says the 2026 cycle closed Friday, April 17 at 5 p.m. MDT. It also gave additional consideration to applicants who submitted an Alive at 25 certificate, but that factor does not replace residency, graduation, and a complete application.
For the next edition, check the Mayor’s Office scholarship page, download the online or paper application, and ask your counselor to prepare transcripts, college or trade-program information, and leadership evidence. The city lists 208-489-0534 for the Mayor’s Office. Meridian updates award amounts and dates each cycle, so do not reuse the 2026 form without confirmation.
This is a small competitive annual award; also plan for FAFSA, Idaho state aid, and institutional scholarships. The page had not confirmed a 2027 deadline at the time of review. If the city has not opened the next round, request an update or contact the Mayor’s Office instead of submitting an expired form.
Read the program profile and the official FAFSA application guide; ask the college to confirm your individual package.
To compare this award with another college offer, ask for an itemized estimate: covered tuition and fees, other grants applied first, and the balance you would still owe. Keep confirmation of every form, and when the program requires it, submit the FAFSA or CADAA for the correct academic year. An advertised maximum or the phrase “free tuition” does not automatically include books, housing, transportation, or terms the program excludes.
City Scholarships — City of Meridian Mayor’s Office.
City of Meridian Mayor’s Office — City of Meridian.
Information checked October 13, 2026 against official sources. Local programs change cohorts, funding, eligibility, and calendars; a closed cycle is not an open application. Confirm your situation and the current application with the program and the college financial-aid office.
The program and college financial-aid office confirm eligibility, covered balance, and dates; a published maximum does not guarantee an award.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
City of Meridian Youth Scholarship
The City of Meridian offered up to four $1,000 scholarships to students graduating from high school in Spring 2026 and planning to start an accredited college or vocational program that fall. Applicants had to live in Meridian or its area of impact, or have served on the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council since the prior year. The city asks applicants to show leadership through community involvement, volunteering, school activities, or work. The award is a competitive $1,000 city
Local college-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
City of Meridian Mayor’s Office · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
City of Meridian · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
City of Meridian Mayor’s Office · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of City of Meridian Youth Scholarship ↗
Primary source
City of Meridian · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.