Applications are open for 2027
One $2,000 award for a student with a practical idea to make something better, plus a clear first step to bring it to life.
Start your application$2,000 awardJune 30, 2027500–800 words
Why this scholarship exists
Xpand Digital has spent more than 15 years helping businesses turn ambitious ideas into measurable growth. This scholarship supports a student ready to apply that same spirit to a problem they care about.
We are not looking for a perfect résumé, a particular major, or the highest GPA. We are looking for clear thinking, a useful idea, and the curiosity to test what is possible.
Eligibility
Undergraduate, graduate, community college, and trade students can apply, whether full-time or part-time.
The essay · 500–800 words
Identify a problem in your community, intended field, or everyday life. Explain a realistic idea that uses creativity, technology, or practical action to improve it. What would you do first, and how would you know it helped?
Your response must be your original work. You may use AI for brainstorming or editing if you disclose how you used it. Undisclosed substantive AI-generated content may be disqualified.
Write your responseHow applications are judged
Every eligible application is assessed against the same four published criteria.
Is the problem and proposed response easy to understand?
Does the applicant bring a thoughtful, distinctive point of view?
Is the first step realistic, with a credible way to measure progress?
Does the essay show why this problem matters to the applicant?
2027 award timeline
The award is ordinarily paid directly to the recipient's institution for eligible educational costs.
Apply online
Set aside about 30 minutes. You can draft your essay elsewhere, then paste it into the application.
Your information is used only to administer this scholarship. We do not sell applicant data or add applicants to a marketing list.
Official rules & details
The Xpand What's Possible Scholarship is sponsored by DirectRank LLC, doing business as Xpand Digital, 310 Arizona Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States. One $2,000 award will be made for the 2027 cycle. No purchase or application fee is required.
Applications must be received by June 30, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. The selected recipient is expected to be notified by July 31, 2027, with payment made by August 31, 2027 after enrollment verification.
Eligible entries will be reviewed using the published rubric. Xpand Digital may verify identity, age, residency, institutional acceptance or enrollment, academic standing, and originality before issuing the award.
The award is intended for tuition, fees, books, supplies, or other eligible educational costs and will ordinarily be paid directly to the recipient's accredited institution. The recipient is responsible for any tax consequences.
The essay must reflect the applicant's own ideas and voice. AI-assisted brainstorming or editing is permitted when disclosed. Plagiarism, false information, or undisclosed substantive AI generation may result in disqualification.
Application data is used for eligibility review, judging, verification, and award administration. It is not sold or used for promotional email without separate permission. The selected recipient will be asked for consent before their name or story is published.
Void where prohibited. Sponsor decisions are final, subject to applicable law. Last updated September 2, 2026.
For schools and scholarship offices
Colleges may list this opportunity using the details at right. A backlink is appreciated but never required for a student to apply or receive the award.
Contact the scholarship sponsor →