Scholarships & Contests

Winners of the following awards will be presented at the Statehood Banquet in February, but they need not be present to win. You must include a recent picture with your submission. For more information, please see the linked PDFs with instructions.

Junior Awards

Grades 1-4: $50 cash – art project depicting the migration to Oregon

Grades 5-8: $100 cash prize – essay: something you have learned about the migration to Oregon that you would like to share with us

Grades 9-12: $200 cash to further your education – essay: what being an Oregon pioneer descendant means to you.

All Junior Awards essays are due by December 15.

Oregon History Essay Contest

4th Grade essay contest: first place winner receives $150, second place winner receives $75. Essay topic: “Discuss the pioneer spirit, a determination of accomplishing goals under very difficult circumstances, and how the result of that spirit has affected our lives today.” Due by May 15.

SDOP Annual College Scholarships

This scholarship, worth up to $1,000, is offered to up to two SDOP members to help achieve their goal of earning a first bachelor’s degree. The application packet should include written responses to five questions, a sealed copy of official transcripts from the most recent high school, college, or university, and a completed application. Due by December 15.

Miss Pioneer Oregon Application

Miss Pioneer Oregon is a scholarship contest for young women with Oregon pioneer ancestry to be selected as an official representative of Sons and Daughters of Oregon Pioneers. The successful candidate is rewarded with a cash award of $1,000 paid in two payments, a Life Membership in SDOP with the hopes of participating in the organization in the future as a board member or officer, and the privilege of officially representing SDOP for one year. Applicant requirements, selection criteria, and more information can be found on the linked PDF. Completed application is due by December 15.

A list of past Miss Pioneer Oregon winners can be found on our Miss Pioneer Oregon page.