If you need help paying for school, there are plenty of college scholarships out there. In fact, we’ve already covered 100 of them. But we’re all about the unusual and out-of-the-ordinary here, so we wanted to dig deeper. And in doing so, we discovered some pretty… unique opportunities you might have missed in your more traditional searches.
Some of these scholarships reward you for thinking outside the box, some reward you for falling into ridiculously narrow categories, others are just plain strange. All of them are worth checking out.
So if you’re on the hunt for funds to help you pay for college, take a look at these 100 weird scholarships — they’re strange, wacky and oddly specific.
Creative Scholarships
Book learning isn’t everything — flex your creative muscles for these scholarships.
1. Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship
Come up with the best survival plan should a zombie apocalypse hit your high school or college, and you could win $2,000.
Deadline: October 31, 2015
2. Duck Brand Duct Tape “Stuck at Prom” Scholarship Contest
Make your prom attire (by yourself, or with your date) entirely out of duct tape and you could win $500 to $5,000. Creations will be judged on “workmanship, originality, use of colors, accessories” and, of course, use of Duck Brand duct tape.
Deadline: Annually on May 23
3. Make It With Wool Competition
Make a garment from 100% wool or a wool blend and model it in a photo for a chance to advance to the National Competition, where scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $2,000. (Note: There is an entry fee of $12.)
No deadline is mentioned on the website. For more information, send your question along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:
National Make It With Wool Competition
Mary Roediger
PO Box 123
Albany, OH 45710
740-591-5149
wool@sewtruedesigns.com
4. Beans for Brains Scholarship
For knitters in particular, Jimmy Beans Wool gives five scholarships each year in the amount of $3,200 apiece.
This year’s deadline has passed, so check back later for the next year’s deadline.
5. Wholesale Halloween Costumes Scholarship
Several times a year, WholesaleHalloweenCostumes.com runs a $500 scholarship contest based on a specific assignment. The current assignment — to create a meme using a product image from their site — ends August 12, 2015.
Deadline: Varies (check back each month for new contests).
6. Ursinus College Creative Writing Award
Live in JD Salinger’s dorm room for your first year and get a $32,000 scholarship renewable all four years of school. Winners demonstrate a Holden Caulfield “it” factor — namely, “an unusual perspective… quirky brilliance… a voice not necessarily the kind that can be measured by conventional standards.”
This year’s deadline has passed, so check back later for the next year’s deadline.
7. David Letterman Telecommunications Scholarship
The late-night funny man established this award at his alma mater, Ball State University, for “average” students who may not have earned academic gold stars but display noteworthy creativity in a project in the telecommunications vein (film, audio, video, graphics, etc.). Winner receives $10,000, second-place gets $5,000 and third-place gets $3,333.
This year’s deadline has passed, so check back later for the next year’s deadline.
8. Fifth Month Scholarship
Earn $1,500 by writing a letter to the number five. Yep, you read that right: writing a letter to the number five. Doesn’t get much weirder than that.
This year’s deadline has passed, so check back later for the next year’s deadline.
9. Flavor of the Month Scholarship
Describe what ice cream flavor you would be, and why, for a shot at this $1,500 award.
Deadline: July 31, 2015
10. Superpower Scholarship
Win $2,500 if you have the best answer to the question, “Which superhero or villain would you want to change places with for a day and why?”
Deadline: March 31, 2016
11. Make Me Laugh Scholarship
Class clowns, jokers and anyone with a funny story (real or made up) to tell: You’ve got a shot at $1,500 simply for sharing. Whatever makes the sponsor LOL the hardest is the winner.
Deadline: August 31, 2015
12. I Have a Dream Scholarship
Bizarre dreams, daydreams, dreams for your future… Write the best essay on any kind of dream, and it could net you $1,500.
Deadline: January 31, 2016
13. Sweet and Simple Scholarship
“Big things come in small packages” is the theme of this essay contest, which asks you to write a piece describing a seemingly small gift or gesture that left a lasting impact on you. The winner gets $1,500.
Deadline: February 29, 2016
14. Shout It Out Scholarship
The question: “If you could say one thing to the entire world at once, what would it be and why?” Say it best in 250 words or less, and you can win $1,500.
Deadline: September 30, 2015
15. Junior Duck Stamp Program
This art contest sponsored by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service awards scholarships ranging from $200 to $1,000 for creating a duck stamp design that adheres to a rather extensive list of criteria, including: Ducks must be shown in their natural habitat, feather colors must be appropriate to the season in which they are depicted, and duck featured must be on their roster of eligible species. (Don’t you even think of drawing a mute swan!)
This year’s deadline has passed, so check back later for the next year’s deadline.
16. Jif’s Most Creative Sandwich Contest
Want to get a jumpstart on your kid’s college fund? If they’re between the ages of 6 and 12 and can make coolest sandwich using Jif peanut butter, they could win a $25,000 college fund. (Runners-up each receive a $2,500 college fund).
This year’s deadline has passed, so check back later for the next year’s deadline.
17. 10 Things You Love About You Scholarship
Boasting about your extracurricular activities and GPA on scholarship applications can get boring. How about, instead, you simply list out the 10 things that make you awesome? There are no rules on what you can list, so put on your creativity cap and start bragging.
Deadline: March 31, 2016
18. Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship
Ever picked up a Hallmark card and thought, “I could do better”? Then sharpen your colored pencils, pick up your camera or fire up your graphic design software and submit your best design for a chance to win $10,000 for yourself (and $1,000 for your school).
This year’s deadline has passed, so check back later for the next year’s deadline.
19. The Penny Hoarder’s “Frugal Student Contest”
We offer a scholarship worth $2,000 to the student with the best essay on an interesting or unique thing they’ve done to make or save extra money. Let’s hear your stories!
Deadline: December 31, 2015
Demographically Based Scholarships
Get money just for being born with one of these traits.
20. Little People of America Scholarships
This nonprofit, which supports those with dwarfism, offers scholarships ranging from $250 to $1,000+ to members diagnosed with dwarfism and their families. (Preference is given to LPA members and their families, but non-members with dwarfism can also qualify.)
Deadline: Annually on April 22.
21. Talls International Club Scholarship
If you’re “vertically gifted” and a member of TCI, you can apply for this $1,000 scholarship. You must be at least 5’10” (if you’re female) or 6’2” (if you’re male), under the age of 19 and entering your first year of college.
The deadline for the Fall 2015 scholarship has passed, so check back later for the next deadline.
22. C.A.T.S. Tall Club Scholarship
If you’re a tall graduating high school senior living in the Phoenix Metropolitan area, you can also win $250 from the Central Arizona Tall Society. See your local high school’s guidance department for information on application process and deadlines, which are provided directly to Phoenix Metropolitan area high schools.
23. Scholarships for Twins and Multiples
Plenty of schools and organizations offer scholarships for twins and other “multiples,” whether they attend the same school or go their own separate ways. Check out two great lists of opportunities here and here.
24. Frederick and Mary F. Beckley Left-Handed Scholarship
Sophomores, juniors and seniors at Juniata College in Huntingdon, PA have a chance at $1,000 to $1,500 if they can demonstrate academic success, financial need and the fact that they’re left-handed.
Deadline is not mentioned on school’s website. Contact John Wall at wallj@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3132 for more information.
25. ScholarshipRed
High school juniors or seniors who are natural redheads (or strawberry blonds) can earn $500 by submitting a photo of themselves from childhood and present-day and “creating something that represents what it means to be Redhead.”
This year’s deadline has passed, so check back later for the next year’s deadline.
26. Respshop College Scholarship
If you or someone you love has a sleep disorder, you can win $1,500 (or one of four $500 runners-up awards) for writing an essay about how it affects your life, their life and/or how CPAP therapy has helped.
Deadline: January 31, 2016
Hobby- and Interest-Related Scholarships
Convert that secret (or not-so-secret) passion of yours into some serious cash.
27. STARFLEET Academy Scholarships
Attention, Trekkies: Every year, STARFLEET (a fan club run by The International Star Trek Fan Association, Inc.) offers scholarships to students in five areas: engineering; medical/veterinarian; business/languages studies/education; arts and misc. Winners receive $1,000.
Deadline: Annually in June
28. Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship
Graduating high school seniors who are passionate about vegetarianism and have worked to promote it in their schools and communities can win $5,000 to $10,000. Submissions will be judged on “having shown compassion, courage and a strong commitment to promoting a peaceful world through a vegetarian diet/lifestyle.”
Deadline: February 20, 2016
29. National Beef Ambassador Program
The NBAP believes “today’s youth are bombarded with anti-beef messages,” so they’re out to create “passionate advocates for the beef community.” Students ages 16 to 20 can compete to demonstrate their passion for beef in the NBAP’s national public speaking competition, and Senior Division winners are eligible to receive a scholarship of $1,000 (for first place), $750 (for second place) or $500 (for third place).
The competition will be held September 25-26, 2015 in Denver, CO. To learn more, contact your local CattleWomen’s association or the NBAP Manager at 303-850-3440 or sbohnenkamp@ancw.org.
30. AANR Foundation Scholarship
If you have an AANR (American Association for Nude Recreation) affiliation or have had an AANR “experience” (we’ll let you decide what that constitutes), you can apply for a scholarship of around $1,000. Winners may be eligible for future fund renewal.
Deadline: Annually on May 31
31. ARRL Foundation Scholarships
If you have an amateur radio license, there’s a plethora of scholarships available to you. Check out the full listing here for further details.
32. Student Services Rodeo Scholarship
This is just one of the rodeo-related scholarships available at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, TX. (And in general — check out some others below.) Award amount varies for this and other scholarships; check out this page for the full listing.
33. MSU Rodeo Club Scholarships
Members of Michigan State’s Rodeo Club can earn anywhere from $250 to an undisclosed amount covering travel, lodging and tuition depending on their status with the club (non-rider, National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association team member, etc.).
Deadlines vary based on scholarship type.
34. San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo Scholarship
Participants in the above event who are a) residents of Texas and b) planning to attend a Texas college or vocational school are eligible for $1,000 in renewable funds.
Deadline: Annually on April 1
35. Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Scholarships
More for the Texas cattle-wranglin’ folk. There’s a host of scholarships available here, with awards ranging from $9,000 (over two years) to $18,000 (over four years).
Deadlines vary by scholarship.
36. United States Bowling Congress Earl Anthony Memorial Scholarship
Five USBC Youth members each year have the chance to win $5,000 apiece from this scholarship in honor of legendary pro bowler Earl Anthony.
Deadline: December 1, 2015
37. Billy Weilu Scholarship
This scholarship awards $1,000 to an amateur bowler “who combines outstanding bowling talents with academic excellence.”
Deadline: Annually on June 15
38. USA Boxing Scholarships
Active USA Boxing members have several scholarships to choose from, including the Gene Rabbitt Scholarship (for female athletes) and the Michael Nunnally Scholarship (for athletes pursuing a degree in Elementary or Secondary Education). Amounts are not disclosed on the USA Boxing website.
Deadline: Annually on July 15
39. Easton/NFAA Scholarship
If Katniss Everdeen got you interested in archery and you’re a member of the National Field Archery Association (NFAA) or NAA/USA Archery, you could win a scholarship ranging from $100 to $20,000.
Deadline: Annually on December 31
40. United States Chess Federation Scholarships
Schools in various states offer scholarships for chess champions. You can check out the full list here.
41. National Marbles Tournament Scholarships
“Mibsters,” if you win this marble shooting tournament, there’s more than national honors up for grabs. The “King and Queen of Marbles” each get a $2,000 scholarship, and the boy and girl named best in sportsmanship each get $1,000. We say “boy and girl” because entrants must be between the ages of 8 and 14.
The 2015 tournament has passed, so check back later for the dates of the 2016 tournament.
42. Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship
It pays to be a caddie! Sponsored by the Western Golf Association, this scholarship covers full tuition plus room and board, preferably at one of the 14 universities across the U.S. that have an Evans Scholarship Chapter House.
Deadline: September 30, 2015
43. Chick and Sophie Marie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest
Graduating high school seniors who they can muster up a good old-fashioned duck call have a shot at $2,000 (for first place), $1,000 (for second place), $750 (for third place) or $500 (for fourth place). Quack, quack!
Deadline: November 28, 2015
44. Harness Tracks of America Scholarship Fund
Harness track racing is where the jockey steers from a little cart pulled behind the horse, and if you’re involved in it (or have a parent involved in it), you’re eligible for a scholarship ranging from $1,500 to $5,000. Giddyup!
Deadline: July 10, 2015
45. American Quarter Horse Association Scholarship
Youth AQHA members have quite a few scholarship options to apply to — and by quite a few, we mean pages’ and pages’ worth. Check out this list, with awards ranging from $500 to a whopping $35,000.
Deadline: Annually on December 1
46. Pokemon World Championship Scholarship
And your parents used to scold you for all the time you spent playing! Compete in the 2015 Pokemon World Championship from August 21-23, 2015 in Boston, MA for a chance to win a share of the $500,000 in scholarships up for grabs.
Qualify for your chance to make it to the World Championship by competing in tournaments here.
Industry- or Career-Specific Scholarships
If you (or your family) are involved in an unusual industry, there could be money in it for you.
47. National Potato Council Scholarship
Grad students “conducting research for the benefit of the potato industry” can win $10,000 to support their studies.
This year’s deadline has passed, so check back later for the next year’s deadline.
48. Asparagus Club Scholarship
Full-time college juniors, seniors and grad students pursuing a degree leading to a career in the grocery industry can win one of 10 of these awards. Scholarships offer $2,000 per semester for a max of four consecutive semesters.
Deadline: Annually on April 30
49. Michigan Llama Association Scholarship
If you or your parents are members of the MLA, you may be eligible for one of two $1,000 scholarships, which are renewable up to three times. Members of the Michigan alpaca community, don’t fret: you can also become an MLA member.
Deadline: Annually on May 1
50. Sheep Heritage Foundation Memorial Scholarship
Grad students involved in “sheep and/or wool research” (animal science, agriculture economics, veterinary medicine, etc.) can earn $2,500 towards their studies.
This year’s deadline has passed, so check back later for the next year’s deadline.
51. National Dairy Shrine Scholarships
Llamas and sheep not your thing? How about cows? NDS offers a plethora of scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 to students majoring in the dairy industry or other agriculture-related fields.
Annual application window is March 1 to April 15.
52. Berrien Fragos Thorn Arts Scholarship for Migrant Farmworkers
If you’re a migrant farmworker who dreams of developing your talents as an artist (in disciplines ranging from visual art to poetry to crafts), you could receive a grant up to $2,500. You must be at least 16 and do not need to be enrolled in school to apply.
Deadline: Annually on June 1 and November 1
53. American Society for Enology and Viticulture Scholarship
Whether you’re interested in becoming a winemaker or a vineyard manager, the ASEV has funds you could qualify for. (Award amounts vary per year and are not predetermined.)
Deadline: Annually on March 1
54. Parapsychological Association Research Endowment
Calling all Egon Spenglers and Fox Mulders: if you’re studying parapsychological phenomena (telepathy, clairvoyance, psychokinesis, etc.), you can apply for this $2,000 to $5,000 endowment.
This year’s deadline has passed, so check back later for the next year’s deadline.
55. Eileen J. Garrett Scholarship
This parapsychology award gives $3,000 to an undergrad or grad student studying anything from telepathy to near-death experiences to reincarnation.
Deadline: Annually on July 15
56. The Gilbert Roller Fund Parapsychological Phenomena Research Scholarship
If you’re interested in spooky phenomena on a larger scale, this scholarship supports research “into macroscopic psychokinetic phenomena such as those reported in sitter-groups, séances, and poltergeist activity, and/or theoretical approaches to help explain the nature of such large-scale effects.” One or more winners may be selected, with the total grant(s) given per year not to exceed $10,000. You’ll receive 90% of your award upfront and 10% once you’ve reported back on the results of your investigation.
This year’s deadline has passed, so check back later for the next year’s deadline.
57. Marian Madison Gypsy Lore Society Young Scholar’s Prize in Romani Studies
If you’ve ever watched TLC’s My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding, you know who Romanies and Travelers are — but do you know enough to write a scholarly paper suitable to be published in the journal Romani Studies? If so, you could win a $500 award and publication in said journal.
Deadline: October 30, 2015
58. Mycology Society of America
If your studies focus on fungi, the MSA offers a number of awards. Check out the full listing here.
Deadlines vary by scholarship.
59. Rolex Scholarship
Nope, it’s not for watchmaking — this one’s for students interested in a career “in an underwater-related discipline” (diving, research, tourism, photography, etc.). Awards are given in three regions — North America, Europe and Australia — and the North American award is worth $25,000.
Deadline: December 31, 2015
60. Robert J. Marriott Scholarship
If fishery management — “cold or warm waters, fresh water or salt” — is your calling, the International Federation of Fly Fishers has $500 that could have your name on it. You’ll need to get yourself nominated, though, so start your campaigning now.
Deadline for nominations: Annually on April 1
61. Union Internationale de la Marionnette – USA Scholarship
This scholarship provides $1,000 for UNIMA-USA members “to study with a recognized puppetry professional or professional program outside of the United States, or to attend an international puppetry festival.”
Deadline: December 1, 2015
62. Southeastern Turfgrass Conference Scholarship
If you’re studying a branch of turf management (Commercial Turf Management, Golf Turf Management, etc.) at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, GA and you’re entering your sophomore year, you could win some money for it.
Deadline and award amount are not disclosed on school’s website. Contact ABAC at 1-800-733-3653 for more information.
63. Concrete Industry Management Scholarships
If you’re planning on attending Middle Tennessee State University to study Concrete Industry Management, you’ve got a plethora of potential scholarships to apply for. Check out this page for deadlines and details for each.
64. American Welding Society Scholarships
AWS offers several scholarships to students interested in pursuing a career in welding. Check out their page for deadlines and details for each.
65. American Fence Association Scholarships
If you’re studying for (or your parents currently have) a career in the “fence, deck, railing and perimeter security industry,” you can apply for funds from the AFA. (The amount and number of awards each year depends on funding.)
This year’s deadline has passed, so check back later for the next year’s deadline.
66. Northern Tier Hardwood Association Scholarship
How’s this one for specific: The NTHA is offering two $500 scholarships to students majoring in forest management, forest products “or a closely related field” who also happen to have graduated from or lived in one of a handful of counties in Pennsylvania. We’re guessing the competition’s not terribly stiff for this one.
Deadline: June 1, 2015
67. National Opera Association Scholarly Paper Competition
Like to write about opera? Don’t really care about opera, but like the sound of $500 toward your educational expenses? Then try your hand at this essay contest, which is open to anyone who submits an essay of no more than 3,000 words on “an operatic subject” (history of the genre, critical theory, analysis of stagecraft or costuming, etc.).
Deadline: October 1, 2015
68. National Gay Pilots Association Scholarships
If you’ve earned your private pilot certificate and are actively involved in supporting the LGBT community (regardless of how you identify your personal sexual orientation), you could win anywhere from $3,000 (standard scholarship) to $6,000 (for “one truly exceptional candidate”).
This year’s deadline has passed, so check back later for the next year’s deadline.
69. Ludo Frevel Crystallography Scholarship Award
Grad students pursuing research in the field of crystallography (if you don’t know what that means, you’re not one of them) can win $2,500 towards their studies if they and their research show promise.
Deadline: Annually on October 21
70. Society of Vacuum Coaters Foundation Scholarship
This scholarship can be used for tuition, room and board and “travel to appropriate conferences” for students studying vacuum coating technology at an accredited institution. The SVC usually gives three or more scholarships each year, but it reserves the right to determine the amounts and types of awards based on factors like available funds and quality of applications submitted.
Deadline: December 1, 2015
71. ITSA Scholarship
Students pursuing a postgraduate degree in “thermal spray processes (plasma, flame, arc, HVOF) or materials” can apply for this $2,000 from the International Thermal Spray Association. Up to three awards may be awarded per year.
Annual application window is May 1 to July 15.
72. NACE Foundation Scholarships
Students studying for a career in the corrosion industry have a shot at several scholarships and can win more than one (up to a total of $10,000 per student in any given year).
Annual application window is September 1 to January 1.
73. North American Cartographic Information Society Competitions
Yep, cartography still exists, and cartography students can win $500 in the NACIS’s Student Map and Poster Competition or Dynamic Map Competition.
Deadline: September 11, 2015
74. Alice Madden Barton Cosmetology School Scholarship
Sponsored by Great Clips but usable at any cosmetology or barbering school, the scholarships awarded each year by this program varies in amount and number (and is not disclosed on the site).
Deadline: Annually on June 30 and December 31
75. American Board of Funeral Service Education National Scholarship
If you’re enrolled in funeral service or mortuary science programs, you could earn $500 to $2,500.
Deadline: Annually on March 1 and September 1
76. TAPPI Scholarships
Our world may be going more and more digital, but there’s still a need for paper. The Technological Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry supports students preparing for careers in these industries by offering several scholarships, including the William L. Cullison Scholarship (worth up to $4,000 a year) and Technical Division scholarships (worth $1,000 – $4,000).
Deadlines: Annually on May 1 (for Cullison Scholarship) and on February 15 (for Technical Division scholarships)
77. American Association of Candy Technologists’ John Kitt Memorial Scholarship
College sophomores, junior and seniors with an interest in “confectionary technology” (the most delicious kind of technology) may apply for this $5,000 scholarship, which is awarded in two $2,500 installments — one for each semester of the school year.
Deadline: April 1, 2016
Company-Centric Scholarships
Why pay for a market research study or ad company consultation when you can ask students to talk up your company for free, and you only have to pay one of them?
78. Ortho Scholar Scholarships
Orthodontists need answers to real-world problems like how to get more patient referrals, positive online reviews and social media exposure — and they’re willing to pay you to help them. Ortho Scholar will give you $1,000 (partially funded by orthodontic practices across the U.S.) if you can come up with the best solution to these problems — regardless of your major.
Deadline: Annually on March 31
79. STS Travel “I Have a Plan!” Scholarship
Student travel company STS Travel wants to know how they can better reach today’s college student. Create a YouTube video of no longer than five minutes that outlines your marketing plan for them and you could win a $1,000 scholarship.
Deadline: November 20, 2015
80. “Why Buy Custom Furniture?” Scholarship
We’re not sure if they’re trying to conduct market research or get ad campaign ideas, but whatever the motive, online marketplace CustomMade.com will award a $1,000 scholarship to the student who composes the best essay answering the question, “Why buy custom furniture?”
Deadline: December 15, 2015
81. “Why Buy Custom Jewelry?” Scholarship
Same as the above, but this time the question centers around custom jewelry.
Deadline: December 15, 2015
82. GoodCall Scholarship
A company that provides data to help people make life decisions wants to know one important decision you made in your life, and what sort of information you relied on to reach that decision. Best answer gets $2,500.
Deadline: December 31, 2015
83. The “Branson Show Inspired” Scholarship
If you’ve seen a performance in Branson, MO (or can “research and use your creativity” to imagine you have), BransonShowTickets.com has $1,000 up for grabs for the person who writes the best essay titled, “How (*Enter Your Show*) Inspired Me to Realize My Dreams.”
Deadline: Annually on October 15
84. Brilliance Scholarship
Designers, artists and girls who’ve been dreaming about their weddings since they were five: Think you’ve got what it takes to create a standout diamond ring? Then enter this contest sponsored by an online diamond jewelry retailer. Best design wins $1,5000.
Deadline: August 1, 2015
85. The SweatBlock “Social Confidence” Scholarship
Don’t be embarrassed by excessive perspiration… write an essay about it and you could get $2,000.
Deadline: Annually on July 15
86. CoffeeForLess.com “Hit the Books” Scholarship
Write an essay on the importance of education in your life (bonus points for “finding a creative way to include your passion for coffee within your essay without losing sight of the primary topic”) and you could win $500 to put towards books and other educational materials.
Deadline: Annually on January 31 and September 30
87. New Look Laser Tattoo Removal Scholarship
The New Look Laser Tattoo Removal clinic in Houston, TX awards $1,000 twice a year for the best essay posted on a website, blog or online forum about “the societal impact of laser tattoo removal.” Oh, and you have to link to their clinic’s website and mention their tattoo removal guide in the essay. So basically, it’s a really well-paid sponsored post. (But hey, $1,000 is still $1,000.)
Deadline: Annually on June 30 and November 30
Scholarships for Doing Something or Knowing Something Unique
Stand up, stand out and make money.
88. DoSomething.org Scholarships
DoSomething.org offer campaigns throughout the year that challenge you to make the world a better place, and for each one you complete, you’re entered to win scholarships that range from $3,000 to $10,000. Completing any campaign also earns you an entry towards their Seasonal Scholarships worth $10,000.
Deadlines: Vary by campaign; check site for details and new campaigns posted regularly.
89. Thumb Wars Scholarship
One of DoSomething.org’s current campaigns, this one requires you to sign up for two free pairs of “Thumb Socks” — one for you, and one for a friend (with whom you’re expected to share some information on the dangers of texting and driving). You’ll be entered to win a $10,000 scholarship, but at the minimum, you’ll have some cool attire for thumb wrestling competitions.
Deadline: August 31, 2015
90. Backseat Advisor Scholarship
Also sponsored by DoSomething.org, this campaign asks you to send texts to three friends on the dangers of texting and driving (you can choose “fun, dramatic or factual” texts). Do so and you have a chance to win $5,000.
Deadline: August 31, 2015
91. Hiram College Hal Reichle Scholarship
Generosity, volunteerism and community involvement are at the heart of this scholarship, which is sponsored by a “world-wide secret society” encouraging everyone to “embrace all humanity” with the virtues of “compassion, creativity, persistence and sacrifice.”
In keeping with the theme of secrecy and random acts of kindness, there is no application for this scholarship; Hiram College juniors are nominated for it via an involved selection process. The amount of the award is unknown, and in years where they don’t find a fitting recipient, they don’t give out an award.
92. College Completer Scholarship
DeVry University wants to help out those looking to complete their bachelor’s or associate’s degree (at DeVry, of course), and it’s offering this merit-based scholarship of $18,000 to transfer students looking to do so.
Deadline: July 6, 2015
93. Debt.com Scholarship for Aggressive Scholarships Applicants
Persistence pays off. Send Debt.com confirmation of every scholarship you’ve applied to (whether you received it or not) and an essay about who you are and what your application experience has been like, and you could win $500.
Scholarships will be awarded every quarter. This quarter’s deadline has passed, so check back shortly for next quarter’s deadline.
94. Common Knowledge Scholarships
This one’s for the trivia buffs. If you’re well-versed in everything from books to movies to academic subjects, you can win anywhere from $250 to $2,500. You can win a total of $5,000 from taking more than one quiz, and parents can even compete on behalf of their kids (but they have their own special quizzes to keep things fair).
Quizzes currently run from August through December.
95. American Fire Sprinkler Association Scholarships
What’s cooler than an open-book test? An open-book test that earns you a chance to win a scholarship. Simply read an essay on fire sprinklers, then answer a short multiple-choice questionnaire about it (you can reference the essay as you answer). Each correct answer earns you a chance to win one of 10 $2,000 scholarships.
This year’s deadline has passed, so check back later for the next year’s deadline.
Just Plain Strange
’Nuff said.
96. Zolp Scholarship
How’s this for specific: To qualify for this scholarship, you must attend Loyola University Chicago, be a baptised or confirmed Catholic and have the legal last name Zolp. Scholarship amounts “will vary depending upon fund availability and the number of eligible recipients.” Given the strict requirements for this one, we’re guessing there aren’t many eligible recipients (and there are likely plenty of funds available as a result).
Deadline: Applicant must be admitted to Loyola University Chicago by February 1, 2016.
97. John Gatling Grant Program
Not a Zolp? If you’re a first-time undergraduate student applying to North Carolina State University and you were born with the last name Gatling (or Gatlin, though no other spelling is allowed), you’re eligible for this scholarship, the amount of which varies each year depending on funding.
Deadline: You must apply to NC State by January 15, complete the FAFSA by March 1 and be accepted by NC state no later than March 30 of the year in which you need the scholarship.
98. “No Essay” Scholarship
It doesn’t get much easier than this. Enter your basic information and you’re eligible for a $2,000 scholarship selected by random drawing. Scholarships are awarded once a month and you can enter every month for a new chance.
99. Gertrude J. Deppen Scholarship Fund
Have you lived a life of relative leisure? Have you abstained from illegal substances while other kids were out partying? Are you a couch potato? Then have we got a scholarship for you!
This Bucknell University award is for students who have lived in Mount Carmel, PA for 10 years, are graduates of Mount Carmel Public High School and “who are not habitual users of tobacco, intoxicating liquor, and narcotics, and who do not participate in strenuous athletic contests.” Oddly specific, but when you’re funding a scholarship, I suppose you get to choose whatever requirements you like.
Deadline and award amount are not mentioned on school’s website. Contact Bucknell’s Financial Aid Office at 570-577-1331 for more information.
100. Alice Mcarver Ratchford Scholarship
What if you’re a female student living a relatively simple life? This University of North Carolina, Greensboro award is for female undergrads who live on campus, don’t own a car and are currently single (and agree to remain single for the duration of the scholarship). They also must have no other scholarships in conjunction with this one.
Deadline and award amount are not mentioned on school’s website. Contact UNCG’s Financial Aid Office at 336-334-5702 for more information.
Your Turn: Would you apply for any of these unusual scholarships? Which one(s)?
Kelly Gurnett is a freelance blogger, writer and editor who runs the blog Cordelia Calls It Quits, where she documents her attempts to rid her life of the things that don’t matter and focus more on the things that do. Follow her on Twitter @CordeliaCallsIt.
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