Students often think that you need to have straight-A's or demonstrated financial need in order to qualify for scholarships. This couldn't be further from the truth! In this post, we're diving into unusual and weird scholarships!
The reality is that there are tons (and I mean TONS!) of unusual scholarships out there to help you fund your college education. These scholarship awards vary greatly in their requirements; some are essay contests, others are artistic challenges.
Despite these differences, there is one main connector among these opportunities. They seek to award money for school based on your involvement with hobbies, your passions, or other unique aspects of your personality. It's important to note that some of these scholarship programs may also ask that you meet certain academic requirements as well, such as a minimum GPA.
There are so many weird scholarships out there for you to explore. To get you started with this piece of the process, below is a starting point for your search for unique scholarships. Keep reading for our list of some of the most unconventional, crazy and unique scholarship opportunities that are out there for you to apply for.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: Quarterly (March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31)
Eligibility: Open to high school students, college students, and graduate students of all years in the US!
Details: Not a weird scholarship, just a shameless plug! This is our own scholarship fund contribution to helping students fund their higher education.
Amount: Varies (usually $500 - $2,000)
Deadline: Ongoing
Eligibility: Open to all US students ages 26 and under.
Details:All scholarships by Do Something involve performing acts of community service and activism in exchange for being entered to win scholarships!
Amount: Varies ($5,000 - $30,000)
Deadline: February 26
Eligibility: Open to students from kindergarten through grade 12.
Details: This scholarship requires you to enter an original doodle and explain how it represents your inner strength. Doodles will be judged on artistic merit, creativity, and theme communication. National finalist winners receive $5,000 each, and the grand prize winner receives $30,000.
Amount: $5,000 - $10,000
Deadline: February 20
Eligibility: Open to graduating U.S. high school seniors who promote vegetarianism (includes veganism) in their schools and/or communities.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Open to ~vertically gifted~ students. This means women over 5'10" and men over 6'2".
Amount: Varies (up to $12,500)
Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Open to students studying Enology/Viticulture, otherwise known as the wine and grape industry.
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: Open to high school and college students who are aged 14 and older.
Details: This scholarship contest asks students to submit an original photo, piece of artwork, or computer graphic for the front of a greeting card.
Amount: $6,000
Deadline: March 19
Eligibility: Do you attend a high school in Oregon or Washington? The Loser Scholarship is looking for art-enthused misfits to help them pay for college. Sub Pop stands proudly with and support the misfits, weirdos and losers, because we believe that when we’re able to proudly be nothing other than our true selves, we have the ability to make the world stronger, smarter and better.
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: May 15
Details:Are you a Current college sophomore, junior, or senior status and have a demonstrated interest in confectionery technology. Your demonstrated interest in confectionery technology can include many activities including but not limited to research projects, work experience, and formal study.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: May 3
Details: Are you a current (or soon to be) college student who loves crosswords? Put your cruciverbalist skills to the test and participate in our Crossword Contest! Create and submit your best newspaper-style puzzle for review by our panel of judges. The winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship, paid directly to their school’s financial aid office.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: June 1
Details:The Ornament Shop Scholarship is available to high school seniors and current college students. You must be a U.S. citizen and have a minimum 3.0 GPA to be eligible for this award. To be considered, you must browse the sponsor's website then answer a 20 - question quiz. A short essay is also required.
Amount: Varies ($500 - $10,000)
Deadline: June 8
Eligibility: Open to students ages 14 and older. Must be a legal resident of the United States and the District of Columbia. This excludes residents of Maryland, Vermont, and Colorado and residents of the Province of Quebec).
Details: The Stuck at Prom Scholarship is open to Students are challenged to create their own prom outfits made entirely from Duck Tape® (Duck Brand). Award amounts vary from $500 for runner-ups to $10,000 for two grand-prize winners.
Amount: $1,500
Deadline: July 31
Details:Are you simple and sweet like vanilla, classic yet unpredictable like chocolate chip, or a little nutty like pistachio? Whatever the flavor or reasons may be, we want to know what ice cream flavor best reflects your personality and why.
Amount: $500
Deadline: August 15
Eligibility: Open to incoming and current college students.
Details: Simply write a short essay on your rodeo story for the chance to win a $500 scholarship.
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: October 31
Details:Unigo is giving one successful survivor $2,000 towards his or her college education. Do you think you have what it takes to make the cut?
Since we're talking about scholarships in this post, it wouldn't be right to not include a few quick tips for applying.
There you have it- my running list of wacky, weird, and unusual scholarships!
There may not be a scholarship on my list above that applies to you. However, the important message that I want you to walk away with is that there truly are scholarships out there for everything!
Not all scholarships (like some students are led to believe) are awarded solely for being an A+ student or a star athlete. So, as you apply for scholarships and other forms of financial aid, make sure you consider all of your unique qualities and interests. You never know when they can help you along the way!
