With the cost of college education skyrocketing, students and their families are constantly on the lookout for financial aid opportunities. While most are familiar with academic and athletic scholarships, there are countless unusual and lesser-known scholarships that can equally help ease the burden of tuition fees. These unique scholarships often go unclaimed simply because people don’t know they exist.
From your artistic talents to your unique hobbies, there’s potentially a scholarship out there with your name on it. Let’s explore some of the most intriguing and unusual scholarships that could save you thousands in college costs.
1. The Left-Handed Scholarship
Are you a leftie? Then, you might be eligible for the Frederick and Mary F. Beckley Scholarship, which offers up to $1,000 exclusively to left-handed students at Juniata College in Pennsylvania. Established in 1979, this scholarship was one of the first to recognize the unique challenges and talents of left-handed individuals. To apply, left-handed students must demonstrate academic excellence and a need for financial assistance. It’s a perfect example of how a simple characteristic about yourself can help fund your education.
2. The Flavor of the Month Scholarship
Do you love ice cream enough to write an essay about it? The Flavor of the Month Scholarship awards $1,500 to the student who can write the best essay about which ice cream flavor best represents their personality and why. This deliciously creative scholarship is open to all U.S. students who are 13 years or older. It’s a sweet deal that encourages creativity and self-expression while offering a cool way to help pay for college.
3. Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship
In an era fascinated by zombies and survival stories, the Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship stands out by offering $2,000 to the student who devises the best plan to survive a zombie apocalypse. The applicant must outline where they would hide, the top five things they would bring to stay alive, and their survival strategy. This scholarship is not only fun, but it challenges students to think critically and creatively about problem-solving, showcasing their planning skills and ingenuity.
4. Stuck at Prom Scholarship
Creativity reaches new heights with the Stuck at Prom Scholarship. Students are challenged to create their prom outfits entirely from duct tape. The catch? They must wear their creation to prom. Winners can receive scholarships ranging from $500 to $10,000. Not only does this scholarship promote creativity, but it also encourages the use of unconventional materials to create something extraordinary and functional.
5. Tall Clubs International Scholarship
If you’re a female who is at least 5’10” or a male who is at least 6’2″, you might be eligible for the Tall Clubs International Scholarship. This organization offers a $1,000 scholarship to tall students who are under 21 and about to start college. Applicants must be nominated by a member of the Tall Clubs International and are required to write an essay about what being tall means to them. This unique scholarship highlights physical characteristics that aren’t often celebrated in the academic world.
6. Asparagus Club Scholarship
The Asparagus Club Scholarship awards $2,000 to students pursuing a degree in food management or a related field. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a commitment to a career in the grocery industry and maintain a minimum GPA. This scholarship supports students in a niche field, helping to cultivate the next generation of food industry leaders.
7. Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest
Each year, high school seniors can participate in the Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest in Stuttgart, Arkansas. The top caller wins a $5,000 scholarship. This contest, held annually since 1974, celebrates the art of duck calling and provides a platform for students to showcase their unique skills in a competitive environment.
8. The Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship
Dedicated to students who advocate vegetarianism in their schools or communities, The Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship awards $10,000 to high school seniors who have promoted vegetarianism. This scholarship encourages activism and leadership in the vegetarian movement, recognizing students who make a difference in promoting healthy, sustainable lifestyle choices.
A Bright Future for the Quirky Ones
These unusual scholarships offer more than just financial relief; they celebrate the quirky, the creative, and the distinctive traits of students across the country. By embracing what makes you unique, you might just find a scholarship that not only supports your education but also celebrates your individuality. Whether you’re a left-handed thinker, a zombie strategist, or a towering presence, there’s potentially a scholarship waiting for you.
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Vanessa Bermudez is a content writer with over eight years of experience crafting compelling content across a diverse range of niches. Throughout her career, she has tackled an array of subjects, from technology and finance to entertainment and lifestyle.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids. She’s also a proud fur mom to four gentle giant dogs.