MINORITY SCHOLARSHIPS
Here is a sampling of the scholarships out there for minority students. There are thousands of scholarships out there so don't stop here- Keep Searching!
AFA Teens Video Contest
The Alzheimer's Foundation for America wants you to be aware of what Alzheimer's is and how it affects your life. To win this one, submit a 2-minute non-fiction video that showcases "A moment in relation to Alzheimer’s disease when you learned something about your understanding of the disease, learned something about caregiving, or decided to become a community volunteer/activist." Winning vids must be original and will be posted by the AFA's social networking channels. To check out a few past winning videos, head here.
AXA Achievement Scholarship
Even if you do not land the $25,000 prize, you can still bank with this scholarship. AXA hands out a $10,000 prize to one student from each state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. While there are no hard and fast rules in terms of GPA requirements or community service hours, AXA scholars must be ambitious, support their community, and have a record of setting goals and achieving them. Those who advance to the top ten walk away with the cash as well as an enviable internship with AXA that could lead to a post-college job.
American Legion Scholarships
Though American Legion scholarships frequently get overlooked by high school seniors, it is worth your while to give them a look. Operating six different scholarship programs, the organization provides scholarships targeted at baseball allstars, future speech writers, children of US service members, Eagle Scouts, and future lung and respiratory nurses. Info on each program's eligibility requirements and due dates is available here.
American Psychological Association Scholarships
Boy, oh boy, are there are ton of scholarships listed here. Awards listed are generally targeted to students attending a specific institution or those from a specific geographic area of the country. Though some awards are targeted to students seeking a degree in psychology, many focus on particular groups of students such as those from foster care and welfare backgrounds and students aiming for careers related to Native American preservation.
The American Red Cross Bloodstock Scholarship
If the thought of blood makes your skin crawl, this is not the scholarship for you. High school students who can successfully organize a blood drive are eligible to win scholarships that can be used at a four-year, two-year or technical school as well as commemoration by the American Red Cross when they graduate. This scholarship program is practically riddled with rules including regulations on how much blood must be collected and when the drives must be held. Before applying, check out the contest rules here.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
Students with demonstrated financial need who want to study outside the US are in luck. This scholarship was designed to encourage students who are under represented in the study abroad arena—e.g. community college students, those with high financial need, students from diverse backgrounds, and those with special needs—to head to destinations that are also under-represented on the study abroad map. If you are thinking about heading to Australia or Italy for a semester, this is not the award for you. While the maximum award is $5,000, students studying a critical needs language like Chinese, Arabic, Swahili, or a Persian language can apply for an additional $3,000 in funding through the Critical Need Language Supplement program.
Best Buy @15 Scholarship Program
Listen, underclassmen, here is a scholarship competition for you (and seniors too). Best Buy passes out sweet $1,000 scholarships to high schoolers who demonstrate good grades, academic achievements, volunteer experience, and work experience. 1,200 scholarships were awarded this year so get ready to submit your application next year and get a jump on paying for college before you are a senior.
Boren Scholarship
These scholarships will not help you pay for college at home, but they will help you take your studies on the road. Designed to help foster study abroad trips to less traveled destinations including Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East, Borean scholarships are made for adventurous students interested in learning about lesser-known languages and cultures. If you have a passion for the languages on this list, it helps. To win these, applicants need to have a firm understanding of "how their study abroad program, as well as their future academic and career goals, will contribute to U.S. national security."
Bridgestone Safety Scholars Video Contest
Students with a knack for video are invited to submit a 25 or 55 second film designed to encourage teens to drive safely. Videos will be posted on Safetyscholars.com as well as the company's Facebook and YouTube pages. In addition to having rock-solid film skillz, it also helps to have lots of friends. The winner will be determined by public vote.
Castle Ink's Green Scholarship
You must have a passion for environmental action and a host of online friends to win this one. Castle Ink's environmentally-friendly scholarship contest requires students to write something about recycling—length and style do not matter—then post it somewhere online with a link to castleink.com included. After it is posted, fill out the registration info here and wait for the hits to roll in. The student who walks away with this prize is the one whose post generates the most web traffic to the Castle Ink page.
Coca-Cola All-State Community College Academic Team
Two-year college students with clean records and GPAs of at least 3.5 are invited to show off their talents. Students must be enrolled in an Associate's or Bachelor's degree program, have a minimum of 48 credit hours completed by August 31, 2011, and be nominated by their school. One student from each of the 50 states will win the $2,000 prize but an additional 300 students will win smaller awards. To throw in your hat, head to your school's Phi Theta Kappa office to find out how to get nominated.
Collegiate Inventors Competition
Want to make a difference in the world? Science-minded students can start here. In this competition, students race to identify and create the most ground-breaking invention. Entries must be replicable, fully operable, and the work of an individual or team. Along with a report on the invention, successful applications will include a report of patent research that ensures that the invention is your own idea. Entries will be judged on inventiveness and originality. Finalists will be sent to Washington DC to present their work.
The Davis-Putter Scholarship
Students have to demonstrate financial need to win this one, but they also have to show a commitment to working for peace and justice. To compete, students must be an active part of a progressive group on their campus and have taken concrete steps to furthering the peace movement. Past recipients have fought McCarthyism, worked for economic justice, and made strides to tear down homophobia and racism. Application forms are available here.
Distinguished Young Women Scholarship Competition
Throw out the idea that pageant contestants are airheads. To win the prize at this national competition, ladies need to have scholastic achievement, top-notch interview skills, talent, individuality, and physical ability. The national winner walks away with a $40,000 prize, but the real bonus is that a handful of schools across the country offer lucrative tuition incentives to state winners and national competitors. To make it to the final round, ladies must win at both the local and state levels. To be eligible, ladies must be in their junior or senior year in high school, can never have married, and can never have been pregnant. The application and a breakdown of judging criteria is available here.
Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarships
You do not have to be a child or grandchild or an Elks member to win an Elks scholarship, but you do have to be academically sharp, have honed leadership skills, and carry financial need. Candidates should apply through their local Elks lodge (click here to find yours) and must be attending a four-year institution full time in the upcoming academic year. If you have any connections at the Elks lodge, that is a bonus. Special awards of up to $4,000—$1,000 each year for four years—are available for children and grandchildren of Elks members.
Future Care Scholars
Academic excellence, leadership, community involvement, and a strong desire to go into medicine can land you the big bucks thanks to Tylenol. Students must be majoring in a healthcare-related field and must demonstrate that they go above and beyond both in and out of the classroom.
Gates Millennium Scholars
Outstanding African American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American, and Hispanic American students with GPAs of at least 3.3 compete for grants designed to fill gaps in their financial aid award letters. Students must be nominated by someone who can attest to their strong academic record and recommended by someone who can evaluate their community service and leadership skills. Financial need plays a big part in this award. To qualify, students must be Pell Grant eligible (those requirements are listed here).
Girls Going Places Award
This award seeks a future businesswoman. Designed for future company leaders, this female-only award is given to the girl who can prove that she is financially savvy, business minded, and ready to make a difference in her community through entrepreneurship. Any supporting materials you have that might highlight your entrepreneurial endeavors can certainly help.
The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes
Put down the Xbox and pick up some volunteer service hours if you want to win this one. Designed for young motivators who have made a positive difference in the world, this award was made for hard workers who can plan and see their projects through. If your academic transcript is not perfect, don't sweat it. Academic work and financial need do not factor into this award, but how much of a difference you make will. Previous winners include an 11 year-old student who provided drinking water for more than 70 African villages, a 16 year-old applicant who created a reading mentorship program in his home town, and the myriad others outlined here. Students have to be nominated by an adult, so if you think that your project is worthy of some monetary attention, find someone to nominate you ASAP.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
For students with a Hispanic heritage and a 3.0 or higher GPA.
Hispanic Scholarship Directory
The U.S. Hispanic Leadership Institute maintains two scholarship directories for Hispanic students, one for documented students and one for undocumented students.
Horatio Alger Association Scholarship Program
This one goes to students with hefty financial need. Only available to future college freshmen whose families earn $50,000 a year or less in gross adjusted income, this scholarship seeks candidates who have overcome significant adversity and shown leadership through extracurricular and community service activities. There is a minimum GPA of 2.0 to apply and some states have restrictions on specific institutions where the funds can be used. The good news is that the Horatio Alger Association awards funds in all 50 states, meaning that you will only be competing against those in your state and not students from across the nation.
IP Video Contest
Have a passion for the patent system? You are not the only one. This contest, sponsored by the Intellectual Property Owners Education Foundation, seeks smart videos that highlight why the patent system is important. Videos will be judged in three groups—submissions from students ages 13-15, 16-18, and 19 and over—and the winners will be decided by public vote. Videos can be no more than 60 seconds for the 13-18 year old crowd and up to 90 seconds for the 19 and above crew. Word of caution—read the rules carefully on this one (they are available here) and for cryin' out loud, do not steal someone else's music or ideas when submitting your entry to the intellectual property experts.
Intel Science Talent Search
The student who creates the most innovative, groundbreaking project in the field of math or science walks away with the big bucks. One of the oldest science competitions in the country, the Intel Science Talent Search draws the best and the brightest so come with your intellectual guns blazing. To win, students must complete an original research project and submit a report of up to 20 pages. The biggest, baddest prizes go to projects that have strong real-world applications and ones that go outside the proverbial box.
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant
Students who are eligible for this award have lost a parent or guardian who served in the US Armed Forces and died in service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001. Students do not need to demonstrate financial need, but do need to prove that they were enrolled in college at least half-time at the time of the parent's death.
Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship
Created through Zonta International, this ladies-only award is available for those in business or business-related disciplines. To apply, candidates must be nominated through their local Zonta chapter (find the club nearest you here) and win at the district level to be eligible for the national $5,000 prizes. If you do not make the cut at the national level, don't sweat it. District winners walk away with $1,000 scholarships.
Kelly and Gen Tanabe Scholarship
Their books are great, but their scholarships are even better. Financial aid powerhouse couple Kelly and Gen Tanabe pass out scholarships every spring and fall semester to students worthy of the award. While there are no clean-cut rules on GPA or SAT requirements to land this one, students have to be able to write about their academic goals and past achievements.
Kohl's Cares Scholarship
You do not need perfect grades or amazing athletic talents to win this award, but you do have to have a desire to change the universe. Students who have started an outstanding volunteer organization or project in the last year show Kohl's exactly what they have achieved. Applicants must be nominated by someone 21 or older (it is ok if it is your parents) and must be able to document what they have achieved and show why it is above and beyond expectation. Nominations must be submitted at Kohl's Kids by March 15.
The Kor Memorial Scholarship
Yes, Virginia, there is an award designed for those who speak Klingon. While being fluent in the Star Trek language is not a formal requirement, majoring in a foreign language or language-related field is. Students can only apply if nominated by their academic department chair, head, or dean. According to the Kor web site, "familiarity with Klingon or other constructed languages is not required, however creative and innovative applicants are preferred." Good luck.
Microsoft Scholarships
Computer geeks, now is your time to shine. Microsoft will pick up the tab for your college education if you can prove that they are going to want you after graduation. To apply, students must have an avid interest in the software industry, demonstrate financial need, and have a commitment to leadership. While all students are eligible for scholarships, the company is clear that the majority of awards go to women, disabled applicants, and underrepresented minorities in the software field. In addition to landing college cash, winners also land a 12-week paid summer internship at Microsoft.
National Association of Black Journalists Scholarship
Student members of NABJ with the writing chops to prove themselves are eligible for a bit of fiscal help. In addition to submitting a resume, a transcript, and teacher recommendations, students must also submit five clips of their best work. Submissions can range from print stories to Flash animation packages, but priority will be given to those with financial need. The 2011 deadline has passed but stay tuned for 2012.
National Health Services Corps
Future healthcare workers rejoice! The National Health Services Corps will pay for you to go to school AND provide a monthly stipend if you agree to work in a high-needs area for up to four years after graduation. If you are worried about finding a high-need site, don't sweat it. NHSC will help you with that too. Click here for info on the 2011-2012 application.
National Institutes of Health Undergraduate Scholarship Program
Health-minded students with demonstrated financial need compete not only for scholarship dollars but also for the chance to complete a 10-week summer lab experience through the NIH AND land a job with the organization after graduation. The catch is that students must have a 3.5 GPA or higher (or rank in the top 5 percent of their class), and they must commit to working full-time for the NIH one year for each year of scholarship they win. Applications are available here.
National Restaurant Association Scholarship
The National Restaurant Association Education Foundation offers a few different scholarship programs, but they all have one thing in common—you must be passionate about working with food to get them. Scholarship opportunities range from awards designed for those with entrepreneurial spirit to an all expense paid trip to Italy where eager undergrads can learn cooking and winemaking from the pros. All NRAEF scholarships are merit-based, so all interested students are encouraged to apply.
National SMART Grant
It is no secret that the US is lagging in math and science. This grant tries to eliminate that problem. Designed for students majoring in physical, life, or computer sciences, mathematics, technology, engineering or a critical foreign language (the complete list of eligible majors is available here), these government grants are designed to give motivated students a little financial help. To qualify, students must be attending college at least half time, be eligible for the Pell Grant, and maintain at least a 3.0 GPA. The first step to applying for a SMART Grant is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid available at fafsa.ed.gov.
Northrup Grumman Engineering Scholars
Northrup Grumman will be happy to help you foot your college bills, but only if you qualify and live in certain parts of the country. Heavy emphasis is given to students who live in or outside the Baltimore area, but awards are available for specific counties in other parts of the country. Head here for a list of eligible locations. Candidates also must have at least a 3.5 GPA and a combined SAT score of 1700 or an ACT score of 27. The bright spot is that the award comes with not one, but two internships at Northrup Grumman and the award is renewable if the winner maintains a 3.0 GPA or higher.
Ron Brown Scholar Program
Students must have demonstrated financial need to win this award, but those who do can land a fat check, renewable for all four years of school. This scholarship program is looking for the typical fare (high academic achievement, community leadership, volunteer activities, etc.) and candidates should be prepared to be interviewed by a panel of judges before winning the prize. Applicants who apply before November 1 will also be considered for additional award opportunities so get your application in early.
Roothbert Fund Scholarship
This lesser-known award program is open to anyone, regardless of age, sex, or institution, but places a heavy emphasis on students seeking careers in education. In addition to completing the application, top candidates must go through a personal interview in New York City, Washington, DC, New Haven, or Philadelphia on their own dime. Funds can be renewed, but students must maintain academic success in order to do so.
STOP Hunger Scholarships
This one is for students who are dedicated to changing the world. For students who have put in substantial volunteer hours at nonprofit organizations dedicated to fighting hunger in the US, the Sodexo Foundation is offering you up to $5,000 with an equal matching grant for your charity of choice. According to the web site, "added consideration is given to students working to fight childhood hunger" and students must have completed volunteer hours helping out people outside their own families.
Scholarship America
The good news is that this national nonprofit hands out tons of scholarships each year. The better news is that institutions throughout the country have committed to making those scholarship dollars go farther. Scholarship America offers awards through chapters nationwide (a full search is available here) but also makes their awards go farther thanks to partnerships with various colleges and universities, many of whom have committed to match your scholarship dollars. Check out what is available through your local chapter.
ScholarshipPoints.com Scholarships
One of the weirder scholarships programs out there, Scholarshippoints.com requires candidates to earn points by completing online activities including taking short quizzes, testing out online games, reading blogs, and taking opinion surveys. For each point they earn in Scholarship Points currency, they receive a free entry into a monthly $1,000 drawing or a quarterly $10,000 drawing. Your grades, financial need, and test scores will not factor into your chances of winning at all, but how long you stay plugging into the site will. (It feels a little bit like a marketing gimmick but the money seems real.)
Stuck at Prom Scholarship
Do not be fooled by this fashion-forward award. It's not as easy as it sounds. To win this one, entrants must make not one, but two full prom outfits out of Duck brand duct tape and rock it during their high school prom. Students must enter as a couple—with both parties wearing duct tape formalwear of course—and will be judged on originality, use of color, accessories, use of duct tape, and workmanship. Before you enter, check out past entries here. Students who make it to the final round of this one are serious fashionistas, so bring your A game.
Shaw-Worth Memorial Scholarship
A big heart is the number one requirement for winning this scholarship. Operated by The Humane Society, this award honors students who have spent considerable time fighting for animal protections. According to the web site, "Actions meriting the award may include long-term, direct work on behalf of animals; inspiring leadership in animal protection organizations; papers, speeches, or presentations on humane topics; and heroic rescues of animals in danger." Grades and financial need won't be considered for this one, but being able to clearly articulate how you have served our four-legged friends will be.
Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund
Before the fame, he was Shawn Carter, a kid who struggled to rise above his circumstances. To give back, the rapper now known a Jay-Z has created a scholarship program designed for undergrads with demonstrated financial need. On top of fulfilling basic scholarship requirements of maintaining a 2.0 GPA, Shawn Carter Scholarship recipients must also fulfill community service requirements to maintain their award. It is closed for 2011 but keep looking for the 2012 award.
The Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology
Students can enter this math/science-themed competition either individually or in teams of up to 3. Either way, they must come up with a project centered on mathematics, engineering, biological, and/or physical sciences, then submit a report of their project and findings. To qualify, both individuals and teams must submit a research report about their project and an executive summary (among other things). Those who make it past the initial cuts will advance to the regional and possibly the finals in Washington DC.
Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund
One scholarship application makes you eligible for 11 different awards through some of the biggest corporations in America. Awards are disbursed based on a combination of merit and financial need and are designed to be used at historically black colleges and universities across the country.
UNCF Scholarship Program
The United Negro College Fund hands out an array of scholarships each year to those who exhibit top leadership skills and high academic success. Eligibility requirements, award amounts and whether the award is need or merit based varies from program to program. The good news is that many UNCF scholarships are regional, meaning that you'll only compete against students from your college or home town to win. A full list of awards is available here.
William Randolph Hearst Foundation U.S. Senate Youth Scholarship Program
Future politicians, gather round. In addition to receiving cold, hard cash, students who win this award also get a week-long excursion to our nation's capital where they will attend Senate speeches, meet and greet with Supreme Court justices, and hob nob with the future political elite from across the country. All transportation, hotel, and meal costs will be provided. The catch is that students have to be nominated through their high school or state (each state representative is available here). To be eligible, students must be serving in some form of student government.
WorldStudio Foundation Scholarship
Get ready to flow, creative juices. Students with demonstrated financial need who are majoring in advertising, fine arts, graphic design, illustration, interactive design, or photography are invited to apply for this award. Candidates must have a 2.0 GPA, submit a thorough portfolio (including a self portrait), and must be able to prove that they have fiscal need. Students can be awarded up to $6,000, but basic awards tend to run at $2,000 to $3,000.
Zinch March Madnezz Scholarship
A play off of March madness b-ball brackets, this award takes high school students who have created a profile on Zinch.com and pegs them against one another in a head-to-head style tournament. Students must have a minimum 2.0 GPA to compete, but otherwise, anything goes. Just remember, keep your profile tactful and highlight your strengths.
American Institute of CPAs MINORITY Scholarship
MINORITY college students seeking accounting degrees can get some free college cash, but there is a catch. To get this award, students must go through the rigamarole of applying,AND those selected for the Legacy Scholars Program must also complete 8 hours of community service per semester to keep their awards. The silver lining is that these awards are renewable, but you will have to apply every year and it is not guaranteed. For a full list of eligibility requirements, head here.
Buick Achievers Scholarship Program
Student leaders with demonstrated financial need can get a jump start on college by bragging about all they have achieved. This scholarship program focuses on students with passion who are making a difference in their community and beyond. Students must be majoring in a degree program relating to science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, though "select design, marketing, accounting, finance and business majors" will also be considered. School activities go a long way towards winning the scholarship, but so does community activities, work experience, and academic achievement. Special consideration will be given to first- generation college, female, MINORITY, military veteran and military dependents who apply.
The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship
MINORITY students with leadership skills and financial need are encouraged to apply for this award. Those who win will not only receive college cash, they will also receive academic mentoring, internship opportunities, and an invitation to New York City (expenses paid of course) to attend the Jackie Robinson Foundation's annual Scholars Networking Weekend. Along with the cash comes responsibility. To maintain the scholarship, Jackie Robinson recipients must complete public service hours in addition to maintaining strong grades.
NACME Scholarships
There are several awards to be had here, but you have to be a MINORITY majoring in an engineering field. The National Action Committee for Minorities in Engineering publishes a list of undergrad fellowships and endowments here, but be careful. These awards have strong GPA requirements and sometimes are school specific.
The Alzheimer's Foundation for America wants you to be aware of what Alzheimer's is and how it affects your life. To win this one, submit a 2-minute non-fiction video that showcases "A moment in relation to Alzheimer’s disease when you learned something about your understanding of the disease, learned something about caregiving, or decided to become a community volunteer/activist." Winning vids must be original and will be posted by the AFA's social networking channels. To check out a few past winning videos, head here.
AXA Achievement Scholarship
Even if you do not land the $25,000 prize, you can still bank with this scholarship. AXA hands out a $10,000 prize to one student from each state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. While there are no hard and fast rules in terms of GPA requirements or community service hours, AXA scholars must be ambitious, support their community, and have a record of setting goals and achieving them. Those who advance to the top ten walk away with the cash as well as an enviable internship with AXA that could lead to a post-college job.
American Legion Scholarships
Though American Legion scholarships frequently get overlooked by high school seniors, it is worth your while to give them a look. Operating six different scholarship programs, the organization provides scholarships targeted at baseball allstars, future speech writers, children of US service members, Eagle Scouts, and future lung and respiratory nurses. Info on each program's eligibility requirements and due dates is available here.
American Psychological Association Scholarships
Boy, oh boy, are there are ton of scholarships listed here. Awards listed are generally targeted to students attending a specific institution or those from a specific geographic area of the country. Though some awards are targeted to students seeking a degree in psychology, many focus on particular groups of students such as those from foster care and welfare backgrounds and students aiming for careers related to Native American preservation.
The American Red Cross Bloodstock Scholarship
If the thought of blood makes your skin crawl, this is not the scholarship for you. High school students who can successfully organize a blood drive are eligible to win scholarships that can be used at a four-year, two-year or technical school as well as commemoration by the American Red Cross when they graduate. This scholarship program is practically riddled with rules including regulations on how much blood must be collected and when the drives must be held. Before applying, check out the contest rules here.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
Students with demonstrated financial need who want to study outside the US are in luck. This scholarship was designed to encourage students who are under represented in the study abroad arena—e.g. community college students, those with high financial need, students from diverse backgrounds, and those with special needs—to head to destinations that are also under-represented on the study abroad map. If you are thinking about heading to Australia or Italy for a semester, this is not the award for you. While the maximum award is $5,000, students studying a critical needs language like Chinese, Arabic, Swahili, or a Persian language can apply for an additional $3,000 in funding through the Critical Need Language Supplement program.
Best Buy @15 Scholarship Program
Listen, underclassmen, here is a scholarship competition for you (and seniors too). Best Buy passes out sweet $1,000 scholarships to high schoolers who demonstrate good grades, academic achievements, volunteer experience, and work experience. 1,200 scholarships were awarded this year so get ready to submit your application next year and get a jump on paying for college before you are a senior.
Boren Scholarship
These scholarships will not help you pay for college at home, but they will help you take your studies on the road. Designed to help foster study abroad trips to less traveled destinations including Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East, Borean scholarships are made for adventurous students interested in learning about lesser-known languages and cultures. If you have a passion for the languages on this list, it helps. To win these, applicants need to have a firm understanding of "how their study abroad program, as well as their future academic and career goals, will contribute to U.S. national security."
Bridgestone Safety Scholars Video Contest
Students with a knack for video are invited to submit a 25 or 55 second film designed to encourage teens to drive safely. Videos will be posted on Safetyscholars.com as well as the company's Facebook and YouTube pages. In addition to having rock-solid film skillz, it also helps to have lots of friends. The winner will be determined by public vote.
Castle Ink's Green Scholarship
You must have a passion for environmental action and a host of online friends to win this one. Castle Ink's environmentally-friendly scholarship contest requires students to write something about recycling—length and style do not matter—then post it somewhere online with a link to castleink.com included. After it is posted, fill out the registration info here and wait for the hits to roll in. The student who walks away with this prize is the one whose post generates the most web traffic to the Castle Ink page.
Coca-Cola All-State Community College Academic Team
Two-year college students with clean records and GPAs of at least 3.5 are invited to show off their talents. Students must be enrolled in an Associate's or Bachelor's degree program, have a minimum of 48 credit hours completed by August 31, 2011, and be nominated by their school. One student from each of the 50 states will win the $2,000 prize but an additional 300 students will win smaller awards. To throw in your hat, head to your school's Phi Theta Kappa office to find out how to get nominated.
Collegiate Inventors Competition
Want to make a difference in the world? Science-minded students can start here. In this competition, students race to identify and create the most ground-breaking invention. Entries must be replicable, fully operable, and the work of an individual or team. Along with a report on the invention, successful applications will include a report of patent research that ensures that the invention is your own idea. Entries will be judged on inventiveness and originality. Finalists will be sent to Washington DC to present their work.
The Davis-Putter Scholarship
Students have to demonstrate financial need to win this one, but they also have to show a commitment to working for peace and justice. To compete, students must be an active part of a progressive group on their campus and have taken concrete steps to furthering the peace movement. Past recipients have fought McCarthyism, worked for economic justice, and made strides to tear down homophobia and racism. Application forms are available here.
Distinguished Young Women Scholarship Competition
Throw out the idea that pageant contestants are airheads. To win the prize at this national competition, ladies need to have scholastic achievement, top-notch interview skills, talent, individuality, and physical ability. The national winner walks away with a $40,000 prize, but the real bonus is that a handful of schools across the country offer lucrative tuition incentives to state winners and national competitors. To make it to the final round, ladies must win at both the local and state levels. To be eligible, ladies must be in their junior or senior year in high school, can never have married, and can never have been pregnant. The application and a breakdown of judging criteria is available here.
Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarships
You do not have to be a child or grandchild or an Elks member to win an Elks scholarship, but you do have to be academically sharp, have honed leadership skills, and carry financial need. Candidates should apply through their local Elks lodge (click here to find yours) and must be attending a four-year institution full time in the upcoming academic year. If you have any connections at the Elks lodge, that is a bonus. Special awards of up to $4,000—$1,000 each year for four years—are available for children and grandchildren of Elks members.
Future Care Scholars
Academic excellence, leadership, community involvement, and a strong desire to go into medicine can land you the big bucks thanks to Tylenol. Students must be majoring in a healthcare-related field and must demonstrate that they go above and beyond both in and out of the classroom.
Gates Millennium Scholars
Outstanding African American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American, and Hispanic American students with GPAs of at least 3.3 compete for grants designed to fill gaps in their financial aid award letters. Students must be nominated by someone who can attest to their strong academic record and recommended by someone who can evaluate their community service and leadership skills. Financial need plays a big part in this award. To qualify, students must be Pell Grant eligible (those requirements are listed here).
Girls Going Places Award
This award seeks a future businesswoman. Designed for future company leaders, this female-only award is given to the girl who can prove that she is financially savvy, business minded, and ready to make a difference in her community through entrepreneurship. Any supporting materials you have that might highlight your entrepreneurial endeavors can certainly help.
The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes
Put down the Xbox and pick up some volunteer service hours if you want to win this one. Designed for young motivators who have made a positive difference in the world, this award was made for hard workers who can plan and see their projects through. If your academic transcript is not perfect, don't sweat it. Academic work and financial need do not factor into this award, but how much of a difference you make will. Previous winners include an 11 year-old student who provided drinking water for more than 70 African villages, a 16 year-old applicant who created a reading mentorship program in his home town, and the myriad others outlined here. Students have to be nominated by an adult, so if you think that your project is worthy of some monetary attention, find someone to nominate you ASAP.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
For students with a Hispanic heritage and a 3.0 or higher GPA.
Hispanic Scholarship Directory
The U.S. Hispanic Leadership Institute maintains two scholarship directories for Hispanic students, one for documented students and one for undocumented students.
Horatio Alger Association Scholarship Program
This one goes to students with hefty financial need. Only available to future college freshmen whose families earn $50,000 a year or less in gross adjusted income, this scholarship seeks candidates who have overcome significant adversity and shown leadership through extracurricular and community service activities. There is a minimum GPA of 2.0 to apply and some states have restrictions on specific institutions where the funds can be used. The good news is that the Horatio Alger Association awards funds in all 50 states, meaning that you will only be competing against those in your state and not students from across the nation.
IP Video Contest
Have a passion for the patent system? You are not the only one. This contest, sponsored by the Intellectual Property Owners Education Foundation, seeks smart videos that highlight why the patent system is important. Videos will be judged in three groups—submissions from students ages 13-15, 16-18, and 19 and over—and the winners will be decided by public vote. Videos can be no more than 60 seconds for the 13-18 year old crowd and up to 90 seconds for the 19 and above crew. Word of caution—read the rules carefully on this one (they are available here) and for cryin' out loud, do not steal someone else's music or ideas when submitting your entry to the intellectual property experts.
Intel Science Talent Search
The student who creates the most innovative, groundbreaking project in the field of math or science walks away with the big bucks. One of the oldest science competitions in the country, the Intel Science Talent Search draws the best and the brightest so come with your intellectual guns blazing. To win, students must complete an original research project and submit a report of up to 20 pages. The biggest, baddest prizes go to projects that have strong real-world applications and ones that go outside the proverbial box.
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant
Students who are eligible for this award have lost a parent or guardian who served in the US Armed Forces and died in service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001. Students do not need to demonstrate financial need, but do need to prove that they were enrolled in college at least half-time at the time of the parent's death.
Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship
Created through Zonta International, this ladies-only award is available for those in business or business-related disciplines. To apply, candidates must be nominated through their local Zonta chapter (find the club nearest you here) and win at the district level to be eligible for the national $5,000 prizes. If you do not make the cut at the national level, don't sweat it. District winners walk away with $1,000 scholarships.
Kelly and Gen Tanabe Scholarship
Their books are great, but their scholarships are even better. Financial aid powerhouse couple Kelly and Gen Tanabe pass out scholarships every spring and fall semester to students worthy of the award. While there are no clean-cut rules on GPA or SAT requirements to land this one, students have to be able to write about their academic goals and past achievements.
Kohl's Cares Scholarship
You do not need perfect grades or amazing athletic talents to win this award, but you do have to have a desire to change the universe. Students who have started an outstanding volunteer organization or project in the last year show Kohl's exactly what they have achieved. Applicants must be nominated by someone 21 or older (it is ok if it is your parents) and must be able to document what they have achieved and show why it is above and beyond expectation. Nominations must be submitted at Kohl's Kids by March 15.
The Kor Memorial Scholarship
Yes, Virginia, there is an award designed for those who speak Klingon. While being fluent in the Star Trek language is not a formal requirement, majoring in a foreign language or language-related field is. Students can only apply if nominated by their academic department chair, head, or dean. According to the Kor web site, "familiarity with Klingon or other constructed languages is not required, however creative and innovative applicants are preferred." Good luck.
Microsoft Scholarships
Computer geeks, now is your time to shine. Microsoft will pick up the tab for your college education if you can prove that they are going to want you after graduation. To apply, students must have an avid interest in the software industry, demonstrate financial need, and have a commitment to leadership. While all students are eligible for scholarships, the company is clear that the majority of awards go to women, disabled applicants, and underrepresented minorities in the software field. In addition to landing college cash, winners also land a 12-week paid summer internship at Microsoft.
National Association of Black Journalists Scholarship
Student members of NABJ with the writing chops to prove themselves are eligible for a bit of fiscal help. In addition to submitting a resume, a transcript, and teacher recommendations, students must also submit five clips of their best work. Submissions can range from print stories to Flash animation packages, but priority will be given to those with financial need. The 2011 deadline has passed but stay tuned for 2012.
National Health Services Corps
Future healthcare workers rejoice! The National Health Services Corps will pay for you to go to school AND provide a monthly stipend if you agree to work in a high-needs area for up to four years after graduation. If you are worried about finding a high-need site, don't sweat it. NHSC will help you with that too. Click here for info on the 2011-2012 application.
National Institutes of Health Undergraduate Scholarship Program
Health-minded students with demonstrated financial need compete not only for scholarship dollars but also for the chance to complete a 10-week summer lab experience through the NIH AND land a job with the organization after graduation. The catch is that students must have a 3.5 GPA or higher (or rank in the top 5 percent of their class), and they must commit to working full-time for the NIH one year for each year of scholarship they win. Applications are available here.
National Restaurant Association Scholarship
The National Restaurant Association Education Foundation offers a few different scholarship programs, but they all have one thing in common—you must be passionate about working with food to get them. Scholarship opportunities range from awards designed for those with entrepreneurial spirit to an all expense paid trip to Italy where eager undergrads can learn cooking and winemaking from the pros. All NRAEF scholarships are merit-based, so all interested students are encouraged to apply.
National SMART Grant
It is no secret that the US is lagging in math and science. This grant tries to eliminate that problem. Designed for students majoring in physical, life, or computer sciences, mathematics, technology, engineering or a critical foreign language (the complete list of eligible majors is available here), these government grants are designed to give motivated students a little financial help. To qualify, students must be attending college at least half time, be eligible for the Pell Grant, and maintain at least a 3.0 GPA. The first step to applying for a SMART Grant is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid available at fafsa.ed.gov.
Northrup Grumman Engineering Scholars
Northrup Grumman will be happy to help you foot your college bills, but only if you qualify and live in certain parts of the country. Heavy emphasis is given to students who live in or outside the Baltimore area, but awards are available for specific counties in other parts of the country. Head here for a list of eligible locations. Candidates also must have at least a 3.5 GPA and a combined SAT score of 1700 or an ACT score of 27. The bright spot is that the award comes with not one, but two internships at Northrup Grumman and the award is renewable if the winner maintains a 3.0 GPA or higher.
Ron Brown Scholar Program
Students must have demonstrated financial need to win this award, but those who do can land a fat check, renewable for all four years of school. This scholarship program is looking for the typical fare (high academic achievement, community leadership, volunteer activities, etc.) and candidates should be prepared to be interviewed by a panel of judges before winning the prize. Applicants who apply before November 1 will also be considered for additional award opportunities so get your application in early.
Roothbert Fund Scholarship
This lesser-known award program is open to anyone, regardless of age, sex, or institution, but places a heavy emphasis on students seeking careers in education. In addition to completing the application, top candidates must go through a personal interview in New York City, Washington, DC, New Haven, or Philadelphia on their own dime. Funds can be renewed, but students must maintain academic success in order to do so.
STOP Hunger Scholarships
This one is for students who are dedicated to changing the world. For students who have put in substantial volunteer hours at nonprofit organizations dedicated to fighting hunger in the US, the Sodexo Foundation is offering you up to $5,000 with an equal matching grant for your charity of choice. According to the web site, "added consideration is given to students working to fight childhood hunger" and students must have completed volunteer hours helping out people outside their own families.
Scholarship America
The good news is that this national nonprofit hands out tons of scholarships each year. The better news is that institutions throughout the country have committed to making those scholarship dollars go farther. Scholarship America offers awards through chapters nationwide (a full search is available here) but also makes their awards go farther thanks to partnerships with various colleges and universities, many of whom have committed to match your scholarship dollars. Check out what is available through your local chapter.
ScholarshipPoints.com Scholarships
One of the weirder scholarships programs out there, Scholarshippoints.com requires candidates to earn points by completing online activities including taking short quizzes, testing out online games, reading blogs, and taking opinion surveys. For each point they earn in Scholarship Points currency, they receive a free entry into a monthly $1,000 drawing or a quarterly $10,000 drawing. Your grades, financial need, and test scores will not factor into your chances of winning at all, but how long you stay plugging into the site will. (It feels a little bit like a marketing gimmick but the money seems real.)
Stuck at Prom Scholarship
Do not be fooled by this fashion-forward award. It's not as easy as it sounds. To win this one, entrants must make not one, but two full prom outfits out of Duck brand duct tape and rock it during their high school prom. Students must enter as a couple—with both parties wearing duct tape formalwear of course—and will be judged on originality, use of color, accessories, use of duct tape, and workmanship. Before you enter, check out past entries here. Students who make it to the final round of this one are serious fashionistas, so bring your A game.
Shaw-Worth Memorial Scholarship
A big heart is the number one requirement for winning this scholarship. Operated by The Humane Society, this award honors students who have spent considerable time fighting for animal protections. According to the web site, "Actions meriting the award may include long-term, direct work on behalf of animals; inspiring leadership in animal protection organizations; papers, speeches, or presentations on humane topics; and heroic rescues of animals in danger." Grades and financial need won't be considered for this one, but being able to clearly articulate how you have served our four-legged friends will be.
Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund
Before the fame, he was Shawn Carter, a kid who struggled to rise above his circumstances. To give back, the rapper now known a Jay-Z has created a scholarship program designed for undergrads with demonstrated financial need. On top of fulfilling basic scholarship requirements of maintaining a 2.0 GPA, Shawn Carter Scholarship recipients must also fulfill community service requirements to maintain their award. It is closed for 2011 but keep looking for the 2012 award.
The Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology
Students can enter this math/science-themed competition either individually or in teams of up to 3. Either way, they must come up with a project centered on mathematics, engineering, biological, and/or physical sciences, then submit a report of their project and findings. To qualify, both individuals and teams must submit a research report about their project and an executive summary (among other things). Those who make it past the initial cuts will advance to the regional and possibly the finals in Washington DC.
Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund
One scholarship application makes you eligible for 11 different awards through some of the biggest corporations in America. Awards are disbursed based on a combination of merit and financial need and are designed to be used at historically black colleges and universities across the country.
UNCF Scholarship Program
The United Negro College Fund hands out an array of scholarships each year to those who exhibit top leadership skills and high academic success. Eligibility requirements, award amounts and whether the award is need or merit based varies from program to program. The good news is that many UNCF scholarships are regional, meaning that you'll only compete against students from your college or home town to win. A full list of awards is available here.
William Randolph Hearst Foundation U.S. Senate Youth Scholarship Program
Future politicians, gather round. In addition to receiving cold, hard cash, students who win this award also get a week-long excursion to our nation's capital where they will attend Senate speeches, meet and greet with Supreme Court justices, and hob nob with the future political elite from across the country. All transportation, hotel, and meal costs will be provided. The catch is that students have to be nominated through their high school or state (each state representative is available here). To be eligible, students must be serving in some form of student government.
WorldStudio Foundation Scholarship
Get ready to flow, creative juices. Students with demonstrated financial need who are majoring in advertising, fine arts, graphic design, illustration, interactive design, or photography are invited to apply for this award. Candidates must have a 2.0 GPA, submit a thorough portfolio (including a self portrait), and must be able to prove that they have fiscal need. Students can be awarded up to $6,000, but basic awards tend to run at $2,000 to $3,000.
Zinch March Madnezz Scholarship
A play off of March madness b-ball brackets, this award takes high school students who have created a profile on Zinch.com and pegs them against one another in a head-to-head style tournament. Students must have a minimum 2.0 GPA to compete, but otherwise, anything goes. Just remember, keep your profile tactful and highlight your strengths.
American Institute of CPAs MINORITY Scholarship
MINORITY college students seeking accounting degrees can get some free college cash, but there is a catch. To get this award, students must go through the rigamarole of applying,AND those selected for the Legacy Scholars Program must also complete 8 hours of community service per semester to keep their awards. The silver lining is that these awards are renewable, but you will have to apply every year and it is not guaranteed. For a full list of eligibility requirements, head here.
Buick Achievers Scholarship Program
Student leaders with demonstrated financial need can get a jump start on college by bragging about all they have achieved. This scholarship program focuses on students with passion who are making a difference in their community and beyond. Students must be majoring in a degree program relating to science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, though "select design, marketing, accounting, finance and business majors" will also be considered. School activities go a long way towards winning the scholarship, but so does community activities, work experience, and academic achievement. Special consideration will be given to first- generation college, female, MINORITY, military veteran and military dependents who apply.
The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship
MINORITY students with leadership skills and financial need are encouraged to apply for this award. Those who win will not only receive college cash, they will also receive academic mentoring, internship opportunities, and an invitation to New York City (expenses paid of course) to attend the Jackie Robinson Foundation's annual Scholars Networking Weekend. Along with the cash comes responsibility. To maintain the scholarship, Jackie Robinson recipients must complete public service hours in addition to maintaining strong grades.
NACME Scholarships
There are several awards to be had here, but you have to be a MINORITY majoring in an engineering field. The National Action Committee for Minorities in Engineering publishes a list of undergrad fellowships and endowments here, but be careful. These awards have strong GPA requirements and sometimes are school specific.