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There are countless scholarships out there intended to reward athleticism, a high GPA, or community involvement, but what about all the students who do not fall into these categories? Are they meant to work without financial help from college? No way! Finally, here’s your chance to cash in on the eccentric, odd, and unusual characteristics that make you your own person: someone who’s absolutely their own. Stressed about those scholarships being found? Not to worry, because we’ve already done the job for you and collected the most unusual scholarships and contests for the school year 2020-2021. Check below and apply today for your financing.
1. AfterCollege Sucurro Scholarship
AfterCollege has awarded more than $1,000,000 in unusual scholarships and contests through its program to date.
As a job and internship resource, this scholarship is designed for students who demonstrate professionalism and effectively communicate how they will be exemplary candidates in their field. This means AfterCollege evaluates applicants with the eye of a hiring manager, so you will be expected to watch your grammar, check your spelling, put your best accomplishments forward as to write a great essay has become one of the major selection criteria.
The scholarship is open to currently enrolled students in an accredited program, working toward a degree (AA, AS, BA, BS, MA, MS, MFA, Ph.D., MD, JD, etc.) in any discipline with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Only one successful applicant will be selected as the deserving winner of the scholarship with a one-time award of $500.
The application for the AfterCollege Sucurro Scholarship will be closed on December 31st, 2020. Further information about the application procedure can be seen at www.aftercollege.com.
2. iCanvas Art Student Scholarship
iCanvas believes art has transformative power on people and spaces, and the organization is proud to support a new student artist each year as they invest in their creative education. iCanvas aims to help create a world filled with art, and for there to be more art in the world, the organization believes that we need more artists in the world.
Therefore, iCanvas offers a $1,000 scholarship to art students as a small way to support their artistic endeavors. Entering is simple. Just fill out the form on the website and submit a photo of an artwork you created. All forms of visual art qualify, including drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, digital, etc. To win the scholarship you must be enrolled in an art program at a college or university. iCanvas Art Student Scholarship is only eligible for U.S. residents.
Submit your artwork and application form by December 31st, 2020. See full rules and regulations at www.icanvas.com.
3. The 2021 Hamilton Award
The 2021 Hamilton Award application is open to January 27th, 2021. This amazing opportunity is delivered by Alexander Hamilton Scholars (AHS), primarily an organization established with the vision to close the opportunity gap for America’s low-income youth.
Each year, AHS selects 35 underserved high school juniors for their academic, personal, service, and entrepreneurial accomplishments, to participate in its no-cost, 5-year empowerment program. These students receive mentorship, practical guidance, and a comprehensive network of support, much like Hamilton did, so they, too, can leave a lasting legacy that will forever change their communities.
Winners will also receive a $500 cash scholarship to pay for college expenses. Also, all winners will have access to AHS internship programs and will join a distinguished cohort of peers from across the U.S.
See the complete details about the award at www.hamiltonscholars.org.
4. AllTopReviews Writing Contest
All Top Reviews invites students to write a review on one of the educational websites. These unusual scholarships and contests are based on the awareness of the need for a good writing company. All you have to do is to write an essay about a certain writing service or any other related company.
The editors and reviewers of All Top Reviews will be the judges of the contest. For these winners there are some special prizes:
- 1st place – $500;
- 2nd place – $350;
- 3rd place – $150.
You can spend this money on ordering academic papers from any writing service reviewed by All Top Reviews.
Students of colleges and high schools from all over the world, who are over 18 years old, are eligible for winning the prize. It is also completely free to participate in the contest. Check out other requirements and the guidelines regarding essay writing at https://alltopreviews.com.
5. Anchell International Documentary Scholarship
The Anchell International Documentary Scholarship was first awarded for the year 2016. The unusual scholarships and contests are meant to encourage personal involvement in social issues and promote socially conscious documentary photography. It is open to all fully-matriculated undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of degree major, gender, ethnic background, or country of residence. The successful winner will be awarded $1,000.
The subject matter is entirely your choice. However, it should clearly document a person, group of people, place, event, or happening of social relevance. Submitted images should be arranged and presented so they clearly tell the story of what is being documented.
Enrollment must be valid between Winter 2019 through the end of Fall term 2020. Students graduating within this time may also apply. The application will be closed on January 1st, 2021. Visit https://anchellworkshops.com to submit your application for the documentary photography award.
6. Apprentice Ecologist Initiative
The Apprentice Ecologist Initiative (officially recognized by the U.S. EPA) has engaged tens of thousands of young volunteers (kids, teens, and college-age youth) from around the world in environmental cleanup and conservation projects since 1999. This program has received multiple awards from the City of Albuquerque, a “Best Community Impact” award from Eastern Kentucky University, and is featured on thousands of websites. The goals of the Apprentice Ecologist Initiative are to:
- Elevate youth into leadership roles by engaging them in environmental cleanup and conservation projects,
- Empower young people to rebuild the environmental and social well-being of our communities,
- Improve local living conditions for both citizens and wildlife through education, activism, and action.
Here’s how to become an official Apprentice Ecologist and be considered for a scholarship:
- Conduct your own environmental stewardship project in 2020;
- Take a few digital photos of your project in action;
- Write an essay about your project and what it meant to you;
- Register and upload your favorite project photo along with your essay.
Three scholarships totaling $1,750 will be awarded annually to the authors of the three best Apprentice Ecologist essays. The top author will also receive a personalized crystal award courtesy of Crown Awards & Trophies.
The deadline for uploading your Apprentice Ecologist project essay is on December 31st, 2020. If you need help or have questions, you can visit the official website any time at www.wildernessproject.org.
7. Attorneys.org Legal Scholarship 2020
Are you a high school student, undergraduate, or graduate student interested in learning more about law, forensics, or criminal behavior? Attorneys.org is proud to offer a $1,000 scholarship for those interested in learning more about the law and legal system.
To join, you must write a 500-word essay telling why you are interested in the law, criminal justice, or forensics. Your essay can include life events and other key influences, career plans, or anything else that contributes to your interest. The scholarship is open to high school, college, and grad school students interested in or currently studying law, criminal justice, or forensics with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Submit your essay through email before December 11th, 2020. Visit www.attorneys.org for more information about the program.
8. BMI Future Jazz Master Scholarship
The BMI Future Jazz Master Scholarship is awarded annually to a rising jazz star pursuing an advanced academic degree in Jazz Performance, Jazz Studies, or related majors. The award was established in 2015 in honor of the NEA Jazz Masters Fellowship, a lifetime achievement recognition program of the National Endowment for the Arts. The $5,000 scholarship has been presented in recent years at the annual BMI/NEA celebration of Jazz Master honorees. Prior program judges include NEA Jazz Masters Ahmad Jamal, Jack DeJohnette, Jimmy Heath, and Ron Carter.
To be eligible for the unusual scholarships and contests, all applicants must be:
- Current full-time or part-time students of a U.S. college or university. Students who have been accepted to a U.S. college or university for future enrollment are NOT eligible.
- Between the ages of 17 and 24, as of January 22nd, 2021.
- Potential first-time winners of the competition: former winners (other than Honorable Mention) of the BMI Future Jazz Master Scholarship are not eligible to enter the competition.
Applications must be submitted online no later than January 22nd, 2021. See full rules and regulations at https://bmifoundation.org.
9. College Monk Short Essay Scholarship
The College Monk $1,500 short essay scholarship is an essay required scholarship with no GPA requirements. The purpose of the unusual scholarships and contests is to provide financial assistance to high school graduating students or college students who are going to attend an accredited institution in the US. The scholarship is awarded once each year and is available to all eligible students regardless of ethnicity, national origin, or immigration status. The scholarship recipient will be selected based on the essay provided.
The scholarship is open to all students currently pursuing or looking to pursue college education in the next 12 months in the United States. The applicant must be a legal citizen of the U.S or an International student with a valid student visa and should be enrolled or attending an undergraduate or graduate program.
You must submit an original essay that addresses the following questions.
- In not less than 100 words, tell about yourself and why you are applying for this scholarship.
- Please be clear about how this scholarship will help you achieve your personal and professional goals.
- Any past achievements of state, national, or international fame should be mentioned.
Submit your essay before January 31st, 2021. See the complete rules at www.thecollegemonk.com.
10. Go There Greener Scholarship Powered by Chevrolet
The U.S. could keep nearly 941 million metric tons of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere if we committed to cutting our yearly emissions from transportation in half. The good news is, you can save several pounds of carbon emissions by switching up your ride for even just one day. Switch out a solo car ride with a carpool, walk, bike, or public transportation for a day to keep CO2 out of the atmosphere (and fewer vehicles on the road save lives as well!). The goal through this campaign is to collectively save 10,000 lbs of CO2.
Upload a photo of yourself traveling greener by November 30th for the chance to win a $1,500 scholarship. Check out www.dosomething.org to join the movement and win a scholarship.
Final thoughts
The advantage of these unusual scholarships and contests is that meeting the minimum eligibility criteria can be a little simpler without strict GPA requirements. Scholarships are free money. Go for it if you meet the minimum criteria for eligibility. Even if it’s for a small sum, say $500, and you spend three hours completing the application, for your efforts, you have just been paid $166/hr.
Moreover, their versatility and low applicant pool are the elegance of unusual scholarships and contests. It is also important to note that it means less rivalry to be less known. Would you prefer to have one out of a thousand chances, or one out of a hundred? The fact that fewer students apply for these financial resources puts you in a unique position to try for a scholarship that does not fit your interests or experience entirely.
