Scholarships for High School Juniors

It is during the junior year in high school when students start getting bombarded with enormous amounts of information about colleges, acceptance exams, and scholarships. It is also during this time when the last thing on a junior’s mind is how are they going to pay for their college education; most students start dealing with college funding during their senior year of high school, if not even later than that. The truth of the matter is that there are numerous scholarships for high school juniors.

The competition for said scholarship is minimal due to the lack of concern mentioned above. Junior year is the ideal time to start getting acquainted with websites devoted to assisting students in finding scholarships they might qualify for such as: www.fastweb.com, www.scholarships.com and www.scholarship experts.com.

These websites, as well as several others, are wonderful tools available to students hunting for money for their college education. When juniors register with online scholarship guides they will be introduced to the processes and details of applying for scholarships.

It is also during their junior year when students should start talking to their school counselors about their interests and goals for the future concerning post-secondary education. School counselors are also able to help students find local scholarships that are available to them as juniors. It is also important that during this time juniors start working on a resume.

Making a resume is not something you want to starting at the last minute as a senior; if you start your resume as a junior you will only need to add to it as your finish your last two years of high school. Many scholarship applications require that a resume be included with the application. Constructing a resume is something your school counselor can assist you with as well.

The main thing concerning scholarships as a junior is to take advantage of the ones available to you now and start getting familiar with the processes, what is available to you and what is required of you. This is the best way to start preparing yourself for the year to come and make it as simple as possible.

 

Unusual Scholarships

Unusual scholarships are meant to reward unusual talent. Gone are the days when only those with high GPAs or exceptional writing skills got the most lucrative scholarships while you were left with nothing. Times have changed and there’s a ray of hope for even those who may not posses a high GPA scores but hold that unusual X-factor that can help them clinch n unusual scholarship.

Unusual scholarships target students who are exceptionally talented in certain unique ways. Such scholarships are sponsored by organizations that wish to give equal opportunity to all students and help them undergo the same intellectual, psychological and social growth as other students. Also called ‘whacky scholarships’, these rewards started during the 1970’s, when certain academic establishments felt the need to provide equal opportunities, to the left handed people. They began to feel that it was wrong to forget about these people.

There are many unusual scholarships available and some you may not even believe exist. Some of the most commonly applied unusual scholarships include the Left-handed Scholarship given by The Fredrick and Mary F. Beckley. This scholarship is particularly awarded to students who attend the Juniata College, Pennsylvania. Applicants who meet the criteria for this type of scholarship can get as much as $1,000.

One wonders how tallness could be criteria for clinching scholarship. But as said, these are whacky scholarships, the Tall Clubs International Scholarship is aimed at men and female who are exceptionally tall, 6′6″ for men and 5′10″ for women or taller. Such men and women can fetch as much as $1,000 scholarship grant. Hey! But you need to write an essay “What Being Tall Means to Me” to pocket one.

Contrary to the tallness scholarship is yet another unusual scholarship. The Little People of America (LPA is a non-profit organization that offers the LPA Scholarship for members of its organization who are of short stature. Membership is offered to people who are 4’10″ or less in height. The association was founded by Billy Barty, the 3’9″ actor who starred in Rumplestiltskin and Willow. The Billy Barty Foundation also sponsors a scholarship for college students who have a medical form of dwarfism.

The Scholarship for the Fat gives a new definition to ‘whackiness’. The scholarship is particularly meant for the senior students of the New England high school who are obese, single, and have kept at least a 2.5 general point average. Two students are granted with $500 prize every year.

As if these weren’t enough there’s Scholarship for the Fortune Tellers too. It’s given to students who have the exceptional ability to foresee the future and promise to apply the same in economics, especially in market prediction.

The Stuck at Prom or Duct Tape Contest worth $5,000 awarded to the pair donning most stylish duct tape costume. Some other unusual scholarships include The Scholarship for Duck callers, last name scholarships such as Zolp Scholarship, Patrick Kerr Skateboard Scholarship, and US Bowling Congress Scholarships etc.

As shown above there are plenty of wacky and unusual scholarships that are available to high school seniors.Instead of being based on intelligence or GPA these scholarships are based on unique physical and mental traits.

 

Easy College Scholarship

Getting higher education is expensive and definitely not within every student’s reach. There are many students who work part time to pay their monthly fee and many more who drop a crucial year from their studies, just to work and save some money for their next semester fee. Scholarships are a boon for college students and these have helped many students in acquiring good education. There are different types of scholarship programs available today; for a variety of students, with diverse academic and non academic skills. Such is the range of scholarships that even students with average academic scores but great non-academic talent can hope to get one. Easy college scholarships is one such option that is readily available to you. They may not be that easy to get, but the amount of effort you put in to get qualified for one is definitely less than a normal college scholarship.

To clinch a easy college scholarship you do not require outstanding grades, lengthy essay writing ability, extraordinary talent or high scores. All you need to do is conduct exhaustive research on the scholarships available and then, assiduously apply for these awards on regular basis. There are different types of easy college sponsorship awards but you need to have an open mindset when you search for one. It is always beneficial to go for easy college scholarships that are small in amount, say $100 to $1000, precisely due to lesser competition. After all, you do not want yourself working hard for a $10,000 award that a multitude of far more qualified students are applying for. Always remember, lesser the competition, greater the chance of winning an award. Apply for scholarships awarded on the basis of contests you enjoy doing the most, be that singing, dancing, sports, or anything else. Rather than applying for a scholarship on national or regional level, try to apply for easy college scholarships awarded by local businesses, and other organizations. They would prefer handing out one to a worthy local candidate any day. What better place than your own home town to gain an edge over the competition!

Another way to hunt for easy college scholarships is scouring the scholarship directories. These are available to your high school counselors. At times, even your parent’s employer might offer scholarships, just in case your parents have been exceptional employees. You can even conduct an online search for free college scholarship listings and apply to qualify for the same.

To increase your chances of winning an easy college scholarship try to improve your GPA and score high on ACT and SAT, volunteer for community work and try to excel in extra-curricular activities. A summer job pertaining to your hobby would be a great idea too.

Once you’ve successfully searched for easy college scholarships, make sure that your application also stands out as worthy and appropriate. You must meet all deadlines and fill in the form properly with all requisite transcripts, test scores suitably furnished.

 

 

 

Non Essay Scholarships

It’s time to get over the perception that scholarships are only granted to students with distinctively strong academic backgrounds. It may sound unbelievable but it’s true that even average people can gain financial assistance through scholarships called non essay scholarships. These scholarships are given to talented people who have excelled in extra-curricular activities but do not have a sound academic background.

This change in scholarship opportunities has given a ray of hope to students who in the absence of a good academic profile wory about their future. Clinching good scholarships means writing reasonably intelligent essays to accompany your application. It is a fact that honor students tend to fair better at that any day. However, as a sigh of relief, non essay scholarships do not require submission of essays to prove your caliber. All you need is excellence in non academic and extracurricular activities such as music, dance, theater arts, sports etc.

There are different sponsors for these scholarships who remain on the look out for talent that suitably meets their criteria. These scholarships are not very difficult to find and all that you need to do is conduct a bit of research on the internet. Keep looking for non-academic organizations that offer such scholarships such as religious and minority groups or local businesses. There are different types of non essay scholarships. You can conduct a quick internet research to find free college scholarships, which do not require submission of an essay. Interestingly, these scholarships do not have any upper age limit either, so that even working mothers and fathers and also people with military background can apply for these. Under one such non-essay scholarship program, high schools students who fair well in various essay competition contests become winners of these awards.

There is no application fee for non essay scholarships. All you need to do is follow a very simple process, which runs through single page. You just need to fill in our personal information and also express your interest in the field you would like to study. As you apply for these scholarships online, beware of internet fraud. And before you divulge your bank details be sure that the award granted in legitimate.

The best part about non-essay scholarships is that they are granted or awarded on a monthly basis. In which case, people who could not apply or were unable to win last time can keep trying in the coming months. There is plenty being offered for people with poor academic background but strong non academic skills. These alternate scholarships are actually registering a rise with an unsettling increase in the regular tuition fee. With such scholarship in hand, students can at least pay their college fee in time.

Non-essay scholarships are truly a boon for students and people from different walks of life, who do not have a sound academic background. These scholarships purely aim at encouraging the non academic talent, and are a ray of hope for people not eligible for essay based scholarships.

 

Scholarships for Black Students

Of the many African Americans residing within the US, there have been prominent Black American personalities, who have done remarkably well through their distinguished careers. The American Black community may have successfully fought the battle against discrimination but, it is struggling to grapple with its’ unbearable poverty, and is unable to send its’ children to college or universities. African Americans are one of the largest minority groups within United States. Since the last US census in 2000, a significant rise has been registered in the number of African American, within US.

The changed statistics, has led to a significant rise in the amount of money being granted in the name of scholarships for black students, by several companies and organizations. And, this is in tandem with the US constitutional right to quality education for all its citizens irrespective of their race, creed or color. It makes all the more sense for Black students whose families can’t afford to provide their children good education because of poverty. The scholarships for black students helps cut down school drop out rates and encourages them to attend secondary and higher education institutions. There are many successful examples of black students, who qualified for these scholarships, and are doing well today in the job market, as they rub the shoulders with their white counterparts.

There are plenty of scholarship programs specifically targeting black students. Some of the more popular scholarships include the African American Achievement Scholarship. Particularly targeting residents in Massachusetts, black students can avail this $2500 to $3000award, given to 9 African American students. There are scholarships to promote black participation in the health sector, such as Breakthrough to Nursing Scholarships for Racial/Ethnic Minorities, under which $1000 to $2000 is awarded annually to 5 African Americans and other minority undergraduate students.

The Jackie Robinson Foundation also provides scholarships worth $7,500 annually to minority high school students, who show leadership potential but do not have sufficient financial backing to attend an accredited 4-year college or university of their choice. The Gates Millennium Scholars Program also awards varied amounts each year to at least 1000 African American undergraduate or graduate students. Black students wanting to major in Computer Science, DP or Engineering and attending UNCF College, may consider applying for the Kodak Engineering Excellence Program Scholarship that awards $4800 awarded annually.

Other scholarships for black students worth considering include AXA Foundation Fund Achievement Scholarship worth $2000 to $5000 for students interested in business, Louie F. Cox Memorial AK Steel African-American Scholarships — Up to $16000, Minority Scholarship Awards For Incoming College Freshmen to integrate blacks into engineering domain, Sallie Mae Fund American Dream Scholarship — $500 to $5000, and United Parcel Service Foundation Scholarship.

Other than these, there are 39 Historically Black Colleges and Universities that award sponsorships to black women students at undergraduate and graduate level. There are several other scholarships specifically targeting black students waiting to be hunted diligently. Apart from scholarships for black students specifically, people from this minority community can avail abundantly from non-essay scholarships and easy college scholarships too.

 

Scholarships for Middle School Students

Getting a scholarship for middle school students is considered to be a little difficult than getting a high school or a college scholarship. This is precisely because scholarships for middle school students are very few compared to those available for higher education. However, it is not very hard to get one either because there are very few in line, staking a claim to the scholarship. With very few contenders and lesser competition it is comparatively easy to secure one too.

One of the greatest advantages that accrues from attaining a scholarship for middle school is that, its’ a great addition to your CV and promises to give you unprecedented leverage, as you try to kitty scholarships at high and college level. Some of the scholarships especially aiming at middle school children include the Children’s Scholarship Fund.

Children’s Scholarship Fund targets children who are above 8 years of age. This scholarship is entirely need based and aims at providing tuition assistance. Hence it is a great ray of hope for families, which cannot provide education to their kids due to poverty. One can apply for this scholarship in various US cities.

Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes is yet another scholarship for middle school students. Each year 10 students, who show exceptional leadership abilities, that would help make a difference in our community lives, and in improving the health of our planet, are chosen for this scholarship. The prize awards $2000 to applicants aging between 8 to 18 years.

Different scholarships aim to target differently such as, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, which chooses 75 seventh grade students from low income families to offer financial aid. Kohl’s Kids Who Care Scholarship Program aims to promote and inculcate a sense of community service amongst the young children. This scholarship for middle school students can be readily availed by candidates who have made a positive impact on the communities. Each year 1900 kids between the ages 6 and 18 years are awarded prizes worth $300,000. It is considered to be one of the most prestigious scholarships to be awarded to middle school students.

Values such as being compassionate, kind, generous and charitable are best taught in the young age. Many scholarships for middle school students aim at instilling these values in our young generation. One of these is the Changing our World / Simms Award for Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy. Provided by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, this scholarship is awarded to students who show remarkable commitment to community service, leadership, volunteering, and other charitable programs. It targets students between 5 -17 and 18 – 23 years of age.

There are several other local sources which award exceptional kids for their outstanding talent in science, art, music etc. or community service. If you have difficulty getting acquainted with various scholarships for middle school students, then it is best to either approach the school scholarship counselor or conduct an online research. There are plenty around waiting to be grabbed!

 

Scholarships for White Males

The launching of scholarships for white males in the US state of Texas is nothing short of incredible. Many would cringe at the idea, but there are people out there, who are absolutely convinced, that the current scholarship programs are heavily skewed, in favor of select demographic representations, leaving the white male desperately wanting in terms of financial aid. The issue of scholarships for white males, emerging from the US, is hard to believe, since it’s a country that has been ruled by a white majority. But for those, who propounded the idea, it was a necessity, given the neglect faced by country’s white males when it came to securing financial aid.

Brainchild of Colby Bohannan and a group of student friends at the Texas State University in San Marcos, TX have formed the non-profit organization called Former Majority Association for Equality, which intends to offer $1000 worth college scholarships exclusively to white men. The groups’ members increasingly felt that scholarships were being offered to all sorts of sub groups within the country such as Blacks, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asians, single working mothers, and every other imaginable group leaving aside white men. To correct this grave anomaly, the group thought of assisting white men in this unique manner, who thought were no longer a majority with in US.

To qualify candidates have to be, ‘Caucasian, male, demonstrate a commitment to education, and substantiate financial need’, according to the group’s website.

The groups’ mission statement clearly states that, “it wants to financially assist young Americans seeking higher education who lack opportunities in similar organizations that are based upon race or gender. In a country that proclaims equality for all, we provide monetary aid to those that have found the scholarship application process difficult because they do not fit into certain categories or any ethnic group”.

Student Colby Bohannan, the president of the group, said, “I’m not sure white males are the majority anymore,” adding, “There’s a scholarship out there for just about any demographic, except this one. We realize it’s for good reason — this is a touchy subject.” There are many who believe that the group has ulterior racial and political motives, something which Colby Bohannan has out rightly rejected.

Putting their motives into perspective, the group’s website says that, Former Majority Association for Equality “has no political aspirations, financial agenda, or radical social philosophies whatsoever. We do not advocate white supremacy, nor do we enable any individual that does. We do not accept donations from organizations affiliated with any sort of white supremacy or hate group. We have no hidden agenda to promote racial bigotry or segregation. FMAE’s existence is dedicated around one simple principle, to provide monetary aid for education to white males who need it”.

What made Colby Bohannan so adamant about his beliefs was his own personal experience. A mass communication major, he left out when members from other sub groups most conveniently lapped up what was available. He adds, “There’s a scholarship out there for just about any demographic, except this one. We realize it’s for good reason”.

 

How to Find Scholarships in High School

If you’re a high school student reading this article, you’ve already come to the realization that all of your college dreams are going to cost a pretty penny. Unless you want to spend several years of your post college life repaying loans, you need to start looking into scholarships now. Read on for some useful pointers on where to look.

The most obvious place to look for scholarships is online. Two of the most prominent web sites for finding scholarships are Fastweb, and Scholarships.com.You’ll have to register, and give them quite a bit of information about you, but this is just how they personalize your scholarship search. By getting this information about you, they can find available scholarships that you would be most likely to qualify for. Another great thing about applying for scholarships online is that you can apply for several in a short period of time, which will increase your chances of winning one.

Many colleges offer scholarships of their own for students to attend their school, so if you haven’t checked the college you’re applying to, you should do so. Go to the school’s web site and find the financial aid section. This is usually where you can find information on scholarships, and grants. A number of businesses offer scholarships to local students as well. Ask your family members if their places of business offer any kind of scholarships that you might qualify for.If you have an after school job working for a well-known company ask your manager if they have a scholarship program. Numerous fast food restaurants have programs to help employees further their educations.

Another person you may not have considered talking to is your high school counselor. He’s not just there to help you with your high school career. Counselors can be very helpful, because they have access to all your school records, so they know exactly which scholarships you would qualify for.

The best advice I can give you is to stay determined. It’s not going to be easy to find, and win a scholarship. You’re going to have to do some extensive searching. It’s going to take a lot of hard work, and that doesn’t even include all the essays you’ll need to write, so stay focused, and remind yourself frequently how important this is.