Are you a high school student dreaming of college but worried about the costs? Essay scholarships are a fantastic way to earn some cash for college while showcasing your writing skills and creativity. Whether you're passionate about history, science, or even fantasy fiction, there's likely a scholarship out there for you. Scholarships based on essay writing not only help you financially but also give you a chance to express your thoughts on important topics, engage with global issues, and even gain recognition for your literary talents.
Essay Scholarships in High School
Essay scholarships are a big deal for high school students in the U.S., with many programs offering significant financial aid. For example, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, one of the largest programs, receives over 350,000 submissions each year, awarding more than $300,000 in scholarships and cash prizes.
These scholarships are super competitive, with acceptance rates similar to top universities. The Davidson Fellows Scholarship, for instance, has an acceptance rate of less than 5%, offering awards from $10,000 to $50,000. The Optimist International Essay Contest is also tough, with thousands of entries and only a few advancing to higher levels.
Winning an essay scholarship can really make a difference. Recipients are 35% more likely to graduate college in four years compared to those who don't receive them. With more essay scholarships popping up, students have more chances than ever to use their writing skills for financial aid, highlighting the importance of strong written communication in education and beyond.
How & Where Should You Focus?
Participating in essay contests can also boost your college application profile. Winning a scholarship highlights your ability to think critically and communicate effectively—skills highly valued by colleges and employers alike. Plus, the process of researching and writing these essays will prepare you for the academic challenges of college. So, let's dive into some awesome essay scholarships you can apply for as a U.S. high school student!
1. The American Foreign Service Association National High School Essay Contest
- Amount: $2,500 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.
- Eligibility:
- Open to high school students whose parents are not members of the Foreign Service.
- Students must be enrolled in a U.S.-based school.
- Details:
- Write a 1,000- to 1,250-word essay on a given topic related to diplomacy and foreign service.
- The winner will receive a trip to Washington, D.C., to meet with a member of the State Department and receive a full scholarship for the Semester at Sea program.
2. Ayn Rand Institute Essay Contests
- Amount: Up to $10,000
- Eligibility:
- Open to 8th-12th graders in the U.S. and internationally.
- Different contests are available based on grade level.
- Details:
- Select one of Ayn Rand's novels, like "Anthem," "The Fountainhead," or "Atlas Shrugged," and write an essay based on their prompts.
- Essays are judged on both style and content, including how well you understand the novel's themes.
- Essays should be clear, articulate, and logically organized, focusing on the selected prompt and interrelating ideas from the novel. Graders assess whether students can justify and argue their views, regardless of agreement with the Institute's perspective. Winning essays must demonstrate an outstanding understanding of the novel's philosophic meaning.
3. John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest
- Amount: Up to $10,000
- Eligibility:
- U.S. high school students in grades 9-12.
- Essays must be submitted by students, with a nominating teacher's information included.
- Details:
- Eligible participants include U.S. students under 20 enrolled in high school or GED programs in the 50 states, D.C., U.S. territories, and U.S. citizens attending schools overseas. Past winners, finalists, and employees of John Hancock Financial Services and their families are not eligible.
- Write an essay about a U.S. elected official who has demonstrated political courage.
- The essay should be between 700 and 1,000 words and show a deep understanding of political courage as described by JFK.
2024 Winning Essay by Ruby McIntee
4. Bill of Rights Institute We the Students Essay Contest
- Amount: Up to $7,500
- Eligibility:
- U.S. high school students aged 14-19.
- Students must be attending public, private, or homeschool programs in the U.S.
- Details:
- Write an essay that explores the relationship between liberty and equality.
- Essays should provide unique insights and personal reflections on how these principles are applied today.
- To answer this question in a 500-800 word essay, students must grasp natural rights, their link to respect, and their role in a flourishing free society. Move beyond dictionary definitions to explore how these principles interconnect through observation, experience, and significant ideas. Discuss what it takes to understand, build, and maintain these principles, and why their relationships are crucial.
5. Optimist International Essay Contest
- Amount: Up to $2,500
- Eligibility:
- Open to students under the age of 19 who have not yet graduated from high school.
- Must be sponsored by a local Optimist Club.
- Details:
- Essays should be between 700 and 800 words on a topic related to optimism.
- Local winners advance to district competitions, with district winners receiving a scholarship.
6. Signet Classics Student Scholarship Essay Contest
- Amount: $1,000
- Eligibility:
- Open to high school juniors and seniors in the U.S.
- Teachers must submit essays on behalf of students.
- Details:
- Choose a Signet Classics book and write an essay on one of the five topics provided.
- Essays are judged on creativity, clarity of thought, and understanding of the themes.
7. Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
- Amount: Up to $10,000
- Eligibility:
- Students in grades 7-12 in the U.S.
- Must submit original work in one of the specified writing categories.
- Details:
- Submit an essay, short story, or poem as part of a broader competition covering multiple categories.
- Winning entries may qualify for scholarships and publication opportunities.
8. EngineerGirl Essay Contest
- Amount: Up to $500
- Eligibility:
- Open to students in grades 3-12.
- Open to both U.S. and international students.
- Details:
- Write an essay about the role of engineering in solving current problems.
- Different age groups have specific prompts, focusing on creativity and innovation.
- Each year, EngineerGirl hosts a contest focused on engineering’s impact on the world. The topic and detailed instructions are posted in September, with submissions due by February 1st of the following year. Winners are announced in the summer.
9. Voice of Democracy Audio Essay Contest
- Amount: Up to $35,000
- Eligibility:
- Open to students in grades 9-12.
- Sponsored by local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) posts.
- Details:
- Create an audio essay on a patriotic theme, recorded in your own voice.
- National winners receive scholarships and a trip to Washington, D.C.
- Founded in 1947, the Voice of Democracy audio-essay program invites high school students to record essays on democratic and patriotic themes. Annually, around 25,000 students compete for over $1 million in scholarships and incentives. The national first-place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship to be used at an American university, college, or vocational/technical school.
10. Fleet Reserve Association Americanism Essay Contest
- Amount: Up to $5,000
- Eligibility:
- Open to students in grades 7-12.
- Essays must be sponsored by a local FRA branch.
- Details:
- Write an essay on a topic related to Americanism and patriotism.
- Essays are judged on content, grammar, and originality.
11. Young Patriots Essay Contest
- Amount: Up to $5,000
- Eligibility:
- Open to high school students in grades 9-12.
- Open to students in the U.S.
- Details:
- Write an essay on how a particular policy affects American society.
- Focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of economic principles.
- Applicants must submit a 1-2 page essay on the following topic via the SOCA website: "Name a person of influence (political figure, celebrity, athlete, teacher, etc.) who embodies the American spirit. Explain why this person earned your respect and represents the American spirit." Attach your last report card and essay in digital format.
- Essays should be anonymous for grading; they will be reviewed for anonymity, numbered, and then graded by the committee.
12. The Holocaust Remembrance Project Essay Contest
- Amount: Up to $5,000
- Eligibility:
- Open to high school students in the U.S.
- Students must be in grades 9-12.
- Details:
- Reflect on the lessons of the Holocaust through a thoughtful essay.
- Essays should be well-researched and between 1,000 and 1,500 words.
- The Holland & Knight Charitable Foundation’s Holocaust Remembrance Essay Scholarship offers up to $10,000 for essays analyzing the importance of Holocaust lessons and combating prejudice. Winners also receive scholarships and an all-expense paid trip to Chicago's Holocaust Memorial Museum.
13. Penguin Random House Creative Writing Awards
- Amount: Up to $10,000
- Eligibility:
- High school seniors in the U.S.
- Open to students who plan to enroll in college.
- Details:
- Submit an original work in one of the categories: fiction/drama, poetry, personal essay/memoir, or spoken-word poetry.
- Essays should demonstrate creativity and originality.
14. The Goi Peace Foundation International Essay Contest
- Amount: Up to $1,000
- Eligibility:
- Open to students worldwide under the age of 25.
- Essays can be submitted in English, Spanish, French, or Japanese.
- Details:
- Write an essay on a theme related to peace and sustainability.
- Focus on presenting innovative ideas and solutions to global challenges.
- This annual essay contest aims to channel the energy, creativity, and initiative of young people to promote peace and sustainable development, inspiring society to learn from their ideas and consider how everyone can make a difference in the world.