Do Unusual Scholarships Really Exist?
Scholarships are not just for the academically gifted or the athletically inclined. In the U.S., there’s an incredible array of unusual scholarships designed to reward students with unique talents, interests, and even quirks. These scholarships celebrate individuality and creativity, offering financial support to students who think outside the box. Let’s dive into some of the most fascinating and unconventional scholarships available to high school students in the U.S., with a closer look at what makes each of them special.
Why Unusual Scholarships?
The rising cost of higher education in the U.S. is no secret. According to the College Board, the average cost of tuition and fees for the 2023-2024 academic year is around $10,560 for in-state students at public four-year institutions, and $37,650 for private non-profit four-year institutions. With student loan debt surpassing $1.7 trillion nationwide, finding alternative ways to finance education is more important than ever.
Unusual scholarships play a crucial role in this landscape. They encourage students to pursue their unique passions and talents, and they often provide opportunities that standard scholarships do not. These scholarships celebrate diversity and originality, giving students who might not fit the traditional scholarship mold a chance to shine. Here are 15 of the most intriguing scholarships you might not have heard of:
1. Duck Brand Duct Tape Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest
Overview
This scholarship is perfect for students with a flair for fashion and creativity. The Duck Brand Duct Tape Stuck at Prom Scholarship challenges students to create elaborate prom outfits made entirely from duct tape. This competition has been a hit since its inception, combining fun and ingenuity to reward crafty students.
Scholarship Amount
- Grand Prize: $10,000 each for the best male and female outfits
- Runner-Up: $500 and $100 in Duck Tape merchandise
Eligibility
- Open to legal residents of the U.S. (excluding Maryland, Colorado, Vermont, Nebraska, and North Dakota), D.C., Puerto Rico, all U.S. territories, and Canada (excluding Quebec)
- Participants must be 14 years or older and enrolled in high school or a home school association during the 2023-2024 school year
- Past finalists of the Duck® Brand Duct Tape Stuck at Prom® Scholarship Contest are not eligible
- Ineligible entrants include employees, directors, officers, and their families or household members related to the contest's sponsors, affiliates, and agencies
How to Apply
- Submit photos of your duct tape prom attire.
- Judged on originality, workmanship, color usage, and accessories.
Fun Fact
The contest attracts thousands of entries annually, with students using an average of 15-20 rolls of duct tape per outfit. This scholarship showcases the creativity and resourcefulness of young designers.
2. Tall Clubs International Scholarship
Overview
If you’ve been blessed with height, this scholarship might be for you. The Tall Clubs International Scholarship is designed to reward students who are exceptionally tall. The scholarship celebrates stature and provides financial support to students who stand out from the crowd. Tall Clubs International, Inc. and TCI Foundation, Inc. award scholarships annually to students under 21 entering their first year of higher education. Candidates must meet TCI's height requirements: 5'10" (178 cm) for women and 6'2" (188 cm) for men. Each TCI affiliate club or member-at-large can nominate two candidates—one for a ‘Merit’ scholarship and one for a ‘Legacy’ scholarship. Scholarships of up to $1,000 are available, with nominations filtered through TCI chapter organizations and members-at-large. Many affiliate clubs also offer local scholarships, with winners eligible for the annual TCI Foundation awards.
Scholarship Amount
- Up to $1,000
Eligibility
- Women must be at least 5'10" and men at least 6'2".
- Must be a high school senior planning to attend college.
How to Apply
- Get sponsored by a local Tall Clubs International member club.
- Write an essay on "What Being Tall Means to Me."
Did You Know?
About 14.5% of the U.S. population is 6'2" or taller, making this scholarship quite exclusive and appealing to a niche group.
3. National Marbles Tournament Scholarship
Overview
For those with a passion for the classic game of marbles, this scholarship offers both competition and reward. The National Marbles Tournament Scholarship provides financial assistance to skilled marble players, keeping this traditional game alive and thriving.
Scholarship Amount
- Ranges from $1,000 to $2,000
Eligibility
- Open to children aged 7 to 14 who have won a local marble tournament.
How to Apply
- Compete in the National Marbles Tournament in Wildwood, New Jersey.
Interesting Fact
The National Marbles Tournament has been a tradition since 1922, drawing participants from across the country to compete in this age-old game.
4. Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship
Overview
Ever wondered how you'd survive a zombie apocalypse after binge-watching "The Walking Dead"? Imagine your school or college campus overrun by zombies and come up with a survival plan, detailing how you'd avoid the undead, where you'd hide, and the top five items you'd bring. The Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship committee is offering $2,000 to one creative survivor for a college education. Do you have what it takes to outsmart the zombies and win?
The Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship encourages students to think creatively and strategically. Applicants must devise a plan to survive a hypothetical zombie apocalypse, showcasing their imagination and problem-solving skills.
Scholarship Amount
- $2,000
Eligibility
- Open to U.S. high school students aged 14 and older.
How to Apply
- Submit a 250-word response detailing your survival plan.
Quick Stat
Over 15,000 students apply for this scholarship annually, sharing creative and humorous strategies for surviving the undead. It's a fun way to engage students in critical thinking and narrative skills.
5. The Klingon Language Institute Scholarship
Overview
For Star Trek enthusiasts and language aficionados, the Klingon Language Institute Scholarship rewards students interested in studying Klingon and other constructed languages. This scholarship promotes linguistic diversity and the exploration of fictional languages. While familiarity with Klingon or other constructed languages isn't required, applicants who are creative and innovative are preferred.
Scholarship Amount
- $500
Eligibility
- Open to high school seniors and college students interested in language study.
How to Apply
- Submit an essay on your interest in studying languages.
Fun Fact
Klingon, a language from the Star Trek universe, has around 30 fluent speakers worldwide. This scholarship encourages the study of both fictional and real-world languages.
6. Asparagus Club Scholarship
Overview
For students interested in the grocery industry, the Asparagus Club Scholarship provides financial support for those pursuing careers in this essential field. It encourages students to explore careers in agriculture, business, and food science.
Scholarship Amount
- Up to $8,000
Eligibility
- Open to high school seniors and undergraduates pursuing grocery-related careers.
How to Apply
- Submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and an essay on your career goals.
Did You Know?
The asparagus industry is a significant agricultural sector, with the U.S. producing over 200 million pounds annually. This scholarship helps cultivate the next generation of leaders in agriculture and food distribution.
7. Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest
Overview
This scholarship celebrates a unique skill: duck calling. The Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest offers scholarships to students with a talent for this specialized art, showcasing their vocal abilities in a competitive setting.
Scholarship Amount
- First Place: $2,000
- Additional scholarships for runners-up
Eligibility
- Open to high school seniors.
How to Apply
- Participate in the annual duck calling contest in Stuttgart, Arkansas.
Quack Fact
The contest has been held since 1936, attracting duck callers from across the country and providing a platform for this unique talent.
8. Flavor of the Month Scholarship
Overview
The Flavor of the Month Scholarship by Unigo encourages students to express their individuality and creativity by describing what ice cream flavor they would be and why. It's a fun and engaging way to earn scholarship money.
Scholarship Amount
- $1,500
Eligibility
- Open to students aged 14 and older.
How to Apply
- Write a short essay (250 words or less) about your ice cream flavor identity.
Sweet Stat
Ice cream sales in the U.S. total about $5 billion annually, reflecting its popularity and the importance of creativity in marketing and product development.
9. Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship Contest
Overview
This scholarship is ideal for artistic students who enjoy creating designs. The Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship Contest allows students to showcase their artwork or photography on a greeting card, with the chance to win a substantial scholarship.
Scholarship Amount
- $10,000
Eligibility
- Open to high school students aged 14 and older.
How to Apply
- Submit your original artwork, photo, or graphic for a greeting card.
Creative Insight
Over 7 billion greeting cards are purchased in the U.S. each year, highlighting the art form's enduring popularity and providing a unique avenue for artistic expression.
10. Future Designer Scholarship
Overview
For aspiring fashion designers, the Future Designer Scholarship offers a chance to showcase their creativity by designing prom attire made from unconventional materials. This scholarship highlights innovative fashion design and resourcefulness.
Scholarship Amount
- $2,500
Eligibility
- Open to high school juniors and seniors.
How to Apply
- Submit photos of your original prom outfit and an essay about your design inspiration.
Design Fact
The average U.S. household spends $3,080 on apparel annually, reflecting the importance of fashion and design in everyday life.
11. Make Me Laugh Scholarship
Overview
Unigo's Make Me Laugh Scholarship invites students with a sense of humor to share funny or embarrassing stories from their lives. This scholarship values humor and storytelling, offering a lighthearted way to earn educational funding.
Scholarship Amount
- $1,500
Eligibility
- Open to students aged 14 and older.
How to Apply
- Submit a short essay (250 words or less) about a funny or embarrassing incident in your life.
Laughter Stat
Laughter has been shown to reduce stress and improve overall well-being, making it a valuable skill in today’s fast-paced world and a fun way to engage students.
12. The Potato Industry Scholarship
Overview
The Potato Industry Scholarship supports students interested in pursuing careers in agriculture, particularly within the potato industry. It encourages students to explore careers in farming, agribusiness, and food science.
Scholarship Amount
- $5,000
Eligibility
- Open to high school seniors and undergraduates pursuing agricultural studies.
How to Apply
- Submit an essay on your interest in the potato industry and future goals.
Tuber Trivia
The U.S. is the world’s fifth-largest producer of potatoes, with Americans consuming over 125 pounds per person annually, underscoring the importance of this agricultural sector.
13. The Sheep Heritage Foundation Scholarship
Overview
This scholarship is designed for students pursuing careers in the sheep industry, including agriculture, animal science, and veterinary medicine. It supports students who are dedicated to advancing the sheep industry through education and research.
Scholarship Amount
- $3,000
Eligibility
- Open to high school seniors and undergraduates pursuing sheep-related careers.
How to Apply
- Submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and an essay on your career goals.
Woolly Fact
The U.S. sheep industry produces over 26 million pounds of wool annually, playing a significant role in agriculture and textile production.
14. The Jif Most Creative Sandwich Contest
Overview
For culinary creatives, the Jif Most Creative Sandwich Contest offers a chance to win scholarship money by crafting an innovative and delicious sandwich. This contest celebrates culinary creativity and innovation.
Scholarship Amount
- $25,000
Eligibility
- Open to students aged 13 and older.
How to Apply
- Submit your original sandwich recipe and a photo of the creation.
Culinary Stat
The U.S. sandwich industry is a multi-billion dollar market, highlighting the importance of innovation and creativity in the food industry.
15. The American Fire Sprinkler Association Scholarship
Overview
The American Fire Sprinkler Association Scholarship encourages students to learn about fire safety and prevention. It awards scholarships to students who demonstrate knowledge of fire sprinklers and their importance.
Scholarship Amount
- $2,000
Eligibility
- Open to high school seniors.
How to Apply
- Read an essay about fire sprinklers and take a quiz.
Safety Stat
Fire sprinklers reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by 80%, underscoring their importance in fire safety and prevention efforts.
Embrace the Unusual
These scholarships highlight the diversity and creativity of the American educational landscape. Whether you’re designing duct tape fashion, crafting culinary masterpieces, or strategizing for a zombie apocalypse, there’s a scholarship that can help you fund your college education in an unexpected way. Embrace your uniqueness, explore your passions, and apply for these unusual scholarships to turn your creativity into educational opportunities.