With the costs of tuition and fees steadily rising on many college campuses nationally, it’s never too early to begin putting away funds.
Scholarships aren’t just for college students and high school seniors getting ready to graduate. There are a variety of scholarships that are designed specifically for different grade levels and if parents want to get a jump start on the financial aid aspect of their child’s future college education, there’s no time like the present to seek these types of opportunities.
Patriot’s Pen Award
Who is eligible?
The Patriot’s Pen Award, which is sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, is an essay competition open to all middle school students (grades 6-8). Students must be currently enrolled in any public, private, home school program or parochial high school within the United States.
What is the award?
The winning essayist receives a $10,000 savings bond. Additionally, savings bonds ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 will also be awarded to students whose essays are ranked in the top 28.
How to enter?
Students must write an essay answering a prompt that addresses a specific theme for the scholarship year. The essay must be a minimum of 300 words, 400 words maximum.
Doodle 4 Google
Who is eligible?
Have a child that loves to draw? Then the Doodle 4 Google scholarship contest is worth checking out. All K-12 students enrolled in any public or private school (or home school program) are eligible to enter.
What is the award?
The winner of the Doodle 4 Google contest receives a $15,000 college scholarship, their own laptop computer and digital tablet, as well as a special trip to New York, where they’ll get to tour the Google office.
How to enter?
No scholarship contest could be easier to enter. All students have to do is draw their own special version of the Google logo to be considered.
Christopher Columbus Community Service Award
Who is eligible?
Students that have a natural flair for technology and science will want to consider entering the Christopher Columbus Community Service Award, which is open to all middle school students (grades 6-8).
What is the award?
The winning team receives a savings bond up to $2,000, as well as a $200 development grant.
How to enter?
Students will be organized into teams of 3-4 and assigned an adult coach. The challenge is to identify a real-world issue and come up with a solution that involves applying the scientific method. The top 6 competing teams will move on to the next round of competition, which includes a trip to Walt Disney World, there their solution will be put to the test against other teams during the National Championship Week.
JIF Most Creative Peanut Butter Sandwich Contest
Who is eligible?
Students ages 6-12 are eligible to enter the JIF Most Creative Peanut Butter Sandwich Contest.
What is the award?
The winner receives a $25,000 college fund. Four runner-ups also receive college funds in the amount of $2,500.
How to enter?
Simply submit the recipe and instructions for preparation for the creative sandwich via the official contest website application and that’s it!
