You might as well do some scholarship searching while you’re sitting there. I was doing some research on scholarships for you all and checking out the ones that really don’t just focus on grades. Academic based scholarships are easy to find and I’ll list those to for you, but there are a ton of scholarships that focus on so many areas of your life that you could get money to pay for college simply because of where you live or work or beliefs.

I can’t credit specifically where or when I saw this, but I remember watching a news program last year and seeing this young college student explain how she and her dad just took one three-day weekend and dedicated it to researching and getting info. on scholarships and filling them out. She ended up getting almost all of her education paid for and then some. It is not hard work, but it takes some time.

Your sitting there anyway so you might as well look. Make a list, save the ones you are eligible for. Go to fastweb.com to fill out a profile so they can search for you. You have to start now as many committees have specific due dates. The longer you put this off, the less chances you will have. Once you get into it, you might not be able to stop.

Many of you want to be business owners/entrepreneurs. Imagine this is like your own business. The more work you put into it, the better your chances of more money.

Horatio Alger Association Scholarship – The only requirements here are the drive to go to college and a minimum GPA of 2.0; scholarships are awarded by state level and can change depending on location.

Do Something Brick Awards – The national awards program gives students in the U.S. and Canada a shot at $25,000. All you have to do is make sure you are participating in activities that “powerfully impact your community” or the world.

Tylenol Scholarship – If you’re planning on going to college, you’re probably already familiar with the brand of medicine due to all the headaches you’re having.

National Peace Essay Contest – To get the scholarship and spend a week in Washington, you’ll have to write an essay that deals with the Unites States’ role in preserving peace in the international community.

David Letterman Telecommunications Scholarship – Dave created the scholarship at his own Ball State University for telecommunication students for the average student who has the creative potential to succeed.

AFSA National Scholarship Essay Contest – What does the AFSA stand for? The Automatic Fire Sprinklers Association, that’s what.

Oakseed Ministries International Essay Contest – This essay contest is a little more serious, offering $1,000 for the best essay in three different age categories.

Americanism Essay Contest – Sponsored by the FRA (Fleet Reserve Association), an organization made up of current and former members of the Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps.

College Prowler Essay Competition – Together with Wachovia, College Prowler throws money out to students each and every month. The scholarships are essay format, and the only qualifications are that you have to be a current high school or college student. Essay topics are open to the applicant!

Environmental Essay Contest – Hosted by aBetterEarth.org, the essay contest could land you good money for the grand prize.

Holocaust Remembrance Project Essay Contest – Yet another national essay contest for students interested in encouraging and promoting the continued study of the Holocaust.

MoneyMatters101.com Scholarships – If you’re a college student and have at least a 2.7 GPA, then you qualify for the MoneyMatters101.com scholarship.

School Band and Orchestra Magazine Scholarship – With a lot in awards given out, the SBO hosts a great essay contest for the budding musician. Past essay topics have included “How A Music Education Has Made Me A Better Student”.

Prudential Spirit of Community Awards – Honoring high school students for volunteer service, the program was started in 1995 in conjunction with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

The Vegetarian Resource Group – If you’re a fan of the burger, you probably won’t get too far with this one.

Stuck At the Prom – Yes, this is for real. Duck Tape brand duct tape gives out scholarships to a lucky couple that makes their prom outfits entirely out of their product. They actually offer a wide selection of tape for you to get fancy with.

Parapsychology Foundation – If you’ve ever watched the tv show the X-Files, then this foundation is for you. Parapsychology is the scientific study of paranormal activity.

Girls Going Places Scholarship – Obviously another girls-only deal, the Guardian Life Insurance Company of America awards girls ages 12 to 18 with its Entrepreneurship Award Program.

The National Make It Yourself with Wool competition – Yes, several scholarships are available for those fashion savvy individuals who can make garments out of 100 % wool (or 60 % wool blend, in case you were wondering).

AXA Achievement Scholarship Program – AXA Financial Protection Services gives access to a whopping $1.3 million in scholarship money.

SPAACSE. The Society of Performers, Artists, Athletes, and Celebrities for Space Exploration, Inc. offers different scholarships to graduating high school seniors who have an interest in writing essays about space travel.

The Klingon Language Institute – Chances are if you’re into the SPAACSE essay contest, you’ll also be attracted to the Klingon Language Institute’s scholarship. Ability to speak Klingon is not required…:)

American Association of Candy Technologists – It just keeps getting weirder around here, doesn’t it? The AACT gives money to high school students who have a demonstrated interest in confectionery technology.

Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Award – The Elks Foundation awards 500 four-year scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 per year! The awards are open to high school students; membership with the Elks is not required.

But make a plan and a goal of filling out a certain number of scholarship apps per day. Check out this list of scholarship websites above. I don’t promote any specific one, so it is up to you to be as diligent as possible and to check these out in detail to ensure you are eligible. They are all legit and give you an opportunity if you are eligible for them.

Your Success is My Success,

Keith Lipke

I’m a careers and college recruiter, coach, public speaker and leader at The Career Closet. His passion is to educate, inspire, and give hope to young people who need it upon their search for the right career and college

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