You’ve combed through the essay contests and the academic achievement awards, considered proposals for combating climate change and establishing universal health care. All out of new ideas for curbing world hunger, ending racism, and bringing peace to the Middle East? Not exactly a future Einstein or Martin-Luther-King-in-the-making?
Take advantage of what does make you unique, and try these five scholarships that reward golf caddies, surfers, ghost-hunters, your ingenuity with duct tape, and a creative love for languages (not limited to those from Earth).
Award Amount: One $2,000 award for an undergraduate, one $3,000 award for a graduate student in a Master’s program, and one $5,000 award for a student in a Ph.D. program
Deadline: May 15, 2008
Available to: Full-time and part-time undergraduate and graduate students who have a clearly demonstrated interest in coastal environmental science and issues relevant to the Surfrider Mission. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited college or university for the 2008–09 academic year; undergraduates must be in their junior year or later, and graduate students must have completed a minimum of nine credits.
Requirements: Satisfactory GPA (minimum 3.4 for undergrads, 3.6 for graduate students). two letters of reference, and a one- to two-page essay on coastal environment issues. You must be a member in good standing with the Surfrider Foundation to apply.
Award Amount: $500
Deadline: June 1, 2008
Available to: Full-time undergraduate and graduate students in a program leading to a degree in a field of language study
Requirements: Nominating letter from a dean or department head, two letters of recommendation from faculty, and a statement of purpose. Creative and innovative applicants preferred, but familiarity with Klingon not required.
Award Amount: $3,000 first prize, $2,000 second prize, $1,000 third prize (with corresponding cash awards for your school)
Deadline: June 11, 2008
Available to: Students age 14 or older at the time of entry who are attending a high school prom in the spring of 2008
Requirements: You must enter with someone as a couple, attend your high school or home-school prom wearing outfits or accessories made either entirely or partially out of duct tape, and submit a color photo of you and your date in your duct-tape attire to the contest website. Judges will choose 10 finalists; an online vote of the finalists will determine the winners.
Award Amount: $3,000
Deadline: July 15, 2008
Available to: Students attending an accredited college or university who wish to pursue the academic study of parapsychology
Requirements: Previous writings and demonstrated academic interest in parapsychology, plus three letters of reference from individuals familiar with your work in the subject
Award Amount: Grant for full tuition plus room and board, renewable for up to four years (over 200 Evans Scholars chosen each year)
Deadline: September 30, 2008
Available to: High school seniors who have caddied successfully and regularly for at least two years and who will attend an Evans Scholarship school. You must be nominated by your club to apply.
Requirements: Strong caddie record, better than a 3.0 GPA in college-prep courses, the ACT, letters of recommendation from your high school and sponsoring club officials, demonstrated financial need, and outstanding character, integrity, and leadership
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