When searching for scholarships, many students focus on the big, well-known awards and miss out on lesser-known opportunities that could make a significant impact. These “hidden” scholarships are often less competitive because they are under the radar, but they can still provide valuable funding for your education. Here are 10 hidden scholarships you might be missing—and should definitely consider applying for.
1. The Zolp Scholarship
If you meet a very specific set of criteria, this scholarship could be yours! The Zolp Scholarship is awarded to students at Loyola University Chicago who have the last name “Zolp” and are Catholic. It’s a great example of a niche scholarship that offers excellent funding to a small group of students.
Why It’s Overlooked: It’s limited to students with a particular last name attending a specific school, but for those who qualify, it’s a golden opportunity.
2. Tall Clubs International Scholarship
If you’re on the taller side, this scholarship could be for you. Tall Clubs International offers scholarships to students who meet their height requirements—5’10” or taller for women and 6’2″ or taller for men.
Why It’s Overlooked: Many students don’t realize scholarships like this exist for specific physical attributes.
3. Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship
Are you passionate about promoting vegetarianism? The Vegetarian Resource Group awards scholarships to students who have demonstrated leadership in advocating for a vegetarian lifestyle in their schools or communities.
Why It’s Overlooked: Many students don’t think about scholarships tied to dietary choices, but this award supports students making a difference through their food advocacy.
4. Doodle for Google Scholarship
Google offers this creative scholarship to K-12 students who submit a Google Doodle based on a given theme. The winning doodler gets a $30,000 college scholarship and a $50,000 technology package for their school.
Why It’s Overlooked: This award is often seen as more of an art competition, but it’s actually a scholarship opportunity for creative students.
5. Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest
This quirky scholarship awards students for making prom attire out of duct tape. If you’ve got a creative streak and want to design your own duct-tape dress or tux, this competition could earn you up to $10,000.
Why It’s Overlooked: Many students think it’s too strange or niche, but it’s an easy way to turn creativity into cash for college.
6. National Marbles Tournament Scholarship
If you’re skilled at playing marbles, you can compete for scholarships through the National Marbles Tournament. This scholarship rewards top players with funds for their education.
Why It’s Overlooked: It’s a very niche talent, but for those with the skills, this is an unusual but real way to fund your education.
7. The Little People of America Scholarship
The Little People of America organization offers scholarships to individuals with dwarfism, as well as family members of individuals with dwarfism.
Why It’s Overlooked: This is a very specialized scholarship, but it’s available to a community that might otherwise miss out on traditional funding opportunities.
8. Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest Scholarship
This unusual scholarship awards $2,000 to the best duck caller at an annual contest held in Stuttgart, Arkansas. If you’re great at imitating duck calls, this scholarship could help pay for your education.
Why It’s Overlooked: It’s not your typical scholarship category, but if you have a talent for duck calling, it’s a chance to show off your skills and earn money for school.
9. American Fire Sprinkler Association Scholarship
The American Fire Sprinkler Association offers an easy-to-enter scholarship that requires you to read a brief essay about fire sprinklers and then take a short quiz. Ten winners are randomly selected to receive $2,000 each.
Why It’s Overlooked: It’s a simple application process, but many students don’t realize that these types of quick scholarships are available.
10. Unigo’s “Shout It Out” Scholarship
This scholarship from Unigo is for students who can explain, in 250 words or less, why they deserve a $1,500 scholarship. It’s an easy way to win free money with a short essay format.
Why It’s Overlooked: The simplicity of this scholarship might make it seem less legitimate to some students, but it’s a real opportunity to secure extra funding.
Conclusion
There are countless hidden scholarships like these that students often overlook, but each one offers a unique opportunity to fund your education. Whether you have a special talent, specific background, or simply find a quirky scholarship that resonates with you, it’s worth exploring these lesser-known options. The key is to search creatively and apply to as many scholarships as possible.
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