Has your Winter Break started yet? Hopefully you are done with finals and enjoying some well-deserved R&R. If you’re not there yet, never fear — your time is just around the corner.
I am sure that the last thing you want to do this winter vacation is write *another* essay. But brew some coffee, because that’s just what you’ll need to do if you want o earn some free money for college. This week, I have four great scholarship opportunities for you with late December or early to mid January deadlines.
Each of the scholarships today requires an essay, although some are very short (just 50 words). There are awards for budding ecologists, civil rights activists, and public servants. If none of these strike your fancy, there is also a general competition for any student with a 2.5 GPA can enter.
To learn more about how to win scholarships for college, check out this article on college scholarship applications and this one on college scholarship essay writing tips.
#1. Apprentice Ecologist Initiative: $500
The Apprentice Ecologist Initiative (AEI) engages thousands of young people from around the world in cleaning up and preserving the environment. One of the ways in which the AEI employers young volunteers is through its Apprentice Ecologist Scholarship. Start by participating in one of three green initiatives: (1) Trash Cleanup, (2) Tree Planting or (3) An Eco-Initiative of Your Choosing. Then write an essay with accompanying photos of your experience. The ten best essays will win a large, 100% organic cotton canvas tote bag. The best essayist will win the grand prize — a $500 educational scholarships for students aged 13-21. Disabled and at-risk students are especially encouraged to apply. See website for deadline.
#2. HAMSA’s What Happens to a Dream Deferred? Essay Contest: Up to $10,000
This international competition awards a total of $10,000 in scholarship prizes each year to the winning essayists from the United and the Middle East. For Americans, your 600-1,500 word essay should address one of three questions (questions may vary from year to year):
1) Why should Americans help civil rights reformers in the Middle East?
2) How can you as an individual support the struggle for civil rights in the Middle East?
3) What could the future of the Middle East look like if Americans partnered with reformers in that part of the world?
Essays based on US government policy and regional geo-politics will not be considered. The judges are interested in your perspective on how grassroots efforts can change the landscape of civil rights in the Middle East, including issues such as freedom of expression, women’s rights, religious freedom and economic liberty. Failure to meet the guidelines will disqualify your essay. See website for deadline.
#3. All-Ink.com Scholarship: Up to $5,000 (6/15/12 – Award no longer offered)
All-Ink.com is offering up to $5,000 in scholarships to students enrolled in or planning to enroll in an accredited college or university for the 2009-2010 school year. Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and write two 50- to 200-world essays about the person who has had the greatest impact on your life and what you hope to achieve in your personal and professional life after completing graduation. You must complete your application and upload your essays online. See website for deadline.
#4. John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest for High School Students: Up to $8,500
Named for President Kennedy’s 1957 Pulitzer-Prize winning book, the Profile in Courage Essay Contest is open to high school students from across the nation Applicants must write an original essay of no more than 1,000 words about an elected official who has demonstrated political courage. The winning essayist will be invited to accept his or her award at an award ceremony hosted in May by Caroline Kennedy and Senator Edward M. Kennedy at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston. All entries must be postmarked or received no later than the deadline stated on their website. Registration forms are available online.
