TGIF, scholarship seekers. The temperatures may be getting colder, but the scholarship world is heating up. In fact, the greatest number of scholarship deadlines fall between mid-November and mid-February, so now is definitely the time to get to work on your scholarship applications.
As you know by now, every Friday I make your scholarship search a little bit easier by posting about three great opportunities with upcoming deadlines. This week, I have three essay competitions, all of which are open exclusively to high school students. Even if you are just a freshmen or sophomore in high school, winning an essay competition is a great way to get a head start on paying for college.
1. The Valley Humanities Review High School Scholarship Contest: $500
The Valley Humanities Review is seeking 3,000 to 6,000-word essays from high school students demonstrating quality, originality and intellectual rigor. First prize is $500 and publication in the Spring Issue. All submissions must adhere to Chicago style and be error-free. Click on the above link for more information, including where to send your essay. See website for deadline.
2. National Society of High School Scholars: $1000 – $5000
The National Society of High School Scholars is sponsoring two scholarships exclusively for its members. Membership requires a minimum GPA of 3.5 and nomination from a teacher at your high school. (If you think you qualify and haven’t been nominated, you may contact the NSHSS directly to inquire about an invitation.) The Claes Nobel Academic Scholarships award $5,000 and the National Scholar Awards are $1,000. See website for deadline.
3. Freedom in Academia Essay Contest: $5,000
FIRE, the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, is sponsoring the second annual “Freedom in Academia” essay contest. The competition is open to high school seniors planning to attend college in the fall. Applicants must write a 700 – 1,200-word essay addressing the following question:
Why are free speech rights crucial to higher education and how do infringements on these rights betray the purpose of a university education?
The essay should cite examples from videos on the FIRE website describing how Valdosta State and the University of Delaware violated the First Amendment rights of their students. The first-place winner receives $5,000; two second-place winners each receive $2,500, and five runners-up each receive $1,000. See website for deadline.
Good luck with your scholarship applications this week!
