Hidden gems in the world of scholarships provide opportunities for all types of students, not just those who excel academically or in sports. From scholarships for being tall to ones for students named ‘Green,’ there are more obscure awards if you dig deeper. Though lesser-known, these scholarships offer a chance to help fund your education creatively. Here are some unique and lesser-known scholarships to consider applying for.
Scholarships Based on Interests and Hobbies
Scholarships for Left-Handed Students
The Frederick and Mary F. Beckley Scholarship offers $1,000 for left-handed students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in any field of study.
The National Right Handers Scholarship offers $1,000 for right-handed students attending college.
Scholarships for Horse Lovers
The AQHYA Scholarship offers $750 – $12,000 for students who are members of the American Quarter Horse Youth Association pursuing any degree.
The Carson Scholars Fund offers $1,000 scholarships for students who own or ride horses.
Scholarships for Pizza Lovers
The Scholarship for Agoura Hills Students Who Love Pizza offers $1,000 for students who love pizza and are graduating high school in or near Agoura Hills, CA.
Scholarships Based on Identity
Scholarships for Tall People
The Tall Clubs International Student Scholarships offer $1,000 – $1,500 for tall students 5’10” and taller.
Scholarships for Twins
The TWINS Scholarship offers $1,000 – $4,000 for twins pursuing any degree at an accredited university.
Scholarships for Only Children
The Only Child Scholarship offers $2,500 – $10,000 for students who are the only child in their family.
Unusual Scholarships
Scholarships for Last Name “Zolp”
The Zolp Scholarship offers $1,000 for students with the last name Zolp.
Scholarships for Redheads
The Redhead Scholarship offers $1,000 for natural redheads pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree.
Scholarships for Being Short
The Douglas R. Stinson Scholarship offers $1,000 for students under 5 feet tall.
Scholarships from Unique Organizations
Scholarships from Vaping Company
The Vape Scholarship offers $1,000 for students to promote a vaping-free lifestyle.
Scholarships from Duck Brand Duct Tape
The Stuck at Prom Duck Tape Scholarship offers up to $10,000 for prom outfits made from Duck Tape.
Scholarships for Circus Performers
The Circus Elayne Kramer Scholarship offers $1,000 for students who have performed a circus act professionally.
Scholarships for Being Vegan
The Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship offers $5,000 – $10,000 for vegan students in the U.S.
Scholarships for Being Short
The Little People of America Scholarship offers $1,000 for students under 4’10”.
Scholarships for Name “Green” or “Greene”
The Green Family Scholarship offers $1,000 for students with the last name Green or Greene.
While mainstream academic and athletic scholarships are well-known, don’t forget to explore more unconventional opportunities you may uniquely qualify for. With some creative digging, you could discover a scholarship perfectly suited to who you are as an individual. So think outside the box during your scholarship search!
Common Questions for More Unique or Obscure Scholarships
What are some unique qualifications to get lesser-known scholarships?
Some examples of unique qualifications for lesser-known scholarships include being left-handed, tall, a twin or an only child, having red hair or a specific last name, owning a horse, and loving pizza. There are also scholarships for making prom outfits from duct tape.
How can I find out about more uncommon scholarship opportunities?
Do thorough research online using niche scholarship search platforms. Check with local community organizations and your high school guidance counselor. Sometimes word of mouth from others who have received unique scholarships can lead you to ones you may qualify for.
Are these types of unique scholarships competitive?
Sometimes. It depends on how obscure the qualifications are. Scholarships for characteristics like being a twin or having red hair tend to be less competitive than mainstream academic or athletic scholarships. Still, the more applications received, the more competitive it will be.
How much money can I get from lesser-known scholarships?
Awards vary anywhere from $500 to $10,000 typically. The amount depends on the sponsor and how many scholarships they award. With some obscure scholarships, you may be the only applicant.
Are these scholarships renewable?
It depends on the scholarship. Some are one-time awards, while others allow students to reapply annually. You’d have to check the specific guidelines for each scholarship program.
