You don’t have to possess a larger brain than the rest of your class or the meanest jumpshot in the school to score a scholarship that helps with college costs. Your stranger traits may win you several weird and unusual scholarships all on their own.
The majority of weird and unusual scholarships might not be full rides, but quite a few of them could take care of several semesters at a great school, and you won’t be asked to pay back a nickel. Smaller awards will offer their weight in prestige and help you to cover some of your textbook costs.
If you’re not aiming for a conventional award, you might find something in the creative section that fits your oddball nature, unusual field of study, or extra green eating habits.
The Klingon Language Institute’s Kor Memorial Scholarship
Speak Klingon to them and they might cover your textbook money (they pay out 500.00 per year). If you’re a language student who hasn’t yet grasped the Klingon tongue, apply anyway. They won’t hold it against you (though they do prefer creativity and innovation in those who apply). The purpose of the award aims to recognize and support language study in full-time students pursuing a related degree.
The application should include a nominating letter presenting current and expected achievements (this must come from the chair, dean, or head), two more letters of recommendation, the nominee’s statement of goals and purpose connected to the chosen course of study, a curriculum veritae, and references. Materials should be received by the 1st of June (in the award year) to be considered for what may be the king of weird and unusual scholarships. www.Kli.org/scholarship
The Vegetarian Resource Group College Scholarship
The Vegetarian Resource Group is looking for a few good plant eaters, and they’re willing to pay 5,000.00 to two of them annually. Their application can be downloaded as a .pdf and should be accompanied by an essay, copies of transcripts from the past two years, three (or more) recommendations, and supporting documentation of vegetarian promotional efforts. Applications are only accepted from students who will graduate highschool by spring of the application year. The scholarship deadline is February 20. www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm
AACT’s John Kitt Memorial Scholarship
Fledgling confectioners (or, more officially, “candy technologists”) could win an impressive award for knowing their way around a candy thermometer. The American Association of Candy Technologists awards each year’s selected purveyor of flavor-bending wonderment 5000.00.
Each applicant should be a college sophomore, junior, or senior of an accredited four-year college (in the U.S.) with a demonstrated focus in confectionery technology and a major in food science (or a related field). The applicant’s GPA should be 3.0 out of 4.0.
The application can be printed out from the website. It should be sent in by April 16. Semi-finalists will be asked to submit letters of recommendation later in the process. www.aactcandy.org/aactscholarship.asp
Of the more weird and unusual scholarships, the Duct Tape Club offers a scholarship to crafty duct tape artisans who are also couples:
Stuck At Prom College Scholarship
Prom couples who wear original designs or accessories made of duct tape can compete for a chance to win a scholarship of 5,000.00 (first prize). Second place couples are awarded 3,0000.00, and third place couples receive 2,000.00. The schools receive an amount that is equivalent to their winning couple’s award.
Most U.S. cities are eligible, with the exclusion of Maryland, Colorado, Puerto Rico, Vermont, and the Quebec province. High school and Homeschool Association students should fall within the age range of 14-17 years. Couples should submit up to five hi-res color photographs of their Duct Tape Prom Attire by June 13th. A photographer release form must accompany professional images, and minors must obtain parental consent.
The 10 Finalists will be judged at 12 noon (EST) on June 15th. The final judgment will be made by online voters. Winning couples are announced on July 13th through a news release and website update. Applications should be submitted online through www.stuckatprom.com
These interesting awards just scratch the surface. There are many weird and unusual scholarships for a wide assortment of “special” homosapiens (including scholarships for brainy skaters, students who predict the future and potato analysts). You’re bound to find at least one foundation that will champion your freak flag.