If you just did not quite make the top of your class, never fear. Your quirky attributes can still qualify you for hundreds of weird college scholarships. For instance, are you a member of the LGBT community who considers themselves an atheist? Then there is a weird college scholarship for you.
Weird college scholarships run the gamut from things people are interested in, such as duck calling, bag pipes, candy creation, fire safety and more, to physical traits such as height and weight. There are weird college scholarships out there for artistic talent, interesting writing abilities, and even for fans of favorite television shows such as Star Trek. Wherever your interests lie, you can find a scholarship.
There are approximately 20 million students pursuing higher education in the United States alone, and almost 47 percent of these students receive some form of financial aid. This is not counting the many thousands of prospective students who choose not attend school due to finances. Weird college scholarships are a way for these students to supplement their financial aid and make their college dreams a reality.
Many celebrities sponsor scholarships as a way to give back and to allow those who need help the opportunity to attend college. Alec Baldwin funds a scholarship for Alec Baldwin Drama Scholars who choose to attend New York University and demonstrate financial need coupled with good academic standing. Bill and Melinda Gates funded a grant in 1999 for minority students who wish to become Gates Millennium Scholars. These students must have extreme financial need and the scholarship is designed to help students reach their fullest potential. Other celebrities with scholarships include Jerry Seinfeld, Michael Jackson, David Letterman and Bruce Lee.
People go to college because they want to better their future, and part of bettering their future can include making changes to the way we treat the environment. “Going green” is a large movement, and there are many weird college scholarships to support that. The AA Plumbing Go Green Scholarship is from a company that recognizes the work that is put into becoming environmentally friendly. Fairfield High School seniors who share the same care for the community are eligible for a $1,000 award. Even better than simply getting scholarship money, SCA interns earn their money, plus great work and life experience by working in conservation at national parks all across the United States. This is a unique way to earn scholarship money, since interns get paid while room and board are paid for them.
Weird college scholarships are as unique as they are interesting. Do not rely on financial aid or even use up all of your savings when you can apply for scholarships to help you pay for school.