As the cost of higher education continues to rise, scholarships have become an increasingly popular way for students to fund their college education. While many scholarships are based on academic merit or financial need, some organizations offer scholarships that are, shall we say, a little more unusual. From scholarships for left-handed students to those for aspiring duck callers, here are 10 weird scholarships that actually exist.
1. The Duck Brand Duct Tape “Stuck at Prom” Scholarship Contest
For over 20 years, Duck Brand Duct Tape has been offering a unique scholarship opportunity for high school students who are creative, resourceful, and passionate about duct tape. To enter the “Stuck at Prom” scholarship contest, students must create and wear their own prom outfits made entirely out of duct tape. The winners of the contest receive a $10,000 scholarship each, while the runners-up receive $5,000 each. This scholarship not only helps students pay for college but also encourages them to think outside the box and get creative.
2. The Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship
If you’re a vegetarian and passionate about animal rights, the Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship may be perfect for you. This scholarship is open to high school seniors who have been vegetarian for at least two years and are actively involved in promoting vegetarianism in their schools and communities. The scholarship award is $10,000, and applicants must submit an essay and three letters of recommendation.
3. The Klingon Language Institute’s Kor Memorial Scholarship
If you’re a Star Trek fan, you may be interested in the Klingon Language Institute’s Kor Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship is named after the fictional Klingon character Kor, and it is awarded to a student who is studying a foreign language or linguistics. To apply, students must submit an essay in Klingon and English explaining why they are studying linguistics and what they hope to achieve with their degree. The scholarship award is $500, and the winner is also given a plaque in honor of Kor.
4. The American Fire Sprinkler Association Scholarship
The American Fire Sprinkler Association offers a unique scholarship opportunity for high school seniors. To apply for this scholarship, students must read an educational essay about fire sprinklers and take a multiple-choice quiz based on the essay. The scholarship award is $2,000, and winners are chosen at random from the pool of applicants who scored at least 90% on the quiz.
5. The Tall Clubs International Scholarship
If you’re tall and proud of it, the Tall Clubs International Scholarship may be just what you’re looking for. This scholarship is open to high school seniors who are at least 5’10” (for women) or 6’2″ (for men). Applicants must write an essay about how being tall has affected their lives, and the scholarship award is $1,000. While the scholarship may seem a bit silly, it can help tall students pay for college and celebrate their unique qualities.
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6. The National Marbles Tournament Scholarship
The National Marbles Tournament Scholarship is offered to high school seniors who have competed in the National Marbles Tournament. The tournament has been held annually since 1922 and is open to boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 14. To qualify for the scholarship, students must have competed in the tournament at least once and be accepted to an accredited college or university. The scholarship award is $1,000, and winners are chosen based on academic achievement, community service, and their involvement in the game of marbles.
7. The John Gatling Scholarship
If you’re a descendant of John Gatling, the inventor of the Gatling gun, you may be eligible for the John Gatling Scholarship. This scholarship is offered by the Gatling Gun Historical Society and is open to descendants of John Gatling who are pursuing a degree in engineering, mathematics, or the sciences. The scholarship award is $1,000, and applicants must submit an essay explaining their connection to John Gatling and their academic goals.
8. The Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest Scholarship
For aspiring duck callers, the Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest Scholarship is a unique scholarship opportunity. The scholarship is named after Chick and Sophie Major, who were avid duck hunters and supporters of youth hunting and conservation programs. To apply for the scholarship, students must participate in the duck calling contest held in Stuttgart, Arkansas, and be accepted to an accredited college or university. The scholarship award is $2,000, and winners are chosen based on their duck calling ability, academic achievement, and community involvement.
9. The National Potato Council Scholarship
If you’re a student who is passionate about potatoes, the National Potato Council Scholarship may be perfect for you. This scholarship is open to graduate students who are studying potato-related fields such as agronomy, plant pathology, and food science. The scholarship award is $10,000, and applicants must submit a research proposal related to the potato industry.
10. The Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship
For students who are interested in preparing for the zombie apocalypse, the Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship is a fun and unusual scholarship opportunity. To apply for the scholarship, students must submit an essay explaining their survival plan for a hypothetical zombie apocalypse. The scholarship award is $2,000, and winners are chosen based on their creativity, writing skills, and ability to survive in a fictional zombie outbreak.
While these scholarships may seem strange or even silly, they all have a purpose. Some scholarships aim to encourage creativity and innovation, while others support specific industries or fields of study. Ultimately, these scholarships provide an opportunity for students to pursue their dreams and achieve their academic goals, regardless of their background or interests.
In addition to the scholarships listed above, there are many other unusual scholarships available to students. Some scholarships are based on physical characteristics such as height or hair color, while others are based on hobbies or interests such as skateboarding or knitting. Whatever your interests or talents may be, there may be a scholarship out there that is perfect for you.
Applying for scholarships can be a time-consuming and competitive process, but it can also be a rewarding one. Scholarships not only help students pay for college but also provide an opportunity for personal and academic growth. By applying for scholarships, students can demonstrate their passion, creativity, and commitment to their goals, and they may even discover new interests or opportunities along the way.
In conclusion, while these 10 weird scholarships may seem unusual, they all provide an opportunity for students to achieve their academic goals and pursue their dreams. From creating prom outfits out of duct tape to surviving a zombie apocalypse, these scholarships challenge students to think outside the box and embrace their unique qualities. So, if you’re a student who is looking for a little financial help or an opportunity to showcase your talents, consider applying for one of these weird scholarships. Who knows, you may just be the next winner of the Duck Brand Duct Tape “Stuck at Prom” Scholarship Contest or the Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest Scholarship.
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