Top Ten Most Unusual College Scholarships

Today’s weakened economic state makes having a college education even more important than ever. Having a college degree gives a person a leg up on the competition when it comes to job hunting. But the cost of a college education continues to rise. Therefore, the interest in college scholarships is at an all-time high, whether they be traditional scholarships, government scholarships, or unusual and little-known scholarships.

This blog focuses on the latter. To that end, here are the top 10 most unusual and little-known college scholarships available today:

1. The Patrick Kerr Skateboarding Scholarship. Sk8r bois and girls rejoice: this one’s for you. Any high school senior that also is a skateboarder with a 2.5 GPA can apply for one of four scholarships, which range from $1,000 to $5,000 each.

2. The Tall Clubs International Scholarship. If you are a student that has been teased for being tall, this could be the scholarship for you. Available to males 6’2” or taller, and females 5’10” and taller, these scholarships are worth $1,000. Eligible students are required to write a simple essay entitled, “What Being Tall Means to Me” to be considered for this scholarship.

3. The Frederick and Mary F. Beckley Scholarship for Left-Handed People. If you are left-handed student that has been frustrated with living in a right-handed world, this could be the scholarship for you. Two of these $1,000 scholarships are awarded to students each year.

4. The Carnegie Mellon University Bagpipe Scholarship. A truly unique scholarship offered by a prestigious school, Carnegie Mellon University awards a single $7,000 scholarship of this type each year to one student to study the bagpipe.

5. The Scholar Athlete Milk Mustache of the Year (SAMMY). Students who excel in academics, athletics, leadership and community service while sporting a milk mustache may be eligible for a $7,500 college scholarship and a chance to star in a milk mustache ad. 25 of these scholarships are awarded each year.

6. The Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest. This is open to any high school senior that is adept at duck calling. The winner receives a $1,500 college scholarship, with the first runner up receiving $500, second runner up receiving $300, and third runner up receiving $200.

7. The Duck Brand Duct Tape Stuck on Prom Contest. A $6,000 scholarship is awarded to the winning couple that makes their prom outfits out of duct tape. Couples who wish to enter are given a generous supply of Duck Brand Duct Tape with which to work with.

8. The Culinary Institute of America’s All-American Apple Pie Recipe Contest. The student with the best recipe is awarded a $25,000 college scholarship. Second place receives $15,000, and third place receives $10,000.

9. The Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship. Students who wish to apply for this $10,000 college scholarship will have promoted vegetarianism in their schools and/or their communities.

10. The Discover Card Tribute Award. Discover Card awards ten $25,000 college scholarships as well as 300 $2,500 scholarships annually. Student applicants require a 2.75 GPA and having showcased leadership within their community while having faced, “a significant roadblock or challenge.”

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