Unusual Scholarships Many Students Never Hear About
Real examples of scholarships based on height, handedness, causes and essay contests, plus how to find others like them.
In this guide
Key takeaways
- Some scholarships are based on unusual traits, interests or activities.
- Unusual scholarships often have fewer applicants than big national awards.
- Details, amounts and deadlines change every year, so always check the provider's website.
- You should never have to pay to apply for a scholarship.
Introduction
When people think of scholarships, they usually picture awards for high grades or sports. But there are scholarships for all kinds of traits, interests and activities, and some get far fewer applicants than you'd expect.
Here are some real examples, and how to find others like them. Award amounts and deadlines change each year, so always check the provider's own website for current details.
Advertisement
Scholarships for tall students
The Tall Clubs International Foundation offers scholarships to students entering their first year of college who meet the organization's height requirements: at least 5 feet 10 inches for women and 6 feet 2 inches for men. Applicants must also be under 21. Awards are typically up to $1,000, and nominations usually come through local member clubs, so check which clubs in your area take part.
A scholarship for left-handed students
Juniata College in Pennsylvania has a long-standing scholarship for left-handed students, the Frederick and Mary F. Beckley Scholarship. It's only available to students at Juniata, so it's a fun fact for most people, but a real bonus for lefties already considering the college.
8 more sections · 6 min read
Continue reading this guide
Watch a short ad to read the rest of this guide. You'll only need to do this once for this guide.
Not now, show me another guide →Scholarships for causes you care about
Some organizations reward students who have promoted a cause. For example, the Vegetarian Resource Group offers scholarships to graduating US high school seniors who have promoted veganism in their schools or communities. Awards range from $5,000 to $10,000, and the deadline for students graduating in spring 2027 is February 20, 2027.
Many environmental, animal welfare and community groups run similar awards.
Essay and speech contests
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) runs two long-running contests. Voice of Democracy is an audio-essay competition for students in grades 9 to 12, with a $35,000 first-place national scholarship. Patriot's Pen is a 300 to 400-word essay contest for grades 6 to 8, with a $5,000 national first-place award. Both usually have an October 31 deadline through local VFW Posts, so it's worth noting the date for next year.
Advertisement
Where to find unusual scholarships
- Clubs and hobby groups linked to your interests, from music to robotics
- Employers of your parents, and your own employer
- Local community foundations, which often manage many small, specific awards
- Your college's financial aid office, which may have awards tied to unusual criteria
- Scholarship search tools, using filters for hobbies, causes and personal traits
Avoiding scholarship scams
Genuine scholarships don't charge you to apply or to collect an award. Be wary of anyone who asks for a fee, promises you'll win, asks for bank details to "hold" an award or says you've won something you never applied for.
Advertisement
Make your application stand out
- Read the requirements carefully and answer the exact prompt.
- Show real involvement, with specific examples of what you did.
- Keep a reusable application kit: transcript, activity list and recommendation letters.
- Note deadlines in a calendar, because many unusual scholarships run on yearly cycles.
Local scholarships often get fewer applicants
Some of the easiest scholarships to overlook are local ones from community groups, credit unions, places of worship, local businesses and service clubs. They may be smaller amounts, but they often have far fewer applicants than national awards. Your high school counselor's office is often the place to hear about them first.
Advertisement
Keep track of what you apply for
A simple spreadsheet or notes app can help: list each scholarship, its deadline, what it needs and when you submitted it. Many small awards add up, and staying organized makes it easier to apply for more of them each year.
Conclusion
Scholarships aren't only for high grades or athletes. Height, handedness, causes and essay contests can all open doors. Look locally and in your interests, check every detail on the provider's website, and never pay to apply.
Common questions
Are unusual scholarships real?
Many are. Check each one on the provider's own website and be wary of any that ask for fees.
Are unusual scholarships easier to win?
They may have fewer applicants, but most still have requirements such as essays, grades or recommendations.
Can I apply for many scholarships?
Yes. Many students apply for several, using a core essay they adapt for each one.
Sources and further reading
This guide is general information. Deadlines and rules change, so always confirm details with the scholarship provider, your school or studentaid.gov.
