Most scholarships in the United States are based on merit and financial need, with $140.9 billion released in 2019-2020. Did you know that numerous scholarship opportunities appeal to each student’s unique qualities? If you want to call it that way, these unique- or weird – scholarships are targeted toward specific cohorts with unique characteristics. These can be based on physical traits, such as tall or left-handed students; talents, such as doodling or video gaming; and lifestyle choices, such as being a vegetarian.
Indeed, recipients of unique scholarships not only get a boost to their self-confidence but also allow them to cash in on their quirks! Most of these scholarships aren’t too strict about academic performance, standardized test scores, and family status (i.e., income and demonstrated need), too. Instead, the eligibility rules typically focus on a specific trait, talent, or lifestyle choice, and the requirements about maintaining a minimum GPA and other continuing eligibility rules are removed from the picture.
This brings us to the next pressing question: Why do these unique scholarships exist? Well, because their creators decided that they have the money and time for these things! But it must also be said that most of these scholarships come from these main sources:
- Companies and organizations that want to promote their specific interests, want to spread awareness of their advocacies, or want to get a good laugh;
- Groups and clubs with special interests, such as a devotion to Star Trek or the Klingon language;
- People or groups who want to assist people like them.
No matter the motivation, you must look into these unique scholarships with active deadlines as of this writing! You may just find a scholarship that appeals to your unique trait or personality quirk:
- Doodle for Google Scholarship
- Vegetarian Resource Group (VRG) Scholarship
- Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship
- Gamers Helping Gamers
- Superpower Scholarship
- John Kitt Memorial Scholarship
- John Gatling Grant Program
- Zolp Scholarship
- Make Me Laugh Scholarship
- Duck Brand Duct Tape Stuck on Prom Contest
- Flavor of the Month Scholarship
- Ukulele Festival Hawaii College Scholarship Program
- Collegiate Beef Advocacy Program
- Asparagus Club Scholarship
- Tall Clubs International Student Scholarships
Doodle for Google Scholarship
Award amount: $100,000 | Award Frequency: Five awards are offered every year
Deadline of application: February 26, 2021
Google Inc. is the behemoth behind the Doodle 4 Google annual competition wherein students in grades K-12 are encouraged to apply. This is a unique scholarship because every year, Google has a new theme as inspiration for applicants, and it’s the only scholarship program we know where the artworks of recipients are featured on a browser.
Two thousand twenty-one marks the 13th year for the Doodle for Google contest, and its theme is “I am strong because,” where students are encouraged to share their creative ideas about inner strength. According to the organizers, students can share their strategies for moving forward during tough times, including tips on clearing their head and lifting others. This year’s guest judges are Dav Pilkey, a bestselling author, illustrator; Peter CottonTale, a Grammy Award-winning artist and producer; and Tabatha Rosproy, the 2020 National Teacher of the year.
Applicants will be grouped into five grade groups – Grades K-3, Grades 4-5, Grades 6-7, Grades 8-9, Grades 10-12 – with finalists judged on a per-state basis. There will be 10 or more winners for each grade group or a total of 54 winners for the state and territory winners. Then, there will be one national finalist in each grade group or five national finalists in total, from which one national winner will be selected. (Students from Guam, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands are welcome to apply alongside students from the 50 states)
Aside from the national winner’s artwork being featured as an interactive doodle, other prizes include $30,000 (non-renewable) to the winner and a $50,000 technology grant to his/her school. The national finalists will receive $5,000 each for their educational expenses.
The winners and recipients will be picked on artistic merit, creativity, including theme representation, use of letters in Google’s logo, uniqueness, and theme communication, which means the effectiveness of theme expression in the artwork and written statement. The doodle can be made from many materials, including crayons, paints, and clay, even found objects, while the artist’s statement must contain a description of the drawing and its representation of inner strength.
Applicants must comply with the official rules and regulations, such as immediate disqualification of offensive, derogatory and copyrighted content. The application requirements include the application form and the Google logo drawing.
Vegetarian Resource Group (VRG) Scholarship
Award amount: $20,000 | Award Frequency: Three awards given every year
Deadline of application: February 20, 2021
If you’re a vegetarian and a graduating high school student, then you may just qualify for the Vegetarian Resource Group (VRG) Scholarship! Vegetarianism is a lifestyle choice where meat, fish, and fowl aren’t consumed and, thus, the daily diet consists of fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds, and legumes, among other plant-based products.
But it’s still a niche, so to speak, with only between 2% and 6% of Americans identifying themselves as vegetarians – and therein lies the uniqueness of the VRG scholarship. We can assume that there aren’t thousands of young Americans applying for it, but it’s great news for the vegetarians reading this article. According to VRG sources, there were only 280 applications received in 2019.
Applicants must demonstrate their passion for vegetarianism by promoting it in their schools and communities and showing courage, compassion, and commitment toward world peace through the vegetarian lifestyle.
The application packet includes the following:
- Duly completed application form
- Essay addressing how you promoted vegetarianism; your challenges, successes, and lessons learned; and reasons why you should be the recipient, among other topics
- Copy of your report cards or transcripts for the past two years
- Three or more recommendations, including from a teacher
- Verifiable documentation of your vegetarianism-related promotion activities, such as newspaper stories and photos
VRG will choose one student who will receive $10,000 and two students who will get $5,000 each. Only students graduating from high school in Spring 2021 will be considered for the scholarships.
Applications should be sent to:
The Vegetarian Resource Group
PO Box 1463 Baltimore, MD 21203
You may also email VRG at vrg@vrg.org or call them at (410) 366-8343 for more information.
Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship
Award amount: $2,000 | Award Frequency: One award is given per year
Deadline of application: October 31, 2021
Unigo (EducationDynamics) offers the Zombie Apocalypse scholarship, an annual program that’s open to all US students currently enrolled or enrolled no later than Fall 2026 in an accredited college or university. Applicants should be 14 years old.
You must have a keen interest in zombies and zombie apocalypse scenarios to have a shot at the $2,000 scholarship money (non-renewable), and it isn’t just from watching the Walking Dead. You must be more creative than the rest of the horde in coming up with these application requirements:
- Duly completed application form
- An essay containing your creative action plan in case of a zombie apocalypse. Be sure to be creative with your answers while ensuring a well-written essay that will catch the judges’ attention. (That’s a tall order considering that the judges may have seen The Walking Dead and every other zombie show and movie, possibly more than you ever have in your life!)
The winner will be judged based on writing ability, originality, creativity, and overall excellence; all aspects carry equal weight. In the case of a tie, the possible winner will be chosen based on who garnered the highest overall excellence score.
Gamers Helping Gamers
Award amount: $5,000 | Award Frequency: Annual/Non-renewable
Deadline of application: March 31, 2021
Gamers Helping Gamers, a charitable organization, is behind this unique scholarship aimed at Magic enthusiasts: The Gathering, a trading card game. Known as Magic or MTG, Richard Garfield created it as a collectible and digital collectible card game, the first of its kind. This is a unique scholarship considering that it’s geared toward a specific cohort – Magic players only.
The application requirements include the following:
- Duly filled up FAFSA form by March 31, 2021
- High school transcripts
- Personal statement answering these questions:
- Your Magic background including the role it plays in your life, reasons for winning the scholarship, and future academic goals and career aspirations
- What is your favorite card, and why?
- What is your least favorite card? Why is that so?
- What are the possible lessons that can be learned from Magic that can be applied in solving real-world issues?
Emphasis must be made that the FAFSA form is a compulsory requirement. The benefactor considers the financial need to choose the recipient and, thus, a proper FAFSA form is a must.
The steps to apply are:
- With your email address, create an account at the official website
- Confirm your account by checking your email, followed by creating your unique password
- Click on the “Your 2021 Application” tab
- Fill the required fields to complete your application
- Submit your application
You may save your application in case you can’t complete it on your first try.
Only U.S. students may apply. College students may also apply, and approval will be on a case-to-case basis.
For more information, contact the organization at info@gamershelpinggamers.org.
Superpower Scholarship
Award amount: $2,500 | Award Frequency: Annual
Deadline of application: March 31, 2021
Do you have an active imagination that you can creatively express in words? Do you dream of being a superhero or a supervillain, perhaps dream of becoming the world’s ruler? If you answered yes, take a shot at the Superpower scholarship!
Unigo, or EducationDynamics, came up with the unique scholarship aimed at US students who want to express their superpowers and possibly cash in on them. The recipient can use the $2,500 scholarship money to strengthen his/her mind through education – and for us, education is the best power you can have in this world! Being an empowered person makes your uniqueness even more distinctive, too.
Applicants don’t have to possess superhuman powers, but they must comply with these eligibility rules:
- Must be a US student
- Must have legal residency status
- A resident of the District of Columbia or any of the 50 states or
- 14 years old upon application
Applicants are required to submit a well-written, 250-word response to the question, “Which superhero or villain would you trade places with for a day and Why?”
While it’s easy enough to answer, you must be able to impress the judges to get a winning shot at this exceptional scholarship.
John Kitt Memorial Scholarship
Award amount: $5,000 | Award Frequency: Annual/Non-renewable
Deadline of application: April 30, 2021
The American Association of Candy Technologists (AACT) offers the John Kitt Memorial Scholarship, a unique program aimed at students who have a sweet tooth – or, to be more specific, a demonstrated interest in candy-making and confectionery technology. Just imagine being awarded the $5,000 scholarship partly because of your candy obsession!
US and international students enrolled in North American higher education institutions are eligible to apply. The qualification criteria, furthermore, include:
- A sophomore, junior, or senior college student in the academic year 2021-2022
- Enrolled in an accredited, four-year college or university in the United States, Canada, or Mexico
- Must demonstrate an interest in confectionery technology
- Must be majoring in chemical science, food science, or biological science, or any other related areas of study
- Must have achieved a minimum of 3.0 GPA in a 4.0 system or the equivalent grade on another scale
Take note AACT requires applicants to submit proof of their demonstrated interest in confectionery technology. This may include formal study, work experience, and research projects.
The application requirements include:
- Duly completed application form
- Official transcripts
- Listing of related activities
- Statement of personal and professional goals
- Letter of recommendation
Once awarded, the funds will be paid in two installments – $2,500 each installment – after the enrollment has been verified.
For further inquiries, you may email gretchen.bartos@warrellcorp.com
Recommended Schools
John Gatling Grant Program
Award amount: Varies | Award Frequency: Annual
Deadline of application: August 31, 2021
The North Carolina State University runs the John Gatling Grant program, a unique program because applicants must be born with the Gatlin or Gatling surname, the foremost requirement. Mr. John Gatling established this program for this purpose, perhaps to allow his name to live on, too.
Aside from the specific surname requirement, NCSU also requires applicants to submit their duly completed FAFSA form no later than February 15, 2021. The scholarship is also a need-based program wherein the scholarship panel will decide on the beneficiaries and their corresponding award amount based on demonstrated need.
Other application and eligibility requirements include:
- Copy of birth certificate stating the Gatlin or Gatling surname
- Maintain full-time enrollment in NCSU, meaning at least 12 credit hours per semester
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress
- At least a 2.0 cumulative GPA
- Remain in a bachelor’s degree program, and it must be the first undergraduate degree
Applicants who have already received a major scholarship from the university may or may not approve of this scholarship. The total financial aid given to this year’s recipient should not exceed the cost of attendance.
Zolp Scholarship
Award amount: Full tuition | Award Frequency: Annual
Deadline of application: March 1, 2021
Another high name selective scholarship is the Zolp Scholarship, which Rev. William A. Zolp established in the 1970s. The program has an interesting background considering that Rev. Zolp was neither a Jesuit nor an alumnus of the Loyola University Chicago in Chicago!
Students born with Zolp as their surname are eligible to apply for the scholarship but must be enrolled in Loyola University Chicago, a private research university founded by the Society of Jesus, Loyola (Jesuits) 1870. But there’s another catch – applicants must be Roman Catholic and proof of either a certificate of baptism or confirmation. Of course, a birth certificate confirming that an applicant was born with the Zolp surname is a must.
The number of recipients and their scholarship amounts vary depending on the availability of funds and the number of eligible applicants. The scholarship amount may be worth the full tuition, too, for the academic year 2020-2021, it’s $22,750 for a full-time student.
However, in a New York Time article, the Loyola University Chicago management said there were only four scholarship recipients in the last ten years! Even admissions officers have to use creative methods to track down possible recipients, such as cold-calling with the telephone directory as a guide.
Make Me Laugh Scholarship
Award amount: $1,500 | Award Frequency: Annual
Deadline of application: August 31, 2021
Who says scholarships are serious business all the time? With the Make Me Laugh Scholarship, everybody can have fun! Unigo, or Education Dynamics, came up with the idea of a unique scholarship aimed at students with an outstanding sense of humor. While most scholarships are based on serious work, such as academic and standardized test performance, this is based on another type of serious work – comedy. (Didn’t you know that dying is easy, but comedy is hard?)
Students are encouraged to tap into their sense of humor, write a humorous story or anecdote, and get the judges laughing until they’re doubled over. Aspiring comedians and class clowns are more than welcome to apply, too, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
These include:
- At least 14 years of age
- Must be a legal US resident living in any of the 50 states or the District of Columbia
The scholarship is limited to US students only, but it’s open for both part-time and full-time students. Applicants must also submit an online written work describing a funny or embarrassing incident in your life or a funny fictional story in 250 words or less. There’s no need to provide proof of excellent grades or test scores, thankfully.
But the written piece must be in English and with correct grammar and spelling. The judges want to laugh with you, not at you, which are completely different things. The submissions will be judged based on writing ability, originality, creativity, and overall excellence, with each aspect carrying equal weight.
Duck Brand Duct Tape Stuck on Prom Contest
Award amount: $20,000 | Award Frequency: Annual with ten winners
Deadline of application: June 9, 2021
Duct tape has numerous household and survival applications, but it’s also a fashion item! Well, at least, when prom time comes around, and students compete for the top prizes in the Duck Brand Duct Tape Stuck on Prom Contest. This is a unique scholarship program because there is no academic performance and demonstrated need requirements – just plenty of duct tape rolls and your one-of-a-kind creativity and fabulous fashion style.
But the new normal as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a few changes to the annual scholarship competition. Instead of the previous requirement of wearing the duct tape dress or tux to the prom, applicants only need to comply with these requirements:
- Must be enrolled in an accredited high school or a home school association for the academic year 2020-2021; and
- Must submit at least one photo showcasing your Duck Tape prom attire. (You must be wearing the attire, but you can choose the location, lighting, and other aspects of your photo submission)
- Must be at least 14 years old,
- Legal US resident (Students from North Dakota, Colorado, Arizona, Tennessee, and Maryland are excluded from the competition) or a legal resident of Canada (Students from the Province of Quebec are disqualified from participation),
- Must not have been a previous finalist in the contest.
There will be ten winners: (Award amount in parentheses)
- One first-place winner for the dress category ($10,000)
- One first-place winner for the tux category ($10,000)
- Eight runners-up will receive $500 in cash scholarships and Duck Brand Prize Packs each
The contest officially begins on March 31, 2021, and ends on July 21, 2021. Entries must be submitted by the deadline.
Flavor of the Month Scholarship
Award amount: $1,500 | Award Frequency: Annual
Deadline of application: July 31, 2021
Another unique scholarship from Unigo is the Flavor of the Month program, which makes winning scholarships even sweeter! Again, applicants do not need to prove their academic prowess and potential since being creative with words is the more desirable trait. All you need is a love for ice cream and its multitude of flavors!
Note that the application deadline coincides with National Ice Cream Month, a quirky holiday designated by President Ronald Regan in 1984. The third Sunday of July is National Ice Cream Day.
What do you have to do to qualify for the equally quirky scholarship? You must be:
- At least 14 years old
- A legal US resident in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia
- Attending an accredited college, university, or trade school
- Answer: “What ice cream flavor would you be and why?” in at least 250 words
Easy-peasy, right? Yes, it sounds easy but keep in mind that your answer must catch the judges’ attention and must be in English with correct grammar and spelling.
Submissions will be judged based on writing ability, originality, creativity, and overall excellence, the standard criteria for Unigo scholarship programs requiring essay submissions.
Ukulele Festival Hawaii College Scholarship Program
Award amount: $2,000 | Award Frequency: Annual
Deadline of application: April 30, 2021
Ukuleles aren’t exactly the rock stars of string instruments, but it has its fair share of players and its highs and lows. For this reason, the Ukulele Festival Hawaii Scholarship Program is a truly quirky scholarship in that it’s uncommon in the music world. We usually come across music scholarships for the piano, guitar, and violin, even voice scholarships, but not the ukulele.
The Ukulele Festival Hawaii Scholarship Program is a non-profit organization that promotes public interest and awareness in the ukulele and Hawaii’s arts and culture. It’s also known for organizing the free yearly Ukulele Festivals where ukulele virtuosos play to huge audiences.
Applicants will be considered if they are:
- Graduating from high school at the time of application
- A resident of Hawaii
- Able to demonstrate a passion for playing the ukulele
- Of good character and with a demonstrated capacity for community service
The application requirements include: (The number in parentheses refer to the points given to each application requirement)
- Duly completed application form with legible writing
- Personal statement essay describing your education and career goals, as well as financial needs (20 points); love for the ukulele and its role in your life (40 points); and community service activities (20 points)
- Letters of recommendation (10 points)
- Demonstrated financial need (10 points)
Application packets should be submitted to:
Scholarship Committee
Ukulele Festival Hawaii
3555 Harding Avenue, Suite 1
Honolulu, HI 96816
Collegiate Beef Advocacy Program
Award amount: $2,000 | Award Frequency: Annual
Deadline of application: December 1, 2021
If you’re the type of student with a special interest in the beef industry, then the Collegiate Beef Advocacy Program may well be your best shot at a unique scholarship! The American National Cattlewomen (ANCW) funds the program to provide young beef leaders with the best venue to develop their passions for the cattle industry while also sharing its positive message.
Three scholars are chosen every year to become part of the National Collegiate Beef Advocacy Team. The team members not only receive scholarship money but also participate in events and tours. This is indeed a learning experience that young people must consider, not only because of its uniqueness but also because of its exposure.
The general requirements include:
- Must be a high school graduate
- Currently enrolled in an accredited school
- Must be 24 years old or younger
- May hold a major in agricultural or non-agricultural studies
- Must be unmarried
Application packets must be submitted to:
American National CattleWomen
Attn: Collegiate Beef Advocacy Program
5802 Lee Rd 27, Auburn, Al 36830
Asparagus Club Scholarship
Award amount: $5,000 | Award Frequency: Annually
Deadline of application: April 20, 2021
Who would have thought that a scholarship can be named after a vegetable? But the Asparagus Club scholarship program isn’t necessarily for students who love their asparagus – instead, the vegetable was chosen as a symbol of unity for the group. This is because a single asparagus spear wouldn’t hold up on its own, but many of them would stand upright.
According to the group, the Asparagus Club has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships. Every year, the club awards ten scholarships to five students. Each recipient receives $2,000 per semester, but the scholarship will only cover four consecutive semesters.
The application requirements include:
- Official transcript
- Personal statement
- Recommendation letter
Eligibility requirements are relatively strict in comparison with the other quirky scholarships listed here. Applicants must be enrolled as full-time sophomores in accredited higher education institutions, must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA, and must demonstrate intent to establish a career as an independent grocer or in the independent grocery industry. Applicants majoring in food management, business, or IT may be given preferential treatment, but the grocery industry’s work experience isn’t a requirement.
For more information, contact:
Scholarship Committee
1005 N. Glebe Road
Suite 250
Arlington, VA 22201
ldavislaux@nationalgrocers.org
Telephone: 703-516-0700
Fax: 703-516-0115
Tall Clubs International Student Scholarships
Award amount: $1,000 | Award Frequency: Annual
Deadline of application: March 1, 2021
The average height for American men 20 years old and above is 5’9″. if you want to qualify for the $1,000 scholarship provided by Tall Clubs International (TCI), you must be at least 6’2″ (men) or 5’10” (women)! Now that’s tall even for Caucasian standards, not to mention that there aren’t too many tall men and women who will qualify for the scholarship.
Other eligibility requirements include:
- Must be under 21 years old at the time of application
- Must be an incoming freshman in the upcoming fall semester 2021
Interested students must also have a TCI sponsor for their names to be submitted to the TCI Foundation. Requests for applications will be entertained until February 1, 2021, and each approved application request will contain further instructions.
For more information, contact:
TCI Foundation, Inc.
c/o Carolyn Goldstein,
1555 CR 2103, Weimar Texas, 78962
tcifoundationscholarships@gmail.com
888-468-2552
Be mindful of the stated deadlines as all of these scholarship benefactors follow a strict timetable. Even if you’re qualified and your papers are in order, late submissions will result in a waste of your time and energy.
