As the end of the year approaches, many students are starting to look for scholarships to help fund their education. Fortunately, there are several scholarships that have deadlines at the end of December, providing students with an opportunity to secure financial aid before the new year begins. With that in mind, here are 21 scholarships that students should apply to by the end of December.
1. Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship: This scholarship program is open to high school seniors who demonstrate leadership and community service. It awards 150 scholarships annually ranging from $20,000 to $25,000.
2. Horatio Alger National Career & Technical Scholarship Program: This scholarship is designed for students pursuing a technical education at a community college or trade school. It awards up to $2,500 to help students cover educational expenses.
3. Burger King Scholars Program: High school seniors who have a minimum 2.5 GPA and participate in community service can apply for this scholarship. It awards $1,000 to $50,000 to selected recipients.
4. Davidson Fellows Scholarship: This scholarship is for students aged 18 or younger who have completed a significant project in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, literature, music, or philosophy. Winners can receive between $10,000 and $50,000.
5. HSF/General College Scholarship: The Hispanic Scholarship Fund awards various scholarships to Hispanic students. This particular scholarship is open to high school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate students.
6. Girls Who Illustrate Awesomeness Scholarship: Open to high school and college students, this scholarship is for aspiring female illustrators and graphic designers. Selected winners receive $750 to put towards their education.
7. Best Value Schools STEM Scholarship: This scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a degree in a STEM field. It awards $2,000 to the winner.
8. John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest: Students in grades 9-12 are invited to submit an essay on a political leader who has demonstrated political courage. Cash prizes of up to $10,000 are awarded to the winners.
9. Education Matters Scholarship: Open to students aged 13 and older, this scholarship requires applicants to submit a short essay on the topic of why education matters. Selected winners receive $5,000.
10. Fountainhead Essay Contest: The Ayn Rand Institute sponsors this essay contest for high school juniors and seniors. Participants are required to write an essay on one of Ayn Rand’s novels for a chance to win up to $10,000.
11. Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship: High school seniors who promote vegetarianism in their schools and communities can apply for this scholarship. It awards $10,000 to the winners.
12. Americanism Essay Contest: The Fleet Reserve Association sponsors this essay contest for students in grades 7-12. Participants are asked to write on a patriotic theme for a chance to win up to $5,000.
13. Maryknoll Student Essay Contest: Open to students in grades 6-12, this essay contest encourages young writers to explore themes of peace and justice. Winners can receive up to $1,000 in scholarship money.
14. The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships: The Mo Ibrahim Foundation offers this fellowship to young African leaders who want to make a meaningful impact on their continent. It provides successful candidates with a stipend for their work.
15. Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Scholars Program: High school seniors who demonstrate leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship can apply for this scholarship. It awards up to $40,000 per year for undergraduate study.
16. Black Note Smoke-Free World Scholarship: This scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate students who create an essay on the topic of how society can achieve a smoke-free world. The winner receives $2,000.
17. SWE Scholarships: The Society of Women Engineers offers multiple scholarships to females pursuing degrees in engineering, technology, or computer science. The scholarships range from $1,000 to $15,000.
18. Young Naturalist Awards: This competition is open to students in grades 7-12 who demonstrate an understanding and appreciation for the natural world. Winners receive scholarship money and a trip to Costa Rica.
19. AXA Achievement Scholarship: High school seniors who demonstrate ambition, drive, and determination towards their educational goals can apply for this scholarship. Winners can receive up to $25,000 for college.
20. Ron Brown Scholar Program: African American high school seniors who demonstrate leadership, academic excellence, and a commitment to community service can apply for this scholarship. It awards up to $40,000 over four years.
21. Proton Energy Scholarship: Open to high school seniors pursuing a career in the energy industry, this scholarship awards $1,000 to help cover educational expenses.
These are just a few of the scholarships available with deadlines at the end of December. It is important for students to research and apply for as many scholarships as possible to increase their chances of receiving financial aid for their education. By taking the time to complete scholarship applications before the year ends, students can start the new year with the reassurance of having a potential source of funding for their studies.