Unusual Scholarships for College (2025)
The Duct Tape Prom Scholarship example.
This is a list of some of the most unusual scholarships.
These are some scholarships you could apply to, to supplement your college costs says the Scottsdale college counseling service AZ College Planning.
The BEST scholarships come from the college and are renewable (with a minimum GPA or other parameters.) It is best to try and maximize the scholarships that are offered by the college. AZ College Planning specializes in maximizing scholarships from the colleges and universities.
Duck Calling Scholarship
Students ages 16-20 years old may compete for college scholarships totaling $9,000 at the Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest. Quack-quack, squawk your very best to get this scholarship.
https://www.stuttgartduckfest.com/scholarship-duck-calling-contest
Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest
Create and wear a prom outfit made entirely of Duck® Brand duct tape for a chance to win up to $15,000. Pick up some duct tape from the local hardware shop, design your prom dress and prom tux. Wear it to prom.
Apply here: https://www.duckbrand.com/stuck-at-prom
Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship Contest
Design an original greeting card; the winning entry earns a $10,000 scholarship. Are you creative, have creative ideas, creative writing? Try this contest.
Apply here: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarships/create-a-greeting-card-scholarship-contest
Design Your Signature Hat Scholarship
Fashion design students can submit a unique hat design to win $500. Do you like my hat? Yes, yes I like your hat.
Apply here: https://americanhatmakers.com/pages/scholarship
Minecraft Scholarship
Write an essay on how Minecraft has positively influenced your education or career goals to win $2,000. You are a master Minecraft player. Let them know, write your story.
Apply here: https://apexminecrafthosting.com/minecraft-scholarship/
Gamers Helping Gamers Scholarship
Magic: The Gathering players can apply for a $5,000 scholarship by submitting essays and academic records. Move over D & D, there’s magic in the room.
Apply here: https://www.scholarships.com/scholarships/gamers-helping-gamers-scholarship
Beetlejuice Fan No-Essay Scholarship
Fans of the movie ‘Beetlejuice’ can apply for a $1,000 scholarship without writing an essay. What?! No Essay?! Yup, no essay.
Apply here: https://bold.org/scholarships/beetlejuice-fan-scholarship/
Beans for Brains Scholarship
Knitting enthusiasts can win scholarships by showcasing their knitting projects. Pick up some yarn by the yard, and do it. Win the fast-food franchise war.
Apply here: https://jimmybeanswool.com/blogs/news/beans-for-brains-featured-on-fast-web-scholarship-site
Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship
Submit a plan for surviving a zombie apocalypse to win $2,000. Queue the theme music “All you zombies”. Remember your cardio.
Apply here: https://www.unigo.com/scholarships/our-scholarships/zombie-apocalypse-scholarship
Scholarships for Specific Last Names
Some scholarships are available for students with specific last names, often established by donors to support descendants or namesakes. Maybe you should apply to change your name, officially?
Apply here: https://www.wsj.com/podcasts/google-news-update/your-last-name-could-mean-thousands-in-scholarship-money/11D45754-FAD5-4589-9744-B36B7B53730B
Collegiate Beef Advocacy Program
Students advocating for the beef industry can earn $2,000 scholarships. You like beef. I like beef. A nice grass fed wagyu beef barbequed steak sizzles on your plate with a healthy side of mashed potatoes.
Apply here: https://ancw.org/cbap
National Potato Council Scholarship
Graduate students pursuing careers in the potato industry can apply for this $10,000 scholarship. It says on your resume that you graduated college with a degree in in Potato-ology. Tell me about that.
Apply here: https://www.nationalpotatocouncil.org/events/scholarship-program/
Ocean Awareness Art Contest
Young artists aged 11–18 can win up to $1,000 by creating art that raises awareness about ocean conservation. Everyone loves dolphins, Free Willy and cute baby waddling penguins. Draw it.
Apply here: https://bowseat.org/programs/ocean-awareness-contest/contest-overview/
Teen Drinking and Driving Prevention PSA Scholarship
Create a public service announcement video to educate peers about the dangers of drinking and driving and win $2,500. The fastest way to loose a scholarship and get kicked out of college is to get arrested for a felony. Don’t do it. Be aware.
Apply here: https://www.davidmckenzielawfirm.com/teen-drinking-and-driving-prevention-psa-scholarship/
AZ College Planning can help your student get admitted and earn the best scholarship packages.
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