Strange Scholarships
In my last blog post I talked about some creative ways to finance your college education. There are some interesting avenues explore as you research ways to fund your higher education. I’ve come across some wacky and weird scholarships that are available for students who are looking for some off-beat ways to get where they need to go.
There is the Carnegie Mellon School Bagpipe Scholarship. I’m assuming that you might need to have an interest in, or own a bagpipe in order to qualify. Your mileage may vary.
For those Trekkies out there, live long and prosper! And while you’re living long and prospering, you might want to look into the Starfleet Academy’s $500 scholarships for those who are members of the academy. There are ten scholarships available, but you must be a member in good standing of the Starfleet Academy. You can apply for scholarships named after members of the Star Trek Series. You must be attending a two year, community college, four year college or othr accredited school in order to qualify for these small scholarships. The Starfleet Academy website can give you more information if you’re interested.
If you’re the creative type, then you may want to invest in some duct tape and make outfits to wear to your senior prom. No, I’m not kidding. If you wear duct tape clothing to your prom, you will be in the running for a duct tape scholarship. This year’s winning coupler was awarded $6,000 scholarships! Go here for more information on the The Duct Tape Scholarship Even if you don’t win, imagine the fun of waltzing into your prom with one of a kind outfits.
Ever thought that your height would be an asset to you? Well, it is if you’re under the age of 21 and going to attend your first year of college, The Tall Clubs International awards yearly scholarships to girls 5′10 and up and guys at least 6′2″ tall. This organization also has yearly conventions and promotes social activities for tall people. Go here to get more information The Tall Clubs International awards.
If you’re on the other side of the height spectrum, then you may want to look into the Billy Barty Foundation scholarships awarded to students under 4′10″ and have a medical diagnosis of dwarfism. Billy Barty was a character actor who set up this foundation to help others of his stature. I once met the late actor at a Little People’s Conference in Portland, Oregon. He had incredible warmth and an amazing ability to put you at ease in his presence. For more information on this scholarship you need to contact the foundation directly at (818) 953-5410.
North Carolina is mighty proud of her native son, John Gatling. They are so proud that they offer a full ride scholarship to those with that last name. You might recognize the name Gatling as the inventor of the Gatling gun. For more information you’ll need to contact North Carolina State University’s financial aid office. I don’t believe experience with said gun is required, but I’d call to make sure first!
Do you have David Letterman’s top ten lists on your refrigerator? Is there a picture of the comedian on your bedroom wall? Are you average but creative? If so, then the David Letterman Scholarship from Indiana’s Ball State University is right up your alley. It’s awarded to telecommunication majors.
If you can stand wincing while you’re writing an essay, the National Organization of Circumcision Information Research Centers awards cash prizes up to $1,000 annually for essays. Don’t panic, you don’t have to write on circumcision, they offer a wide range of subjects for you to write essays on. The National Organization of Circumcision Information Research Center has more information here .
Do all your friends call you a goodie two shoes? If so, then perhaps being a good girl might land you a scholarship from Pennsylvania’s Bucknell University for girls who do not drink, smoke, chew tobacco or engage in strenuous athletic activities. Sometimes being good does pay off.
These are just a sampling of the off beat scholarships available for the taking. In my next blog post I’ll tell you about a few other wild ways for you to get extra money for your educational needs.
