Weird, Wacky and Wild Scholarships

You’ve probably heard the stories about those strange scholarships that are just waiting for students to find them. But if you’ve done any research lately, you know that those weird and wacky scholarships aren’t always the easiest to locate, even with the Internet. It may be simple enough to stumble across some of the better known programs, like the Stuck at Prom Scholarship or the duck calling competition, but finding some of the more elusive scholarships may take a bit of luck…or the help of a seasoned scholarship hunter. That’s where I come in! During the many years I have spent searching and applying for scholarships, I have unearthed quite a few unusual award programs. Here are some of the weirdest, wackiest and wildest scholarships I have found.

1. Two Ten Footwear Design Scholarship

Do you secretly desire to raid Carrie Bradshaw’s closet on Sex in the City, just to grab her latest pair of Jimmy Choo’s? If so, this scholarship program has your heel marks all over it! A number of scholarships, valued between $1,000 and $5,000 each, are offered annually to anyone studying footwear design. Deadline: February 28, 2013.

2. Willy the Plumber Scholarship

I bet you think this scholarship is for anyone in the plumbing industry, right? Wrong! It’s actually for undergraduate students in Utah who have one or more parents currently in prison or those with a history of being incarcerated. I’m not sure how they came up with the name, but it definitely earns a spot in the weird category. Deadline: February 28, 2013.

3. Vic and Margaret Ball Internship

Did you know that you can get a degree in flowers? It’s called floriculture and if you love playing with petunias or dancing with daisies, you could earn up to $6,000 and get a paid internship through this program. Deadline: March 1, 2103.

4. Beans for Brains

Does your grandmother make you help her quilt or crochet? If so, you better give her a big hug because she may have just helped you to earn $3,000 for college. There are six awards available. Application available March 1, 2103.

5. Get Ready Scholarship

Are you a germaphobe? Maybe, you’re one of those doomsday preppers? If so, the American Public Health Association may reward your penchant for preparation with a $500 scholarship. A total of six scholarships will be offered to students in high school through graduate school. Deadline: March 25, 2013.

6. Little People of America Scholarship

If you’re 4’ 10” or under, you could qualify for a scholarship. Little People of America offers two undergraduate scholarships and one graduate scholarship. Preference is given to members, but non-members and disabled students may also apply. Deadline: April 22, 2103.

7. Fifth Month Scholarship

You would think that this award is about the month of May, but you would be wrong. To win this $1,500 scholarship, you must write a letter to the number five (#5) and explain why the number five is so important. This is truly one of the wackiest scholarships I have ever come across. Deadline: May 31, 2013.

8. Campbell Family Scholarship

Cats, dogs and gerbils, oh my! If working with pets is your passion, you’ll be barking up the right tree with this scholarship program. Up to 40 scholarships, valued between $500 and $5,000, are available. Deadline: June 30, 2013.

9. Flavor of the Month Scholarship

What flavor of ice cream would best describe your personality? Your answer could be worth $1,500. Just think of how much fun you could have researching possible flavors for your essay. Yum! Deadline: July 31, 2013.

10. Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship

Imagine zombies have taken over your school. How will you survive? If you come up with the best plan, a $1,500 scholarship could be yours. This award definitely gets my vote for the weirdest scholarship ever created. Deadline: October 31, 2013.

There truly are scholarships for just about anything, so don’t count yourself out of winning free money for college simply because your grade point average may not be perfect or your parents make too much money. If you want to see what may be out there, check with your guidance counselor, the financial aid office, or do a search on one of the many free scholarship services available online. You never know what you might find.