Bizarre Collage Scholarships
Not all college scholarships are reserved for academic or sporting superstars. If you have a special talent or interest, or an unusual name, you may qualify for a college scholarship. Some bizarre collage scholarships are offered by companies looking to promote their products, and others by individuals who want to promote a hobby, or remember a family member. Before you apply to college, it makes sense to consider some of these alternate sources of funding.
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Dr Seuss Fans
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Random House, publishers of Dr Seuss, and the Dr Seuss Estate, sponsor a yearly scholarship called "Oh, the Places You'll Go" – based on the Dr Seuss book of the same name. First-place winners receive $10,000 to use at the college of their choice. Applicants must write a letter to a person they know who is in need of inspiration. The letter should make a connection with the Dr Seuss book, “Oh, the Places You'll Go,” and can be no longer than 200 words. Applications are generally due by the middle of January. Applicants must be high school seniors.
Trekkies
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There are several scholarships related to "Star Trek," and available to fans. Students intending to study languages or linguistics may consider applying for the Kor Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by the Klingon Language Institute. Applicants do not need to speak Klingon, but must be an undergraduate or graduate student in a language field. Applicants must submit a letter of nomination from their academic department, as well as two references, a statement and a resume. Applications for the $500 award must be received by June 1st. Members of Starfleet Academy may apply for one of Starfleet's academic scholarships, based on their field of study. Applicants must submit a two-page essay detailing their personal goals and their Starfleet involvement, as well as three letters of recommendation. Applications for the $500 scholarships must be submitted by June 30.
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Duct Tape Artists
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This yearly scholarship, offered by Duck Brand, may suit anyone with a creative streak. Applicants must create original outfits made from duct tape, and wear their outfits to their prom. The outfits can include materials other than duct tape. The scholarship is run as a contest, with a panel deciding the best entry, based on criteria such as creativity and workmanship. Entries are submitted as prom photos. Applicants must enter as a couple, although same-sex couples are permitted. First-place winners earn $5,000 each, and $5,000 for their school; second-place winners earn $3,000 each and $3,000 for their school; the third-place couple wins $2,000 each and $2,000 for their school; and seven runners-up win $500 each and $500 for their school.
Bizarre Last Names
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There are a large number of scholarships available for students with particular names. These scholarships are generally only available for use at a single college, but checking with your top college choices for a name scholarship may pay off. In all cases, you must have been born (or legally adopted) with the name. Perhaps the most unusual is the Zolp Scholarship, a full-ride scholarship available only to Catholic students at Loyola University in Chicago with the last name of Zolp. Students with the last name of Van Valkenburg, or any variant of the name, can qualify for the $1,000 Van Valkenburg Memorial Scholarship – to be used at any college. The John Gatling Scholarship provides a full ride at North Carolina University to anyone with the last name of Gatling or Gatlin.
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References
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