2021 List of Special Attribute Scholarships for High School Students
For as many individual attributes make up a single person, there are just as many scholarships rewarding students who embrace them. College tuition is infamously expensive, so it’s always worth it to look for as many scholarship-worthy aspects of your life to help you find college funding. Consider applying to as many of these organizations’ scholarships as you can. With a simple self-observation, you should be able to decide whether you fit any one of these scholarships’ criteria as well as whether you qualify! Don’t forget to bookmark this page for new scholarships and check out the rest of our scholarship lists to explore your options.
First In Family College Student
Our top pick: First-Generation College Students Scholarship
Deadline: Aug 2, 2021
Award Amount: $500
Overview: The First-Generation College Students Scholarship is meant to support and encourage these students as they take on the biggest educational milestone thus far in their lives. This $500 award will help high school seniors or current undergraduate students who are the first in their family to attend college or university pay their tuition or student loans.
TELACU College Success Program
Deadline: Opens December 2020
Award Amount: $500 – $5,000
Overview: For more than three decades, the TELACU Education Foundation has transformed educational outcomes for thousands of first-generation students from the under-resourced communities TELACU serves by continually pioneering solutions that shatter barriers to higher education faced by Latino youth—the predominant segment of our nation’s largest and fastest-growing demographic.
Walmart Foundation First-Generation Scholarship
Deadline: June 7, 2021
Award Amount: Up to $6,200
Overview: The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), and the Walmart Foundation are proud to offer financial assistance to outstanding first-generation students attending one of TMCF 47 publicly-supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) or a Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs). Sixty-one (61) scholars will be selected to receive a scholarship up to $6,200 for the 2020-2021 academic school year ($3,100 for each semester), which can only be applied to verifiable costs associated with average tuition and usual fees.
Scholarship America Dream Award
Deadline: Opens August 2021
Award Amount: See Website
Overview: Students who receive the Dream Award have completed at least their first year of their college education, have a significant financial need, and have overcome obstacles through sheer determination.
LGBTQ, Parent LGBTQ or LGBTQ Ally Scholarships
Our top pick: Pride Palace LGBTQ+ Scholarship
Deadline: Jul 1, 2021
Award Amount: $1,000
2 winners, $500 each
Overview: The Pride Palace LGBTQ+ Scholarship will be awarded to a person who is a champion for change in the LGBTQ+ community. If you identify within the LGBTQ+ community, you’re eligible to apply. To apply, please submit your social media and share in three or fewer sentences, what makes you proud to be a part of the LGBTQ community.
WiseGeek LGBTQ+ Awareness Scholarship
Deadline: Jul 1, 2021
Award Amount: $500
Overview: The Pride Palace LGBTQ+ Scholarship will be awarded to a person who is a champion for change in the LGBTQ+ community. If you identify within the LGBTQ+ community, you’re eligible to apply. To apply, please submit your social media and share in three or fewer sentences, what makes you proud to be a part of the LGBTQ community.
Markowski-Leach Scholarship
Deadline: Opens January 2021
Award Amount: See Website
Overview: The Markowski-Leach Scholarship fund was established as a result of the vision of Tom Markowski and Jim Leach. Tom and Jim were a gay couple living in San Francisco. As the AIDS crisis spread in the early 1980s, they talked about what they would like their legacy to be. They “wanted to make a difference” and felt that, at that time, there was a dearth of positive role models for gays and lesbians. This became the defining theme of the scholarships: to assist in the education of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) people who would then have an impact on other LGBTQ people through their works.
Acorn Equality Fund
Deadline: September 24, 2021
Award Amount: $1,000 to $4,000, up to $35,000
Overview: Acorn Equality Fund is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provide scholarships and organization grants to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons, organizations, and allies to impact lives in a positive fashion.
Single Parent Scholarships
Our top pick: Little Bundle Superdad Scholarship — College Award
Deadline: Jun 30, 2021
Award Amount: $2,000
Overview:The Little Bundle Superdad Scholarship College Award will be given to one undergraduate or graduate every 6 months. All students who are either single fathers or are the children of single fathers are eligible to apply. Each winner will also receive a year of free organic baby formula from Little Bundle, which can be redeemed right away, deferred for later use, or donated to a friend or loved one.
Little Bundle Supermom Scholarship — College Award
Deadline: Jun 30, 2021
Award Amount: $2,000
Overview: The Little Bundle Supermom Scholarship focuses on supporting single moms, children of single moms, or people whose lives have been impacted in positive ways by single moms. Put simply, the Little Bundle Supermom Scholarship is a student scholarship designed to support single mothers and those who support them and benefit from their love. Scholarship winners will also receive a year of free high-quality, organic baby formula from Little Bundle.
Organic Formula Shop Single Parent Scholarship
Deadline: Jul 31, 2021
Award Amount: $1,500
Overview: At Organic Formula Shop, we understand that a good education is one of the most essential stepping stones to financial stability, so we would like to give the Organic Formula Shop Single Parent Scholarship to one student who is a single parent and is currently attending college while caring for their child. To apply, please write about your experience as a single parent and how this scholarship will help you pave the way for yourself and your child.
Social Action Scholarships
Our top pick: Misha Brahmbhatt Help Your Community Scholarship
Deadline: Jun 2, 2021
Award Amount: $500
Overview: As a way forward for students who aspire to make a difference in the lives of others, the Misha Brahmbhatt Help Your Community Scholarship will support one student in any field of study who is actively seeking to make the world a better place. To apply, please write about the ways in which you’re giving back to your community and how you think your actions have impacted the lives of others.
Maxim Smith Social Justice Scholarship
Deadline: July 31, 2021
Award Amount: $500
Overview: Allison Maxim, J.D., M.A., and Tara Smith are family law attorneys working in St. Paul, MN. Allison and Tara are committed to the advancement of students interested in pursuing degrees in areas that support social justice and the causes such advocacy supports. Offering scholarships allows them to “pay it forward,” to those students who are as committed to justice and civil rights as they are.
The Make it Safe Project Writing Scholarship
Deadline: May 1, 2021
Award Amount: Up to $500
Overview: The Make It Safe Project donates books about sexual orientation and gender identity to schools, youth homeless shelters, and juvenile detention centers. Each donation contains fiction and nonfiction books that deal with topics like coming out and dealing with bullying, or books with queer and trans characters.
Future Educator Scholarship
Deadline: August 19, 2021
Award Amount: $1000
Overview: Mrs. Prindables is offering a 2019 Scholarship opportunity for incoming or current college students majoring in education. We believe that educators have the power to spark positive development in student’s lives and their futures.
Environmental Activism Scholarships
Our top pick: Reputation Rhino Protection and Preservation of Wildlife and Nature Scholarship
Deadline: Jun 3, 2021
Award Amount: $500
Overview: At Reputation Rhino, we believe that we are custodians and caretakers of the planet, and have a strong responsibility to protect endangered species from extinction. This scholarship will support students with a demonstrated interest and career plan in the conservation of endangered species.
Equitable ExcellenceSM Scholarship
Deadline: Opens September 2021
Award Amount: Up to $25,000
Overview: Every year, students across the country work hard to make a positive and lasting impact in their communities and beyond. And every year, we award $1.8 million in college scholarships to hundreds of these remarkable young people throughout the nation representing all 50 states, Washington DC and Puerto Rico.
The Garden Club of America Fellowship in Ecological Restoration
Deadline: December 31, 2021
Award Amount: $8,000
Overview: To support specialized graduate study and research in ecological restoration, the “active healing of the land.” Ecological Restoration is further defined as “the process of assisting the recovery and management of ecological integrity. Ecological integrity includes a critical range of variability in biodiversity, ecological processes and structures, regional and historical context, and sustainable cultural practices.” The goal of this fellowship is to support research that will advance knowledge and increase the numbers of scientists in this important field.
Refugee/Immigrant Scholarships
Our top pick: Mahlagha Jaberi Mental Health Awareness for Immigrants Scholarship
Deadline: Jun 1, 2021
Award Amount: $1,000
Overview: The Mahlagha Jaberi Mental Health Awareness for Immigrants Scholarship exists to support more awareness about the mental health of immigrants in the United States. The scholarship will support one immigrant who has faced or is currently facing challenges with mental health.
All first or second-generation immigrants in any field of study are eligible to apply for this scholarship. To apply, you will have the opportunity to write about your experience as an immigrant, challenges with mental health, and what you hope to achieve in the future.
Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans
Deadline: The application for the 2022 Fellowship is now open.
Award Amount: See Website
Overview: Paul and Daisy Soros, Hungarian immigrants and American philanthropists, established their Fellowship program for New Americans—immigrants and children of immigrants—in December of 1997 with a charitable trust of fifty million dollars. They created the program as a way to give back to the country that had afforded their family such great opportunities.
The Dr. Adawia Alousi STEM Scholarship Fund for Muslim Women
Deadline: June 16, 2021
Award: Up to $10,000
Overview: The Dr. Adawia Alousi STEM Scholarship Fund for Muslim Women was established in order to carry on the accomplishments of Dr. Adawia Alousi, a true renaissance woman. The Fund supports Muslim women in obtaining education within STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields – placing highest priority on immigrants and refugees. Our hope is that beneficiaries of the Fund will rise to the top, epitomize excellence in their respective fields, and carry Dr. Alousi’s spirit of generosity forward.
Bilingual Scholarships
The Houtan Scholarship
Deadline: June 1, 2021
Award Amount: $3,500
Overview: Iran, which was once the birthplace of the Persian Empire – the oldest and largest empire in the world – undoubtedly has one of the richest histories and cultures in the entire world. In an attempt to spread the word of the abundant Iranian culture, the Houtan Foundation offers scholarship to students from all origins – Iranian and non-Iranian – who have high academic performance and proven interest in promoting Iran’s great culture, heritage, language and civilization. The candidates for the award must demonstrate leadership ability and the desire to make a difference in the society where they reside. The Houtan Foundation has a strong interest in each of these students’ achievements throughout the scholarship period and beyond, as the foundation’s goal is to participate in each student’s success.
Boren Awards Scholarships
Deadline: The 2022 Boren Fellowships application will open in August 2021 and will be due on Wednesday, January 26, 2022
Award Amount: See Website
Overview: The Boren Awards fund the intensive study of language and culture abroad by U.S. undergraduate or graduate students. All eligible applicants have the option to either apply for a Regional Flagship Language Initiative or select/design their own study program.
Ibn Battuta Scholarships
Deadline: All applications must be postmarked by the specified deadline for each session. Applications sent after the deadline will not be considered.
Award: See Website
Overview: Ibn Battuta Arabic Scholarships aim to reward students for excellence and dedication to the study of the Arabic language as well as promote the study of Arabic as a foreign language. Prospective students may apply to either one of the semester programs (fall, spring) or else to one of the winter and summer programs offered at the Qalam wa Lawh center in Rabat Morocco.
The Dream is Inclusive™ Scholarship
Deadline: TBA
Award Amount: $1,500
Overview: On Q Financial’s Mission is to simplify the mortgage process to make the dream of home ownership a reality for everyone. One of the many ways that On Q is helping people achieve this goal is through our Multicultural Advantage Program. We simplify the mortgage experience by offering our website, loan documents and marketing materials in multiple languages to better serve our clients and their families. Now, we get to make dreams come true with our Dream is Inclusive™ Scholarship. We’re offering three $1,500 scholarships in celebration of the languages we offer under our Multicultural Advantage program.
Minority Scholarship in Classics and Classical Archaeology
Deadline: December 11, 2021
Award Amount: $4,500
Overview: The Committee on Diversity in the Profession of the Society for Classical Studies (SCS) invites applications from undergraduate students from historically underrpresented groups across North America for scholarships to be awarded for Summer 2021. The purpose of the scholarships is to further students’ study of classics or classical archaeology with opportunities not available during the school year. Eligible proposals might include (but are not limited to) participation in classical summer programs or field schools in the Mediterranean or language training at institutions in the U.S., Canada, or Europe.
Lithuanian Foundation Scholarship Program
Deadline: SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2021-2022 ACADEMIC YEAR WILL BE ACCEPTED AUGUST 1 – OCTOBER 1, 2021.
Award Amount: Varies
Overview: The Lithuanian Foundation believes that students who are active in their community are developing leadership skills that will benefit them and those around them in the future. The Foundation concentrates its resources on those students who have demonstrated an involvement and volunteerism in the Lithuanian community or in the community at large. As such, the Lithuanian Foundation strives to ensure the continuity of the Lithuanian culture and traditions by contributing to the development of future leaders in the Lithuanian community.
Rural Student Scholarships
The Beacon Scholarship for Rural America
Deadline: Fall 2021: June 30, 2021
Spring 2022: November 30, 2021
Award Amount: $1,000
Overview: Since 1980, Carrot-Top Industries, Inc. (Sponsor) has been a leading flag and patriotic products retailer priding ourselves on a dedication to patriotism and community growth across America. Now, we want to help low-income students living in rural areas with their college endeavors.
Hagan Scholarship Foundation
Deadline: Link will be activated September 1, 2021
Award Amount: Up to $6,000
Overview: The Hagan Scholarship is a nationwide need-based merit scholarship designed to help students graduate college debt-free. Recipients must graduate from a public high school having fewer than 100 students in the high school graduating class, or graduate from a larger public high school located in a county having fewer than 50,000 residents.
The Foundation for Rural Service Scholarships
Deadline: Opens Fall 2021
Award Amount: See Website
Overview: The Foundation for Rural Service (FRS), in cooperation with NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, seeks to sustain and enhance the quality of life in America by advancing an understanding of rural issues. Through its various programs and initiatives, FRS strongly supports the continuing education of rural youth.
Child of Single Parent Scholarships
Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation Scholarship
Deadline: See Website
Award Amount: See Website
Overview: Our scholarships and financial assistance, funded by our loyal donors and corporate sponsors, have assisted over 1,550 bright and motivated students throughout their undergraduate studies. We celebrate every spring with our families as the next group of students graduate from colleges and universities across the country! Their story, and how they came to work with us, may begin with tragedy, but each one of our scholars is a shining example of how honoring legacy results in inspiring success.
Victoria Ovis Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: June 15, 2021
Award Amount: $2,000
Overview: The Victoria Ovis Memorial scholarship is awarded annually to a child of a law enforcement officer who was killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. Awards are based on financial need, academic merit, and achievements such as leadership, outstanding performance in the arts or sports, and/or volunteer activities benefiting the community. The recipient must be a student from or reside and attend school in New York State or the New York metropolitan area. A declared major is not required, but preference will be given to eligible candidates who are majoring in criminology or pre-law. The Victoria Ovis Memorial Scholarship is awarded for a single academic year and is not renewable.
Women With Promise Scholarship
Deadline: May 31, 2021
Award Amount: $1,000
Overview: We proudly offer educational scholarships to students who have lost a parent to alcohol, drug, or prescription drug abuse. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.
Adopted/Foster Child/Orphan Scholarship
Foster to Success Scholarship
Deadline: March 31, 2021 (Opens January 2021)
Award Amount: $2,500 – $5,000
Overview: We offer a full range of support to the students in our programs: including one-on-one mentoring, care packages, internship opportunities and academic coaching.
The Adoption Network Scholarship Program
Deadline: August 15, 2021
Award Amount: See Website
Overview: The Adoption Network Law Center Scholarship Program started in an effort to give back to the adoption community and to show support to Birth Mothers who are interested in pursuing higher education. Adoption Network Law Center awards scholarships to Birthmothers in November of each year in honor of National Adoption Month.
Shining Star Scholarship for the Adoption of Children with Special Needs
Deadline: See Website
Award Amount: See Website
Overview: Since 2002, Adoption STAR has provided prospective adoptive parents with scholarships to adopt children with disabilities, who we fondly refer to as our Shining Stars.
Lifetime Adoption Foundation Scholarship
Deadline: See Website
Award: See Website
Overview: We proudly offer educational scholarships in deep appreciation to birth mothers who have chosen adoption for their children. They have enabled others to experience the joy of becoming parents and created futures, not only for those families, but also for their children, for a lifetime.
Animal/Pet Care Experience Scholarship
Veterinary Student Scholarship Program
Deadline: Opens mid-November 2021
Award Amount: $5,000
Overview: Merck Animal Health and the AVMF are dedicated to supporting exceptional veterinary students. Merck Animal Health is proud to show its dedication to veterinary students by providing $5,000 scholarships to second and third year veterinary students. Students attending international schools with 5- and 6-year programs should contact their administrative office to determine the school’s eligibility requirement.
John D. Spurling Scholarship
Deadline: June 15, 2021
Award Amount: $10,000
Overview: In celebration of the Human-Canine Bond, the Fund awards five scholarships per year, totaling $10,000 annually, payable as tuition assistance to accredited institutions to full-time students enrolled in courses of study that contribute to the well-being of dogs and responsible pet ownership. Individuals pursuing studies in veterinary medicine, veterinary technology, physical therapy, animal care, animal behavior, grooming and training, may be eligible for this grant.
ABC Humane Wildlife Control & Prevention, Inc. Academic Scholarship
Deadline: July 1, 2021
Award Amount: $1,000
Overview: As a woman-owned corporation operating in a largely male field, we understand the remarkable impact women can have. We want to pave the way for other women pursuing their dreams in the scientific world, which is why ABC Wildlife is introducing a scholarship designed to increase the number of women studying and influencing the future of science, including technology, engineering and math.
Farmer Scholarships
National Potato Council Scholarship Program
Deadline: June 15, 2021
Award Amount: $10,000
Overview: This year, the Potato Leadership, Education and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF) will award a $10,000 academic scholarship to one graduate-level student conducting research for the benefit of the potato industry. The winner is selected based on a number of criteria, including academic achievement, leadership abilities, potato-related areas of graduate study, benefit to the U.S. potato industry/commercial value, extracurricular activities, and grades.
American Agri-Women Helen Whitmore Memorial Convention Scholarship
Deadline: August 15, 2021
Award Amount: $500
Overview: This scholarship was named to honor Helen Whitmore, a well-respected rancher and teacher from California. It was initiated in 1993 by a friend and AAW Past President, Mitzi Ayala Perdue. It was established to increase active involvement in AAW and to encourage members to influence their home affiliate members.
William F. Helms Internship Program
Deadline: See Website
Award Amount: Up to $5,000
Overview: The USDA Pathways Program: William F. Helms Internship provides university and college undergraduates the opportunity to help protect U.S. agriculture and natural resources against harmful plant pests and facilitate the safe trade of agricultural products. Students may experience hands-on activities like inspecting plants, plant products and other regulated items for pests or disease; conducting crop and commodity surveys; identifying suspected pests and diseases; or participating in plant health emergency response efforts.
Homeless/Formerly Homeless Scholarships
The SchoolHouse Connection Youth Leadership and Scholarship Program
Deadline: Please check back in June 2021 for the 2021 scholarship application.
Award Amount: $2,000
Overview: Provides scholarships to youth who have experienced homelessness to ensure their completion of a post-secondary education program. Assists youth with financial aid processes, mental health advocacy and referrals, professional legal advocacy and referrals, and assistance in locating and establishing local contacts for general support and services. Builds a stable peer and adult support network for recipients, before, during, and after their college careers, and into their transition into the workforce. Offers young people meaningful opportunities to engage in advocacy, while providing sustained support services to help ensure graduation and success in life.
Hope Starts Here Scholarship
Deadline: August 31, 2021
Award Amount: $500-$1,500
Overview: The NH Coalition to End Homelessness Hope Starts Here Scholarship Fund provides financial support to students currently living in NH who have experienced homelessness during their school career, have a desire to continue their education beyond high school, and have demonstrated academic achievement. Since 2009, the fund has helped homeless students achieve their dream of attaining higher education.
Migrant Worker/Child of Migrant Worker Scholarships
College Assistance Migrant Program
Deadline: See Website
Award Amount: See Website
Overview: The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) assists students who are migratory or seasonal farmworkers (or children of such workers) enrolled in their first year of undergraduate studies at an IHE. The funding supports completion of the first year of studies. Competitive five-year grants for CAMP projects are made to IHEs or to nonprofit private agencies that cooperate with such institutions. The program serves approximately 2,000 CAMP participants annually.
Gates Millennium Scholars Program
Deadline: See Website
Award Amount: See Website
Overview: The Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) Program, funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, was established in 1999 to provide outstanding African American, American Indian/Alaska Native*, Asian Pacific Islander American**, and Hispanic American students with an opportunity to complete an undergraduate college education in any discipline area of interest. Continuing Gates Millennium Scholars may request funding for a graduate degree program in one of the following discipline areas: computer science, education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public health or science.
AAUW International Fellowships
Deadline: November 15, 2021 (Opens August 1, 2021)
Award Amount: $18,000 – $30,000
Overview: International Fellowships are awarded for full-time study or research in the United States to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Both graduate and postgraduate studies at accredited U.S. institutions are supported.
Vegetarian/Vegan Scholarships
Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship
Deadline: February 20, 2022.
Award: Up to $10,000
Overview: Due to the generosity of an anonymous donor, The Vegetarian Resource Group each year will award $20,000 in college scholarship money to graduating U.S. high school students who have promoted vegetarianism in their schools and/or communities. Vegetarians do not eat meat, fish, or fowl. Vegans are vegetarians who do not use other animal products such as dairy or eggs.
