Scholarships for Creative High School Students Aspiring to Attend College

Oakley Montgomery / Find More Scholarships »
Last Update: August 11, 2020

Are you looking for a creative and easy way to earn free money for college? You’ve come to the right place; Colleges of Distinction has created an ultimate list of creative 2020 scholarships that are curated just for artists like you.

If you are a graduating high school senior looking for easy and creative ways to fund your college career, you might worry about whether the scholarships you find are legitimate. But with this mega-list of scholarships, you’ll find 100% verified scholarships for art, photography, videography, design, and creative writing.
Your artistic talents are something to be proud of, and there are plenty of resources looking to supplement your need-based scholarships with extra rewards for your creativity.

Regardless of your future career goals or desired major, you can clear the path toward your degree with any combination of the scholarships below. Take a look, apply today, and revel in all the free money at your fingertips!

Creative Writer Scholarships for 2020 High School Students

Creative Writing Scholarships

Creative writing can take the form of poetry, short stories, novels, novellas, creative essays—anything! If you have knack for words, take a look at this list of creative writing scholarships that could be perfect for you. From poetry and short fiction scholarships to anything as unique as a scholarship for an essay about how hot tubs improve life, you can put your skills to the test as you apply for free college money. Creative writing might not be the profession you want to pursue, but if you have the talent to write, use it to take your first step toward the college of your dreams.

Southwest Review Fiction Scholarship

Deadline: May 31, 2020

Award: Up to $1,000

Overview: Stories published in Southwest Review include works by established, new, and first-time authors and represent a wide range of styles. We recommend reading past issues before sending us your work. Please submit only one story at a time. Stories must be original and previously unpublished. Preferred maximum length: 8,000 words.

Southwest Review Poetry Scholarship

Deadline: May 31, 2020

Award: Up to $1,000

Overview: It is hard to describe SwR’s preference in poetry in a few words. We always suggest that potential contributors read several issues of the magazine to see for themselves what we like. But some things may be said: we accept both traditional and experimental writing; we place no arbitrary limits on length; we have no specific limitations as to theme. Please limit your submission to six poems.

National YoungArts Foundation

Deadline: October 8, 2020

Award: Up to $10,000

Overview:  Writing encompasses creative nonfiction, novel, play or script, poetry, short story and spoken word. The strongest submissions demonstrate a sense of inventiveness, show attention to the complexities and technical aspects of language, and have a clear, original, and distinct point of view.

Creative Writing Fellowships

Deadline: March 11, 2020

Award: $25,000

Overview: The National Endowment for the Arts Literature Fellowships program offers $25,000 grants in prose (fiction and creative nonfiction) and poetry to published creative writers that enable the recipients to set aside time for writing, research, travel, and general career advancement. The National Endowment for the Arts Literature Fellowships program operates on a two-year cycle with fellowships in prose and poetry available in alternating years. These guidelines are for fellowships in poetry.  You may apply only once each year.

TalNexus Scholarship 

Deadline: September 2020

Award: Up to $4,000

Overview: The TalNexus Scholarship for a Master in Fine Arts Degree offers grants of up to $4,000 for storytellers (writers and filmmakers) pursuing degrees in Masters in Fine Arts.  The award recognizes applicants of demonstrated talent in their craft and a commitment to exploring themes of individuality, community and innovation – broadly imagined – in their works. Scholarship winners will be automatically accepted into Taliesin Nexus’ Writers Workshop (or the Film Lab, if more applicable).  Our workshops are entirely free, including tuition and room and board. We also provide travel stipends of up to around $400 for those coming from out of state.

Annual Writing Competition

Deadline: June 5, 2020

Award: Up to $5,000

Overview: Writer’s Digest has been shining a spotlight on up and coming writers in all genres through its Annual Writing Competition for more than 80 years. Enter our 89th Annual Writing Competition for your chance to win and have your work be seen by editors and agents! Almost 500 winners will be chosen.

Creative Writing Scholarships for Creative High School Students

The Narrative Prize

Deadline: June 15, 2020

Award Amount: $4,000

Overview: THE $4,000 NARRATIVE PRIZE is awarded annually for the best short story, novel excerpt, poem, one-act play, graphic story, or work of literary nonfiction published by a new or emerging writer in Narrative.

Telegraph Herald Scholarship

Deadline: April 1, 2020

Award Amount: $1,000

Overview: Nominees must be seniors at high schools in the Telegraph Herald service area. Nominees must be active in the editorial aspect (news, web, sports, features, photo and art/graphics) of newspapers. Yearbook work is not considered.

George Watt Prize Essay Contest

Deadline: July 1, 2020

Award Amount: Up to $1,000

Overview: This annual essay competition was established in 1998 to honor Lincoln vet George Watt, a writer and lifelong activist central to the creation of ALBA. Students from anywhere in the world are invited to submit an essay or thesis chapter about any aspect of the Spanish Civil War, the global political or cultural struggles against fascism in 1920s and 1930s, or the lifetime histories and contributions of the international volunteers who fought in support of the Spanish Republic from 1936 to 1938.

Self-Published Book Awards

Deadline: April 1, 2020

Award: Up to $8,000

Overview: Whether you’re a professional writer, a part-time freelancer or a self-starting student, here’s your chance to enter the premier self-published competition exclusively for self-published books. Writer’s Digest hosts the 28th annual self-published competition—the Annual Self-Published Book Awards. This self-published competition spotlights today’s self-published works and honors self-published authors.

Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

Deadline: See Website

Award: $10,000

Overview: The Scholastic Awards look for work that demonstrates originality, technical skill, and the emergence of a personal voice or vision. After you have created your work, upload it to your Scholastic Awards Account! Visit our online galleries to see examples of works from past National Medalists. Young artists and writers are free to explore any and all topics. There are no pre-defined prompts and no work is ever disqualified from the Scholastic Awards because of the nature of its content.

Ruth Lilly Poetry Fellowships

Deadline: April 30, 2020

Award: $25, 800

Overview: Five Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellowships in the amount of $25,800 each will be awarded to young poets in the U.S. through a national competition sponsored by the Poetry Foundation, publisher of Poetry magazine. Established in 1989 by the Indianapolis philanthropist Ruth Lilly, the fellowships are intended to encourage the further study and writing of poetry.

The Cover Guy 7th Annual Scholarship

Deadline: July 1, 2020

Award: $1,000

Overview: The Cover Guy 7th Annual Scholarship is now open for entries. Please follow the instructions below to enter your application for the Scholarship. The Cover Guy Scholarship is an award of finances towards your educational pursuits and also an acknowledgement of your hard work and dedication both in your community and studies. The students and community leaders that have won the award before you speak volumes of the Character of the people that are recipients of this award yearly. The Cover Guy Scholarship recipients is also a small community and you will be in great company if chosen for this award. It has been a wonderful experience giving back to our communities and helping a few of our future leaders in their educational pursuits. Again this year the award will go to a student or students that represent the Qualities of The Cover Guy and our Employees.

Anthem Scholarship

Deadline: April 20, 2020

Award: Up to $2,000

Overview: Topics: Aside from very rare exceptions, there is no opposition to the leaders in this society. Why is this? What ideas must the people in this society have accepted to live a life of obedience, drudgery and fear? Judging: Essays will be judged on whether the student is able to argue for and justify his or her view—not on whether the Institute agrees with the view the student expresses. Judges will look for writing that is clear, articulate and logically organized. Winning essays must demonstrate an outstanding grasp of the philosophic meaning of Anthem.

The Fountainhead Scholarship

Deadline: May 2, 2020

Award: Up to $10,000

Overview: Have you read one of Ayn Rand’s thought-provoking novels? Now’s the time! Enter an Ayn Rand Institute essay contest for your chance to win thousands of dollars in scholarship prize money. 

BOA Short Fiction Prize

Deadline: May 31, 2020

Award: $1,000

Overview: Since its founding in 2010, the BOA Short Fiction prize has been awarded to nine of the most exciting and unique voices in American fiction. As with all BOA fiction titles, our prize-winning short story collections are more concerned with the artfulness of writing than the twists and turns of plot. It is our belief that short story writing is a valuable and underserved literary form that we are proud to support, nurture, and celebrate.

Annual Writing Competition

Deadline: June 5, 2020

Award: Up to $5,000

Overview: Writer’s Digest has been shining a spotlight on up and coming writers in all genres through its Annual Writing Competition for more than 80 years. Enter our 89th Annual Writing Competition for your chance to win and have your work be seen by editors and agents! Almost 500 winners will be chosen.

ChameleonJohn.com USA University Student Scholarship

Deadline: Application opens August 1, 2020

Award Amount: $500

Overview: Our mission at ChameleonJohn.com is to help people save money on their online purchases. That is why we get the best coupon codes from hundreds of online stores around the United States. After having saved money for thousands of consumers, we decided to give a hand to students who are struggling financially and thus established an annual University Student Scholarship with which we give away $1,000 every year to two students ($500 each) in the United States. This scholarship is open to current and entering college/university students who will attend an institution in the United States. Students must submit short answers to three essay questions to apply.

Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest

Deadline: April 1, 2020

Award: $2,250

Overview: Now in its 19th year, this contest seeks today’s best humor poems. No fee to enter. Submit published or unpublished work. $2,250 in prizes.

Young Lions Fiction Award

Deadline: June 11, 2020

Award Amount: $10,000

Overview: Each year, the Young Lions Fiction Award champions emerging writers and recognizes innovation and excellence in contemporary fiction. Celebrate the next generation of fiction writers by toasting our five finalists and enjoying an evening of literary revelry.

OWAA Bodie McDowell Scholarship

Deadline: March 1, 2020

Award: Up to $5,000

Overview: The Outdoor Writers Association of America® (OWAA) annually sponsors the Bodie McDowell Scholarship program to support tomorrow’s communicators. Named in honor of a former OWAA president, the scholarships reward outstanding undergraduate and graduate students who are involved in and preparing to devote a substantial amount of their life’s work in outdoor writing, radio and television, wildlife photography, art, lecturing or video and film making.

OWAA John Madson Fellowship

Deadline: March 1, 2020

Award: Up to $3,000

Overview: The Outdoor Writers Association of America® (OWAA) has established the John Madson Fellowship as part of its commitment to improve the professional skills of outdoor communicators. The grant program is open to OWAA members as well as non-members. In 2020, OWAA will award up to $3,000 to selected individuals seeking to enhance their abilities as writers, photographers, videographers, broadcasters, etc. 

Cyndy and Al Baran Fine Arts and Music Scholarship

Deadline: March 15, 2020

Award: Varies

Overview: Cynthia and Alan Baran have a great passion for the arts. After 25 years in the corporate world, Cynthia followed her passion for the arts and enrolled in fine art classes at two local universities. Alan’s interest in music, specifically the mandolin and guitar, has provided him with a creative outlet from his work in the nonprofit sector. This Fund was established to help provide an opportunity for young people to pursue their passion early in life in the areas of visual arts and music.

2020 Colleges of Distinction FAFSA Deadlines

DDAM Scholarship

Deadline: March 1, 2020

Award: Up to $2,500

Overview: The Dorian De Long Arts and Music Scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school student who intends to pursue advanced education in the arts.  This scholarship is in honor of Dorian De Long, a passionate educator and education activist who believed in the power of the arts to transform lives. The scholarship amount is $1500-$2500 to be used for tuition, fees, and/or other direct costs. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a deserving student who plans on majoring or minoring in the arts (visual or performing) at a Colorado university/college/post-secondary institution. Recipients will be notified no later than April 1 of any given year. The recipient(s) will be chosen based on the application criteria listed on the Scholarship Application.

Irv Noll Memorial Scholarship Fund

Deadline: March 15, 2020

Award: $400

Overview: This scholarship was established at Berks County Community Foundation in 2006 in memory of Irv Noll.

Lee Brennan Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: March 15, 2020

Award: $500 

Overview: The Lee Brennan Memorial Scholarship Fund is a permanently endowed fund with the Orange County Community Foundation that was created by the Brennan family as an enduring legacy to their son and brother, Lee.

Angel Scholarship

Deadline: March 1, 2020

Award: Varies

Overview: Break the Silence against Domestic Violence is awarding $24,200 in academic scholarships to (23) deserving students who have been impacted by domestic violence. This year, applicants are required to submit a personal video as a part of our mission to spark social change through a creative lens. Videos must be a minimum of 2 minutes and a maximum of 5 minutes. We encourage all students to be creative!

Achieve Today Scholarship Fund

Deadline: August 31, 2020 and December 31, 2020

Award Amount: $2,000

Overview: Submit a video or audio of three to five minutes OR submit an essay of no fewer than 800 words on personal development or high performance.  Competitive candidates will explain one of the following personal development principles and discuss how living that principle made a positive impact in their life or helped to overcome a life challenge.

The Clubs of America Scholarship

Deadline: August 31, 2020

Award Amount: $1,000

Overview: Write an essay of no fewer than 600 words about your career aspirations and how your current studies will help you achieve success in your career. Where do you see yourself 10 years from now? Thinking outside the box is encouraged!

Rover Scholarship

Deadline: May 1, 2020 

Award Amount: $2,500

Overview: Rover.com connects pet parents with the nation’s largest network of loving and trustworthy pet sitters and dog walkers. Discover, book, and manage personalized care for your dogs including pet sitting, dog walking, in-home dog boarding, and doggy day care. Founded on the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the unconditional love of a dog, Rover improves and simplifies life for pet parents and the dogs they love. We’re looking for essays that incorporate unique ideas, personal stories, and thoughts about how caring for a pet growing up helped make you the person you are today.

ResumeCompanion Scholarship

Deadline: July 15, 2020

Award Amount: $1,000

Overview: Resume Companion is a US based industry leader in resume services, having been in operation since 2008. Over the years we have helped tens of thousands of job seekers create resumes with our state-of-the-art resume builder, enabling them to make the next step in their life path.

Autumn House Poetry Contest

Deadline: June 30, 2020

Award Amount: $2,500

Overview: For the 2020 contest, the Autumn House staff serves as the preliminary readers, and the final judge is Ilya Kaminsky. The winner receives publication of a full-length manuscript and $2,500. The submission period opens January 1, 2020, and closes June 30, 2020 (Eastern Time).

Ocean Awareness Contest 

Deadline: June 15, 2020

Award Amount: $1,500

Overview: The 2020 Ocean Awareness Contest is a call for young artists, conservationists, makers, thinkers, and activists who are concerned about the future of our blue planet. Join thousands of youth around the world in our annual program that raises awareness about the climate crisis and potential solutions, uplifts youth voices for ocean conservation, and inspires hope and action through art, creative media, and storytelling.

1800wheelchair.com Scholarship Home

Deadline: May 30, 2020

Award Amount: $500

Overview: Established in 2006, the 1800wheelchair scholarship fund now bestows one or two $500 awards each year. In the past, we’ve asked applicants to explore mobility issues on campus, overcoming personal challenges, and much more.

ServiceScape Short Story Award 2020

Deadline: November 30, 2020

Award Amount: $1,000

Overview: Calling all short story writers: Are you a short story writer interested in gaining more exposure and a bigger audience for your creative work? Would an extra $1,000.00 USD in your pocket be a great thing right now? If so, our ServiceScape Short Story Award is the perfect way to achieve both. For this award, any genre or theme of short story is accepted. All applicants should submit their original unpublished work of short fiction or nonfiction, 5,000 words or fewer, to be considered. Along with receiving an award for $1,000.00 USD, the winner will have his or her short story featured within our blog, which reaches thousands of readers per month. Rules and exclusions apply.

Penguin Random House Signet Essay Contest

Deadline: April 22, 2020

Award Amount: $1,000

Overview: With an unbeatable lineup of over 300 of the greatest literary works the world has ever known, Signet Classics is the publisher that students, education professionals and the public turn to more than any other. Now, we are proud to host our twenty-fourth annual Signet Classics Student Scholarship Essay Contest, in which five high school juniors or seniors (or home-schooled students aged 16-18) can each win a $1,000 scholarship award to be used toward their higher education plus a Signet Classics library for their school or public library! 

Stop-Painting Scholarship

Deadline: June 15, 2020 and November 15, 2020

Award Amount: $1,000

Overview: Stop-Painting is proud to offer a bi-annual scholarship program to provide financial support to a current graduate or executive education student who can articulate how a visually organized workplace can make a company more productive. We are especially excited to get applications from students studying industrial organization psychology, supply chain management, lean organization, business organization, operations management or related fields.

Videographer & Photographer Scholarships for High School Students

Video Scholarships

If you aspire to be a filmmaker, an advertiser, a videographer, or you simply enjoy making videos in your free time, take a look at the scholarships below. These video scholarships include the making of public service advertisements about driving courteously, making videos about your life and your friends, creating videos about life lessons, and videos about any topic of your choice. Tap into your creativity and apply for one of these video scholarships today!

Nikon Small World in Motion Competition

Deadline: April 30, 2020

Award: $3,000

Overview: The Nikon Small World Competition first began in 1975 as a means to recognize and applaud the efforts of those involved with photography through the light microscope. Since then, Small World has become a leading showcase for photomicrographers from the widest array of scientific disciplines.

Project Yellow Light Video Scholarship

Deadline: April 1, 2020

Award: $8,000

Overview: We want to see your personal expression come though on your video. You can video yourself, a group of people, make a cartoon; whatever moves you. Just make sure it’s in good taste. In addition to a scholarship, the winning video for both high school and college may be turned into an Ad Council PSA and distributed nationally to approximately 1,600 TV stations.

Lyon Fellowship

Deadline: March 29, 2020

Award: $2,500

Overview: The Francis D. Lyon Graduate Fellowship was made possible through a generous gift made by Brother “Pete” Lyon, UCLA ’28 to the Foundation. Brother Lyon established the fellowship in 1996 to assist students who shared his passion for making films. Currently, the fellowship is approximately $2,500.

The Andrew Flusche Scholarship Contest

Deadline: June 30, 2020

Award: $500

Overview: The Andrew Flusche Scholarship Contest requires students to raise awareness about different legal issues. Applicants must create a public service advertisement video (PSA) about how to drive courteously. A new topic for spring 2020!

The winner receives $500 to put towards higher education. View some of our past winners and entries.

Life Lessons Scholarship Program

Deadline: March 1, 2020

Award: See Website

Overview: The loss of a parent or guardian is one of life’s most difficult ordeals. The emotional strain can be devastating to children and young adults. And for too many families, an untimely death also brings financial stress, making recovery all the more difficult. A college education is already a major financial challenge for most American families, but it becomes infinitely more difficult for a student when a parent dies, leaving little or no life insurance. Life insurance is an important financial safety net that parents can leave their families. Unfortunately nearly 100 million Americans don’t have life insurance, and most with coverage have far less than recommended. Recognizing the character and perseverance that so many young people show in the face of such adversity, Life Happens sponsors the annual Life Lessons Scholarship Program for college students and college-bound high school seniors. Qualified entrants who submit essays or videos about how the death of a parent impacted their lives are eligible for scholarship money. About two million dollars in college scholarships have been awarded over the years. The total of scholarships for the 2020 Program is $200,000.

Create Real Impact Contest

Deadline: November 12, 2020

Award: See Website

Overview: Time to get creative and speak out about the #1 killer of young people! Create Real Impact Contest calls on students, ages 14-22, to showcase their solutions and strategies to stop the #1 killer of young people–reckless and distracted driving. Students submit one entry into one of the four categories: creative writing, video, graphic design, or music. We have individual grand-prize winners in each category and four prizes that go to the entrants with the most online votes.

The Paradigm Challenge

Deadline: May 1, 2021

Award: See Website

Overview: To enter, visit the Site during the Entry Period and follow the instructions on entry form, which is available on the Site. All Entries (as defined below) must be in the English language and must be completed and received in their entireties by Sponsor via the Site by no later than 11:59 p.m. PST on May 1, 2021 to be eligible. Proof of submission is not proof of receipt. Sponsor’s computer will be the official clock for The Challenge. Sponsor reserves the right not to acknowledge or return any Entry. 

ConnectHER Film Festival

Deadline: June 15, 2021

Award: Up to $5,000

Overview: Through ConnectHER Film Festival, students use film and media to tell stories that bring awareness to critical issues facing women and girls locally and globally, and activate audiences to do something about it!

Princess Grace Film Awards

Deadline: June 1, 2020

Award: $15,000 – $30,000

Overview: The Princess Grace Awards seek to discover emerging filmmakers and nurture their artistic pursuits throughout their careers. Princess Grace Film Awards are available to emerging filmmakers; filmmakers at the outset of their careers or early stages of professional development. Funding provides project specific support and filmmakers must be nominated by a non-profit school or media arts center.

Photography Scholarships

Whether you take photos of people, nature, or anything else, these photography scholarships are perfect for someone with your eye for visual beauty. We at Colleges of Distinction know that school can be tough on your wallet, not to mention all of the expenses that can come from any equipment you might get as you continue to grow as a photography. Earn free college money by applying for one of these photography scholarships today! You won’t regret it.

Anchell International Documentary Photography Scholarship

Deadline: January 1, 2021

Award: $1,000

Overview: The Anchell International Documentary Photography Scholarship was first awarded for the year 2016. The scholarship is meant to encourage personal involvement in social issues, and promote socially conscious documentary photography. It is open to all fully-matriculated undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of degree major, gender, ethnic background, or country of residence.

The Weston Scholarship

Deadline: May 1, 2020

Award: Up to $1,000

Overview: The Weston Scholarship is a portfolio competition for students studying fine art photography in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties. The scholarship was established in 2004 by Kim and Gina Weston who hoped to preserve the legacy of black and white film photography set forth by Edward Weston and Ansel Adams. Every year, students are encouraged to submit a portfolio for the opportunity to win a scholarship to support their photographic careers.

AAF Tenth District Scholarships

Deadline: March 16, 2020

Award: Up to $5,000

Overview: The AAF Tenth District Scholarships are designed to recognize, promote and encourage academically talented students of advertising related disciplines, helping them complete their education. A total of $20,000 scholarships will be awarded by the AAF Tenth District. Students should submit three to five samples of work accomplished in their chosen courses of study. These may include copy, design, photography, illustration, video, audio, musical composition, marketing recommendations, or positioning and strategy documents for creative, media, or promotion. Electronic files should be submitted with the scholarship application.

Emerging Photographer Grant

Deadline: May 31, 2020

Award: $2,500 

Overview: What ideas do you want to convey around the themes of conservation, biodiversity and sustainability of the natural world? Our goal is to encourage young photographers (aged 18–25) with fresh approaches to this topic to present their perspectives in photographs and media.

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International Photography Grant

Deadline: July 31, 2020

Award: $1,000

Overview: This photo competition is open for submissions without any fees (first entry is free to submit) to support all photographers from every corner of the world. In 2020 we present a new photography grant and we are looking for the best emerging photographers with all kinds of submissions. IPG: Talent of the Year 2020 photo contest delivers no limits on genere, subject, age or location. We only accept series of photographs which are built as a one consistent project.

Eugene Smith Grant

Deadline: April 30, 2020

Award Amount: $40,000

Overview: The W. Eugene Smith Grant in Humanistic Photography is presented annually to a photographer whose past work and proposed project, as judged by a panel of experts, follows the tradition of W. Eugene Smith’s concerned photography and dedicated compassion evidenced during his 45-year career as a photographic essayist. This Grant is designed to help a photographer begin a photographic project or help complete an ongoing photographic project. The Judges will be looking for a photographer whose proposed project seems most likely to use exemplary and compelling photojournalism (possibly supplemented by or incorporating multi-media) to address an issue of import and impact related to the human condition; social change; humanitarian concern; armed conflict or interpersonal, psychological, cultural, social environmental, scientific, medical and/or political significance, ideally expressing an underlying acknowledgement of our common humanity.

International Photography Grant

Deadline: July 31, 2020

Award Amount: $1,000

Overview: This photo competition is open for submissions without any fees (first entry is free to submit) to support all photographers from every corner of the world. In 2020 we present a new photography grant and we are looking for the best emerging photographers with all kinds of submissions. IPG: Talent of the Year 2020 photo contest delivers no limits on genere, subject, age or location. We only accept series of photographs which are built as a one consistent project.

 

James Alan Cox Scholarship

Deadline: July 31, 2020

Award Amount: $2,500

Overview: Founded in memory of James Alan Cox, a television photojournalist, The James Alan Cox Foundation for Student Photojournalists aims to provide financial support to student photographers of high school and college age. Through a variety of funding, including equipment purchases and scholarships for college and technical school classes, the foundation’s mission is to expand educational and developmental opportunities for student photographers demonstrating interest, talent and financial need.

Wedding Photo/Film Scholarship

Deadline: December 1, 2020

Award Amount: $500

Overview: We love weddings, taking images and making wonderful wedding films for couples all over the nation. Years ago, when I went to college, I had a hard time finding various grants and scholarships to help me with paying for college, especially in the world of weddings. Well, Carole and I have decided to start an annual scholarship to help get someone through the college years. We want to help celebrate an up and coming young professional who is learning the art of photography or video/film production with a $500 award.  While it’s not much, it’s designed to help someone with a great eye in media that wants to pursue the related field.

Photography Scholarships for Creative High School Students

BANFF Mountain Photo Essay Competition

Deadline: May 4, 2020

Award Amount: $2,000

Overview: The 2020 Mountain Photo Essay Competition is now open and accepting entries. Please read through the rules and regulations and complete an online entry.

Alan Hagman Photojournalism Grant

Deadline: March 31, 2020

Award Amount: $5,000

Overview: Beginning in 2020, a $5,000 grant will be offered annually to a photojournalist to facilitate a project on topics ranging from human rights to environmental issues.  The grant will support work on important stories that might otherwise go untold.

Bob & Renee Stein Notre Vue Art Fund

Deadline: May 15, 2020

Award Amount: $2,000

Overview: The Bob & Renee Stein Notre Vue Art Scholarship was created to celebrate & promote the growth of the Northern California arts community, and to encourage emerging artists to pursue their passions.  Bob & Renee Stein founded the Notre Vue Estate in 1992 after discovering the beauty of its natural art: in particular, its breathtaking views of the rolling hills and vineyards of Sonoma County. To ensure that the beauty lives on for future generations, Bob & Renee dedicated 350 acres of the property as a “forever wild” nature preserve in perpetuity.  Art students majoring in any visual medium are encouraged to apply.

James “Rhio” O’Connor Mesothelioma Scholarship Fund

Deadline: Every month

Award Amount: $1,000

Overview: Rhio O’Connor was diagnosed with a deadly cancer (mesothelioma) and given a year to live. Instead of giving up he found his own path to health and outlived his prognosis by more than six years. This path to health included creating his own treatment protocol which consisted of vitamins, minerals, vegetables and fruits components, essential fatty acids, amino acids, enzymes, herbs, a healthy (primarily vegetarian) diet and mind-body medicine. This protocol along with Rhio’s optimistic spirit, belief in something greater than himself, and the ability to make tough choices helped him beat his prognosis and live with a cancer considered “incurable” for many years.

We the Students Essay Contest

Deadline: April 15, 2020

Award Amount: Up to $7,500

Overview: Civil discourse is a concept that goes beyond a simple dictionary definition, and understanding it involves a combination of personal experience and ‘big ideas.’ Perhaps it is something you recognize from an occurrence in your own life. Maybe you can easily recognize when it is missing. Differing perspectives are a key part of learning, of democracies, and of civil society. For this essay, we ask you not only share your comprehension of what civil discourse is meant to be but to also relate what it looks like when it works – and when it doesn’t – and why. Perhaps you will choose to include mention of a time when you, yourself, were part of an exchange intended to understand something – how did you go about it? We encourage you to bring emotion, creativity, specific examples (including current events), and well-researched facts into what you write. A good essay will demonstrate how civil discourse is not just an abstract idea, but is, in fact, action inspired by constitutional principles, and demonstrated through civic virtues. We want to know what you think civil discourse truly means.

Quill & Scroll Student Scholarships

Deadline: May 10, 2020

Award Amount: $500 – $1,500

Overview: National winners of the Yearbook Excellence Contest or the International Writing, Photography and Multimedia Contest and Blogging Competition are eligible to apply for one of the Edward J. Nell Memorial scholarships in journalism, or one of two George and Ophelia Gallup awards. The Richard P. Johns Scholarship is open to all Quill and Scroll seniors, including those who did not enter contests.

Drawing Scholarships for High School Students

Drawing Scholarships

If you were born with the ability to draw, or if you’ve practiced and practiced to be the expert you are today, then these drawing scholarships are meant for you. Just as there are many different types of drawing material—pencil, pen, charcoal, pastels, colored pencils, crayons, chalk, marker, or digital—so too are there many scholarships to suit your style and medium. Use your artistic strengths and talents to earn money for your college funds and to speak your mind in a creative way. It doesn’t matter if you plan on majoring in something artistic. If you have the talents, take the opportunity and try your luck.

Celebrate The West High School Art Competition

Deadline: April 30, 2020

Award: $1,200

Overview: The Western Governors’ Foundation is proud to announce the 2020 “Celebrate the West” regional art competition that challenges high school students to create works inspired by their state. WGA’s visual arts challenge, sponsored by the Western Governors’ Foundation, is open to high school students in the 19 Western states and three U.S.-flag islands served by the nonpartisan policy association. (Complete list of states below.) Entrants from WGA member states will create original two-dimensional artwork inspired by their state or informed by living in the West. Students may draw ideas from a variety of sources, including state history, landmarks, natural resources, National Parks and Monuments, people, communities, and culture. “Original artwork” is defined as artwork which is unique in concept, design, and execution, and is created directly and personally by the Student. “Original” work is not a copy or imitation of another person’s work.

Doodle for Google

Deadline: March 13, 2020

Award: $30,000

Overview: This year’s Doodle for Google theme is:  “I SHOW KINDNESS BY…”

Friendship, smiles, thank yous, and hugs. But kindness is so much more than just being nice. This year’s theme invites you to tell us how you show kindness. Is it by helping around your home? Volunteering in your community’s green space? Maybe it’s comforting someone who’s down, or picking up trash in the park. However you define it, let us know how you bring a little bit more kindness into the world. Take your ideas and bring them to life in your doodle!

Science without Borders® Challenge

Deadline: April 20, 2020

Award: $500

Overview: The theme for this year’s Science Without Borders® Challenge is “Take Action: Conserve Coral Reefs.” Throughout the world, coral reefs are rapidly declining and threatened by a variety of factors—both natural and man-made. If nothing is done to save them, many coral reefs will no longer exist as functioning ecosystems by the end of the century. For this year’s contest, the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation is asking students to use their artistic talents to create a piece of art that illustrates one or more of the different actions that can be taken to preserve coral reefs.

Illustrators of the Future Contest

Deadline: March 31, 2020

Award: Up to $5,000

Overview: L. Ron Hubbard’s Illustrators of the Future Contest is an opportunity for new science fiction and fantasy artists worldwide to have their work judged by some of the masters in the field and discovered by a wide audience. Entries in the Illustrators of the Future Contest are judged only by professional artists. Three prizes of $500 (a total of $1500) are awarded each quarter. From the twelve quarterly winners each year the judges select a grand prize winner to receive the L. Ron Hubbard Golden Brush Award and an additional $5000 cash prize.

Harpo Foundation Grants for Visual Artists

Deadline: April 17, 2020

Award: See Website

Overview: The Harpo Foundation was established in 2006 to support emerging visual artists. The foundation seeks to stimulate creative inquiry and to encourage new modes of thinking about art. We view the definitions of art and artist to be open-ended and expansive.

The 3×3 International Illustration Show

Deadline: March 27, 2020

Award: Up to $1,500

Overview: 3×3 is the first publication devoted entirely to the art of contemporary illustration. Published in the United States and distributed worldwide, our sole interest is in sharing what’s shaping international illustration.

Future Generation Art Prize

Deadline: May 2020

Award: Up to $100,000

Overview: The biannual Future Generation Art Prize is the only prize for the young generation of artists with a global dimension and guided by an open, free, and democratic application process (online). Supported by an eminent board, distinguished jury, and outstanding selection committee, the Prize brings together the best of the art world to champion a new generation of artists. Together with its award of $100,000 and commitment to commission new works, the Prize sustainably supports artists around the globe.

2020 Scholarships for Designers & Creators in High School

Design Scholarships

From graphic and T-shirt design to furniture design and many categories in between, these design scholarships below are sure to suit your skills and interests. The world wants to see the beauty that you create. Whether you major in some type of design in college or not, use your strengths for your own benefit. There are many different opportunities for scholarships that cater to designers, such as the Promotional Poster Campaign. Use these design scholarships to open up a new world for you through design and your possible career within it.

2020 Promotional Poster Design Competition

Deadline: April 10, 2020

Award: $500

Overview: Each year PGSF awards 200+ college level scholarships ranging in value from $2,000 to $5,000 and we turn to our student community to help us promote these scholarship programs. We are asking students to design a poster promoting our scholarship programs. The winning posters will be displayed in schools across the United States in the 2020-2021 school year. The winning entrant will receive a $500 check, an award certificate, and will be honored in a national news release, on the PGSF website, and on social media platforms.

T-shirt Design Competition

Deadline: April 10, 2020

Award: See Website

Overview: The Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation (PGSF) is proud to announce our first-ever Promotional T-shirt Design Competition. The t-shirt will be used to promote the careers possible in graphics, availability of scholarships through PGSF, and/or how graphic communications fit into today’s world. The winning design will be placed into production during the Printing United show in Atlanta this coming October.

IFDA Student Member Scholarship

Deadline: March 31, 2020

Award: $2,000

Overview: The IFDA Student Member Scholarship is available through the IFDA Educational Foundation to a full-time, current student member of IFDA who has completed a minimum of four design courses in a post secondary interior design or related program. The IFDA student identification number must be included on the application form.

Ruth Clark Furniture Design Scholarship

Deadline: March 31, 2020

Award: $3,000

Overview: The Ruth Clark Furniture Design Scholarship was established by the Carolinas Chapter to honor Ruth Clark, one of the chapter’s founding members. Ruth Clark, an IFDA Fellow, graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design. During her career, she designed upholstered furniture for several companies, and many of her designs have become classics in the industry. She mentored design students and young professionals in the field, served as Carolinas Chapter President and received the prestigious IFDA National Honorary Recognition Award in 1994. Currently she is a design consultant and furniture designer for The Clark Connection. The scholarship is open to currently enrolled post-secondary students whose emphasis is on residential furniture design.

Wake Forest University campus celebration

Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Tricia LeVangie Green/Sustainable Design Scholarship

Deadline: March 31, 2020

Award: $1,500

Overview: The Tricia LeVangie Green/Sustainable Design Scholarship was established by the New England Chapter to honor the late Tricia LeVangie, an active and committed IFDA New England member. The scholarship is for an undergraduate student focusing on the evolving green/sustainable field of study. Sustainable design is the development of innovative ways to create living spaces that are energy efficient and feature green/sustainable materials, fabrications and products. The student applying for this scholarship is planning to become an educated participant in the green movement. 

Two Ten Higher Education Footwear Design Scholarships

Deadline: April 1, 2020

Award: Up to $3,000

Overview: Two Ten provides scholarship opportunities to any student who is studying design with a focus on footwear. Applicants are evaluated by financial need and design potential.

Unlike our traditional college scholarships, the Footwear Design Scholarship is available to any student who is studying design with a focus on footwear.  This program was created in 2003 to assist students with a demonstrated interest and skill in pursuing a career in footwear design. Applicants are evaluated by design potential and financial need. Awards of up to $3,000 annually are renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study.

Drawing Scholarships for Creative High School Students

Krylon Clear Choice Art Scholarship

Deadline: May 31, 2020

Award: $1,000

Overview: Today’s art students are tomorrow’s fine artists. Krylon Products Group is proud to invest in the future of art by awarding scholarships to help promising art students with rising tuition costs. Krylon Products Group Clear Choice Art Scholarships are available to high school seniors (graduating before June 30, 2020) and college freshmen and sophomore students in the U.S. and Canada. Students must be enrolled or accepted and seeking a degree at a U.S. or Canadian university, college or art school as a declared major in a visual arts program such as painting, drawing, sketching (excluding graphic design, fashion design, interior design, film, music or the performing arts).

Barbara Beckmann Textile Design Scholarship

Deadline: March 31, 2020

Award: $3,000

Overview: The Barbara Beckmann Textile Design Scholarship was established by the Northern Californian Chapter in memory of Barbara Beckmann, a longtime California Chapter member and mentor to new members and students.  She was the recipient of 2008 IFDA Trailblazer Award for outstanding achievement in the design industry. The scholarship is open to currently enrolled post-secondary students whose emphasis is on textile design.

Hazing Prevention Organization Poster Contest

Deadline: April 30, 2020

Award: Up to $250

Overview: HazingPrevention.Org™ is a national organization dedicated to empowering people to prevent hazing, by providing education and resources, advocating on hazing prevention, and building partnerships with others. Major initiatives of the organization include National Hazing Prevention Week™, HazingPrevention.Org Institute and Academy™ and Prevent.Zone™ educational online courses that touch the lives of thousands of individuals, organizations, campuses and communities.

Irene Winifred Eno Grant

Deadline: April 15, 2020

Award: $5,000

Overview: The Irene Winifred Eno Grant provides financial assistance to individuals or groups developing an educational program(s) or project that is dedicated to health, safety, and welfare. This grant will be evaluated on the strength of the project proposal, budget, promotion plan, and expected outcome. The grant is open to students, educators, interior design practitioners, institutions, and an interior design related group.

Future Designer Scholarship

Deadline: November 1, 2020

Award Amount: $2,500

Overview: At CardsDirect our job is to capture a moment that resonates with our customers and present it through our greeting cards. We want your help designing our next top-selling holiday card – and are proud to offer our scholarship program. The winner of our Future Designer Scholarship will receive a $2,500 scholarship to a secondary institution of their choice and will have their designs featured as products on our site. Applicants must be at least 17 years old and already accepted or enrolled in this educational organization. One entry per person. Click here for official rules and details.

DEED Technical Design Project

Deadline:  October 15, 2020

Award Amount: $5,000

Overview: Technical Design Projects support students working on a technical project of interest to electric utilities, especially engineering students working on their senior design or a capstone project. Review the technical design project requirements and checklist.

IDSA Gianninoto Graduate Scholarship

Deadline: May 20, 2020

Award Amount: $1,500

Overview: IDSA’s Gianninoto Graduate Scholarship originally was established with a $25,000 contribution by the late Francesco Gianninoto, FIDSA, a US package designer who was a founder of the Package Design Council, and president of Gianninoto Associates from 1932 to 1983. One of his most famous designs was the “Elsie Daisy,” the Borden Cow. Gianninoto was an honorary professor at Western Connecticut State University, where he taught communication through design.

IDSA Design Foundation Industrial Design Undergraduate Scholarship

Deadline: May 20, 2020

Award Amount: $1,500

Overview: IDSA, through the Design Foundation—a public charity supporting design education—grants an undergraduate scholarship that recognizes excellence in design education. The recipient earns $1,500 USD to be used for undergraduate course tuition fees in the completion of an industrial design degree. Awards are based solely on the excellence of the work students have submitted. 

Graham Foundation Grants to Individuals

Deadline: September 15, 2020

Award Amount: Up to $20,000

Overview: These grants assist individuals with the production-related expenses that are necessary to take a project from conceptualization to realization and public presentation. These projects include, but are not limited to, publications, exhibitions, installations, films, and new media projects.

Graphic Design Degree Hub Creativity Scholarship 

Deadline:  July 31, 2020 

Award Amount: $1,500

Overview: GraphicDesignDegreeHub.com is pleased to offer its Creativity Scholarship, which is designed to promote study in graphic design and related disciplines through a monetary scholarship.

Creative Scholarships & Grants for High Schools Students

Art Scholarships

Each of the following scholarships give you the option to apply across media and forms of art, whether that be through painting, drawing, photography, design, or whatever you love. Allowing anyone’s submission regardless of their desired major, these scholarships recognize the talent that anyone in any field can have. Even if your passions and goals for college lie in the sciences, that doesn’t mean you can’t let the artist in you continue to thrive and help pay for college. And if you do want a degree in art, you already know the competition is fierce and the pay is outrageous. Take advantage of these art scholarships in order to scrape away a little bit of that college tuition.

AIGA Worldstudio Scholarships

Deadline: April 15, 2020 

Award: Up to $5,000

Overview: AIGA Worldstudio Scholarships benefit underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students who are studying photography, illustration, and design disciplines in colleges and universities in the United States. Scholarships are awarded annually to encourage social and environmental responsibility and cultural awareness in the next generation of artists and designers.

NSS Dexter Jones Award

Deadline: March 31, 2020 

Award: $1,000

Overview: The NSS Dexter Jones Award Residency at Chesterwood will be given to an emerging sculptor working in bas-relief. The award is funded by an endowment in memory of Dexter Jones, past Fellow of National Sculpture Society.

Art Renewal Center Scholarship Competition

Deadline: May 31, 2020 

Award: See Website 

Overview: At ARC, we view our scholarship program as one of the most important. In order for future generations to produce great art, we must not lose the accumulated knowledge of the last several centuries. At our ARC Approved™ atelier schools, we know these methods are still taught by some of the greatest artists alive today and the students who are the recipients of these scholarships will receive the training necessary to create great works of art and carry the knowledge to the next generation. The ARC Awards $30,000 a year to students attending ARC Approved Schools™ to aid with their continued education. Please donate to the ARC Scholarship Fund to help us reach our $30,000 yearly goal.

Laura Greenstone Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: May 1, 2020

Award: $1,000

Overview: The AATA’s Scholarship Working Group is now accepting applications for the Laura Greenstone Memorial Scholarship. This award honors the memory of art therapist Laura Greenstone in her request for the establishment of a scholarship to support masters-level African-American and Afro-Caribbean art therapy students. Through the establishment of this scholarship, Laura hoped to address the legacy of racial violence in the United States by furthering a diversified art therapy profession and serving very diverse communities in inclusive ways.

Gordon Hay Scholarship

Deadline: April 3, 2020

Award: $5,000

Overview: The Gordon Hay Scholarship Fund is a merit-based scholarship established in memory of Gordon Hay, an organizational development professional, who was passionate about transformational change through authentic engagement of people’s hearts and minds in the strategic work of business. He believed passion and fire from within fueled exceptional results.

Road to Safety Scholarship

Deadline: April 15, 2020

Award: Up to $1,000

Overview: Metzger Wickersham’s scholarship program encourages students to take a stand against dangerous driving. The Road to Safety Scholarship Contest provides high school seniors with the opportunity to submit a creative project about the dangers of drunk driving or distracted driving for the chance to win college scholarship money. The ultimate goal of the contest is to help spread the message to drive with safety in mind all the time!

The Artist’s Magazine Annual Art competition

Deadline: May 1, 2020 (Early Bird Deadline: April 2, 2020)

Award Amount: $24,000

Overview: Artists Magazine’s Annual Art Competition wants to honor your most outstanding work. If your art is deserving of being celebrated in the pages of Artists Magazine, this competition is for you! $24,000 in cash prizes plus publication in Artists Magazine.

CMP Scholarship Program

Deadline: March 20, 2020

Award Amount: $1,000

Overview: The Civilian Marksmanship Program is proud to provide this scholarship program for deserving high school seniors who excel in marksmanship! Known in the past as, simply, the CMP Scholarship Program, it was renamed in 2020 to the Carolyn Hines Memorial Scholarship. 

Elizabeth Horvath Swimming Scholarship Fund

Deadline: March 15, 2020

Award Amount: $1,000

Overview: This fund was established by Stephanie Hunsberger to commemorate the influence that her grandmother, Elizabeth Horvath had on Stephanie’s achievements and focus toward goals. Elizabeth encouraged Stephanie to remember that in difficult times we must fill our hearts with understanding and compassion, always focusing on the improvement of ourselves. Elizabeth inspired Stephanie to remember that when it seems like we are alone in our lane, there is always something greater along for the swim that is able to lift our arms and move our legs to the wall.

ASID Scholarships & Grants

Deadline: April 15, 2020

Award Amount: See Website

Overview: At ASID, we know education matters. That’s why the ASID Foundation, in partnership with our ASID Industry Partners, provides a number of annual scholarships and grant opportunities available to expand research and knowledge around the impact of interior design on behavior, health, and well-being.

2020 FFTA Scholarship

Deadline: March 20, 2020

Award amount: $3,000

Overview: For more than three decades, Foundation of Flexographic Technical Association (FFTA) has provided financial aid to students interested in the fields of flexography and/or graphic communications through the FFTA Scholarship, enabling them to fulfill their college goals and earn money toward their schooling expenses.

Footwear Warriors Higher Education Scholarship

Deadline: April 1, 2020

Award amount: $4,000 – $5,000

Overview: Two Ten Footwear Foundation has established scholarship programs to assist Footwear employees and dependent children of Footwear employees and/or applicants that demonstrate an interest and commitment to a career in footwear design who plan to continue their education in college, vocational-technical or nursing school programs.

2019 Youth Workplace Safety Video Contest

Deadline: March 6, 2020

Award Amount: $4,500

Overview: This is an amazing opportunity to showcase your knowledge and creativity!

Scholarship Guidebooks: The Good, the Bad, and the Best of the 21st Century

Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation

Deadline: April 1, 2020

Award Amount: $1,000 – $5,000 

Overview: Scholarship awards vary in amount from $1,000 to $5,000 per academic year, in most cases, for up to four years. In addition, all current recipients are given an honorary membership in the Printing Industries of America for the duration of their studies. Thus, they receive the same benefits that other Educational Members receive, such as discounts on Printing Industries of America products. PGSF students may post their résumés on printworkers.com for those who are seeking internships, part-time, or full-time employment. The Scholarship Selection Committee of PGSF will determine the amount of each scholarship. The amount of the scholarship is not made public. The award will be paid in a lump sum directly to the college financial aid office, in the student’s name. The college will be authorized to draw upon the grant for payment of tuition and other fees.

Ron Hubbard Writers of The Future Contest

Deadline: March 31, 2020

Award Amount: Up to $1,000

Overview: L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers of the Future Contest is an opportunity for new writers of science fiction and fantasy to have their work judged by some of the masters in the field and discovered by a wide audience.

WJA Student Scholarship

Deadline: April 30, 2020

Award Amount: $1,000 – $7,000

Overview: The WJA Foundation provides scholarships to female-identifying students enrolled in jewelry or metalsmithing programs at an accredited college, university, or training school between August 1, 2020 and July 31, 2021. Recipients are selected by a jury in early June and are awarded scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $7,000.

Team Type 1 Scholarship

Deadline: March 31, 2020

Award Amount: See Website

Overview: Team Type 1 is funding scholarships in order to recognize young, talented athletes with type 1 diabetes who demonstrate an ability to balance both academic and sporting commitments, promote good health with successful management of their diabetes through exercise, and support families already burdened with additional expenses associated with diabetes care.

Pretty Lightroom Presets Scholarship Program

Deadline: April 15, 2020

Award Amount: $500

Overview: Pretty Lightroom Presets recognizes the importance of higher education and the role it plays in our personal and professional fulfillment.   That’s why we are so excited to continue our Pretty Presets for Lightroom $500 annual scholarship. This ongoing scholarship provides college and university students an opportunity to earn money to further their education and achieve their goals!

John L. Dales & George Heller Memorial Scholarships

Deadline: April 30, 2020

Award Amount: Up to $3,500

Overview: The SAG-AFTRA Foundation John L. Dales Scholarship Fund was created in 1973 in honor of the legacy Screen Actors Guild (SAG) longtime Executive Secretary. Since its creation, the John L. Dales Scholarship has awarded more than $7.5 million in scholarships to over 2,000 SAG-AFTRA members and their dependents. 

The Howard Chapnick Grant

Deadline: April 30, 2020 

Award Amount: $10,000

Overview: In 1996 the W. Eugene Smith Memorial Fund established the Howard Chapnick Grant, to encourage and support leadership in fields ancillary to photojournalism, such as editing, research, education and management. The Grant was established to honor the memory of Howard Chapnick, and to acknowledge the value of his enormous contribution to photography. 

The UncommonGoods Spring 2020 Scholarship

Deadline: December 15, 2020 (Opens September 1, 2020)

Award Amount: $1,000

Overview: We know it isn’t always easy when you’re just starting out in a creative field of study. So, we’re offering a scholarship to help hardworking student-artists out, because hey—you might be gracing our assortment with your work someday!

Embracing Our Differences Contest

Deadline: October 7, 2020

Award Amount: Up to $3,000

Overview: Art is a powerful tool to evoke social change. Without uttering a single word, artists can enlighten, educate and affect change around the world. Embracing Our Differences invites you to participate in creating a world where differences are embraced and individuality is celebrated. Become a part of this exciting change through your visual art submission to the annual Embracing Our Differences international juried competition.

BEF Scholarship of the Arts

Deadline: May 15, 2020

Award Amount: Up to $1,000

Overview: Calling all CF artists! BEF’s Scholarship of the Arts is an annual award promoting communication through creativity. Artwork in the form of video, painting, sketching and sculpturing is considered.

Annual Student Scholarship Awards

Deadline: May 1, 2020

Award Amount: Up to $1,000

Overview: Applicants must be members of AATA at the time of application, as well as at the time of receipt of the scholarship should they be awarded.

New Professional Scholarship Award

Deadline: May 1, 2020

Award Amount: See Website

Overview: The American Art Therapy Association and its generous donors provide an opportunity for AATA’s New Professional members, who are also new attendees to conference, to attend our National Annual Conference. AATA aims to encourage the growth of the profession by helping our newest professionals access information and resources for networking and to support the work that they do.

Pearlie Roberson Annual Scholarship Award

Deadline: May 1, 2020

Award Amount: See Website

Overview: Pearlie Roberson was an African American artist and art therapy client. This scholarship award was created in 2000. The award honors Ms. Roberson’s request to “remember me” and supports efforts to “explore, express, connect…” to enhance the multicultural aspects of the therapeutic experience.

Dr. Ellen G. Horovitz Spiritual Art Therapy Scholarship

Deadline: May 1, 2020

Award Amount: $1,000

Overview: The Dr. Ellen G. Horovitz Spiritual Art Therapy Scholarship is available to a student or practitioner who demonstrates financial need and has a particular interest in the application of Spiritual Art Therapy and mind/body practices. This award is intended to underwrite projects and/or research envisioned to develop this specialization.

Girl Playing Drums: Music Scholarships for Creative High School Students

Music/Tune Scholarships

Students who decidedly want to pursue a career in music know that the competition is steep and the prices are high. Take advantage of music scholarships, made especially for you, and use them to pave your way through college and to the career of your dreams. The talent for music can begin at any age. Whether you took piano lessons in elementary school, you were in the band in middle school, or you decided to learn how to play the guitar in high school, there’s bound to be something out there to help pay your college expenses.

Jim and Margie Fegley Orchestral String Scholarship Fund

Deadline: March 15, 2020

Award: $1,000

Overview: The purpose of the fund is to provide an annual scholarship to a male or female Berks County resident who is pursuing his or her education in the field of music, more specifically, orchestral strings. Applicants must be pursuing a Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music Education, Bachelor of Arts in Music, Bachelor of Science in Music degree or a music certificate. The applicant must have been an active participant in his or her high school or college music program or a music program outside the school. In order to apply, the applicant must have a strong commitment to academics by having achieved a high school cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, or an 85% or higher on a 100% scale; or if already in college, a college cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Previous recipients of this scholarship can apply again in a subsequent year as long as they still meet the requirements; however, no preferential treatment will be given to previous recipients.

Music/Tune Scholarships for Creative High School Students

Fund for the Advancement of Musical Arts

Deadline: May 1, 2020

Award: Varies

Overview: FAMA grants are designed to support a specific music education/outreach project. They are non-renewable and are not intended to support ongoing projects. New grant applicants will receive priority over previous grant recipients, and preference will be given to community projects that strengthen music education/music appreciation in the United States. All decisions of the committee are final.

Women Band Directors Scholarships

Deadline: Application opens September 1, 2021

Award Amount: See Website

Overview: WBDI COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS are given annually to women enrolled in a university music curriculum pursuing a degree in music education with the intention of becoming a band director.

Norma Hooks Young Artist Competition

Deadline: March 15, 2020 

Award: See Website

Overview: The Norma Hooks Young Artist Competition alternates each year between oboe and bassoon and is for players who have not reached their 22nd birthday by the date of the final round of the competition. The 2020 Norma Hooks Young Artist competition is for oboe and will take place June 23-27, 2020, at the University of Iowa School of Music, Iowa, City, USA. Entries for the 2020 competition will be accepted online from January 1 to March 15, 2020. Full competition information is available for download on the link below.

Over the Rainbow Scholarship

Deadline: April 30, 2020

Award: $1,000

Overview: Alex G. Luttrell, gained his wings in a car accident on October 15, 2017. During his time in this life, Alex became a very accomplished musician, singer and actor. He was involved in Band, Chorus and Drama at his beloved South Paulding High School. During his time at school he participated in Fall and Spring musicals and in his Junior year he played the role of the Spartan Warrior King in the Marching Band’s halftime show “Spartan Odyssey.” He also appeared in the “Ant-Man and the Wasp” movie and on TV. Those around him were infected by his charismatic spirit and entertained by his hilarious antics. Alex was known for his hair flips, nicknames and alter egos. Caring about others was in his bones and the Alex G. Luttrell Over the Rainbow Foundation will carry on this legacy by providing scholarships to performing arts students. 

2020 Donald Runnicles Musical Arts Scholarship

Deadline: April 6, 2020

Award: Up to $20,000

Overview: In 2018, the Grand Teton Music Festival launched a scholarship competition in honor of Music Director Donald Runnicles. The annual competition is open to graduating high school seniors from Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana who are pursuing college studies in music. After submitting an audition video, semi-finalists are invited to perform in a daylong celebration of music at Walk Festival Hall, where they compete for the scholarship prize money in front of GTMF’s panel of renowned judges and a live audience.

Lessons In Your Home Scholarship

Deadline: October 24, 2020

Award: $500

Overview: Since 1977, Lessons In Your Home has been dedicated to giving high-quality music lessons in the convenience of people’s homes. We pride ourselves in offering the best, most energetic, and supportive music teachers that put their students first. Our organization is currently teaching future musicians in Atlanta, Houston, Washington, South Florida, Denver, Orlando, Baltimore, Seattle, and Dallas. We are thrilled to encourage and support the musical endeavors of students.

Tiffany Green Operator Scholarship 

Deadline: March 31, 2020

Award: $10,000

Overview: Established to support women pursuing a career in live entertainment. Fields of study may include but not limited to: live event operations, production, music engineering and/or other related fields.

David E. Ballard Scholarship 

Deadline: March 31, 2020

Award: $10,000

Overview: Established in the memory of David E. Ballard, with the support of the Living Legacy Foundation, this $10,000 scholarship supports youth who have experienced homelessness and/or been part of the foster care system pursuing a career in live entertainment. Field of study may include but is not limited to live event operations, production, music engineering, music business management, customer service, hospitality and/or other related fields.

The Affordable College Packing List Where You Spend $500 or less

Scholarships Ending Soon 

Hurry! Take a look at these scholarships that are ending soon. They range from art scholarships involving painting, drawing, and photography to athletic scholarships that reward physical performance and dedication. You never know what scholarships could be calling your name. Don’t miss you on the opportunity to earn free college money to help you pay for such college fees as tuition, textbooks, and room and board. The deadline for these scholarships are late February and early March, so don’t waste your time looking without biting the bullet and applying—we’ve already found them for you!

The Richard G. Zimmerman Journalism Scholarship 

Deadline: March 1, 2020

Award: $5,000

Overview: The late Richard G. Zimmerman, a National Press Club member of long standing, endowed a significant scholarship in aid of high school seniors who wish to pursue a career in journalism. Recipients will receive a non-renewable award of $5,000. The Richard G. Zimmerman scholarship is open to all high school seniors, regardless of gender or race. Applicants must have a 3.0 grade average and plan to attend college this year.

OWAA Bodie McDowell Scholarship

Deadline: March 1, 2020

Award: Up to $5,000

Overview: The Outdoor Writers Association of America® (OWAA) annually sponsors the Bodie McDowell Scholarship program to support tomorrow’s communicators. 

Named in honor of a former OWAA president, the scholarships reward outstanding undergraduate and graduate students who are involved in and preparing to devote a substantial amount of their life’s work in outdoor writing, radio and television, wildlife photography, art, lecturing or video and film making. 

OWAA John Madson Fellowship

Deadline: March 1, 2020

Award: Up to $3,000

Overview: The Outdoor Writers Association of America® (OWAA) has established the John Madson Fellowship as part of its commitment to improve the professional skills of outdoor communicators. The grant program is open to OWAA members as well as non-members.

In 2020, OWAA will award up to $3,000 to selected individuals seeking to enhance their abilities as writers, photographers, videographers, broadcasters, etc. The money can be used to attend OWAA’s annual conference, college courses or professional seminars and can be applied to tuition, registration, room and board costs, as well as qualifying travel expenses.

Cyndy and Al Baran Fine Arts and Music Scholarship

Deadline: March 15, 2020

Award: Varies

Overview: Cynthia and Alan Baran have a great passion for the arts. After 25 years in the corporate world, Cynthia followed her passion for the arts and enrolled in fine art classes at two local universities. Alan’s interest in music, specifically the mandolin and guitar, has provided him with a creative outlet from his work in the nonprofit sector. This Fund was established to help provide an opportunity for young people to pursue their passion early in life in the areas of visual arts and music.

DDAM Scholarship

Deadline: March 1, 2020

Award: Up to $2,500

Overview: The Dorian De Long Arts and Music Scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school student who intends to pursue advanced education in the arts.  This scholarship is in honor of Dorian De Long, a passionate educator and education activist who believed in the power of the arts to transform lives. The scholarship amount is $1500-$2500 to be used for tuition, fees, and/or other direct costs. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a deserving student who plans on majoring or minoring in the arts (visual or performing) at a Colorado university/college/post-secondary institution. Recipients will be notified no later than April 1 of any given year. The recipient(s) will be chosen based on the application criteria listed on the Scholarship Application.

Irv Noll Memorial Scholarship Fund

Deadline: March 15, 2020

Award: $400

Overview: This scholarship was established at Berks County Community Foundation in 2006 in memory of Irv Noll.

Lee Brennan Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: March 15, 2020

Award: $500 

Overview: The Lee Brennan Memorial Scholarship Fund is a permanently endowed fund with the Orange County Community Foundation that was created by the Brennan family as an enduring legacy to their son and brother, Lee. 

Angel Scholarship

Deadline: March 1, 2020

Award: Varies

Overview: Break the Silence against Domestic Violence is awarding $24,200 in academic scholarships to (23) deserving students who have been impacted by domestic violence. This year, applicants are required to submit a personal video as a part of our mission to spark social change through a creative lens. Videos must be a minimum of 2 minutes and a maximum of 5 minutes. We encourage all students to be creative!

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