The Weirdest Scholarships You Never Knew Existed!

When it comes to financing your education, scholarships are often seen as a blessing. They can significantly reduce the financial burden of tuition, books, and other college expenses. While many scholarships are awarded based on merit, need, or field of study, there are some truly bizarre scholarships out there that you may never have imagined. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at some of the weirdest scholarships that exist, along with how you can apply for them. If you're looking for a unique way to fund your education, these scholarships might just be the perfect opportunity.

You can also discover more unusual scholarships on Scholarshipfinder to make your search for financial aid even more exciting.

1. The Tall Club International Scholarship

Are you tall enough to stand out from the crowd? If so, the Tall Club International Scholarship could be the perfect opportunity for you. This scholarship is awarded to students who meet specific height requirements: 5'10" for women and 6'2" for men. The scholarship was established to help fund the education of tall students, with the aim of promoting "tallism" and encouraging those of above-average height to celebrate their unique stature.

How to Apply: Students must submit an essay describing their experiences of being tall and how they’ve embraced it in their lives. This scholarship is awarded annually, and the application can be found on the Tall Club International website.

2. The Duck Calling Contest Scholarship

Are you a fan of duck hunting or just really good at calling ducks? The Duck Calling Contest Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for anyone with a knack for duck calls. The World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest, which is held annually in Stuttgart, Arkansas, offers a scholarship to the winner. If you can replicate a duck's quack with precision and skill, this one might be right up your alley.

How to Apply: The competition is open to high school students, and it includes various categories, including junior and open divisions. The winner not only gains bragging rights but also a college scholarship. To enter, check the contest’s official website for more details on application deadlines and rules.

3. The National Potato Council Scholarship

Are you passionate about potatoes? The National Potato Council Scholarship is a quirky but lucrative scholarship for students pursuing careers related to the potato industry. It’s open to students who plan to study agriculture, food science, or any other field connected to the potato-growing industry. The scholarship aims to promote awareness of the role potatoes play in the American agricultural economy.

How to Apply: Applicants are required to submit an essay that addresses their interest in agriculture, their goals in the industry, and how the potato industry has influenced their life. The winner of this scholarship is awarded a sum of money that can be used for tuition, books, and fees.

4. The “Zombie Apocalypse” Scholarship

Have you ever wondered how you would survive a zombie apocalypse? The “Zombie Apocalypse” Scholarship, takes a creative twist on applying for funds. Students are asked to write an essay on how they would survive a zombie apocalypse, explaining how they would prepare and what strategies they would use to stay safe. While it may seem odd, it’s a fun way for students to showcase their creativity, critical thinking, and writing skills.

How to Apply: To apply, students need to submit their essays online and answer the question: “If you were trapped in a room with zombies, how would you escape?” The winning essay receives a cash prize to help fund tuition.

5. The “HARRY” Scholarship for Weirdly Named Individuals

Sometimes, all it takes to win a scholarship is a quirky name. The "HARRY" Scholarship is for students who have the first name "Harry." Whether you're named after a famous prince, wizard, or historical figure, this scholarship could be an easy way to earn some cash for college. It's a lighthearted way to reward students with unique names, and it’s open to individuals who are in high school or college.

How to Apply: You’ll need to provide proof of your name (usually through a birth certificate or student ID) and a brief essay describing what makes your name special to you. This is one of the simplest scholarships to apply for and a perfect opportunity for anyone named "Harry" or a variant of it.

6. The Monster Truck Scholarship

Do you have a passion for monster trucks? If you’re a fan of big wheels and roaring engines, this scholarship might be right for you. The Monster Truck Scholarship, offered by the Monster Truck Racing Association, is awarded to students pursuing a career in motorsports, automotive engineering, or related fields. The scholarship is specifically designed to support students who are interested in the monster truck industry.

How to Apply: To apply, students must submit a video or essay that demonstrates their passion for monster trucks, their plans for a career in motorsports, and how they intend to contribute to the industry. The scholarship committee looks for enthusiasm and creativity when evaluating applications.

7. The Duct Tape Prom Dress Scholarship

If you're planning on attending prom but don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on a dress, the Duct Tape Prom Dress Scholarship could be your ticket to saving money. Sponsored by Duck Brand duct tape, this scholarship encourages high school students to design and create their own prom dresses using duct tape. The scholarship is awarded to students who create the most creative, fashionable, and functional duct tape prom dresses.

How to Apply: Students must submit a photograph of their duct tape prom dress along with an essay that describes their creative process. The winning dress earns a scholarship for the student’s higher education and a prize for creativity. It’s a fun and practical way to support students while showcasing their artistic flair.

8. The “Reluctant” Scholarship

One of the most unique scholarships out there is the “Reluctant” Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to students who write a short essay about why they didn’t want to apply for scholarships in the first place. Applicants are asked to explain why they were initially hesitant to pursue scholarship opportunities and what eventually motivated them to apply. The scholarship is a way to reward students who overcome their reluctance and take the initiative to seek financial assistance for college.

How to Apply: To apply, students must submit a short essay (typically under 1,000 words) explaining why they were initially reluctant to apply for scholarships. The winning essay is chosen based on sincerity and self-reflection.

9. The Chicken Dance Scholarship

Do you have an affinity for dancing and chickens? If so, the Chicken Dance Scholarship could be just the opportunity you’ve been looking for. Students applying for this scholarship are required to submit a video of themselves performing the iconic Chicken Dance. The scholarship is intended for students who can demonstrate both creativity and enthusiasm in their video.

How to Apply: To apply, students must upload their Chicken Dance video to the scholarship’s website. The funniest and most entertaining video wins a scholarship for college. While it may seem silly, it’s a great way for students to show off their sense of humor and creativity.

10. The Left-Handed Scholarship

If you’re a left-handed person, there’s a scholarship that recognizes your unique advantage! The Left-Handed Scholarship, offered by the Left-Handers Club, is aimed at supporting left-handed students. The scholarship is open to high school seniors and college students who are left-handed. It was established to raise awareness of the struggles that left-handed individuals often face in a world that is designed for right-handed people.

How to Apply: Applicants must submit an essay about their experiences as a left-handed person, including challenges they've faced and how being left-handed has shaped their identity. The scholarship committee is particularly interested in personal stories and how applicants have embraced their left-handedness.

Conclusion

While scholarships may traditionally be associated with academic excellence, many organizations understand that success comes in all shapes and forms. Whether you’re tall, creative, or simply passionate about monster trucks, there’s a unique scholarship out there for you. These unusual scholarships not only help you finance your education but also offer a chance to showcase your personality and talents in ways you may have never imagined.

So, the next time you’re browsing through scholarship applications, remember that weird and wonderful opportunities abound. Embrace your quirks, and who knows—you might just win a scholarship that will help fund your dreams.