essay scholarships for middle school students

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Scholarships for Elementary & Middle School Students

College scholarships aren't just for college students and high school seniors. Many contests are open to students in elementary and middle school, and earning prize money now can help ease the burden of college cost down the road. We highlight six scholarships below for students in younger grades. Review the details of each one, and encourage any interested students you know to apply on time.

Action for Nature Eco-Hero Award

How to Apply:  Submit an application describing an environmental project you completed that concerns environmental health, advocacy, research, or protection of the natural world Eligibility : Open to students ages 8-16  Amount:  $500 Deadline:  February 28, 2024 Website:   https://actionfornature.org/eco-hero-awards/apply

Stossel in the Classroom Essay Contest

How to Apply:  Write a 500-1,000-word essay about one of four topics: the housing shortage, presidential campaign priorities, ticket dynamics, or U.S. energy policy Eligibility:  Open to students ages 10-18 who live in North America Amount:  Ranges from $50 to $2,500 Deadline:  March 22, 2024 Website:   https://stosselintheclassroom.org/essay-contest/  

SBO Essay Contest

How to Apply:  Write an essay of 250 words or less about a music teacher that changed your life and why they had an impact on you Eligibility:  Open to students in any type of public, charter, or private K-12 school instrumental or vocal program Amount:  Ten winners of $1,000 each Deadline:  March 31, 2024 Website:   https://sbomagazine.com/2024-sbo-essay-contest/

Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes

How to Apply:  Submit an online application, including a letter from a nominator Eligibility : Open to children ages 8-18 who are currently working on an inspiring service project or have done so within the past 12 months Amount:  Multiple winners receive $10,000 each Deadline:  April 15, 2024 Website:   https://barronprize.org/apply/

My Impact Challenge

How to Apply:  Write an essay of up to 1,200 words on a project you have completed that furthers at least one principle and one virtue as defined in the Bill of Rights Institute's "Principles and Virtues," and write a report of up to 2,000 words detailing your civic engagement project, including your inspiration and project plan. Eligibility : Open to any U.S. middle or high school student between the ages of 13 and 19 Amount:  Prizes range from $250 to $10,000 Deadline:  May 19, 2024 Website:   https://billofrightsinstitute.org/my-impact-challenge

Ocean Awareness Contest

How to Apply:  Think about climate issues and solutions and consider how they have affected you or your community. Find something that resonates deeply with your experiences and share your personal climate story. Submissions are accepted as visual art, creative writing, film, interactive & multimedia, performing arts, poetry, and spoken word Eligibility:  Open to students ages 11 to 18. Students must provide the contact information for an adult sponsor (teacher, parent, mentor, etc.) Amount:  Multiple awards of up to $1,000 Deadline:  June 10, 2024 Website:   https://bowseat.org/programs/ocean-awareness-contest

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