It may be summertime, but that doesn't mean you have to completely take time off. There are still ways you can prepare for the upcoming semester and put yourself in a strong position to hit the ground running.
One way to do so is to apply for scholarships. You may not be aware, but there are tons of private organizations that offer scholarships to college students -- they're just tougher to find, since they aren't offered by the university. In an effort to help you all out, I've rounded up 10 (plus one bonus!) scholarships that you can still apply to. Read on to learn about their deadlines, award amounts, and essay prompts. They're ordered based on deadline.
1. SimpleThriftyLiving.com A Step Ahead Scholarship
Deadline: Aug 9, 2019
Award: $1,500
Essay prompt: "Whether it's gaining internship experience in your desired field, opening up a savings account, or meeting with a financial aid counselor to discuss student loan repayment options, every little step counts. In 800 words or less, tell us how you are preparing for post-college life."
2. Franchise Opportunities Scholarship for the Future Entrepreneur
Deadline: Aug 31, 2019
Award: $2,000
Essay prompt: "In 800 words or less, tell us about an entrepreneur or business founder that you admire and who has inspired you to become an entrepreneur. What about their story stands out to you as unique? What values that they carry do you hope to carry with you, as you develop in your career?"
3. BusinessBroker.net Scholarship for the Business Leaders of Tomorrow
Deadline: Sept 30, 2019
Award: $2,000
Essay prompt: "One benefit of being a successful business leader is having the ability to support causes and organizations that are in need. If you found success as an entrepreneur, what cause would you want to positively impact, and what steps would you take to do so? Explain in 800 words or less."
4. Insight Pest “What Bugs You” Scholarship
Deadline: October 7, 2019
Award: $1,000
Essay prompt: "In 700 words or less describe a distraction or obstacle that has gotten in the way of your academic progress and what you did to overcome it."
5. HomeLight Scholarship
Deadline: Nov 15, 2019
Award: $1,000
Essay prompt: "To apply, please submit a short piece of writing, that includes the following: Why are you interested in real estate? How will your career help more people find their dream home? What impact have you had on homes or homelessness in your community?"
6. Newizze Computer Science Scholarship
Deadline: Dec 1, 2019
Award: $1000
Essay prompt: "Write a 2000-word article where you disclose a theme: 'Web Development Trends in 2020.'"
7. Joybird Artful Aesthetic Scholarship
Deadline: Dec 1, 2019
Award: $1000
How to Enter: "Take a photo that represents your overall aesthetic (i.e. a space, an object, a scene, a selfie) and post it to Instagram, tagging @joybird and using the hashtag #joybirdscholarship2019. In the caption, tell us why the item or place featured in your photo is representative of your overall aesthetic. Finally, use the form below to submit an essay telling us how your overall aesthetic contributes to how you want to be seen in the world in 500 words or less."
Learn more here.
8. Mulberrys Scholarship for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Deadline: Dec 6, 2019
Award: $1000
Essay prompt: "In 600 words or less, tell us about a business idea that you have and how you plan to make it a reality. Be sure to explain how college, in part, will help you succeed."
9. SimpleTexting College Scholarship (United States)
Deadline: Jan 11, 2020
Award: $1,000
Essay prompt: "If you could send one text to your younger self during a tough time what would you say and why? What advice would you give? What encouragement would you offer?"
9. SimpleTexting College Scholarship (Canada)
Deadline: Jan 11, 2020
Award: $1,000
Essay prompt: "If you could send one text to your younger self during a tough time what would you say and why? What advice would you give? What encouragement would you offer?"
10. Yonkers Honda Student Driver Scholarship
Deadline: February 4, 2020
Award: $1,000
Essay prompt: "Just like we all need someone to teach us how to drive, sometimes we need other people to teach us how to be the best versions of ourselves. In 600 words or less describe someone who has been a positive influence on your life and how they have inspired you."
Learn more here.