Unique scholarships offer hope to 'average' students
By Reagan Swaine, October 2009
Staff Writer
Being average does not secure your failure any more than being exceptional secures your success.
Many schools boast the individuality of their students yet are unwilling to award scholarship money to the “average” student. There are many people throughout history, Albert Einstein and Mark Twain included, who have achieved great success outside of academia or athletic dexterity. Your unique abilities may not have earned you a beyond perfect GPA or a spot in the Hall of Fame, but the quirks and nuances that are innately you might help pay for college.
A number of colleges and universities have chosen to acknowledge this truth. More and more scholarships are available for the “average” student. These scholarships are based on the student’s scholastic and social reputation, personal characteristics or extracurricular interests rather than academic and athletic ability. Information on these scholarships can be found in a number or places. From the world wide web to public libraries to on campus resources, you will be able to find guidance along the way to aid you in your search.
These scholarships are easier to find and more accessible because of their increasing popularity and whimsy. With a simple google search you can find simple scholarships and whether or not you meet the criteria. For instance, you may find that you are able to earn a scholarship for being left-handed or taller than 6 feet 2 inches. If you search, “scholarships for unusual last names” you will find links to the Zolp Scholarship at Loyola University in Chicago or the Leavenworth Scholarship at Hamilton College in New York. For eligible students, the scholarships may cover the full cost of tuition for Catholic students whose last name is Zolp or Leavenworth.
There are also many scholarships that are sponsored by non-profit organizations looking for students who have a history of volunteer experience. The BRICK Awards offer annual scholarships to students who commit to making a difference. The Do Something Award (information found at: http://www.dosomething.org/programs/awards) is given to nine winners annually. Recipients of this award are people who are committed to volunteering and making a difference throughout the world or in their own community. These individuals receive a $5,000 scholarship in addition to a $5,000 reward donated to a charity of the recipients’ choice.
In addition to scholarships available to students involved in community service or for those lucky enough to be left-handed, applicants may also obtain scholarships for personal achievements.
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation offers a maximum of $30,000 per year to community college transfer students who are transferring to accredited four-year universities and have a nurtured extracurricular talent. Each year the foundation awards this scholarship to approximately 50 students.
These deserving students are chosen based on critical thinking ability, will to succeed, academics, financial need and a number of varying activities and interests. This scholarship is unique in its application process as well because the student may not apply directly for the scholarship. Rather, a faculty representative of the Foundation from the community college must nominate the student. Information for this scholarship, including eligibility requirements, who your local representative is etc. can be found at http://www.jkcf.org/scholarships/undergraduate-transfer-scholarships/.
As celebrated as scholarships are, applying for or receiving one is not an ordinary mission. It requires time, planning, patience and a confidence in yourself that you deserve to be recognized for your individuality.
When applying, take a moment to sit down and look at the things that make you who you are. There are many institutions that desire to recognize your individuality. However, if you are content with being average, the David Letterman Telecommunications Scholarship offers up to a $10,000 prize for students who are delighted to be common..
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