Niche College Scholarship
Updated: April 16, 2024

Scholarships for Young Aspiring Students

aspiring young student

Every year, Scholarships.com empowers undergraduate students by simplifying their search for scholarships tailored to their unique characteristics, talents, and desired academic pursuits. But we've noticed a trend: our academic scholarships often cater to high schoolers with ample academic history, facilitating easier matching and selection. So, we found ourselves wondering, what about the vibrant middle and elementary school students already eagerly awaiting their post-secondary institution courses and new educational opportunities? Well, don't worry, we've got these early birds covered with an explosion of education options!

Continue reading the article below the scholarship list.

25 Scholarships for Young Aspiring Students with Approaching Deadlines

  • 1

  • Dedman Essay Competition

  • Amount$1,500
  • DeadlineApril 30, 2024

Dedman Scholars belong to cohorts organized by entering class, with each cohort named after a Dedman virtue: humility, sacrifice, courage, conviction, honor, compassion, integrity, and honesty. These eight virtues also reflect the character attributes that Robert Dedman upheld in his own life and identified as the foundation for his success. The Dedman Distinguished Scholars Program at The

  • 2

  • Humans of Dementia Scholarship

  • Amount$1,500
  • DeadlineMay 1, 2024

Founded in 2012 by Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller Rogen, Hilarity for Charity (HFC) is a national non-profit on a mission to care for families impacted by Alzheimer's disease, activate the next generation of advocates, and be a leader in brain health education and research. Storytelling is a powerful tool to help bring light to Alzheimer's disease and dementia. HFC's Humans of Dementia Storytelling

  • 3

  • Chicago Police and Firefighter Training Academy Scholarship

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineMay 1, 2024

To be eligible for the Chicago Police and Firefighter Training Academy Scholarship, applicants must: be a resident of Chicago; have an attendance rate of at least 90%; have a valid school ID, state ID, or valid driver's license with a good driving record; have obtained a physical examination (within 12 months); have completed a background check, which includes fingerprinting and no felony

  • 4

  • SWE Detroit High School Advance, Aspire, Achieve Awards

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineMay 3, 2024

The SWE Detroit Advance, Aspire, Achieve Awards recognize high school freshmen, sophomores and juniors who inspire other girls to pursue STEM. Eligible applicants must: reside in SWE Detroit’s section area; have a 3.0 GPA; and be a woman or other underrepresented gender in engineering and technology. Dollar amounts will vary. Please review the award rules before applying to ensure you meet the

  • 5

  • Force For Good High School Essay Contest

  • Amount$2,500
  • DeadlineMay 26, 2024

Our goal is to increase interest in professional opportunities in the genetics and genomics fields for underrepresented populations, including people of color, by being an active part of bridging the gap in diversity in the genetics/genomics medicine field and supporting students who are interested in, but who may not feel currently represented in the field. Eligible students must currently be

  • 6

  • Minnesota Association of Townships (MAT) Scholarship

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineJune 1, 2024

All students currently enrolled in the 11th grade and attending a Minnesota public, private, or parochial high school or a home study program and who plan to further their education at a college, university, or vocational school are eligible for the Minnesota Association of Townships (MAT) Scholarship. Applicants must complete an application form and submit it along with a written essay using

  • 7

  • Stuck At Prom Scholarship Contest

  • Amount$15,000
  • DeadlineJune 5, 2024

Submit your Duck Tape® promwear from now until 12pm ET (noon) June 5th for a chance to win up to $15,000! Create and wear your original promwear using Duck® Brand Duct Tape and/or Duck® Brand Crafting Tape. Remember to take a high resolution pic of the big moment! See official rules for details. Eligibility Criteria Open to high school students or those in a home school association (at the

  • 8

  • Desire to Inspire Scholarship

  • Amount$1,500
  • DeadlineJune 9, 2024

The Desire To Inspire Scholarship is a one-time financial award designed to support and acknowledge young individuals from underrepresented minority groups who are aspiring for a career in healthcare and are actively inspiring others. With a total award of $3000 divided among the top three applicants, this scholarship encourages the pursuit of educational and inspirational goals. Scholarship

  • 9

  • Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineJune 10, 2024

The annual Ocean Awareness Contest is a platform for young people to learn about environmental issues through art-making and creative communication, and become advocates for positive change. Students are invited to create Visual Art (handcrafted and digital), Creative Writing, Film, Interactive & Multimedia, Performing Arts: Music & Dance, and Poetry & Spoken Word to contribute to the largest

  • 10

  • Breakthrough Junior Challenge

  • Amount$250,000
  • DeadlineJune 25, 2024

The Breakthrough Junior Challenge invites individuals aged 13 to 18 to participate in a scholarship opportunity that explores complex scientific concepts through creative videos. Your film can take any form you like: animation, talking head, documentary, dramatic reconstruction, whatever. It’s worth keeping in mind that video is a dynamic visual medium – using diagrams, simulations, physical

  • 11

  • Home School Scholars Scholarship

  • Amount$500
  • DeadlineOctober 1, 2024

Our mission is to help exemplary home schoolers to pursue a college education. For that reason, we provide scholarships to help applicants from home schools to help with the cost of college. Applicants must be a senior in a home school and applying to a two or four year college. Three $500 scholarships will be awarded to the top applicants that best demonstrate intellectual vitality and

  • 12

  • Steel Root Scholarship

  • Amount$10,000
  • DeadlineOctober 31, 2024

Steel Root Inc, a leading cybersecurity company that provides security and compliance services for the U.S. Defense Industrial Base, announces the formation of a college scholarship that will award a selected high school junior applicant with $10,000 toward an education in the field of cybersecurity. The Steel Root Scholarship is intended to encourage skilled young applicants to enter the field

  • 13

  • VFW Voice of Democracy Competition

  • Amount$35,000
  • DeadlineOctober 31, 2024

Since 1947, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) has dedicated itself to fostering patriotism and nurturing the potential of the future generation. The Voice of Democracy audio-essay program, initiated by the VFW, provides a remarkable platform for high school students (grades 9-12) to express their thoughts on democratic and patriotic themes through recorded essays. The national first place winner

  • 14

  • Prudential Emerging Visionaries

  • Amount$15,000
  • DeadlineNovember 2, 2024

At Prudential, we believe in recognizing and empowering young visionaries who are committed to finding innovative solutions to financial and societal challenges in their communities. If you are between the ages of 14 and 18 and have a transformative idea, the Emerging Visionaries Scholarship is an opportunity to turn your vision into reality. Key Features: • Age Group: Open to young

  • 15

  • Ted & Holly Rollins Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineNovember 15, 2024

The Ted & Holly Rollins Scholarship is a distinguished award that aims to recognize and support the academic aspirations of high school seniors. This scholarship, totaling $5000, is not just about academic achievements but seeks to delve into the unique life stories and aspirations of the applicants. Scholarship Details Essay of 500+ words required Emphasis is on authenticity and depth

  • 16

  • Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award

  • Amount$10,000
  • DeadlineNovember 15, 2024

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation supports talented musicians from limited financial backgrounds through its scholarship programs and sponsorship of the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award. The Foundation recognizes that musically talented youth from low-income families often lack the funding for private lessons, master classes, quality instruments, summer programs, and performance experiences. These

  • 17

  • Military Child of the Year Award

  • Amount$10,000
  • DeadlineDecember 3, 2024

The Military Child of the Year Award reflects the positive impact that these impressive young people have made on their military families, their schools, and their communities. Scholarship Details The annual awards acknowledge outstanding young individuals aged 13 to 18 in military families. Recipients will be selected to represent various branches of the armed forces, including the

  • 18

  • Carson Scholars Fund

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineDecember 15, 2024

The Carson Scholars Fund awards $1,000 college scholarships to students in grades 4-11 who excel academically and are dedicated to serving their communities. Named “Carson Scholars,” winners receive an Olympic-sized medal and a trophy for their school. Scholarship Details Award: $1,000 college scholarship. Grades Eligible: 4-11. Previous winners can reapply

  • 19

  • Jazz at the Ballroom Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineDecember 15, 2024

Each year, our panel of professional musicians awards three California music students monetary awards to further their jazz education and music programs. The winners are also hired throughout the coming year to perform at JATB events. All applicants are invited to free concerts and workshops throughout the school year. The competition is open to high school jazz instrumentalists in California.

  • 20

  • NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund Youth Essay Contest

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineDecember 31, 2024

The NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund sponsors a scholarly writing contest for grades K-12. The theme for the essay is "What Does The Second Amendment Mean to You?" Essays will be judged in two categories: Senior (grades 9-12) and junior (grades 8 and below), with separate cash prizes awarded to the winners in each category. First place cash prizes are $1,000, $600 for second place, $200 for third

  • 21

  • YouthCon Scholarship

  • Amount$3,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 13, 2025

The YouthCon Scholarship is hosted by AASuccess, a Falls Church-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering the youth to gain confidence while fostering leadership skills by living our motto of “perfecting the act of giving back”. Our scholarship allows innovative high school and middle school students living in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area with ideas to be actively involved with

  • 22

  • The Coolidge Scholarship

  • Amount$120,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 18, 2025

Winning a Coolidge Scholarship isn't just about winning money for college - it's about joining a community. The award, from the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation, honors former president Calvin Coolidge, who was dedicated to academics and had a passion for public speaking. With a substantial prize of $120,000 that can be used to cover tuition, room, board, and other expenses, The Coolidge

  • 23

  • The Hamilton Award

  • Amount$500
  • DeadlineJanuary 25, 2025

The Hamilton Award recognizes young people for their academic, personal, service and entrepreneurial accomplishments; forty students across the nation are selected annually as winners of the Hamilton Award and subsequently enrolled in AHS’ five-year Empowerment Program. Scholarship Details Recognizes academic, personal, service, and entrepreneurial accomplishments Forty winners selected

  • 24

  • Bezos Scholars Program

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineJanuary 25, 2025

There’s no experience like the Bezos Scholars Program—a transformative, year-long, no-cost leadership development program that amplifies youth voice, collaboration and action so young people with passion can start making a difference today. Each year, exceptional juniors, along with educators from each of their schools, are selected as Bezos Scholars. Student scholars receive leadership training

  • 25

  • National AG Day Essay Contest

  • Amount$1,500
  • DeadlineFebruary 9, 2025

Students across the country are invited to enter the National Ag Day essay and video contest, sponsored by the Agriculture Council of America. This year’s theme is, “American Agriculture: Growing a Climate for Tomorrow?” National Ag Day’s objective is to celebrate agriculture and to help consumers better understand how farmers and the companies serving them produce abundant, healthy, nutritious,

This post covers information about K-12 scholarships for children under 13 years of age and so much more! Read on to learn how you can begin preparing your young student for college.

Scholarship Opportunities for Children Under Age: The Sooner, The Better!

  1. Action for Nature International Young Eco-Hero Award
    Fostering a love for the environment in young hearts, Action For Nature (AFN), a non-profit organization, has initiated the International Young Eco-Hero Awards. This college scholarship program spotlights and rewards the individual environmental efforts of young eco-activists aged 8 to 16. Believing in the positive impact that youngsters can impart on the environment, AFN encourages them to undertake individual environmental projects. Application guidelines and tuition information can be found here.
  2. NSTA Angela Award
    A dedication to Gerry Wheeler and his lifelong commitment to science education, The Angela Award honors one young female student within grades 5–8, demonstrating a strong connection to science. The eligible awardee receives a $1,000 US EE Savings Bond or a Canadian Savings Bond equivalent. The award also extends recognition at the Teacher Awards Banquet during NSTA's National Conference. Scholarship application information can be found here.
  3. Davidson Fellows Scholarship
    The Davidson Fellows Scholarship awards prizes ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 to students who perform at a high level academically and who have completed a significant project. Applicants must be 18 or younger to compete for this generous award. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of significant work. Significant work is an accomplishment that experts in the field recognize as meaningful and has the potential to make a positive contribution to society. Davidson Fellows must be available to attend, with one parent or guardian, the awards reception and other recognition events to be held in September in Cambridge, Massachusetts. To get more details on the scholarship money reward click here.
  4. The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes
    A celebration of inspiring young leaders, the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes recognizes 25 outstanding youths annually for their significant contributions to people and our planet. Founded by author T. A. Barron in 2000 in honor of his mother, the prize recipients exhibit diversity in gender, environment, and race. To find out eligibility details click here.

We at Scholarships.com firmly believe in equal opportunities for all students and understand that an exceptional education experience begins early. Therefore, we urge younger students to explore this list of scholarships and additional scholarships to begin their journey towards a successful academic future. Don't wait until graduate school to start thinking about scholarships; start now and become a potential scholarship recipient of tomorrow!

Use our scholarship search tool to browse an online scholarship database to find one that matches your education choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of scholarships does Scholarships.com offer for young students?

Scholarships.com provides a variety of scholarship options for students under 13, from environmental initiatives to STEM-based competitions. Some are based on the student's passion, such as science, while others reward community service or problem-solving skills.

How early can students start applying for scholarships?

Scholarships.com believes it's never too early to start planning for your education and there are various exciting scholarships available even for elementary school children and middle school students. It's all about staying informed and seizing educational opportunities as they come.

Do these scholarships require an essay?

The requirements vary depending on the scholarship and the odds will be in your favor when you submit an amazing scholarship application packet. Some might require a compelling scholarship essay while others focus on project-based submissions or personal accomplishments. It's important to review each scholarship's individual requirements during the application process.

Is there an application deadline for these scholarships?

Yes, each scholarship has a specific deadline, and we highly encourage you to apply early and also to keep track of these dates to ensure they don't miss out on these incredible education funding opportunities.

How can these scholarships ease future student loan costs?

Receiving a scholarship can greatly reduce the need for student loans in the future which can also be a burden for the family as well.

Can parents or guardians apply on behalf of their children?

In most cases, the student that is applying is required to complete the application form and a family member may be present at the time. Parents or guardians are encouraged to guide and support their children throughout the process if the student happens to have any questions while filling out the application.