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10 Big-Money Scholarships to Apply for in Spring 2021
As the school year winds down, students are focusing on summer plans. Internships. Summer jobs. Research projects.
But don’t neglect the scholarship search.
Spring scholarships are a great way to score money for the coming school year. And if the search doesn’t work out, there are still alternatives for the rest of the year: summer scholarships, fall scholarships, and even those open year-round.
Ready to get started? Here are 10 big-money spring scholarships to apply for in 2021.
No. 1: The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes
Award: $10,000
Deadline: April 15, 2021
How to Apply: Submit an application to the Gloria Barron Prize
Eligibility: High school students
The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes celebrates young people from diverse backgrounds across North America. Each year the prize honors 25 young leaders between the ages of 8 to 18. Winners have created positive change in their community and environment. Applicants must submit an application that includes two letters of recommendation and a lead reference, who is an adult advocate with knowledge of the applicant’s heroic activities.
No. 2: The Richard H. Pierce Memorial Scholarship
Award: $5,000-$20,000
Deadline: April 1, 2021
How to Apply: Submit an application to the Richard H. Pierce Memorial Scholarship
Eligibility: High school and college students
The Richard H. Pierce Memorial Scholarship was established to honor MES founder Dick Pierce. In 2021, a total of 10 scholarships will be awarded to eligible students by the MES Foundation Board of Directors. Scholarships are awarded based on merit and financial need, and renewable for up to four years. Applicants must be students residing in Maine who intend to enroll or are enrolled in a two- or four-year degree program.
No. 3: The Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund
Award: $15,000
Deadline: April 1, 2021
How to Apply: Submit an application for The Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund
Eligibility: High school and college students
The Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund was founded as a memorial to Marian Davis, a teacher and political activist, as well as the fund’s greatest donor, Norton S. Putter. The fund’s mission is to provide need-based scholarships to students who are an active part of the progressive movement both on their campus and within their community. Applicants must embody the spirit and commitment that Davis and Putter brought to the movement of peace and justice.
No. 4: Mattress Nerd's Sustainability Scholarship
Award: $1,000
Deadline: April 1, 2021
How to Apply: Submit an essay to Mattress Nerd
Eligibility: High school and college students
Students interested in sustainability and conscientious buying should apply to Mattress Nerd’s Sustainability Scholarship. Applicants aren’t required to have a specific major or minimum GPA. Applicants must submit a 500- to 1,000-word essay answering the following questions:
- What choices can consumers make to reduce their carbon footprint?
- What reuse-and-recycle innovations are leading the change in business environmental conscientiousness?
- What have you altered in your day-to-day life to reduce your environmental impact?
No. 5: Beyond the Cure Ambassador Scholarship
Award: $2,500
Deadline: March 31, 2020
How to Apply: Submit an application to the Beyond the Cure Ambassador Scholarship Program
Eligibility: High school and college students
The Beyond the Cure Ambassador Scholarship Program awards college scholarships to childhood cancer survivors who demonstrate determination and perseverance. Applicants must be childhood cancer survivors under the age of 25 and diagnosed before the age of 18. Interested students should read through the requirements listed on The National Children’s Cancer Society website to determine eligibility.
No. 6: Porch Skilled Trade & Technology Scholarships
Award: $2,000
Deadline: April 16, 2021
How to Apply: Submit an application to the Porch Skilled Trade & Technology Scholarships
Eligibility: High school and college students
There is a growing demand for qualified workers in skilled trades and technology fields. Porch, a Seattle-based home services platform, is committed to assisting the next generation of professionals with their scholarship. Awarded four times each year, the $2,000 reward will go to a student who is pursuing a degree that will enable them to learn a trade, develop skills and technology, or start a small business.
No. 7: Crystal Green Memorial Scholarship
Award: $1,500
Deadline: April 30, 2021
How to Apply: Submit an application to the Crystal Green Memorial Scholarship
Eligibility: High school seniors
The Crystal Green Memorial Scholarship is dedicated to a young woman who suffered from aplastic anemia and ultimately lost her battle after several transfusions. To enter the scholarship, students must create a unique marketing plan for a blood drive promotion to support the Blood Assurance organization. All applicants must submit a detailed marketing plan for a new blood drive promotion. Students whose plans are chosen and used at a real blood drive will receive a $200 bonus.
No. 8: Students of History Scholarship
Award: $1,000
Deadline: May 1, 2021
How to Apply: Submit an application to the Students of History Scholarship
Eligibility: High school seniors
Students of History is committed to the impact that meaningful history lessons can make on high school students. The organization fosters a passion for social studies by rewarding an annual scholarship to one senior who has demonstrated excellence in social studies or history coursework. Applicants must have completed at least three social studies or history classes. They must also acquire a letter of recommendation from a teacher, write an essay, and submit an application.
No. 9: Fundera College Scholarship
Award: $2,000
Deadline: June 1, 2021
How to Apply: Submit a video to the Fundera College Scholarship
Eligibility: High school and college students
Fundera is committed to helping aspiring student entrepreneurs. The Fundera College Scholarship assists students in paying for the rising costs of college. There are two application periods: June 1, 2021, for the fall semester and January 1, 2022, for the spring semester. Applicants must follow Fundera’s social networks and post a 3-minute video answering how they plan to creatively and strategically grow a small business of their choice with a minimal investment.
No. 10: Digital Privacy Scholarship
Award: $1,000
Deadline: June 30, 2021
How to Apply: Submit an application to the Digital Privacy Scholarship
Eligibility: High school and college students
The Digital Responsibility Scholarship teaches students about the importance of protecting their personal information on the internet. Applicants must complete an application form with a brief 140-character statement about digital privacy. Ten of the top applications will become finalists. Finalists must then write a 500- to 1,000-word essay about digital privacy.