Strange Scholarships for Odd Student Requirements

There are some strange scholarships for students out there looking for financial aid with odd requirements, or criteria.  Embracing them though can definitely help you to get your hands on money for school that you never expected to be offered.

David Letterman Telecommunications Scholarships

Most people know David Letterman as the late night comedian. However, he also offers his strange scholarships to help students that want to pursue telecommunications. He was a C student and so this is offered without regard to GPA. Instead, applicants must submit various media for a given product that will be evaluated in terms of creativity. Applications are due by April 1st. The David Letterman scholarship is $10,000.

Van Valkenburg Memorial Scholarship

This one does fall into the category of strange scholarships. It is more about luck of the name than what you know! This scholarship is designed to help honor the last name of Van Valkenburg and those their legacy. If you have this same last name or a variation of it, then you may be able to qualify for up to $1,000 that can be used at any accredited college. Applications are due by July 1st.

Potato Industry Scholarship

The potato industry is more important than we often realize. They show appreciation to the families of the farmers and to the consumers, they offer this fun strange scholarship that is fun. There is an essay question that changes each year that has to be completed along with an application. All applicants must be planning to go to college in an area of study that relates to potatoes. Two scholarships are awarded annually for $2,000 each to high school seniors. Applicants are due by February 1st.

NCTA Help Santa Find the Perfect Real Christmas Tree Scholarship

This is a strange scholarship that helps to put the fun back into the holiday season. It is open to any USA student ages 6 to 16 who completes an essay. All essay work must be original and not previously published. It must be submitted by December 10th to be considered. The unusual scholarship amount can range from $5,000 to $10,000 and will be held until the winner is old enough to attend an accredited college. It is sponsored by the National Christmas Tree Association. They advocate for farm grown Christmas tree use.

FBI Common Knowledge Challenge

Among the strange scholarships for college funding is this one that is sponsored by the FBI. They are responsible for all types of investigations. Two high school students will be awarded $250 for winning a quiz about the FBI. The quiz is given online and you must register by October 1st. The quiz is given the 3rd week of October each year.

Excellent in Predicting the Future Award

The prediction market is exciting, but it is also challenging. These odd scholarships are for those that are going to be involved with pursuing economics. If you are good at predicting the future then you will be in the money on this one. There are multiple winners and each uncommon scholarship is valued at $400. There are several deadlines annually – February 10th, April 10th, June 10th, August 10th, and December 10th. Awards are given every 2 months on the 10th. Troy Studios is the sponsor of this wacky scholarship. They are involved with economic prediction business.

National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance Scholarship

This particular scholarship is offered to New England high school seniors with a GPA of 2.5 or higher and that are considered overweight. There are two scholarships annually of $500 each. Applications also need to include an essay about what the student has done personally and in their community to promote healthy living. Applications are due by May 1st. The National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance continues to advocate for the rights of those that are overweight.

Patrick Kerr Skateboard Scholarship

This is a strange scholarship that is offered by Kerr who has always had a passion for skateboarding. This is open to any student that skates at any level and that has a 2.5 GPA or higher. There is an application and an essay that have to be completed by June 15th. The grand prize is $5,000. There are also three runner up winners that will be awarded $1,000 each.