Scholarships for Elementary & Middle School Students

These scholarships have expired. We'll be updating this blog post in the winter. Please visit our other scholarship blog posts to see current scholarships you can apply for.

College scholarships aren't just for college students and high school seniors. Many contests are open to students in elementary and middle school, and earning prize money now can help ease the burden of college cost down the road. We highlight six scholarships below for students in younger grades. Review the details of each one, and encourage any interested students you know to apply on time.

Action for Nature Eco-Hero Award

How to Apply: Submit an application describing an environmental project you completed that concerns environmental health, advocacy, research, or protection of the natural world
Eligibility: Open to students ages 8-16 
Amount: $500
Deadline: February 28, 2023
Website: https://actionfornature.org/eco-hero-awards/apply

Doodle 4 Google

How to Apply: Submit an original piece of artwork depicting the Google logo in accordance with this year's selected theme, I am grateful for…
Eligibility: Open to students in grades K-12
Amount: One national winner receives a $30,000 college scholarship and a $50,000 technology package for his or her school. Four runners-up receive a $5,000 college scholarship
Deadline: March 7, 2023
Website: https://doodles.google.com/d4g/

Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes

How to Apply: Submit an online application, including a letter from a nominator
Eligibility: Open to children ages 8-18 who are currently working on an inspiring service project or have done so within the past 12 months
Amount: Multiple winners receive $10,000 each
Deadline: April 15, 2023
Website: https://barronprize.org/apply/

Paradigm Challenge

How to Apply: Create a submission focused on solving one of the provided challenges and submit it with a completed application. Submissions may include posters, videos, inventions, public messages, community events, websites, and mobile apps.
Eligibility: Open to students 4 to 18 years of age worldwide
Amount: Grand prize of $100,000 with other awards for finalists
Deadline: May 1, 2023
Website:  https://www.projectparadigm.org/

My Impact Challenge

How to Apply: Write an essay of up to 1,200 words on a project you have completed that furthers at least one principle and one virtue as defined in the Bill of Rights Institute's "Principles and Virtues," and write a report of up to 2,000 words detailing your civic engagement project, including your inspiration and project plan.
Eligibility: Open to any U.S. student between the ages of 13 and 19
Amount: Prizes range from $250 to $10,000
Deadline: May 21, 2023
Website: https://billofrightsinstitute.org/my-impact-challenge

Ocean Awareness Contest

How to Apply: Research and choose an inspirational scientist, activist, artist, educator, or other hero who is working to solve climate change issues. Create a submission that highlights their efforts, organizations, and/or positive impacts. Submissions are accepted as visual art, creative writing, film, interactive & multimedia, performing arts, poetry, and spoken word
Eligibility: Open to students ages 11 to 18. Students must provide the contact information for an adult sponsor (teacher, parent, mentor, etc.)
Amount: Multiple awards of up to $1,500
Deadline: June 13, 2023
Website: https://bowseat.org/programs/ocean-awareness-contest

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