Specialty Scholarships

The hunt for scholarships can be intense, but you may qualify for some without even knowing it. Here's a taste of what's out there. 

Lefties and Southpaws

The Frederick and Mary F. Beckley Scholarship empowers one left handed individual to enjoy $1,000 for their unique characteristic. There's a catch, though: you must be attending Juniata College in order to qualify, for at least one year of study. Be prepared to mention a few references that can vouch for the fact that you are left handed, upon applying for the award. 

Single Mothers

There are a number of worthwhile scholarships that exclusively cater to moms raising a baby all on their own. For example, those mothers that hail from somewhere in Arkansas can qualify for the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund. More than five hundred women a year express their gratitude for the Jeannette Rankin Foundation Scholarship Program. Another to investigate is the Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation for Low-Income Women and Children.

Duct Tape and Prom Dates

Citizens of the United States, aged 14 or older, who plan on participating in a springtime prom should consider going out for the Duck Brand Duct Tape Stuck at Prom Contest. You and your prom date must enter together, sporting extremely cute and fashionable outfits or accessories composed completely from duct tape. First prize brings money all around: $5,000 to you, another five to your date, and yet another fiver to the school that hosted the prom itself. 

Highs and Lows

The tallest and the shortest among us are actually some of the luckiest when it comes to specialty scholarships. Men who are 6'2" or taller, and women boasting height of at least 5'10" qualify for the Tall Clubs International Scholarship, with a payout of $1,000. On the other end of the spectrum is the Billy Barton Foundation, which grants an award for those under 4'10". The Little People of America also provide a scholarship for those who match the same height qualifications. 

Veggies

Not only must you eat a strictly vegetarian diet, but you must promote that regime in and around your school, if you'd like to have a chance of winning the Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship, valued at an iceberg-lettuce-cool $5,000.

Wool

Fashionistas with a particular penchant for wool should bah their way over to the National Make It Yourself Wool Competition, whose winner enjoys one of four scholarships.

For more information on specialty scholarships, see College and Finance and The Education Reference.