Scholarships for Elementary & Middle School Students

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

College scholarships aren't just for high school seniors. Many contests are open to students in elementary and middle school, and prize money can help make a significant dent in college costs. We highlight five scholarships below for students in younger grades. Review the details of each one, and encourage any interested students you know to apply on time.

Doodle 4 Google

Details: Submit an original piece of artwork depicting the Google logo in accordance with this year's selected theme
Eligibility: Open to students in grades K-12
Amount: One national winner receives a $30,000 college scholarship and a trip to Google Headquarters. Four runners-up receive a $5,000 college scholarship
Deadline: February 26, 2021
Website: https://doodles.google.com/d4g/

Action for Nature Eco-Hero Award

Details: Submit an application describing an environmental project that concerns environmental health, advocacy, research, or protection of the natural world
Eligibility: Open to students ages 8-16 
Amount: $500
Deadline: February 28, 2021
Website: https://actionfornature.org/eco-hero-awards/apply

Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes

Details: 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: Top ten winners each receive $5,000
Deadline: April 15, 2021
Website: https://barronprize.org/apply/

We the Students Essay Contest

Details: Write an essay 500-800 words in length answering the question, "What is the relationship between Equality and Justice?"
Eligibility: Open to any U.S. student in grades 8-12 and between the ages of 14 and 19
Amount: $7,500 for 1st place, $1,500 for five runners-up, and $500 for ten honorable mentions
Deadline: April 15, 2021
Website: https://billofrightsinstitute.org/engage/students-programs-events/scholarship/

Paradigm Challenge

Details: Create a presentation focused on solving one of the provided challenges and submit it with a completed application
Eligibility: Open to students 4 to 18 years of age worldwide
Amount: Up to $100,000
Deadline: May 1, 2021
Website:  https://www.projectparadigm.org/

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