Scholarships for Elementary & Middle School Students

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.

Action for Nature Eco-Hero Award

How to Apply: 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, 2022
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, self-care
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 their school. Four runners-up receive a $5,000 college scholarship
Deadline: March 4, 2022
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: Top ten winners each receive $10,000
Deadline: April 15, 2022
Website: https://barronprize.org/apply/

We the Students Essay Contest

How to Apply: Write an essay 500-800 words in length answering the question, "How does an understanding of natural rights and respect build a free society?"
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, 2022
Website: https://billofrightsinstitute.org/engage/students-programs-events/scholarship/

Paradigm Challenge

How to Apply: 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, 2022
Website:  https://www.projectparadigm.org/

Ocean Awareness Contest

How to Apply: Use humor, positivity, irony, or other unconventional approaches that are not typically used in environmental communication to address the climate crisis. Submissions are accepted as visual art, creative writing, film, interactive & multimedia, performing arts, poetry, and spoken word
Eligibility: Open to middle and high school students from around the world. Students under age 13 must provide the contact information for an adult sponsor (teacher, parent, mentor, etc.)
Amount: Multiple awards of up to $1,500
Deadline: June 13, 2022
Website: https://bowseat.org/programs/ocean-awareness-contest

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