You may have heard of scholarships and how they can significantly help you pay for college, but did you know that there are also a number of weird scholarships that you can earn through wacky and unusual interests like duck calling, duct tape fashion, or doodling?

Below, we’ve listed 5 weird scholarships that really made us giggle and scratch our heads. But the best thing is, they’re real and they’re made just for those unique individuals who have a passion for the unusual. Take a look at some of these weird scholarships, and see if any of them are perfect for you.

What Are Scholarships?

Scholarships are a form of financial aid awarded to undergraduate students who need help paying for college. The difference between scholarships and student loans is that scholarships do not have to be paid back.

There are different kinds of scholarships. Some are a one-time check given to a student, while others are renewable and pay for each semester or academic year. While some scholarships are awarded directly to students, others are given directly to the school to pay tuition fees. Students may need to pay the difference, or it may cover the full cost.

47% of scholarships are federal funded grants, and students need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify and assess financial need and merit. Other scholarships are awarded through state grants, school grants, or private scholarships from clubs, organizations, or charities.

5 Weird Scholarships You Can Apply For in 2021/22

Doodle 4 Google Scholarship

Deadline: February 26, 2022

Ever wonder who creates the artwork for the Google icon each day? Turns out, students can submit Google Doodles to the Doodle 4 Google competition in order for a chance to have their artwork featured on Google.com for a day. Artists submit a piece of art using whatever material they prefer, and submit a short written piece about how their art represents their inner strength.

The National Winner receives a $30,000 college scholarship, a technology package of $50,000 for their school or non-profit organization, a trip to the Google headquarters, and other Google hardware and swag. Four National Finalists also each receive a $5,000 school scholarship, a trip to Google headquarters, and other prizes.

See the National Winner for 2021 here: https://doodles.google.com/d4g/

For more information and to apply: https://doodles.google.com/d4g/how-it-works/

Source: Pexels 

Stuck At Prom Scholarship

Deadline: June 9, 2022

Do you have a knack for fashion and innovative creativity? The Stuck At Prom Scholarship Contest awards over $20,000 in cash scholarships prizes to high school students with the best prom attire made out of Duck Brand Duct Tape. Students create a prom dress or tuxedo entirely out of duct tape, and submit a high resolution photo of themselves wearing the outfit.

Students fill out the entry form online, submit their photo, and include their parents’ permission if they are under 18. The winner for best prom dress is awarded $10,000; the winner for the best prom tux is awarded $10,000; and eight finalists receive $500 and Duck Brand Prize Packs.

See the 2021 winners here: https://www.duckbrand.com/stuck-at-prom/winners

For more information and to apply: https://www.duckbrand.com/stuck-at-prom

Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest

Deadline: November 26, 2021

Speaking of ducks, the Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest (whew, that’s a mouth-full) has been awarding senior high school students with scholarships since 1974. Students participate in a duck calling contest, which takes place at the Main Street Stage beside the Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce in Kansas, and the 1st place winner is awarded $2,000. 2nd place winners receive $1,000, 3rd place receives $750, and 4th place receives $500.

To find out more information and to apply: https://www.stuttgartarkansas.org/scholarship-contest.html

Tall Clubs International Student Scholarships

Deadline: March 1, 2022

The Tall Clubs International Student Scholarships awards up to $1,000 per student. The eligibility is quite simple: You must be 21 years or older, embarking on your first year of higher education, and at least 5’10” (178 cm) for women and 6’2” (188 cm) for men. The Tall Clubs International (TCI) is a non-profit community of tall people with the goal of promoting tall awareness (and apparently, education!).

To find out more information and to apply: https://www.tall.org/tci-foundation.html

Source: Pexels

Asparagus Club Scholarship

Deadline: April 20, 2022

The Asparagus Club Scholarship may have a funny name, but the awards can be essential for those wishing to study in the food industry. The Asparagus Club awards up to 10 students wishing to enter the independent grocery retail field, and each award is $2,000 per semester for four consecutive semesters (a total of $8,000). Eligible students must be full-time students, earn a 2.5 GPA minimum, and study for a degree in food management, business management, or other related fields.

The National Grocers Association (NGA) also awards specific scholarships to women and people of color in order to encourage more diversity in the field. The Women Grocers of America Scholarship and the Della Noce Family Industry Diversity Scholarship can be found on the foundation’s page alongside the Asparagus Club Scholarship.

To find out more information and to apply: https://www.nationalgrocers.org/foundation/nga-foundation-scholarships/

University of the People

At University of the People, we aim to make education and earning a degree affordable for everyone; no matter where you come from or how much money you earn. In order to offer quality education to all qualified students, we became the first university to offer tuition-free accredited degrees completely online. In addition, scholarships are available for select cases, so that lack of funds should never stop our students from reaching their goals.

Wrap Up

If you’re looking for a good way to afford college, these weird scholarships might be just the thing to help. Some scholarships can be very competitive or confusing; but these weird scholarships are made for those students who work outside-the-box. Whether you have a unique talent, or are just a little bit different from your peers, these scholarships might give you the push to get your degree.