It's never too early to start saving up money for your college education. Even if you are only in your first or second year of high school, there are plenty of opportunities to start bringing in money that will pay for your tuition, books, fees, and living expenses a couple of years down the line.
You might be surprised to learn that there are actually hundreds of scholarships available to underclassmen. If you're just starting your hunt, use this list of the best scholarships for high school freshmen and sophomores to get started.
This list includes a variety of scholarships for freshmen and sophomores. I've broken them down into the following categories:
- Essay Scholarships
- Special Interest Scholarships
- Creative Scholarships
- Hobby- and Activity-Based Scholarships
- Location-based Scholarships
- Easy Scholarships
These scholarships are not limited to one college or university, so students who win these awards will be able to use them for a variety of schools.
How to Use This List of Scholarships for Sophomores and Freshmen
Before we go over the scholarships you can apply for, let's quickly review the best ways you can use this list of scholarships for sophomores and freshmen.
Rule 1: Play to Your Strengths
Start out by looking at the different categories below. Are you creative? Then consider applying to some of the scholarships that require artwork or a movie for their applications. If you're a strong writer, on the other hand, consider applying to scholarships that require essays.
Rule 2: Apply to Many Scholarships
The beauty of starting your scholarship hunt early is that you have a lot of time! So use it wisely to apply to as many scholarships as possible.
We recommend applying to anywhere between five and 30 scholarships. Most scholarships on this list and beyond are competitive, meaning many students will be applying for them. You'll increase your chances of winning money if you don't put all of your eggs in one basket!
Rule 3: Pay Attention to Details
Make sure you read all the rules carefully before you apply for a scholarship, and be certain that your essays and other application materials address what is being asked. It's a waste of time to apply to scholarships if you're going to end up disqualified simply because you failed to follow the instructions.
Similarly, make sure to stay on top of important deadlines. You don't want to miss out on a great scholarship because you accidentally missed a due date!
Rule 4: Do Your Own Research
Keep in mind that this list is just a starting point. There are many more scholarships available to younger students, and there very well might be some that are more suited to your talents and interests. Don't be afraid to do some Google searches to see whether there are any scholarships out there that correspond to one of your unique traits.
Remember, the more obscure a scholarship is, the better your chance of winning it will be!
Essay Scholarships
To start, let's take a look at scholarships that require students to write and submit essays as part of their applications.
Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum Student Essay Contest
The Oklahoma City National Museum hosts an essay contest for students in grades 5-12. Topics encourage students to reflect on how other individuals or communities have shown strength and resilience to overcome challenges or tragedies. Students in grades 9 and 10 can submit 500-word essays.
Prizes:
- 1st place: $200
- 2nd place: $150
- 3rd place: $100
Ayn Rand Essay Contest
High school freshmen and sophomores can write an essay on one of several topics related to the book Anthem by Ayn Rand. The deadline to apply is April 27, 2023.
Prizes:
- 1st place: $2,000 (one winner)
- 2nd place: $250 (three winners)
- 3rd place: $100 (five winners)
NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund Essay Contest
To enter this contest, high school students must write a 1,000-word essay answering the question, "What does the second amendment mean to you?" The deadline is December 31, 2022.
Prizes:
- 1st place: $1,000
- 2nd place: $600
- 3rd place: $200
- 4th place: $100
Fleet Reserve Association Essay Contest
Students in grades 7-12 can enter this essay contest by submitting an essay of no more than 350 words exploring the role and importance of the spirit of Americanism and patriotism among our country’s youth. The deadline is December 1, 2022.
Prizes:
- Grand national prize: $1,500
- 1st place: $1,000
- 2nd place: $750
- 3rd place: $500
Unigo $10K Scholarship
Students 14 or older can apply for a chance to win one grand prize of $10,000. Your application must include a 250-word response to the prompt: "It's important to be happy with who you are, regardless of your wealth or intelligence level. So tell us, would you rather be smart, funny or rich...and why?" The deadline is December 31, 2022.
Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship
High school students can submit a 250-word essay on a topic of their choice for the chance to be entered into a competition to win a $1,000 prize. There are two contests per year. The fall contest deadline is December 31, 2022, and the spring contest deadline is July 31, 2023.
Profile in Courage Essay Contest
Students in grades 9-12 can submit a 700- to 1,000-word essay about "an act of political courage by a US elected official who served during or after 1917, the year John F. Kennedy was born." Essays must have at least five sources. The deadline for this year's contest is January 14, 2022.
Prizes:
- 1st place: $10,000
- 2nd place: $3,000
- Finalists: $1,000 (five winners)
- Semifinalists: $100 (eight winners)
MyImpact Challenge Contest
US students between the ages of 13 and 19 can apply to this scholarship to win one of 10 awards ranging from $1,500 to $10,000. You must complete the online application and submit an essay of no more than 1,200 describing your involvement in a community service project. The deadline for submission is May 21, 2023.
Prizes:
- Student Grand Prize: $10,000
- Student First Prize: $7,500
- Student Second Prize: $5,000
- Student Third Prize: $2,500
- Student Honorable Mention: $1,500 (six prizes)
Optimist International Essay Contest
US students under the age of 19 can submit an essay on the topic "Who is an everyday hero who brings out the optimism in you?”. Club winners advance to the District contest to compete for a $2,500 scholarship. Students need to contact their local clubs to enter. Most club level contests are held in early February. Clubs must submit their winners to the district chair by February 28, 2023. and Districts must submit a winner's information by April 15, 2023.
Visionary Scholarship Program
Any currently enrolled US high school student can apply to receive a prize from $1,000 to $5,000. Applicants must submit a completed application, a copy of their most recent (unofficial) high school transcript, and a 500-word essay. The deadline for this year's contest is June 1, 2023.
Special Interest Scholarships
These next scholarships require a special action on the part of the applicant, from volunteering to playing an online game.
Humanity Rising Service Challenge
High school students who volunteer for a non-profit that meets Humanity Rising’s criteria may apply for this scholarship by sharing their service story. You must make an account in order to access the scholarship details and apply for the challenge. Awards range from $500 to more than $2,000, and all deadlines are rolling.
Sportsmanship in eSports Scholarship
This scholarship is available to all students who are involved in playing competitive eSports, like League of Legends or Teamfight Tactics. One $2,500 scholarship is awarded each year to students who demonstrate exceptional sportsmanship. The deadline to apply is November 2, 2023 (they appear to not be awarding a scholarship in 2021).
Creative Scholarships
Are you the creative type? This next set of scholarships for freshmen and sophomores is all about artistic ability and creativity. For these contests, you'll need to submit a piece of art, whether that's a story, painting, video, photograph, etc.
Create Real Impact Contest
Any student between the ages of 14 and 22 can submit either a video or graphic design on the topic of how to address reckless driving. The contest closes on April 27, 2023.
Prizes:
- High School Social Media Campaign Prizes: $10,000, $5,000, and $2,500
- Video Category Prizes: $1,000, $500, and $250
- Graphic Design Category Prizes: $1,000, $500, and $250
Doodle 4 Google
Students from kindergarten to 12th grade can apply for this scholarship. Applicants must submit a Google Doodle related to this year's theme. All submissions are divided and judged by age group. The deadline is March 4, 2023.
Prizes:
- National Winner: $30,000 (plus a $50,000 technology award for the winner's school)
- National Finalists: $5,000 (four winners, one per age group)
Scholastic Art & Writing Award
Students in grades 7-12 with a keen interest in writing or art may apply to win a Best-in-Grade Award. Students in 12th grade only can also apply to win a Portfolio Award. Deadlines vary by region.
Prizes:
- Portfolio Award–Gold Medal: $12,500 (16 winners)
- Portfolio Award–Silver Medal: $2,000 (30 winners)
Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship Contest
US students who are at least 14 years old may apply for this scholarship of $10,000. You must design a greeting card using a photo, piece of artwork, or computer graphic for the front image. Submissions must be submitted as JPEGs (.jpg). The deadline is March 3, 2023.
Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest
US high school students interested in art can apply to win up to $34,000 in national awards. Applicants must submit an original piece of art with a patriotic theme. The first-place winner from each state will then advance to compete for the national award. The winner's art will also be featured on the cover of the VFW Auxiliary magazine and the Auxiliary website. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2023.
Hobby- and Activity-Based Scholarships
If you've got a long-term hobby or activity you like to do, these next scholarships are right up your alley.
WIA Student Pilot Scholarship
Any high school student who is an active member of Women in Aviation International (WAI) may apply for this $3,000 scholarship. You must submit a completed WAI form, two recommendation letters, a 500-word essay, a resume, copies of all aviation licenses and medical records, and the last three pages of your pilot logbook, if applicable. The deadline for submission is October 12, 2023.
SBO Magazine Music Student Scholarship
Students in grades 4-12 can apply for this essay contest to win one of 10 $1,000 prizes. Essays must be 250 words or less and answer the contest's theme: "Why did you join band, and why do you stick with it?" The deadline is April 30.
Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship
US high school students can apply to this for a chance to win a $1,000 prize. Applications must be submitted along with a 140-character message that completes the following statement: "Instead of spending time with technology, I'd rather ... " The top 10 applicants will be contacted and invited to write a 500- to 1,000-word essay on technology addiction. The winner will be selected from this 10. Applications for this year's contest are due January 30, 2023.
Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award
Any full-time student aged 8-18 can apply to win one of 20 $10,000 scholarships. Applicants must show outstanding classical music achievement and demonstrate financial need. You must submit at least two audio samples of your music along with tax forms, transcripts, and other supporting information. To be considered for the JKCYAA Fall 2023 Class, all application materials must be received by April 15, 2023.
Davidson Fellows Award
US students aged 18 or younger who have completed a "significant piece of work" in one of the categories listed here can apply to win a large scholarship. The deadline for this scholarship is February 15, 2023.
Prizes:
- 1st place: $50,000
- 2nd place: $25,000
- 3rd place: $10,000
BMI Student Composer Awards Program
Both US and international students (in the Western Hemisphere) younger than 28 can apply to win a scholarship of up to $5,000. Each applicant must submit an audio recording of an original music composition along with legible manuscripts. The deadline for this scholarship is expected to be in February 2023.
Eagle Scout of the Year Award
US students aged 15 or older who are active members of a Boy Scout Troop, Varsity Scout Team, or Venturing Crew can be nominated to win a $10,000 scholarship. Applicants must be active in their religious institutions and have received the corresponding Boy Scout religious emblem and Eagle Scout Award; they must have also shown practical citizenship in their churches, schools, Scouting groups, and communities. Nomination and application forms must be received by the applicant's corresponding department (state) headquarters by March 1, 2023.
Prizes:
- 1st place: $10,000
- Runners-up: $2,500 (three winners)
National High School Oratorical Contest
US high school students under the age of 20 can apply to receive a maximum scholarship of $25,000. Students must first compete in their local oratorical contests and deliver a prepared speech on a particular topic. Winners will then advance to the national competition.
Prizes:
- 1st place: $25,000
- 2nd place: $22,500
- 3rd place: $20,000
State winners who participate in the national contest's first round will receive $2,000, and those who advance past the first round will receive an additional $2,000.
Location-Based Scholarships
Some scholarships are only for students who live in particular areas. Check out the following list of scholarships to see whether there are any contests in your region.
Meriwest Annual High School Essay Competition
Applicants must be in grades 9-12, have a GPA of at least 2.0, and live in one of these California counties: Santa Clara, San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa, or San Francisco. Students who live in Arizona's Pima County are also eligible. If you live outside these counties, you can still enter the contest if you're a member of the Meriwest Credit Union. The scholarship competition awards 12 prizes annually that range from $100 to $1000. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2023.
Meriwest Annual High School TikTok Comptetition
Any high school student who is a resident of New York State and whose parent(s) were disabled or deceased in service to the US Armed Forces is eligible for this award. The award provides a $450 annual fund to help the student pursue higher education. The application deadline is June 30, 2023.
Oklahoma's Promise — Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program
Oklahoma students currently enrolled in grades 8-10 and whose families make $60,000 or less annually can apply for the chance to receive full tuition for an Oklahoma public two-year college or four-year university, or partial tuition for an accredited Oklahoma private college. The application must include the first two pages of the applicant's most recent federal tax return. The deadline for this scholarship is June 30, 2023.
Easy Scholarships
This final section of scholarships for sophomores and freshmen includes those that are extremely easy to apply for—all you have to do is register for a website or submit an online application and you're good to go!
$2,000 "No Essay" College Scholarship
Any student can apply by simply registering on the website. A winner is chosen each month to receive $2,000. The deadline to apply is the last day of each month.
$1,000 Cappex Easy College Money Scholarship
Any high school student who registers and completes a profile at Cappex.com will be entered into a monthly drawing to receive $1,000. The deadline to apply is the end of each month.
Top Ten List Scholarship
Any US student 14 or older can apply for the chance to win a $1,500 scholarship. Applicants must respond to the following statement in no more than 250 words: "Create a Top Ten List of the top ten reasons you should get this scholarship." The deadline is December 31, 2022.
What's Next?
Too old for these scholarships? Check out these scholarships that you can apply to in your senior year of high school!
Need more money than what these scholarships offer? Then check out our list of amazing full-ride scholarships and 80+ colleges that offer full-ride scholarships.
