As a 10th grader, I want to get ahead in planning for college. Are there any scholarships available for sophomores in high school? I’m hoping to start building my college fund early and would appreciate any advice.
Yes, there are certainly scholarships tailored to high school sophomores which can be a fantastic way to start building your college fund quite early. Here are a few examples:
1. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards: This program recognizes middle and high school students for their volunteer service. Scholarships of $1000 and a trip to Washington, D.C., are awarded at the state level, while national winners receive $5000.
2. A Voice For Animals High School Essay Contest: High school students aged 14 to 18 can enter this contest by writing an essay on an environmental issue related to animals.
3. The Americanism Essay Contest: The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) holds an annual essay contest to promote patriotism among students. Entries must be 350 words or less, and students compete for a top prize of up to $5000.
4. Create Real Impact Contest: In the voices of teen drivers, this contest raises awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. Students can choose to submit entries in English or Spanish and in a variety of formats, such as videos or visual arts.
In addition to applying to these scholarships now, it's never too early to start preparing for later opportunities. Have a look at scholarships intended for older students so you can plan ahead by honing relevant skills or starting on a project now that could help you win later.
Remember, it's not just about the scholarships either. Focusing on academic performance, getting involved in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and developing your leadership skills are essential. These all play a role when applying for scholarships, especially those that take into consideration your overall profile besides your academic performance.
Finally, keep an eye out for new opportunities. Scholarships come in all shapes and sizes, and many are tailored to specific academic interests, talents, demographic groups, or even geographic locations. Regularly searching for scholarships on platforms like Appily or through your high school guidance office ensures that you won't miss out on any chances to secure funding for your college education.
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