Are there specific junior scholarships for college that I should be aware of?

As a high school junior, I'm trying to get a head start on applying for scholarships. Are there any specific scholarships for juniors that I should be looking into? Any favorites or must-know scholarships for rising seniors?

Absolutely, starting your scholarship search early is an excellent strategy. Many organizations indeed offer scholarships specifically geared towards high school juniors. Here are few notable ones to consider:

1. Coolidge Scholarship: This is a full-ride, four-year scholarship for academic merit, covering tuition, room, board, and expenses for undergraduate study. It is awarded annually to high school juniors who demonstrate an academic record of high merit, an interest in public policy, an appreciation for and understanding of the values President Coolidge championed, and humility and service.

2. The National Merit Scholarship Program: While not strictly a scholarship for juniors, it's during your junior year that you take the PSAT/NMSQT – which is the qualifying test for entry. Each year, approximately 15,000 students are named finalists and are eligible to compete for National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million.

3. Doodle for Google (Dog) contest: This creative competition offers up to $30,000 in college scholarships for winning doodles. The level of creativity is high and it's a great way to showcase your artistic talent.

4. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards: These awards honor middle and high school students for outstanding acts of volunteerism. State honorees each receive $1,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. Top state honorees also receive a gold medallion.

Please remember that eligibility requirements and deadlines for each scholarship can vary, so it's important to check the specific details of each one. Happy scholarship hunting!