If you’re low on loans, strapped for scholarships and groveling for grants, put your pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard!) and enter some writing contests. Many have no (or very low) entry fees and the prizes can be substantial! Here are some writing contests that might earn you cash for college.
YOUR LOCAL SECURITY
PRIZE: $1,000
OPEN TO: Anyone enrolled in college or incoming freshmen
DEADLINE: December 31
TYPE: Blogging/essay
WORD COUNT: 500 – 600 words
CURRENT TOPIC: “As the nation approaches its 57th presidential election, we’re asking the future leaders of this country, students, to define the single most important political issue in this election. Tell us not only what that issue is, but also tell us why and how you propose we come to a solution that benefits the majority.”
To learn more: http://yourlocalsecurity.com/scholarship
“ATLAS SHRUGGED” ESSAY CONTEST
PRIZE: $10,000 for first three $2,000 second prizes five $1,000 prizes for third; 25 $100 prizes; 50 semifinalists $50 prizes
OPEN TO: 12th grade – college
DEADLINE: Varies per contest
TYPE: Essay
WORD COUNT: 800 – 1,600 words
CURRENT TOPIC: Choose from one of three questions about Ayn Rand’s renowned intellectual mystery “Atlas Shrugged.” Topics include good and evil greed and deceit.
To learn more: http://aynrandnovels.com
SCHOOL BAND AND ORCHESTRA ESSAY CONTEST
PRIZE: Five $1,000 awards
OPEN TO: Anyone in grades 4 – 12
DEADLINE: December 31
TYPE: Essay
WORD COUNT: 250
CURRENT TOPIC: Why do we need music in our schools?
To learn more: http://www.sbomagazine.com/essay-contest/
A VOICE FOR ANIMALS HIGH SCHOOL ESSAY CONTEST
PRIZE: $1,000
OPEN TO: Students in grades 9 – 12
DEADLINE: March 31
TYPE: Essay
WORD COUNT: 1,500 words
CURRENT TOPIC: Ideas to end animal suffering
To learn more: www.hennet.org/contest.php
“YOUR POINT OF VIEW” CONTEST
PRIZE: $1,000
OPEN TO: Students ages 14 to 19
DEADLINE: November 1
TYPE: Essay
WORD COUNT: Two pages
CURRENT TOPIC: Changes you believe your high school needs
To learn more: www.energizestudents.org/Speak-Your-Mind/Contest.aspx
THE ADMISSIONHOOK.COM SCHOLARSHIP
PRIZE: $500 – $1,000
OPEN TO: High school and college students
DEADLINE: December 15
TYPE: Essay
WORD COUNT: 250 – 500 words
CURRENT TOPIC: Questions vary but include choices like: “Discuss an issue of personal local national or international concern and its importance to you.” Or “Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you and describe that influence.”
To learn more: http://admissionhook.com
JOE FOSS INSTITUTE’S INDEPENDENCE DAY SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY
PRIZE: $5,000
OPEN TO: Students in grades 9 – 12
DEADLINE: July 3
TYPE: Essay
WORD COUNT: 1,500 words
CURRENT TOPIC: Varies. Last year’s question was “What does the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ mean to you?”
To learn more: www.joefoss.com/programs/scholarship-program
YOUNG PATRIOTS ESSAY CONTEST
PRIZE: $3,000
OPEN TO: Middle school high school and homeschool students
DEADLINE: November 30
TYPE: Essay
WORD COUNT: 1,200 words
CURRENT TOPIC: “Should government be the provider?”
To learn more: http://debate-central.ncpa.org/young-patriots-essay-contest/
FRA AMERICANISM ESSAY CONTEST
PRIZE: $100, $500, $3,000 and $2,000
OPEN TO: Students in grades 7 – 12 who are sponsored by a Fleet Reserve Association member branch or unit. (The Fleet Reserve Association is open to all current and former enlisted members of the Navy Marine Corps and Coast Guard.)
DEADLINE: December 1
TYPE: Essay
WORD COUNT: 350 words
CURRENT TOPIC: “What freedom of speech means to me”
To learn more: www.fra.org
AFSA’S NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL ESSAY CONTEST
PRIZE: $2,500
OPEN TO: Students in grades 9 – 12
DEADLINE: April 15
TYPE: Essay
WORD COUNT: 1,000 – 1,250 words
CURRENT TOPIC: Varies by year. This year’s topic asks if you were a foreign service diplomat how would you improve the relations between the U.S. and your country of choice?
To learn more: www.afsa.org/essay_contest.aspx
THE OLIVE GARDEN’S PASTA TALES ESSAY CONTEST
PRIZE: $2,500
OPEN TO: Students in grades 1 – 12
DEADLINE: January 21
TYPE: Essay
WORD COUNT: 50 – 250 words
CURRENT TOPIC: “How will furthering your education make your dreams come true?”
To learn more: https://www.olivegarden.com/About-Us/Community/
HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE PROJECT ESSAY CONTEST
PRIZE: $1,000 – $5,000
OPEN TO: Anyone in grades 9 – 12
DEADLINE: April 15
TYPE: Essay
WORD COUNT: 1,200
CURRENT TOPIC: Why is it vital to remember the Holocaust and share its lessons with the next generation? What can young people do to combat and prevent prejudice?
To learn more: http://holocaust.hklaw.com/
