Many students simply stop applying for scholarships when the school year ends – but, if you take this route, you could be missing out on some big prizes! This is a great time to apply for FREE MONEY* to help pay for college and, because so many students “take the summer off,” these scholarships can sometimes be less competitive. There are plenty of summer scholarships available to high school and college students.
Here are 20 Summer Scholarships that are worth your time:
1. Citizens Scholarship for College
Deadline: Monthly entry periods (from 7/1/23 – 6/30/24)- Amount: $2,500 monthly prize and $15,000 grand prize
- Eligibility: 16 years of age or older, a U.S. citizen, and a prospective student
This no essay, no contest sweepstakes from Citizens not only awards a $2,500 monthly prize, but also a one-time grand prize of $15,000. To enter, fill out the registration from on their website. Winners are selected at random, and winnings must be used towards tuition and school expenses. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited.
2. Automotive Hall of Fame Scholarship
- Deadline: June 30
- Amount: Varies based on financial needs
- Eligibility: Incoming freshmen and upper-level undergraduate students pursuing automotive interests.
If you are looking to pursue a career in the automotive industry, applying for this scholarship is worth your time. To apply, you will need to complete the online application, provide two letters of recommendation, and clearly express your interest in the industry.
3. “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship
- Deadline: Rolling monthly (May 1, December 1)
- Amount: $25,055
- Eligibility: high school students, community college students, college students, and graduate students
The “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship is funded by Bold.org. The winner is chosen based on their profile, and it being “bold.” The organizers are looking for profiles that display a student as being earnest, determined, and moving.
4. Kay Longcope Scholarship Award
- Deadline: May 20
- Amount: $3,000
- Eligibility: An LGBTQ+ individual of color planning to pursue a career in journalism
The Kay Longcope Scholarship Award is in memory of Kay Longcope, co-founder of the statewide LGBTQ+ newsweekly and The Texas Triangle as well as a reporter for the Boston Globe. Students who apply for this scholarship must be an LGBTQ+ individual of color planning to pursue a career in journalism and be able to demonstrate their passion and commitment to the profession.
5. Christian Connector Scholarship
- Deadline: May 31
- Amount: $5,000
- Eligibility: first time as a full-time student at a Christ-centered Christian college, university, or Bible college
The Christian Connector Scholarship is only open to high school students (excluding seniors) who are planning to attend a Christian college or university. The award is $5,000.
Students interested in applying need to fill out a survey first. The entry must be received by May 31st. There is no essay or other information required to enter the running for the scholarship.
6. College Raptor $2,500 Scholarship
- Deadline: June 30
- Amount: $2,500 ($1,000 for runner up)
- Eligibility: 16 years or older and enrolled in an accredited post-secondary institution of higher learning (college, university or trade school).
College Raptor awards four $2,500 scholarships per year. The goal is to help students be thoughtful in their college decision process and provide them tools and insight along the way. To qualify, you must register or login to College Raptor and submit an essay. Winners are selected by committee. No purchase necessary.
7. Korean American Scholarship
- Deadline: June 30
- Amount: $500 to $5,000
- Eligibility: Prospective students with a Korean heritage who will be studying in the U.S.
This scholarship is presented by the Korean American Scholarship Foundation (KASF). Students must apply for the scholarship available in their region of the U.S.
8. Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship
- Deadline: June 13
- Amount: $2,875
- Eligibility: All students who have had challenges with mental health or who have had loved ones who have struggled with mental health.
This scholarship seeks to support a more open and honest dialogue of mental health issues. To apply for this scholarship, you will write a short essay about your mental health journey and how it has impacted your beliefs, relationships, and aspirations.
9. First Responders Children’s Foundation Scholarships
- Deadline: May 31
- Amount: Varies
- Eligibility: Biological, adopted or stepchild of a police officer, firefighter, EMT, paramedic or 911 dispatcher.
The First Responders Children’s Foundation scholarship is awarded annually and may be renewed for up to four years. Priority is given to students whose first responder parent has suffered in the line of duty.
In addition, applicants should be pursuing a bachelor’s, associate’s, certificate, graduate or law degree at any accredited college, university or technical/vocational institution in the United States.
10. MyBioSource Inc. Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
- Deadline: June 30
- Amount: $1,000
- Eligibility: High school seniors, undergraduates, graduates as well as international students who have a documented learning disability
MyBioSource wants to see the world become more inclusive of people with disabilities. This scholarship will offload some of the financial burden of college specifically for students with disabilities.
11. Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship
- Deadline: July 31
- Amount: $1,000
- Eligibility: High school, college, and graduate students who are legal residents of the U.S.
This merit-based scholarship program aims to help students fulfil their dreams of higher education. You must submit a 250 work or less (short essay) that describes why you deserve to win the scholarship, what your academic/career goals are, OR any topic of your choice. Winners are chosen by a committee based on best personal statement.
12. Reef2Leaf Scholarship by Wildhorn Outfitters
- Deadline: July 1
- Amount: $1,500
- Eligibility: Current high school seniors or college students
This scholarship is awarded to students who submit an essay explaining their conservation idea. The ideas must enhance local environments and the lives of those who live nearby.
13. Horatio Alger Career & Technical Scholarships
- Deadline: June 17
- Amount: $2,500 to $10,000
- Eligibility: Completed high school and enrolled in full-time fall program.
500 scholarships are awarded each year through the generosity of Horatio Alger Association members. The scholarships are specifically available for students who have had to overcome great obstacles in their lives in order to pursue a career or technical education at an accredited non-profit post-secondary institution.
14. John Galt Solutions Scholarship for Future Supply Chain Leaders
- Deadline: May 31
- Amount: $10,000
- Eligibility: Enrolled college students pursuing supply chain management major (or similar)
The John Galt scholarship aims to support the next generation of supply chain leaders, expert forecasters, and demand planners. To apply, fill out the application form, include a 500-750 word personal statement about what inspired you to pursue supply chain management.
15. Michael Moody Fitness Scholarship
- Deadline: August 1 (Or earlier, if they receive 1,000 applications)
- Amount: $1,500
- Eligibility: current high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate students who plan to enroll full-time in an accredited two-year or four-year college or university in the United States
The Michael Moody Fitness scholarship is for those who have shown outstanding achievement, participation and leadership in school activities and work experience, and are interested in pursuing a career in the health and fitness related fields. Eligibility requirements include a 4.0 GPA (or higher), details of outstanding achievement and list of school, community, and work experience.
16. Ocean Awareness Contest
- Deadline: June 10
- Amount: Up to $1,000
- Eligibility: 11 to 18 years old around the world
This contest is dedicated to informing and educating students about environmental issues using art and creative communication to help change the world. There are two divisions: a junior division for 11-14 years old and a senior division for 15-18 years old. Accepted submissions include visual art, poetry, creative thinking, film, interactive media and performing arts.
17. ABC Humane Wildlife Women In STEM Academic Scholarship
- Deadline: July 1
- Amount: $1,000
- Eligibility: A currently enrolled college student who identifies as female and has a STEM major
ABC Humane Wildlife is a woman-owned corporation in a male-dominated field. For this reason, they want to support other women who are pursuing careers in STEM. Applicants must submit an essay answering the prompt: “Why are you passionate about science, technology, engineering, or math, and how will your pursuit of these fields help preserve biodiversity, improve the health of our planet, or alleviate human suffering?”
18. Collegiate Beef Advocacy Program
- Deadline: June 1
- Amount: $2,000
- Eligibility: Unmarried, 24 years of age or younger, and currently enrolled in a higher education program.
This scholarship opportunity is designed to seek out the best and brightest upcoming collegiate spokespeople who can advocate for beef. Three winners will be selected to travel and advocate for beef on behalf of American National Cattle Women, Inc.
19. ScholarshipPoints Scholarship Program
- Deadline: June 17
- Amount: $2,500
- Eligibility: 13 years or older, a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States
ScholarshipPoints awards one of its members with a $2,500 scholarship every month of the year. All you have to do to apply is sign up!
20. Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest
- Deadline: June 5
- Amount: $15,000
- Eligibility: High school students 14 years and older.
For the creative types, you may submit your duct-tape made prom dress or tuxedo to qualify for this contest. Judging is based on workmanship, originality, use of colors, accessories, and best use of Duck® Brand Duct Tape. First place dress and tuxedo receive $15,000 each, and eight runners up receive $1,000 Cash Scholarship and a Duck® Brand Prize Pack worth $100 each.
While majority of scholarship deadlines are in autumn and spring, there are plenty of scholarships with due dates in the summer that should not overlook. Even though November is National Scholarship Month, summer presents both time and opportunity for students who are willing to put in some work in searching and applying for scholarships.
Our list just includes just A FEW of the summer scholarships that are open to high school and college students and there are many, many more! Use our Scholarship Search Tool to uncover the awards that you qualify for.
* While a scholarship does not have to be repaid, there may be other obligations associated with the scholarship
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.50%-16.12%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
5.54% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.63% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
5.66% - 14.72% Variable
3.69% - 14.56% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.69% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
