Unless otherwise noted, the scholarships listed below are not affiliated with Rustic Pathways. We list these as a resource for middle school, high school, undergraduate and graduate students.
Do Something ScholarshipsAwarded to young people aged 13-25 who lead community development and service projects.
💲Amount: Up to $1,000
📅Deadline: November 30, 2024 | December 31, 2024
Rubincam Youth AwardOpen to middle and high school students for a narrative essay on their genealogy.
💲Amount: Up to $250
📅Deadline: December 15, annually
Angela AwardFor girls in grades 5-8 who have shown excellence in science, demonstrating sustained accomplishments.
💲Amount: $500
📅Deadline: December 21
Student Cam ScholarshipMiddle and high school students create a 5–6-minute documentary addressing the year’s given theme: In the next 20 years, what is the most important change that you would like to see in America?
💲Amount: Up to $5,000
📅Deadline: January 20, 2025
River of WordsAn international art and poetry contest for students aged 5-19, celebrating creative expression inspired by nature and the environment.
📅Deadline: January 31, 2025
EngineerGirl Writing ContestOpen to middle and high school students for essays addressing climate change through unique perspectives.
💲Amount: Up to $1,000
📅Deadline: February 1, 2025
eCYBERMISSIONA STEM competition sponsored by the U.S. Army, challenging students to solve community problems using science.
💲Amount: Up to $1,000
📅Deadline: February 26, 2025
Disabled American Veterans ScholarshipOpen to volunteers aged 21 or younger who have contributed a minimum of 100 hours credited through the organization.
💲Amount: Up to $30,000
📅Deadline: February 28, 2025
Gloria Barron Prize for Young HeroesIf you are 8-18, then you’re eligible to be a Barron Prize young leader who has made a significant positive impact on their communities and the environment.
💲Amount: Up to $10,000
📅Deadline: April 15, 2025
Team America Rocketry ChallengeAmerica’s largest rocket contest gives middle and high school students the opportunity to design, build and launch model rockets.
💲Amount: Up to $20,000 for your team
📅Deadline: April 6, 2025
Ayn Rand Institute Essay ContestsFor grades 8-12. Read Rand’s works, note the themes of capitalism, liberty, and rationalism, and write an essay.
💲Amount: $500
📅Deadline: April 25, 2024
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Young Scholars ProgramA selective, five-year, pre-college scholarship for high-performing 7th-grade students with financial need, providing support for academic and career goals.
💲Amount: Varies
📅Deadline: April 30, 2025
The Paradigm ChallengeThis challenge is for students aged 4 to 18 who use kindness, creativity, and collaboration to help solve real-life problems and make a difference.
💲Amount: Multiple awards worth up to $100,000
📅Deadline: May 1, 2025
Ocean Awareness Art ContestOpen to middle and high school students who use an unconventional art/think piece addressing climate change. Tell your climate story.
💲Amount: Up to $1,000
📅Deadline: June 9, 2025
Patriot’s Pen Essay ContestThe Patriot’s Pen Writing Contest from VFW (grades 6-8) challenges middle school students to express their thoughts on democracy in an essay.
💲Amount: $500 to $5,000
📅Deadline: October 31, 2025
Voice of DemocracyFor high school students in grades 9-12, challenging them to write and record audio essays on patriotic themes. Winners receive scholarships and prizes.
💲Amount: Up to $5,000
📅Deadline: October 31, 2025
Doodle 4 GoogleSee your original artwork on the Google Homepage.
💲Amount: Up to $50,000 and Google merch
📅Deadline: —-
Prudential Emerging VisionariesRecognizes young people 14-18 who have made contributions to their communities through volunteer service.
💲Amount: Up to $15,000
Scholastic Art & Writing AwardsStudents in grades 7-12 can earn a Scholastic grant of up to $12,500 for art and writing. Submit your 100 to 500-word personal statement and your portfolio online.
💲Amount: Up to $12,500
📅Deadline: Varies based on region
Young Scientist ChallengeThe 3M Young Scientist Challenge invites students in grades 5–8 to present ideas to solve problems, with a grand prize of $25,000.
💲Amount: Up to $25,000
Courage in Student Journalism AwardRecognizes students in grades 7-12 who demonstrate courage in pursuing journalistic endeavors, often in the face of adversity.
💲Amount: $1,000
Thermofisher Junior Innovators ChallengeEncourages young scientists to present solutions to community challenges. The Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge is for middle school students in grades 6-8 who present science or engineering projects at the Broadcom MASTERS science fair.
💲Amount: Prizes vary
📅Deadline: —
Tips for middle school students & their parents:
Plan Early for College:
This proactive approach sets a solid foundation for your or your child’s college education. Remember, there are various ways to prepare for college besides scholarships. Financial assistance, federal Pell grant funding, and grant programs open their applications early.
Start Saving Early:
Consider opening a 529 plan to save for college, travel and living expenses. Starting early allows your earnings to compound over time, providing a financial cushion for university students. The US federal government has a slew of programs for students with demonstrated financial need. But, funding opportunities do run out, so move quickly.
Explore Educational Opportunities Beyond the Classroom:
Education extends beyond the academic year. Investigate educational summer semester programs that can enhance your child’s learning and prepare them for high school. Some programs cater to middle school students and offer valuable experiences. Participating in travel abroad programs not only enrich learning but also aid in transition to high school.
Frequently asked questions about middle school scholarships
Are there any scholarships for middle school students?
There are at 29 scholarships for middle school students. The majority of scholarships are for high school and college seniors, community college students, college students, and graduate students.
What is the youngest age you can qualify for scholarships?
There is no age limit for applicable scholarships.
Why should I apply to scholarships in middle school?
It’s important to get a head start on the college funding process. Earning some scholarships will beget earning others.
Are there scholarships for international students?
Yes.
