Over the years, students have seen a shift in the way scholarships are awarded. Instead of emphasizing grades and test scores, scholarships are now awarded to students who pursue unique interests. While the primary reason for this is financial aid, these scholarships also allow students to pursue their passions and form connections with like-minded individuals encouraging them to pursue their goals. Perhaps you’re an aspiring poet or gamer who’s on the verge of scholarship search or looking to earn scholarship money while pursuing your hobby? Read on as we discuss scholarships for hobbies and extracurriculars and how you can apply for them. Overview of Scholarships For Hobbies and Extracurriculars If you are passionate about a particular hobby or you do an extracurricular activity in your free time, there is no dearth of scholarships for you. Research the eligibility requirements and application deadlines of the scholarship you’re interested in. The eligibility criteria vary from scholarship to scholarship, but most of them require high school students to perform well in the field and demonstrate personal interest in the subject. After that, apply for any additional opportunities associated with the scholarship such as essay contests, competitions, or grants. You should also keep track of relevant documents such as transcripts and letters of recommendation to submit with your application. With these pointers, you can easily find and apply for scholarships related to your hobby or extracurricular activity. How to Leverage Your Hobbies & Earn Money for School If you’re one of those high school or college students that have hobbies that you are passionate about, it can be a great way to earn money for school with these scholarships for hobbies and extracurriculars! However, it’s important to research scholarships related to your hobbies and extracurricular activities in order to understand the eligibility requirements and the financial aid available. Additionally, it’s important to document any awards or recognition you have received related to these so that you have a record of your accomplishments. By networking with teachers, mentors, and other professionals in your field of interest, you can gain valuable insight and information on scholarships for your hobbies. Last but not least, reaching out to organizations that sponsor the scholarship for more information and guidance can help you narrow down your options and find the scholarship that is perfect for you. Types of scholarships available by hobby and extracurricular activities There are many unique scholarships available for students and list of scholarships you can find in the internet that is applicable for you. Academic scholarships are awarded to students based on academic excellence. In the case of sports or athletic scholarships, students who demonstrate outstanding athletic performance or potential are eligible for financial aid. Some scholarships are offered to those with a talent in music, drama, dance or the arts like the available scholarships for hobbies and extracurriculars. Community service scholarships are granted to students with a history of community involvement and volunteerism. Additionally, there are grants for students pursuing higher education and student loans seeking financial aid. Students must explore the various opportunities available before making a decision regarding scholarship eligibility and the amount of aid granted and discover their hobbies that can help you win a scholarship! Writing/Poetry High school or college scholarships that recognize creativity and talent in writing, poetry, or other forms of literature are available. These awards can range from a few hundred dollars to full tuition for a semester or year. To be considered for these scholarships, students must submit original works of writing or poetry for consideration. Other criteria for winning an award may include academic performance, financial need, and extracurricular activities. Students who demonstrate dedication to their creative pursuits and express their creativity through writing or art scholarship interviews can gain valuable experience that can help them reach their goals in school and beyond. With your hobbies and interests for scholarship, If you enjoy journaling, blogging, or any other form of written expression, you may want to check out the following open programs: Porter Fleming Literary Competition Open to undergraduate and graduate students in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Works of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama are eligible for consideration. Prizes range in value from $250 to $1,000 each. #nofilter Scholarship Slam Students 25 and younger may submit an original poem for a chance to win a $1,000 scholarship. ScholarshipExperts.com Monthly Scholarships Each month, we offer a creative writing scholarship (250 words or less) that is open to U.S. legal residents 13 and older. Scholarships range in value from $1,500 to $5,000 each. Gaming (Video/Cards) There are scholarships available for those who enjoy gaming, whether it as video games or card games. These scholarships often require applicants to showcase their gaming skills in a tournament or demonstrate their knowledge of the game. Some of these scholarships may also offer mentorship opportunities and even internships with game developers. These scholarships can help students gain recognition and respect within the gaming community and may help them pursue a career in the industry. For students interested in pursuing a career in gaming, these scholarships may offer a good start. If you spend considerable time in the virtual world, these scholarships may be just what you need to get to the next level. Gamers Helping Gamers Scholarship If you play Magic: The Gathering (high school seniors and older), you could earn $5,000 through this program. Pokémon Scholarships Each year, the top finishers at the Pokémon TCG U.S. National Championships and the Pokémon World Championships receive scholarships to help cover their college expenses. If you’ve “gotta catch ‘em all,” this could be the scholarship for you! Penny Arcade Scholarship This award is open to current college students who have a grade point average of 3.3 or higher. Art/Graphic Design Visual arts and graphic design scholarships are available to students pursuing a career in the art or design field. These scholarships can cover the cost of tuition, materials, and living expenses for students pursuing a degree in art or graphic design. Some organizations offer scholarships specifically for students who demonstrate exceptional talent in their craft. These scholarships can be awarded for attending specific art schools or completing projects related to a particular field of study. In addition to school-based scholarship opportunities, students may also find individual scholarships through organizations and companies in their community. To be considered for these types of awards, applicants must provide samples of their work. eSchoolView Web Design and Development Scholarship A total of eight scholarships are offered through this program. The top prize is $5,000. High school seniors interested in graphic design may apply. VFW Post 6899 Patriotic Art scholarship Open to Texas high school students who submit a piece of patriotic art (excluding digital). Geddes Creativity Scholarship Contest Anyone can enter this visual design contest. A total of three scholarships ($250, $500 and $1,000) will be awarded. Do you have a unique talent or hobby? Register for a free account with Unigo.com, and see what’s waiting for you! What are the eligibility requirements for scholarships by hobbies? – Research the scholarship opportunity thoroughly before applying and sending that email – Understand the eligibility criteria for the scholarship and make sure you meet it. – Create a list of activities, clubs, volunteer work, and other activities related to your hobby. – Gather all necessary documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and essays in advance and take note each of the application deadline. You can use this material to strengthen your application and show the scholarship committee why you are worthy of the award. The effort will go a long way in helping you secure the scholarship money you deserve for your future goals. What are the benefits of receiving a scholarship for hobbies and extracurriculars? Receiving scholarships for hobbies and extracurriculars can be incredibly beneficial. First of all, these scholarships can help talented students pursue their interests, even if they may not otherwise have the financial means to do so. This type of financial aid gives students the opportunity to follow their dreams and develop skills that they are passionate about. Moreover, scholarships based on a hobby and extracurricular can provide students with much-needed recognition for their hard work and dedication. The award can also open up new opportunities such as internships or job offers as a result of being acknowledged for their talent. Finally, these scholarships can often come with mentorship programs or access to special resources which can assist students in further developing their skillset beyond high school or college. All in all, receiving a scholarship from hobbies and extracurriculars is an amazing way to help students do what they love while also helping them prepare for the future.