By tamaraOMG! Where did the summer go? It’s hard to believe that in a few short weeks students will be hitting the books and dealing with homework again. Many students started the summer with the best intentions, promising to get a head start on college application essays and vowing to find free money for college, but I suspect most did not follow through; it’s tough to sit down at a computer when other people are outside enjoying the warm summer sun. Thankfully, there are still plenty of scholarship opportunities for students to jump on before the school bell rings. Here are 10 programs that are perfect for those who will be heading back to school soon. 1. Bird-X Generation-Green Essay Contest Scholarship Incoming college freshmen and current undergraduates who have taken either the ACT or SAT are eligible to apply. Students must also have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 or higher. One $1,000 scholarship and two $200 photo awards will be offered. Deadline: August 2. 2. CollegeSTEPS Program Scholarship Sweepstakes Wells Fargo offers 40 scholarships (20 to high school students and 20 to college students) valued at $1,000 each. Students must be 13 years or older to apply. Residents of New York, Florida and Rhode Island are not eligible. Deadline: August 12. 3. Aspiring Educator Scholarship College juniors and older may apply for this $1,000 award. Students must be enrolled in a special education, speech pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy or school psychology program. Deadline: August 15. 4. Atlanta Dental Spa Annual Scholarship This $1,000 scholarship is open to high school juniors, seniors and undergraduate students who are pursuing a degree in any field. There is no application; an essay is all that is required to apply. Deadline: August 15. 5. Varsity Tutors College Scholarship Contest Students may submit a short essay addressing the topic provided on the Varsity Tutors website. Students must be 16 years or older, and winners will be determined by public voting. One winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Deadline: August 15. 6. Young Christian Leaders Scholarship High school seniors and undergraduate students, who reside in New York, New Jersey or Connecticut, may apply for one of two $1,000 scholarships being offered by Buttafuoco & Associates. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate a commitment to the Christian faith. Deadline: August 15. 7. ASFA Second Chance Scholarship The American Fire Sprinkler Association offers five $1,000 scholarships to current college students. Students must simply read the ‘Fire Sprinkler Essay’ located on the provider’s website and take a 10-question test. Deadline: August 28. 8. Avidian Technologies Business and Technology Scholarship Students who are enrolled in a business or technology degree program, and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, may be eligible for this scholarship. Students must demonstrate financial need. One $1,000 award will be provided. Deadline: August 30. 9. The Illinois Organization of Mothers of Twins Club, Inc. Scholarship Mothers and fathers of multiples (twins, triplets, etc.), who are residents of Illinois, may be eligible to win either a $100 or $400 scholarship. Students must have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher. Deadline: August 31. 10. Make Me Laugh Scholarship Any U.S. student, 13 years or older, may submit a short essay (250 words or less) describing a funny incident or embarrassing moment for a chance to win a $1,500 scholarship. Stories may be real or fictional. Deadline: August 31. Students should make the most of these final days of summer and try to complete as many scholarships as possible. Once school begins, and other priorities get in the way, it can be a challenge finding the time to research and apply for awards. A great way to simplify the process is for students to use a free resource, like ScholarshipExperts.com, or check out some of the scholarship listings on social media. Pinterest and Twitter are great places to find new awards, and both are easy to follow.