Creativity Scholarships

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What are Creative Scholarships?

Creative scholarships are merit based awards that tend to reward talents rather than grades. So, if you like to express your creativity, they can be a useful way to pay for college.

Many creative scholarships are for fine arts students with gifts in the visual arts. Visual arts majors are photography or design based arts like painting, graphic design or animation.

But you do not have to be a visual arts student to apply for a creative scholarship. Your artistic interests may lie in music, creative writing, dance, theater or film. It may be a hobby for you rather than your college major.

Either way, applying for a creative scholarship may be quick and simple. In fact, all you might need to do is upload a portfolio, project, photo, short video or essay.

What Creative Scholarships Can Students Apply for?

High school and college students may find many creative scholarships to show off their imagination. These types of awards are really fun to get your creative juices flowing in order to help pay for college.

Dixie Belle Paint Company Scholarship wants to help students succeed and graduate. To do this they offer a new award called the Creativity Leads to Success Scholarship. It is open to all high school, college and grad students who are also US citizens.

To apply, you fill out a quick form and write a 500 word essay that answers the question, “How does individual creativity lead to success?” There will be three winners. One grand prize of $2,500 and two prizes of $1,250 each.

Each year Arts for Life! awards $1,000 creative scholarships to 25 graduating high school seniors in Florida. Winners show their excellence in creative writing, dance, drama, music or visual art.  Launched by former First Lady Columba Bush in 1999, the program has awarded scholarships to more than 500 gifted high school seniors.

To apply, you must submit a completed application, a brief essay explaining “How the arts have positively influenced my life” and a portfolio of work in one of five areas. Creative writing, dance, drama, music or visual art.

How a Creativity Scholarship Helps Pay for College?

Scholarships could cover the high costs of pursuing a college degree. Tuition, fees, housing, and other expenses may be paid for by a creative scholarship. Also, scholarships are a better alternative to a student loan.

According to the NCES, the average student loan amount for undergraduates was $7,200 for one academic year. Within the last decade, college tuition has increased by 19% on average. Public institutions tuition and fees went up by 18% compared to private nonprofit schools increased by 15%.

Since college is getting more expensive every year, you should start applying for creative scholarships today! Many creative scholarships tend to be renewable so it may help pay for college until you graduate. That means you might not have to pay out of pocket or borrow more student loans!

List of Creative Scholarships

To help you in your search, here is a list of creative scholarships to apply for. Follow the application guidelines, be mindful of deadlines and let your originality and creativity shine through!

Doodle for Google

The Doodle 4 Google competition is offered annually for students in grades K-12. To apply, one must submit a sketch or image including the Google logo in the context of this year’s theme. All doodles must be sent no later than the deadline. Click here to learn more and apply today!
Award Amount

Total:  $750000

Awards:  5

Deadline

Deadline:  March 04

The Joseph M. Fannell Memorial Foundation Creative and Performing Arts Scholarship

On June 4, 2015, Joseph M. Fannell was on his way to work when a driver ran a red light and struck his car broadside; he died from injuries suffered in the crash the following day. Although Joseph found enjoyment “working among lawyers,” Joseph’s passion was spoken word and performance-based poetry, an interest he first developed in high school. Joseph was known to go around to various classes reciting favorites pieces he had heard before his classmates and peers. The Joseph M. Fannell Memorial Foundation was established in the wake of Joseph’s death to continue his life and memory by creating and supporting programs to help young people overcome obstacles and reach their full potential.
Award Amount

Total:  $8000

Awards:  2

Deadline

Deadline:  April 30

AI Innovators Undergraduate Scholarship

At CommandBar, we have always believed in the power of education and its role in shaping the future. Our company traces its roots to the halls of an undergraduate computer science program, where our founders met. The seed for their first product (a computer science education tool codePost) came from a group project for a computer science course. Today, our mission is to make the internet more efficient, user-friendly, and enjoyable, with a particular focus on harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance user experience. We know AI has the to change the way we engage with technology — from user onboarding, to universal search, to self-service — and everything else in the world. In line with our commitment to education and innovation, we’re thrilled to announce the AI Innovators Undergraduate Scholarship for undergraduate students pursuing studies in the field of AI. We hope to encourage students to explore, innovate, and contribute to the field of AI.
Award Amount

Total:  $4000

Awards:  2

Deadline

Deadline:  December 15

BOBS from Skechers Paws for a Cause Design Scholarship

Since 2015, millions in the world have been looking, feeling and doing good in BOBS from Skechers…to date, we’ve given more than $10 million to help save and care for 1.9 million shelter dogs and cats! A proud partner of Petco Love and their amazing network of 4,000 animal welfare organizations, Skechers makes a donation for every BOBS item we sell nationwide. We’re looking for two college students who want to use their creative talents to give back to these animals in need! Imagine your dog or cat print on a BOBS from Skechers shoe sold in the United States that’s helping save the lives of shelter animals…it could be you!
Award Amount

Total:  $40000

Awards:  2

Deadline

Deadline:  November 01

DePaul Art Scholarship

To be considered, you must be admitted to DePaul as a first year student and as a declared Art, Media and Design major by February 1. To apply, go to depaul.academicworks.com and login using your Campus Connect user ID and password. You will first need to fill out the “General Application” and then should upload a portfolio containing 10 digital files as follows: nine digital images (one for each of your artworks) and one digital file with your name and resume. All submissions are due by February 1. Each digital image should be saved as a JPEG file (100 dpi and no larger than 7 x 5 inches) and include your name, the title of the work, medium, size (HxWxD) and year completed. For your resume, please include your name and contact information, schools attended, art exhibitions you’ve participated in, awards you’ve received and any other art-related activities. If you submit a video file, use QuickTime and title the file using the same guidelines outlined above. Submissions uploaded as a PowerPoint will not be accepted.
Award Amount

Total:  $10000

Awards:  1

Deadline

Deadline:  February 01

“You Can’t Label People, but You Can Label Products” Essay & Label Design Scholarship / “Unboxing Your Life” Video Scholarship

We are a group of creative individuals who are passionate about providing effective business solutions in the form of high-quality labels and cartons for businesses. We have committed ourselves to this passion for nearly two decades, and we have the expertise to prove it. We are dedicated to helping make innovative, creative, and cost-effective product packaging using premium materials and cutting-edge equipment, with the help of our friendly, highly trained staff. Whether you are mass-producing high-demand consumables or running your business from your kitchen, we want to be your go-to partner for all your packaging needs. Giving is fundamental to our business, and we want to invest in young innovators at Sttark because we’re certain their success will lead to big ideas that bring a better future for everyone. For us, that’s an exciting possibility and a worthy investment. Although our company has been in the labels & packaging industry for over 18 years, these scholarships are available for students pursuing any field of study. We’re looking for innovators and people who think outside the box. Giving is fundamental to our business, and we want to invest in young creatives and innovators. Visit our About Page to learn more about Sttark. Click the Learn More buttons above to read about each of the submission requirements and begin preparing your submissions. For questions, please email [email protected].
Award Amount

Total:  $16000

Awards:  2

Deadline

Deadline:  March 31

imPRESS for Success Scholarship

In honor of International Women’s Day, imPRESS Press-On Falsies celebrates a world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. imPRESS Press-On Falsies is giving five (5) students a $5,000 scholarship towards their college education and an imPRESS Press-On Falsies gift pack ($150 value) and five (5) runner-ups an imPRESS Press-On Falsies gift pack ($80 value). If you are eighteen (18) years of age or older at the time of application, a legal resident of the fifty (50) United States or the District of Columbia, and currently enrolled in 2-year, 4-year schools and vocational/certification programs, you are eligible to apply.
Award Amount

Total:  $125000

Awards:  5

Deadline

Deadline:  April 05

Design Your Signature Hat Contest!

American Hat Makers, a renowned company in the hat industry, has been handcrafting exceptional hats for over half a century. Founded by Gary Watrous, the company’s humble beginnings trace back to the 1970s when Gary started selling handmade leather goods from the trunk of his Chevy station wagon. Today, American Hat Makers has become one of the largest hat manufacturers worldwide. Gary Watrous, the visionary behind American Hat Makers, initially dabbled in leatherwork, creating belts, wallets, and purses with a small investment. However, when he crafted a leather hat for himself in the mid-70s, his true passion ignited. Hats quickly became Gary’s sole artistic focus, and he dedicated himself to perfecting his craft. Garth Watrous, Gary’s son and the current owner of American Hat Makers, was raised amidst the captivating world of hat making. Observing his father’s exceptional artistry and craftsmanship, Garth developed a deep appreciation for the trade. After earning his business degree from San Diego State University, Garth joined his father in 2005 as a partner, bringing his entrepreneurial spirit and expertise to the company. Driven by a desire for continual growth, Garth has propelled American Hat Makers to unprecedented success, doubling its business not once but twice. Yet, his aspirations reach even higher. Garth’s unwavering goal for American Hat Makers is crystal clear: to establish the company as the world’s leading hat manufacturer. With a rich legacy of artisanal craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to excellence, American Hat Makers continues to create exceptional hats that capture the imagination and style of hat enthusiasts around the globe.
Award Amount

Total:  $2700

Awards:  3

Deadline

Deadline:  March 29

Teen Changemakers Essay Contest

We All Have Mental Health… How Can Students’ Mental Health Be Supported Virtually? Connect with your peers virtually to understand what is needed to support their mental health during this time. Create a virtual mental health campaign or program, including how you would implement it, by working with your school staff such as, principal, counseling office, and teacher(s). Deadline Date: December 1st Value of the Scholarship: $1,000, $500, $250 Number of Scholarships Available: 3 (one for each cash award) For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship providers website below.
Award Amount

Total:  $9000

Awards:  3

Deadline

Deadline:  December 01

Kelly Somey Digital Marketing Scholarship

Despite the past year with COVID-19, college and career dreams still matter. That’s why our annual Kelly Somey Digital Marketing Scholarship is back this year to reward a college-bound student who is interested in pursuing a digital marketing career and has a deep passion for creativity.
Award Amount

Total:  $1000

Awards:  1

Deadline

Deadline:  May 15