Ms. Rhonda Kavan, Writing Center coordinator; Dr. Shiloh Carroll, Writing Consultant; Ms. Lori Danley, Writing Consultant; and Mr. Mike Turner, Writing Consultant
You can also set up a scholarship coaching session (either online or in person) with Mr. Mike Turner, mjturner@tnstate.edu, where we look for scholarships and other money tailored to your major and your situation.
Question: “OMG… finding and applying for scholarships is serious business, but it’s time to lighten things up a little. We don’t want to know why you deserve $1,500 or how great your grades are, we simply want to LOL.
Describe an incident in your life, funny or embarrassing (fact or fiction), and make us laugh! (250 words or less)”
Here are some general guidelines for all of Unigo scholarships: “This award is for U.S. students. Must be a legal U.S. resident. Must be a resident of one of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia. Must be 14 years of age or older at time of application.”
$5,000 Bick First Generation Scholarship, D: Sept 9, 2026, six awarded
Winners announced Oct 10, 2026
First-generation college students who are in high school or enrolled in college or trade school.
To get a good overview of the scholarship and Marcia Bick Herman who inspired the scholarship, click on the link above.
Essay Topic: “To apply, tell us in 500 words or less what being a first-generation student means to you, how you’ve faced and overcome challenges, and how this scholarship would help you move closer to your goals.
Tell us about your dreams, what drives you, and how this scholarship would help you continue your journey. We’re not looking for perfection – we’re looking for honesty, heart, and a clear sense of purpose and determination. (300–500 words)”
$1,000 Building Bridges Scholarship, D: Sept 30, 2026
Selected criteria from web page:
“Each year NPVA (National Parent Volunteer Association) offers merit-based scholarships for students who are committed to volunteering and making a difference in their communities. Our scholarships are open to students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Be currently enrolled or plan to be enrolled part-time or full-time in an accredited U.S. college or university. Vocational/technical, two-year, four-year, or graduate institutions are eligible.
Be a high school junior or senior, undergraduate student, or graduate student
Have a grade point average of 2.5 or above on a 4.0 system
Recipients must provide an official transcript confirming their reported GPA and proof of enrollment. No transcript or proof of enrollment is required until after students are selected as winners.
Please write an essay of 150 words or fewer describing how you are involved in your community. You may describe any community of which you are a part including school, neighborhood, ethnic, or other.”
$1,000 Courage to Grow Scholarship, D: Sept 30, 2026
Applicants must be current high school juniors, seniors, or college students with a minimum GPA of 2.5. U.S. citizenship is required. Answer the scholarship question of why you deserve this scholarship in 250 words or less.
More than $5,000 in Scholarships that Require More Writing But Help You Grow as a Writer
The following two scholarships are more involved, which means fewer people will apply. Consider taking the time to see what is required and trying them out.
You could make appointments in the TSU Writing Center to help you plan out and go over various parts of the essay as you write them.
Also, you can see previous winners of these competitions and see what they wrote.
$1,000 to Help You Discover More About a Career You Love
$1,000 JonesTshirts.com “Love Your Career” Scholarship, D: Sept 10, 2026
Students attending college or university in the 50 U.S. states.
Write an essay between 1,000-3,000 words where you “outline at least 3 steps that you plan to take in the next year to start a path towards having a career that you love” and “interview a professional in the field that you are looking into” with at least three years or more experience and ask him or her at least three questions from a designated list of questions.
A.I. generated essays are disqualified.
This essay has strict essay and submission requirements, so follow them to the letter.
Note: This scholarship essay has the potential to lead to greater knowledge about yourself and the field you wish to major in. Consider that you win even if you don’t receive the scholarship.
$6,000 in Foreclosure.com and Housing Market Scholarships
$4,000 and $1,000 Foreclosure.com Scholarship, D: Dec 15, 2026
From webpage:
“2026 essay topic: “The Great Housing Reset (2026)” – How is the real estate market shifting?
Low housing inventory and mortgage rates have buyers getting creative shopping for a home, but many are waiting for the real estate market to transition to a more balanced environment. Describe how you expect to see the market shift in the coming year.
Requirements: Here are the text requirements
Minimum 800 words–Maximum 2,000 words
Must have a title for the essay
Essay must be in English
No AI generated essay submission partial or entirely will be accepted
Essay submissions must be sent in as a word documentor PDF documen
Awards: Three winners will be selected
Top prize $4,000
Second and third place will receive $1000 each”
Sign Up for Blog Posts
To receive these posts with active links (including any PDF handouts), go to the Scholarship Tigers blog, scroll down on the right side of the page until you find Email subscription.
Enter your email address, and click the button that says, “Sign me up!”
You should get an email with a link to confirm your subscription. If you don’t see it in your inbox, look for the email in your junk or spam folder.
Online and In-Person Writing Center Appointments Available
The AARC Writing Center at TSU assists students, faculty, staff, and alumni of Tennessee State University.
We can help you with scholarship essays, resumes, applications, or any other writing project.
Ms. Rhonda Kavan, Writing Center coordinator; Dr. Shiloh Carroll, Writing Consultant; Ms. Lori Danley, Writing Consultant; and Mr. Mike Turner, Writing Consultant
You can also set up a scholarship coaching session (either online or in person) with Mr. Mike Turner, mjturner@tnstate.edu, where we look for scholarships and other money tailored to your major and your situation.
This is Part 1 of the scholarship handout I created for high school students who attended the KYB Leadership Academy Workshop at the Brown-Daniel Library at Tennessee State University on Friday, June 12, 2026.
$5,000, two $2,000, and one $2,000 Frame My Future Scholarships
$3,250 first winner, $2,250 second winner, $1,500 third winner Cariloop’s Caregiver Scholarship, D: June 30, 2026
Scholarships at Bold.org from $500-$25,000
$28,000 total in various contests, Stossel in the Classroom Student Contests
Other Websites to Find More Scholarships
How to Avoid Scholarship Scams
Part 2, which will come out later this week, are “Scholarships to Aspire Toward to Help Pay for College”: scholarships for Middle Tennessee students that they can start preparing for. This handout will contain scholarships that you can apply for in your senior year of high school. Also, college students can also apply for these scholarships.
Also included in the handout will be an updated list of “Resources,” people who have successfully created a process where they received more than $85,000 in scholarship money.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Mike Turner, Writing Consultant/Instructor and Scholarship Coach, at mjturner@tnstate.edu.
From webpage: “This scholarship helps you understand the impact of e-waste and what can be done to reduce e-waste.
Who may apply: You must be a high school freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior or a current or entering college or graduate school student of any level. Home schooled students are also eligible. There is no age limit. You must also be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
Deadline: April 30, 2026 to coincide with Earth Day.
140-character statement that completes this sentence: The most important reason to care about e-waste is…”
$3,000 All About Education Scholarship, D: Apr 30, 2026
From webpage: “Applicants must:
This award is for U.S. students. Must be a legal U.S. resident. Must be 14 years of age or older at time of application. Must be a legal resident of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia. Prompt:
How will a $3,000 scholarship for education make a difference in your life?” (250 words or less). Written or Video response.”
Twelve $1,000 MyBioSource Scholarships, D: June 30, 2026
Apply for one of the following scholarships:
$1,000 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) major Scholarship
$1,000 All Majors Scholarship
$1,000 Students with Disabilities Scholarship
Some general guidelines for the above scholarships
High School Seniors, Undergraduates, Graduates as well as international students can apply
Candidate must be enrolled as a freshman, undergraduate or graduate student at an accredited college or university for the 2026 Fall semester
Complete the application along with a 250 word response on why you have chosen your intended college major and why you should receive the scholarship”
Plan for a Summer of Scholarship Money Applying
The AARC Writing Center at Tennessee State University does not close for the summer.
You can plan to search for scholarships and apply for them all summer, helping you reach for a more money, less college debt future!
First, sign up for blog posts.
Sign Up for Blog Posts
To receive these posts with active links (including any PDF handouts), go to the Scholarship Tigers blog, scroll down on the right side of the page until you find Email subscription.
Enter your email address, and click the button that says, “Sign me up!”
You should get an email with a link to confirm your subscription. If you don’t see it in your inbox, look for the email in your junk or spam folder.
Online and In-Person Writing Center Appointments Available
The AARC Writing Center at TSU assists students, faculty, staff, and alumni of Tennessee State University.
Appointments can be in person or online.
We can help you with scholarship essays, resumes, applications, or any other writing project.
Ms. Rhonda Kavan, Writing Center coordinator; Dr. Shiloh Carroll, Writing Consultant; Ms. Lori Danley, Writing Consultant; and Mr. Mike Turner, Writing Consultant
You can also set up a scholarship coaching session (either online or in person) with Mr. Mike Turner, mjturner@tnstate.edu, where we look for scholarships and other money tailored to your major and your situation.
“Submit an original entry—your own artwork, photo, essay, or video—depicting what YOU hope to achieve in your personal and professional life after college”
$1,000 Altruism + All Good Deeds Scholarship, D: May 31, 2026
High school junior or senior, undergraduate student, or graduate student. 2.5 or above GPA. Enrolled now or in the future as part-time or full-time in college.
$10,000 Women in STEM Hyundai Scholarship, D: June 30, 2026; five awarded
High school seniors and college undergraduates who identify as female, reside in the United States, and wish to pursue a STEM-related field of education.
$1,000 Courage to Grow Scholarship, D: June 30, 2026
Applicants must be current high school juniors, seniors, or college students with a minimum GPA of 2.5. U.S. citizenship is required. Answer the scholarship question of why you deserve this scholarship in 250 words or less.
Up to $10,000 Aspire Higher Scholarships, opens Mar 13, 2026, closes June 10, 2026
Selected criteria from webpage:
3 Undergraduate Scholar Awards—for students pursuing undergraduate or vocational/technical degrees
3 Graduate Scholar Awards—for students pursuing graduate degrees
You may only apply within one category. Students pursuing technical/vocational degrees or certificates may be eligible.
The Ortho Dermatologics ASPIRE HIGHER Scholarship Program recognizes persons in the United States who have been diagnosed with and treated for a dermatologic condition (such as acne, rosacea, eczema, atopic dermatitis, or actinic keratosis) who are pursuing higher education.”
The AARC Writing Center at TSU assists students, faculty, staff, and alumni of Tennessee State University.
We are temporarily located for Spring 2026 in the Brown-Daniel Library, room 229, 2nd floor, near the elevator, from 8:00 am-4:30 pm, M-Th, 8:00 am-4:00 pm F.
Ms. Rhonda Kavan, Writing Center coordinator; Dr. Shiloh Carroll, Writing Consultant; Ms. Lori Danley, Writing Consultant; and Mr. Mike Turner, Writing Consultant
If you want to reach out to me personally, Mr. Mike Turner, mjturner@tnstate.edu, for help, or to look for scholarships and other money tailored to your major and your situation (called a scholarship coaching session), feel free to do so.
$1,000 Technology Addiction Scholarship, D: Jan 30, 2026
From webpage: “This scholarship helps you understand the negative effects of too much screen time.
Who may apply: You must be a high school freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior or a current or entering college or graduate school student of any level. Home schooled students are also eligible. There is no age limit. You must also be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.”
$1,000 5Estimates.com Scholarship, D: Jan 31, 2026
“Eligibility: The 5Estimates.com is offering this scholarship to students who are currently studying at or have been accepted to an accredited university.
No minimum GPA is required.
Domestic, international, and undocumented students may apply.
All students may apply. Studies in all fields are accepted.
Write an essay of 250+ words on the topic of “What Consumers Should Look For in a Home Improvement Company.”
$1,500 I Have a Dream Scholarship, D: Jan 31, 2026
Eligibility: “Must be 14 years of age or older at time of application. Must be a legal U.S. resident. Must be a resident of one of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia. This award is for U.S. students.”
Essay or Video
Prompt: “We want to know… what do you dream about? Whether it’s some bizarre dream you had last week, or your hopes for the future, share your dreams with us for a chance to win $1,500 for college.” (250 words or less)
More Unigo Scholarships, monthly, such as the “$2,500 Super Power Scholarship,” “$2,000 Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship,” “$5,000 Education Matters Scholarship,” and “Unigo $10K Scholarship”:https://www.unigo.com/scholarships/our-scholarships
$1,000 “Caretakers on the Climb” Scholarship for Nursing Students, D: Jan 31, 2026
Open to college and graduate students in healthcare or nursing who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Essay prompt: What sparked your passion for nursing, what are your goals for your nursing career, and how will this scholarship help you achieve those goals? (250 words maximum)
If you wish to make a virtual appointment (over Zoom) to see Mr. Turner in the TSU Writing Center to go over any of these scholarships from 1:30-2:00 pm or 2:30 pm-4:30 pm Central time on Friday, Jan 30, 2026, email him at mjturner@tnstate.edu, telling him what 30 minute appointment you would like. Mention an alternative if that one is taken.
The appointment could even be to discuss what you can write about.
From webpage: “Must be 14 years of age or older at time of application. Must be a legal U.S. resident. Must be a resident of one of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia. This award is for U.S. students.
250 Word Essay or Video
“OMG… finding and applying for scholarships is serious business, but it’s time to lighten things up a little. We don’t want to know why you deserve $1,500 or how great your grades are, we simply want to LOL. Describe an incident in your life, funny or embarrassing (fact or fiction), and make us laugh!” (250 words or less)
$1,000 Delete Cyberbullying Beyond School Walls Scholarship, D: Oct 31, 2025
From webpage: “To apply, you must be a high school student (9th-12th grader), college student or graduate student attending or planning to enter an accredited U.S. college or university.
Answer ONE of the following questions in one paragraph. Option 1: “Why is it important to work to delete cyberbullying?” Option 2: “How has cyberbullying personally affected you?”
Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest, D: April 1, 2026; First prize: $2,000 plus a two-year gift certificate from Duotrope; Second prize: $500; Third prize: $250
Honorable Mention: 10 Awards of $100 each
No fee to enter.
From webpage: “This is a contest for humor poems, not serious poems. Serious poems will not be judged. The poem you submit should be in English.”
Two Scholarships and Other Resources You Might Want to Explore
Here are two scholarships and one scholarship search engine.
Explore the scholarships if the criteria applies to you.
Everyone can the University Network Scholarship search engine.
$1,000 Storyteller Scholarship (twenty outstanding students), D: Nov 30, 2025
Ages 14-24 across the U.S.
Selected criteria from webpage: “Storyteller Scholarship, a simple no-essay, long form conversation-based scholarship. This program allows students to discuss how their experiences have shaped them via a video interview, conducted in-person at our office (or virtually) and shared across our social media platforms.
Be sure to bring a legal guardian with you if you are under 18!”
