Top 5: Unique Scholarships

You don’t have to be a Straight-A student to get a scholarship! There are numerous scholarships for students from all different backgrounds with a variety of skills and interests.

While there are plenty of non-academic scholarships available, there are also some scholarships that are so bizarre, they almost seem like a joke. If you qualify for one of the more unusual – and legitimate – ones, you should definitely apply.

Here are the top 5 unique scholarships that caught our attention.

1. Stuck At Prom – $5,000 Cash Scholarship from Duck Tape®
Yes, excellent grades will open up a lot of scholarship doors for you, but it’s not all about academics. Duck Tape is holding their annual contest for the most amazing couples prom outfits made entirely out of … Duck Tape. Contestants are judged on workmanship, originality, use of color, accessories and use of duct tape. Both members of the first place couple receive a cash scholarship of $5,000.00. Contest runs March 7 – June 13, 2012.

2. Pretty Sweet Deal – $5,000 John Kitt Memorial Scholarship from American Association of Candy Technologists
Your mother probably did everything she could to keep you away from overdoing it with candy. Thankfully, you didn’t listen to her. This scholarship is for current college students who have demonstrated an interest in confectionery technology and are majoring in a food science, biological science or other related area. Deadline: April 16, 2012.

3. Lettuce Give You Money for College – $5,000 Scholarships from The Vegetarian Resource Group 
Here’s a way vegetarians can earn some serious cash to put towards their college education. All graduating high school students, who have actively promoted vegetarianism in their schools or communities, can apply for the $5,000 award. Applicants are judged on their strong commitment to the vegetarian lifestyle. Deadline: February 20, 2012.

4. Take Your Education to New Heights – $1,000 Scholarship from Tall Clubs International
Are people at school always looking up to you? Of course they are … because you’re taller than every single one of them. Use your height to your advantage for something other than dunking on a basketball hoop by applying for the $1,000 scholarship from TCI. Students must be under 21 years, attending their first year of college in the fall and at least 5’10″ for women and 6’2″ for men. Students must contact a local TCI member to apply.

5. Milk Your Skills for All They’re Worth – $7,500 Scholarship for the Scholar Athlete Milk Mustache of the Year (SAMMY)
Calling all student athletes! If you happen to excel in academics, sports, leadership and, most importantly, confidently sporting a milk mustache … then this scholarship is for you. The SAMMY is given each year to 25 over-achieving high school student athletes who include milk in their daily nutrition. Winners receive the $7,500 scholarship, get to attend an awards ceremony with celebrity guests at Disney World and will be featured in a “Got Milk?” ad. Deadline: March 19, 2012.

Have you applied for a unique scholarship? Share your experience in the comments.

Find out about more weird scholarships for students, but make sure to look out for any scholarship scams. Read all of our Scholarship Week posts. And apply for the Campus Explorer Exclusive Scholarship every month!

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