10 Uncommon Scholarships You Never Knew Existed

With the cost of college on the rise, finding ways to pay for higher education can feel overwhelming. While federal aid and school-based grants play a big role, they don’t always cover everything—and that’s where scholarships come in.

The good news: Not all scholarships require straight A’s or athletic talent. In fact, some reward creativity, curiosity or community service. Before we get to the list, let’s take a quick look at the bigger picture of why financial aid matters more than ever.

The Rising Cost of College and the Need for Financial Aid

Despite economic shifts and recovery efforts, the cost of a college education continues to rise each year. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average tuition for full-time students at four-year public colleges has more than tripled since 1990¹. Now more than ever, families are in need of financial support to help cover tuition and related expenses.

Beyond federal aid and school-based grants, scholarships can provide valuable funding—and you don’t have to fit a traditional mold to qualify. From duck calling to greeting card design, here are ten uncommon scholarships that reward individuality and can help ease the cost of college.

1. American Fire Sprinkler Association Scholarship Program

This scholarship encourages students to learn about fire safety by reading a short passage and taking an open-book quiz. It’s a quick way to earn money for school—with no GPA or essay required.

Amount: $1,000 (5 awards for high school seniors, 5 awards for Second Chance applicants)
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens or legal residents. High school seniors planning to attend a college, university or trade school can apply for the High School Contest. Those with a high school diploma or GED who are currently enrolled in a U.S. college or trade program can apply for the Second Chance Contest.

2. National Grocers Association Foundation Scholarships

These scholarships support students pursuing careers in the retail grocery, food management and supply chain industries.

Amount: Varies by award, up to $8,000
Eligibility: Open to college juniors, seniors and graduate students who are enrolled in business, food marketing or related majors. Applicants should show an interest in a career in the independent grocery sector.

3. Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship Contest

If you’re artistic, this contest lets you submit your original photo, drawing or graphic design for a chance to win big. The winning design may even be featured as a real greeting card.

Amount: $10,000
Eligibility: Open to U.S. high school and college students age 14 and older. Submissions must be original and can be entered online.

4. Frame My Future Scholarship

This scholarship invites students to share their vision for the future through a short-form video. Whether it’s filmed on their phone or posted to TikTok, the goal is to authentically show how they “frame” what’s next.

Amount: $2,000
Eligibility: Open to legal U.S. residents who are either college-bound or currently enrolled full-time at an accredited two- or four-year U.S. college or university. Applicants submit an original video that answers the prompt: “This is how I Frame My Future.”

5. DoSomething.org Scholarships

DoSomething.org empowers young people to make a difference—and rewards them for it. From organizing clothing drives to spreading mental health resources, their service campaigns are designed to create positive change in local communities.

Amount: Several scholarships of $1,000–$10,000
Eligibility: Open to individuals ages 13 to 25 who are legal residents of the U.S. or Canada. Applicants must complete an eligible DoSomething campaign by the deadline to qualify for entry. Each campaign has its own guidelines and impact goals.

6. National Potato Council (NPC) Scholarship Program

This one’s for students serious about spuds. The NPC awards scholarships to graduate students pursuing careers that support the U.S. potato industry.

Amount: $10,000
Eligibility: Graduate students pursuing advanced studies and research to benefit the potato industry.

7. Pet Lifestyle and You (P.L.A.Y.) Scholarship

This scholarship celebrates students who’ve shown compassion for animals and made a meaningful impact through volunteer work. Whether you’ve helped at a shelter, organized a fundraiser or educated others about animal welfare, P.L.A.Y. wants to hear your story.

Amount: $1,500
Eligibility: Open to U.S. high school seniors. Applicants must have a history of volunteering to help animals and demonstrate a commitment to animal welfare.

8. Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest

This one-of-a-kind scholarship is awarded through a live duck-calling competition held each fall in Stuttgart, Arkansas—known as the “Duck Calling Capital of the World.” It combines tradition, skill and school spirit in a uniquely Arkansas way.

Amount: Scholarships totaling $9,000, distributed among four winners
Eligibility: Open to students aged 16–20 in the U.S. Contestants must bring a high school transcript and be prepared to show proof of enrollment.

9. American Association of Candy Technologists (AACT) John Kitt Memorial Scholarship

This sweet opportunity supports students who are passionate about the science behind candy. The scholarship honors the legacy of John Kitt by recognizing students who show academic excellence and dedication to the field of confectionery technology.

Amount: $2,500
Eligibility: Open to college sophomores, juniors and seniors majoring in food science, chemical engineering or related fields. Applicants must demonstrate an interest in confectionery technology and attend an accredited four-year college in North America.

10. Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo (HLSR)

This organization supports the livestock industry and farming with a variety of educational and charitable contributions. Their scholarships reward eligible Texas students who are involved in related activities like 4-H, FFA or rodeo art.

Amount: Awards range from $4,000 to $20,000+
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors who are Texas residents and U.S. citizens can apply for various scholarships (4-H, Art, FFA and more). Students must have completed the FAFSA and plan to attend a not-for-profit college in Texas.

Private Scholarships and Employer Assistance

Remember, not all college funding has to come from federal aid. Private organizations frequently offer scholarships based on unique qualifications or niche interests. Some employers also offer tuition assistance to employees or their children. And don’t forget—education expenses you pay out of pocket may qualify for tax deductions or credits that could save you money in the long run.

Many students miss out on valuable scholarships simply because they assume they won’t qualify. When in doubt, apply. You never know what creative opportunity—or uncommon scholarship—might help pay for your child’s future.

Looking for more ways to plan ahead? Learn how the Gerber Life College Plan can help you save for your child’s education while providing adult life insurance protection.

¹ U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. Digest of Education Statistics, 2023. https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d23/tables/dt23_330.10.asp