10 Scholarships for Middle School Students
As you journey through middle school, you discover new interests, talents, and dreams. Did you know that there could be scholarships out there for you? While most people think of scholarships as something for high school or college students, many exciting opportunities are available for middle schoolers.
Applying for these scholarships not only looks great on your future applications, but they also let you dive into your passions and explore new hobbies. Whether you're into science, writing, art, or community service, participating in scholarship competitions can help you build confidence and unleash your creativity. These experiences can connect you with other students who share your interests, and many scholarships offer recognition that can boost your college applications down the line.
So, let’s dive into 10 scholarships tailored for middle school students. These opportunities can inspire you and help shape your academic path.
1. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Provider: Alliance for Young Artists & Writers
Scholarship Amount: Up to $12,500
Application Deadline: The submission deadline typically falls in January, but specific dates may vary each year. Check the official website for the exact deadlines.
Eligibility: Students in grades 7–12 (ages 13 and up).
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards provide a platform for students to showcase their artistic and literary work. As a participant, you need to submit your original work in one of 28 available categories, including visual arts, poetry, fiction, journalism, and more. National award winners can receive scholarships of up to $12,500, with additional awards for specific categories like the American Voices & Visions Awards, Best-in-Grade Award, and Flaunt It Award.
Additionally, winners are celebrated through ceremonies and exhibitions, giving you visibility for your achievements and helping to enhance your portfolio. Moreover, you’ll connect with like-minded individuals, teachers, and professionals in the arts, which opens doors for future collaboration and mentorship.
2. Davidson Fellows Scholarship
Provider: The Davidson Institute
Scholarship Amount: Awards range from $10,000 to $50,000 based on the merit of the work submitted.
Application Deadline: The application for the 2025 cycle opens on November 1, 2024.
Eligibility:
Applicants must be 18 years old or younger as of the application deadline.
Must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident residing in the U.S. or stationed overseas due to active U.S. military duty.
There is no minimum age for eligibility.
Teams of two can apply, provided both members meet the eligibility criteria.
The Davidson Fellows Scholarship is a prestigious program that awards $50,000, $25,000, and $10,000 scholarships to high-achieving students aged 18 and under who have completed significant work. The submission categories include Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Literature, Music, Philosophy, and an "Outside the Box" category for innovative projects that don’t fit into traditional fields. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Students can showcase their expertise in multiple fields. If you excel in scientific subjects such as physics or biology, computer science areas like programming, AI, or robotics, engineering disciplines including electrical or mechanical, or mathematics topics such as calculus or geometry, this scholarship provides a valuable platform to highlight your talent. Additionally, if your work is around literature — fiction, nonfiction, poetry, drama, or screenplay — or involves musical performance or arrangement, this is a great platform to be recognized. For innovative projects that defy conventional categorization, the "Outside the Box" category allows your unique contributions to shine.
Applicants must demonstrate their work’s potential to contribute positively to society, and finalists are invited to an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
3. The John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest
Provider: The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation
Scholarship Amount:
First Place: $10,000
Second Place: $3,000
Five Finalists: $1,000 each
Ten Semi-finalists: $100 each
Application Deadline: January 17, 2025
Eligibility: Middle and high school students in the United States and abroad.
The John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest invites students to explore the concept of political courage through the lens of U.S. elected officials. Participants are tasked with writing an original essay that analyzes an act of political courage by an elected official who served after 1917, the year of John F. Kennedy’s birth. The essay must detail the obstacles faced, the risks taken, and the consequences that followed the act, and can focus on issues at the local, state, national, or international level.
The contest encourages creativity and originality, making it a good opportunity for middle school students to engage in civic education and develop their writing skills. Submissions must be between 700 and 1,000 words and adhere to all contest requirements to qualify for evaluation.
4. Doodle for Google Scholarship
Provider: Google LLC
Scholarship Amount:
National Winner: $55,000 college scholarship, $50,000 in tech for their school, Google hardware, and a featured Doodle on Google for a day.
National Finalists: Five finalists receive a $5,000 college scholarship, Google hardware, and swag.
State and Territory Winners: 55 winners receive Google hardware and acknowledgment on the Doodle for Google Gallery.
Application Deadline: March 21, 2025
Eligibility: Open to all students enrolled in U.S.-based schools, including homeschooled students and children of military personnel abroad. Participants must be 13 or older and can submit entries in any artistic medium.
The Doodle for Google Scholarship invites artistic students to express their creativity through an original doodle based on this year’s theme: “My Wish for the Next 25 Years.” Participants can showcase their unique visions and personal goals through their artwork, which can be created using any medium - from traditional art supplies like crayons and clay to digital formats and videos.
The competition not only celebrates individual creativity but also recognizes the importance of artistic expression in shaping the future. The overall winner will have their doodle featured on the Google homepage for a day and receive substantial scholarships and resources for their school. You can read more about it in this deep-dive article here.
5. Ocean Awareness Contest 2025 Scholarship
Provider: Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs
Scholarship Amount: Up to $1,000 in cash awards.
Application Deadline: June 9, 2025. Participants are encouraged to start early to allow ample time for creativity and refinement of their entries.
Eligibility: Open to students ages 11-18 worldwide; submissions are accepted individually or as part of a group.
The Ocean Awareness Contest, run by Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs, invites students worldwide (ages 11-18) to express their personal connections to nature through creative arts. For 2025, the theme is "Connections to Nature: Looking Inside, Going Outside," focusing on how nature shapes individuals' experiences and well-being.
Students can submit entries in various formats like visual arts, poetry, spoken word, film, music, dance, and interactive multimedia. Awards include $1,000 for Gold, $750 for Silver, $500 for Bronze, and $250 for Pearl, among other special scholarships. By engaging in this contest, students can showcase their artistic talents and become advocates for environmental awareness and change.
6. Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes
Provider: Young Heroes Project
Scholarship Amount: $10,000
Application Deadline: April 15, 2025
Eligibility: Students aged 8-18 residing in the U.S. or Canada, currently involved in or having recently completed a meaningful service project. Only individual entries are accepted; group projects are not eligible.
The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes honors inspiring young individuals who make a significant impact on their communities and the environment. Since its inception 23 years ago, the prize has recognized 575 remarkable young leaders from across the U.S. and Canada, celebrating their dedication to service projects that benefit others and the planet. Each year, 25 young heroes between the ages of 8 and 18 are awarded a scholarship of $10,000, along with additional recognition gifts, networking opportunities, and media coverage for their impactful contributions.
Projects must demonstrate significant positive impact and must have been initiated and led by the applicant. The scholarship can be used for higher education or furthering the service project itself. The Barron Prize aims to recognize not only the accomplishments of these young leaders but also their potential to inspire others to effect positive change in the world.
Provider: Bill of Rights Institute
Scholarship Amount: Up to $10,000 (grand prize), with additional awards ranging from $1,500 to $7,500.
Application Deadline: May 18, 2025
Eligibility: U.S. students aged 13-19 enrolled in middle or high school
The MyImpact Challenge is a civic engagement contest organized by the Bill of Rights Institute. It invites students aged 13-19 to develop projects demonstrating community impact through charity, government initiatives, or entrepreneurship. The contest aims to nurture civic virtues and encourage young people to address societal issues creatively.
Participants are required to write an essay of up to 1,200 words detailing a project they have completed that advances at least one principle and one virtue as defined in the Bill of Rights Institute's "Principles and Virtues." Additionally, a report of up to 2,000 words must be submitted, outlining the inspiration behind the project and the project plan.
The MyImpact Challenge provides students with the opportunity to gain national recognition for their civic achievements and share their projects that demonstrate community impact and change.
Provider: Project Paradigm
Scholarship Amount: Up to $100,000.
Awards will be given across various categories, including:
Grand Prize: $100,000
First Place: Two teams will receive $10,000 each.
Second Place: Three teams will receive $2,000 each.
Third Place: Three teams will receive $1,000 each.
Finalists: 91 teams will receive $200 each.
Application Deadline: Applications for 2024 closed on May 1, 2024. Stay updated on the website for future dates.
Eligibility:
Open to students aged 4 to 18 (as of the date the entry is submitted).
Participants can be from anywhere around the globe.
Entries can be submitted individually or as part of a team of any size.
The Paradigm Challenge is a global contest that encourages students aged 4 to 18 to harness their kindness, creativity, and collaborative spirit to solve real-world problems. Participants can compete individually or in teams, with divisions based on age groups: 4-8, 9-13, and 14-18, presenting innovative solutions that can significantly impact their communities and the world.
The challenge accepts entries in various formats, such as videos, posters, inventions, websites, and more, focusing on issues like safety, health, and environmental protection. Winners are invited to a prize ceremony in Los Angeles, where they will enjoy a 4-day/3-night trip that includes visits to Disneyland, a chance to star in a video shown globally, and a red carpet event to celebrate their achievements.
9. Prudential Emerging Visionaries Program
Provider: Prudential Financial, in partnership with Ashoka
Scholarship Amount: Up to $15,000
Application Deadline: November 2, 2024
Eligibility: U.S. residents aged 14-18 who have initiated projects addressing financial or societal challenges.
The Prudential Emerging Visionaries program is an opportunity for middle school students aged 14 to 18 who are passionate about creating positive change in their communities. The initiative is designed to recognize and empower youth-driven projects that demonstrate innovation, a strong connection to the community, and the potential for significant impact.
As a participant, you can showcase your projects with the chance to earn awards of up to $15,000 to support your initiatives. Winners also receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Prudential’s headquarters in Newark, New Jersey, along with coaching and skill-building opportunities to help advance their projects.
10. Earth Island Institute Brower Youth Awards
Provider: Earth Island Institute
Scholarship Amount: $3,000 (per recipient)
Application Deadline: Applications for 2024 closed on April 8. Please visit the website for information on future programs.
Eligibility: Students living in North America (including Canada, Mexico, some Caribbean Islands, and U.S. territories) aged 13 to 22 as of the contest deadline.
The Brower Youth Awards for Environmental Leadership is a prestigious program that celebrates and recognizes six outstanding young environmental changemakers. Each winner receives a $3,000 cash prize, a professionally produced short film about their work, and a weeklong trip to the San Francisco Bay Area for leadership development activities, culminating in an awards ceremony.
The award seeks individuals who have shown significant leadership in environmental projects that offer innovative solutions to pressing ecological challenges. Winners are provided ongoing mentorship, resources, and opportunities to enhance their leadership skills.
If you’re looking to build a project/research paper in the field of AI & ML, consider applying to Veritas AI!
Veritas AI is founded by Harvard graduate students. Through the programs, you get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn AI & ML with us. You can apply here!
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