Getting a head start on college planning is a great move as a middle school student, especially if you're aiming for top-tier universities. While most scholarships target high school students, several opportunities are designed for middle schoolers. These scholarships offer financial support and a chance to showcase your academic, creative, and leadership skills early on. 

The earlier you begin, the more you can develop the skills and experiences that top universities look for. These scholarships are more than just a monetary boost; they are chances to highlight your unique talents in areas like STEM, writing, public service, and the arts. They also give you access to special programs, competitions, and resources that can help you grow into a competitive applicant for elite schools in the future.

In this article, we’ve curated 8 college scholarships that middle school students can apply for right now. Each scholarship offers a different pathway to showcase your strengths and build a strong foundation for your academic journey. 

1. Joan Myers Brown Equity Scholarship

Provider: Francisco Gella Dance Works
Scholarship amount: Scholarships awarded typically range from 25% to 100% of tuition for various programs. Full scholarship recipients must submit a non-refundable deposit of $95, which is applied toward their program expenses.

Eligibility:

• Dancers aged 7 to 22 (with specific scholarships for ages 12-22).

• Intermediate or advanced dancers with at least two years of consistent technical training.

• The Equity Scholarship Fund is open to applicants from any ethnic or racial background, while the Emergence Scholarships are specifically for Black or Brown dancers.

Application Deadline:  The applications typically open in February and close in April for the summer program and September-October for the fall program.

The Joan Myers Brown Equity Scholarship Fund, named after the legendary artist and founder of the Philadelphia Dance Company (PHILADANCO), offers financial support to promising dancers who may face barriers to advanced training due to financial hardships. The scholarship fund was renamed in honor of Brown’s ninetieth birthday in December 2021, and it aims to open access to professional dance opportunities, particularly for those from underrepresented backgrounds. The scholarship is administered by Francisco Gella Dance Works, with additional Emergence Scholarships specifically for Black and Brown dancers.

Scholarships are given based on merit and financial need, with priority given to those applying by early deadlines. The scholarship requires applicants to submit a technique video, a personal essay, a letter of financial need, and a teacher's recommendation.

The number of scholarships awarded can vary from year to year based on the available funding and the number of qualified applicants. However, it is common for two full scholarships to be awarded annually, specifically through the Joan Myers Brown Emergence Scholarships during the International Association of Blacks in Dance auditions.

2. Carson Scholars Fund

Provider: Carson Scholars Fund
Scholarship amount: $1,000 for college expenses

Eligibility: 

• Students in grades 4-11 are eligible for nominations with a minimum GPA of 3.75 and display humanitarian qualities through community service

• Nomination is required from a school official (teacher, counselor, principal).

Application Deadline: Some important deadlines are:

• Nominations Open: October 21, 2024

• Nomination Deadline: December 18, 2024

• Application Deadline: January 13, 2025 (8:00 P.M. EST)

• Teacher Recommendation Deadline: January 13, 2025 (8:00 P.M. EST)

The Carson Scholars Fund is a prestigious scholarship program recognizing and supporting middle school students in grades 4-11 across the United States who showcase academic excellence and humanitarian qualities. Awarded annually, the scholarship provides $1,000 to selected scholars, which can be utilized towards their future education at a four-year college or university. 

In addition to financial support, recipients receive an Olympic-sized medal, a certificate, and an invitation to a regional recognition ceremony, celebrating their achievements. Schools represented by Carson Scholars also receive a trophy or nameplate to honor the accomplishments of their students.

With a mission to encourage early college interest and provide financial assistance for higher education, the program significantly impacts participants, as evidenced by 94% of Carson Scholars reporting enhanced abilities to serve as role models within their communities. 

3. Breakthrough Junior Challenge Scholarship

Provider: Breakthrough Prize Foundation
Scholarship amount: Up to $250,000 (post-secondary scholarship), $50,000 (teacher prize), $100,000 (school prize)

Eligibility: Open to individuals aged 13 to 18. Submissions in English are accepted from all eligible participants, including homeschooled students and those with disabilities.

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in June-July. Check the website for updated timelines for future programs. 

The Breakthrough Junior Challenge Scholarship is an international competition that awards a $250,000 college scholarship to a student aged 13-18 who creates the best short video explaining a complex scientific concept. The topics for the video can include physics, mathematics, life sciences, or the science related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This challenge is a platform for students to demonstrate their understanding of scientific principles and ability to communicate these concepts creatively. In addition to earning a college scholarship, winning entries also provide a $50,000 prize for the student’s teacher and $100,000 for the student's school to establish a Breakthrough Science Lab.

To excel in this competition, students are encouraged to produce dynamic videos that utilize various creative formats, such as animation, live-action, or documentary styles. The emphasis is on making complex ideas accessible and engaging through compelling visual storytelling. Videos are evaluated based on criteria such as engagement, illumination, creativity, and the complexity of the subject matter. 

4. Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award

Provider: From the Top, supported by the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

Scholarship amount: It is a one-time, non-renewable grant of up to $10,000.

Eligibility: Pre-collegiate musicians ages 8-18 who demonstrate financial need and are committed to classical music. Applicants must participate in From the Top's Learning and Media Lab Fellowship.

Application deadlines: Application deadlines for the 2024-2025 season:

• April 15, 2024

• September 2, 2024

• November 15, 2024

The Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award supports young musicians from low-income backgrounds who face financial barriers in pursuing classical music. The award recognizes that talented youth often struggle to afford essential resources such as private lessons, master classes, high-quality instruments, summer music programs, and performance opportunities.

Each year, approximately 20 young musicians are selected to receive the award. The award is part of the From the Top program, which includes a Learning and Media Lab Fellowship — a four-week remote engagement with opportunities to perform on NPR’s "From the Top" program. They also participate in arts leadership training designed to empower them to share their passion for music with others.

Since its inception in 2005, the program has awarded over $1.8 million in scholarships to more than 180 young musicians, enabling them to purchase instruments, pay for lessons, and cover other educational expenses. The initiative fosters musical talent and encourages community engagement and academic excellence among its participants.

5. College Bound Scholarship Program

Provider: Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC)

Scholarship amount: Covers four years of in-state tuition, some fees, and a small allowance for books
Eligibility: 8th-grade students who meet income requirements, sign the pledge, and maintain a 2.0 GPA through high school. Students must enroll in college within one year of graduation.

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in June. Check the website for the latest information on future programs.

The College Bound Scholarship Program, initiated by the Washington State Legislature in 2007, aims to support low-income middle school students by covering their in-state college tuition. This program is designed for students who are motivated to pursue higher education and wish to maintain their academic focus during the critical transition from middle school to high school. 

By signing up before their eighth-grade year, students can secure financial assistance, provided they maintain a C average or better, graduate from high school, and do not get into any legal trouble. It fosters a supportive environment and a college-going culture within schools, empowering students to take challenging courses and stay engaged in their education.

6. Cirkled In "No Sweat" Scholarship

Provider: Cirkled In, Inc.

Scholarship amount: $2,500 (awarded quarterly)

Eligibility: U.S. students aged 13 or older, currently enrolled in grades 8-12, including homeschool students.

Application deadline: The scholarship is awarded quarterly. 2024’s deadlines are as follows:

• Spring: March 31, 2024

• Summer: June 30, 2024

• Fall: September 30, 2024

• Winter: December 31, 2024

The next deadline for submission is January 1, 2025, for the Winter 2024 cycle.

The Cirkled In "No Sweat" Scholarship offers students a chance to win $2,500 in cash for any educational purpose, including school supplies, tuition, extracurricular activities, or even summer camp. This scholarship stands out for its simplicity, requiring no essays, GPA minimums, or financial qualifications. To apply, students must create a free Cirkled In account and build an online portfolio showcasing their academic, extracurricular, and personal achievements. The more complete the profile, the better the chances of winning, as the selection is based on the completeness of the portfolio and the number of points earned.

Students can gain points by completing their portfolio and engaging with the platform by inviting friends and teachers to view their profiles. This system allows applicants to highlight their unique talents and experiences beyond grades or test scores, making it an accessible and inclusive opportunity for students with diverse backgrounds and interests. The scholarship is awarded quarterly, and students only need to complete the application process once to be eligible for all upcoming cycles. 

7. Rubincam Youth Writing Competition

Provider: National Genealogical Society

Scholarship amount:

• Junior Category (Grades 6-8): $250 cash prize, plaque, and one-year NGS membership (non-print).

• Senior Category (Grades 9-12): $500 cash prize, plaque, and one-year NGS membership (non-print).

Eligibility: Students must be in grades 6-8 for the Junior category or grades 9-12 for the Senior category, and they can be from anywhere in the world; no NGS membership is required.

Application deadline: December 15th, 2024

The Rubincam Youth Writing Competition, established in 1986 by the National Genealogical Society (NGS), aims to encourage and recognize youth as the next generation of family historians. This competition invites students to prepare and submit a genealogy-related writing piece, showcasing their research skills and understanding of genealogy. 

Participants must write a biographical narrative about a family member, with submissions typically between 750 and 1,200 words. Awards are given annually in two categories: Junior (grades 6-8) and Senior (grades 9-12). Winners receive cash prizes, plaques, and a one-year membership to NGS. Award presentations occur at the annual NGS Banquet during the NGS Family History Conference, offering a platform for winners to share their work and gain recognition in the genealogy community.

8. C-SPAN StudentCam Competition

Provider: C-SPAN Education Foundation

Scholarship amount: Up to $5,000 (grand prize); total prize pool of $100,000

Eligibility: U.S. students in grades 6-12

Deadline: January 20, 2025

The C-SPAN StudentCam Competition is an annual documentary video competition designed for students in grades 6-12. It encourages students to create a 5-6 minute video documentary exploring a specific topic based on a theme. For the 2024-2025 competition, participants are asked to address the theme: “Your Message to the President,” which focuses on issues they consider crucial for the president to tackle after Inauguration Day.

The competition awards $100,000 in total prizes to the top 150 entries, with the grand prize winner receiving $5,000. Additional prizes include awards of $3,000, $1,500, $750, and $250 for first, second, third place, and honorable mentions, respectively. Entries can be submitted by individuals or teams of up to three students. All entries must include at least one C-SPAN video clip, explore multiple perspectives on the topic, and include proper source citations. This competition serves as a platform for students to express their viewpoints while developing critical thinking and communication skills.

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Image Source  - Carson Scholars Fund Logo