October has always held a special place in my heart. It’s the time of year when Mother Nature turns my backyard into this amazing palette of color and the stores are covered in a blanket of pink. My weekends are packed with walks and other breast cancer awareness events, and I begin the process of transforming my mundane home into a haunted mansion. Soon, fat pumpkins with menacing grins will adorn my doorstep, warning visitors to beware. Although October is full of frivolity, it’s also one of the best months for you to ‘carve out’ some time for scholarships. There are many fall programs available to high school and college students, but just like ghosts, they will evaporate soon. Here are some scholarships with October deadlines!
1. Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
U.S. undergraduate students, who are currently receiving Federal Pell Grant funding, may be eligible for up to $8,000 for a one-year study abroad program. Award amounts are based on the length of the program and financial need. There are three application deadlines per year. Next deadline: October 1.
2. AES Engineering Scholarship Program
This $500 scholarship is not limited to engineering majors; any high school senior, undergraduate or graduate student may apply to this essay contest. Deadline: October 4.
3. Mesothelioma Help Scholarship
If you enjoy writing academic papers, definitely check out this essay contest. A total of ten scholarships, ranging in value from $100 to $5,000 each, will be provided. Any current undergraduate or graduate student may apply. Deadline: October 14.
4. General Scholarship for Higher Learning
Hotel Hotline provides two $1,500 scholarships (one for fall and one for spring) annually. Simply answer four short essay questions to be considered for the award. Deadline: October 15.
5. First Wave Scholarship
If you are applying to the University of Wisconsin at Madison and have an interest in pursuing a music career, you may be eligible to receive a $100,000 scholarship presented by the Hip Hop Sisters Foundation. Deadline: October 15.
6. Say ‘NO’ to Bullying Scholarship
Three scholarships ($300, $500 and $800 each) are offered through this creative contest. Just submit a video portraying a bullying situation and how you would take a stand against it. Any U.S. student between the ages of 14 and 19 may apply. Deadline: October 21.
7. Future Accountants Scholarship
License Buddy is offering a $500 scholarship each quarter to college students who are pursuing an accounting degree. Simply complete a short questionnaire and submit an essay (100 words or less) for your chance to win. Deadline: October 31.
8. The Christopher Reeve Award
Elementary, middle and high school students are all eligible to compete for this scholarship program. If you have a history of community service and can demonstrate compassion for others, you could win a $1,000 award. Deadline: October 31.
9. Veterans United Foundation Scholarship
Current active-duty service members, veterans, military spouses or dependents may be eligible for this $2,000 scholarship. A total of 20 awards are provided annually. Deadline: October 31.
10. Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship
U.S. students 13 years of age and older may submit a short essay (250 words or less) detailing how they would survive a zombie apocalypse at their high school or college. If you flesh out the best response, you could receive a $1,500 scholarship. Deadline: October 31.
So these are the top scholarships with October deadlines. The real ‘trick’ to winning scholarships is ‘treating’ them like a part-time job. So, take this ghoul’s advice and set aside some time each week to search and apply for scholarships. If you don’t, your college tuition bill could be pretty scary!