If you are about to be a college freshman, more than likely, you are looking for scholarships to help finance your education. Well, you're in luck – there are plenty of scholarships available specifically for freshmen on Unigo.com! This article will provide an overview of just some scholarships for college freshmen, including information on how to apply and how to meet eligibility requirements. So read on to learn more and start applying today!
It's never too early to get started. Scholarships for freshmen could assist with reducing student debts and reducing educational expenses such as tuition, living expenses, textbooks, laboratory fees, etc. The sooner you begin working toward it, the more you'll acquire benefits and the less money you'll have to pay off after your graduation.
$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is available for graduating seniors at Littlefield High School in Littlefield, Texas. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate involvement in school or community sports.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 22
Deadline
This award is available for graduating high school seniors in Massachusetts who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. Applicants must participate in athletics and serve as a constant role-model or advocate for LGBT causes.
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 31
Deadline
This scholarship is available for current high school seniors residing in Hillsborough County, Florida. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and participate in a varsity sports team.
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$1,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Apr 25
Deadline
This scholarship is available for high school seniors, college freshman, and college sophomores who are active participants in any sport. To apply, students must submit an essay about an experience overcoming adversity to achieve athletic success.
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$500
Award Amount
6
Awards
Dec 31
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. and international high school and college/university students. Students must have applied for other scholarships and submit proof of applications.
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$1,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
May 4
Deadline
This Charlotte Knights STEM Scholarship is available for high school seniors in the following North or South Carolina counties: Cabarrus, Catawba, Chester, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lancaster, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Union or York County. Applicants must have an ACT score of 26 or higher, an SAT score of 1200 or higher, and a grade point average of 3.3 or higher. Participation in sports or other community service activities will also be a factor during scholarship selection.
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$5,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
May 1
Deadline
Established in 2016, the Ramblers Scholarship supports student athletes pursuing an undergraduate education who self-identify publicly as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex (LGBTQI). This scholarship is available for student athletes who identify as LGBTQI or committed LGBTQI allies.
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$333
Award Amount
5
Awards
May 1
Deadline
The MindSumo and Meteorological Service of Canada Challenge is available for U.S. and international participants who submit proposals about potential improvements and upgrades to the MSC weather app.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 1
Deadline
Entrants must meet all of the following conditions to participate:
At the conclusion of the entry period, you must 1.) Be at least 18 years of age, 2.) Be enrolled or planning to take courses at a U.S.-based college, community college, vocational college, or university for Fall 2022, 3.) Have a cumulative high school or college grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher, and 4.) Be a current resident of, or be attending a college in, one of the following U.S. states:
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Sep 9
Deadline
MILITAUR is First Responder Owned and Operated. All our products are thoughtfully designed and inspired from working in the frontlines. We recognize the need for innovation for our heroes and strive to create effective and useful gear for the job.
Here at MILITAUR, we wanted to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of those who tirelessly put the needs of their communities first. They often neglect their own desires for the job and put their lives at risk everyday. Many First Responders want to further their development through education but with the challenges of working, family or other responsibilities, this can often become difficult.
In honor of First Responders, we are excited to launch our first scholarship to support First Responders who would like to further their education. This is our way of saying "Thank you for your service."
This scholarship will be open to First Responders who are currently accepted and/or will be accepted in an accredited technical school, college, or university for September 2022.
The Scholarship provides a one-time reward of $1000.00 (USD for Americans, CAD for Canadians) to pay for school related expenses such as tuition, supplies, books, computers, and any related educational expenses.
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$25,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Sep 18
Deadline
Ulta Beauty and Her Campus are teaming up to empower Black Beauty enthusiasts across college campuses. Together we are helping 5 beauty-loving, college undergraduate students shine by awarding each individual $5,000 to be used toward their education.
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$7,500
Award Amount
5
Awards
Aug 16
Deadline
Greetings Cedar Rapids Metro area parents! Keep your kids busy and active by signing up for flag, modified, and tackle football with Metro Youth Football Association. Open to boys and girls alike, we have a program for every season.
MYFA was founded in 1971 and has served the Cedar Rapids metro area for over 45 years. The organization is dedicated to youth sports and specifically to youth football. Each year MYFA brings together over 2,500 young people and hundreds of adult volunteers to participate in and learn about both flag and tackle football in a wholesome, safe, structured, and fun environment. MYFA considers competition healthy and instructive but de-emphasizes the importance of winning and instead promotes the importance of participation, sportsmanship, and teamwork.
MYFA is governed by a board of directors made up of coaches and volunteers who represent the various school districts that participate in our spring & fall programs. This board is, in turn, overseen by an Executive Board that ensures both the financial and philosophical integrity of the organization.
We believe that youth participation in team sports is a vital component in the optimal development of all children, and a foundational element in building a stronger community. We are always looking for additional volunteers, partners, and resources that will allow us to expand our impact on youth and our community.
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$1,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Aug 27
Deadline
Sigma Psi Zeta is excited to open applications for our annual Aurora Scholarship. The Aurora Scholarship aims to promote womxn empowerment and create leaders at Wichita State University and within the community. We are awarding two full-time Wichita State undergraduate students (current and incoming) who have demonstrated advocacy in our community with a scholarship in the amount of $500 each.
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$2,500
Award Amount
3
Awards
Sep 12
Deadline
Since 2008, Dr Pepper has awarded over $10,000,000 in tuition to help students reach their biggest goals. The Dr Pepper AFS Tuition Giveaway is open only to legal residents of the U.S. and District Columbia who are 17 years of age or older. Grand Prize Winner will receive one $2,500 Tuition Award and each First Prize Winner will receive one $1,000 Tuition Award. The Total ARV of the Prizes is $4,500.
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$25,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 15
Deadline
Eligible students must:
Reside in either the Tampa (FL) Metropolitan Area or Cleveland (OH) Metropolitan Area
Be a high school senior or older
Have a minimum, unweighted high school GPA of 3.5 and a minimum 1280 SAT (or 28 ACT)
Be a leader or actively engaged in their school and/or community
Demonstrate financial need
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$95,275
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 9
Deadline
The NIU Presidential Scholars Program recognizes outstanding first-year students for their hard work and academic accomplishments. Eligible students are guaranteed a minimum merit scholarship of $5,000, $6,000 or $7,000 per year (for up to four years) and have the opportunity to compete for a Presidential Scholarship. This competitive scholarship provides full tuition, fees and on-campus room and board, along with a book stipend, for up to eight semesters. Approximately 10 incoming first-year students will receive this award each year.
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$146,000
Award Amount
146
Awards
Dec 23
Deadline
Through the National FFA Foundation, businesses and individuals support scholarships that are awarded to students with a wide variety of higher education plans and career goals. FFA provides scholarships that support all areas of agriculture, either in trade schools, certifications, or college. Scholarships support FFA high school seniors and collegiate members. Just one application is required for multiple scholarship opportunities totaling close to $2 million.
Nearly $2 million in FFA scholarships are available, thanks in part to a recent gift from the Tractor Supply Foundation. Each year for the next five years, Tractor Supply will commit $1 million to the FFA Futures Leaders Scholarship Fund. Tractor Supply will also offer scholarship recipients the opportunity to interview for career opportunities at its stores or distribution centers while they are pursuing their education and will earmark internships at the company’s Store Support Center each year. To be eligible for the scholarships, FFA members must be studying agriculture or a skilled trade.
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$28,000
Award Amount
15
Awards
Jan 13
Deadline
Applications are available online on the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library Foundation website.
To enter this contest, students must write an essay addressing the topic listed on the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library Foundation website. The essay should be original and creative, and demonstrate an understanding of political courage as described in John F. Kennedy's 'Profiles in Courage' book. Applicants should use a variety of sources such as newspaper articles, books, and/or personal interviews.
The essay must be between 700 and 1,000 words in length (footnotes and the bibliography are not included in the word count), and must be typed and double-spaced on one side of each page. The essay must be the original work of the student. All applicants must attach a bibliography (using any one of the recognized formats) citing the sources used in writing the essay. It is recommended that students use five or more selected sources. Essays with five or less listed sources or essays which rely solely on Internet sources may be disqualified. Essays without a bibliography will be disqualified.
All students must also complete the online registration form, which is available on the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library Foundation website. Applicants must ask one of their teachers to nominate them for this award. All students must list the name of their nominating teacher on the registration form. The nominating teacher can be a former or current teacher, but must still be teaching at the same high school as the essay participant. The parent or legal guardian responsible for the instruction of a home schooled student can also serve as a nominating teacher.
Completed essays may be submitted online (preferred method) or through regular mail. Essays submitted via postal mail and online entries must be postmarked by the deadline.
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$50,000
Award Amount
24
Awards
Jan 27
Deadline
In 1885, five indomitable, foresighted women, their bustles in place, met in the old Plymouth Congregational Church, 5th & Grand Avenue, to form what is now the Des Moines Women’s Club. Since its early years, the Des Moines Women’s Club has provided strong support for the arts in central Iowa. The DMWC annually awards scholarships to graduating high school seniors, college students, and students pursuing higher education degrees.
The Des Moines Women’s Club Literature Scholarship is open to registered students or residents of central Iowa (Polk, Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Marion, Story, or Warren Counties) and is awarded to a graduating high school senior of any gender pursuing a major or minor degree in Language and Literature, Language Arts, Journalism, Writing or Language Education. Applicants may apply for only one Des Moines Women’s Club scholarship per year and must submit one poem, one short story, and one narrative essay as well as a short biographical essay including future writing goals. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's website.
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$4,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 27
Deadline
The Christopher K. Smith Memorial Future Teacher Scholarship offers $1,000 per year, for four years, to a graduate of a Delaware public high school. They must major in education and maintain a 3.0 grade point average. While not a requirement, graduates are encouraged to teach in a Delaware public school. The scholarship offers $1,000 per year, for four years, to a graduate of a Delaware public high school. They must major in education and maintain a 3.0 grade point average. While not a requirement, graduates are encouraged to teach in a Delaware public school.
The selection committee, comprised of DSEA staff and members, considers a variety of factors when making its decision. These factors include academic performance, involvement in high school activities, and career plans. Applicants must also submit two letters of recommendation from their teachers, which focuses on their leadership potential, personal character, and degree of initiative. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's website.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 16
Deadline
Prevention is the best cure, no matter what you're talking about. Not drinking will decrease your chance of causing a drunk-driving accident by a perfect 100 percent! Putting your phone away and paying attention to the road will save lives and prevent serious injuries...the kind we have to go to court for nearly every week.
At GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys, we try to stop accidents before they happen. That's why we launched our ""Texts=Wrecks"" campaign in 2018 – to save lives. But we need your help!We strongly believe that the next generation is a great one, and that you will be leaders in changing the way America drives. So we want to hear your best ideas – including things you've already tried that have worked – to help yourself, your family members, and your friends drive more safely. For inspiration, check out our previous winners.
We are offering a $1,000 scholarship for one deserving Virginia high school student who will graduate by June 2023, or a college student anywhere in the United States who graduated from a Virginia high school. We strongly believe the next generation is a great one, and we can't wait to see what they plan to do with their lives.
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$6,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Jul 4
Deadline
For over 60 years, our company has racked your world with a wide variety of effective and durable storage solutions ranging from wire shelving to personal lockers and more. As a family-owned business, we understand the importance of preparing America’s youth for the future, and we recognize the importance of higher education in ensuring that our students receive the education and skills they deserve when entering the workforce.
With that in mind, the 2024 Shelving.com Business Scholarship is now open - available to Michigan residents pursuing a major in business and/or currently enrolled in a business-related field of study. This scholarship will offer one grand prize of $3,000, one runner-up prize of $2,000, and one second runner-up prize of $1,000.
The 2024 Shelving.com Business Scholarship will be accepting applications from Michigan residents who are either currently attending an accredited college or university, or are high school seniors currently enrolled or planning to enroll in college or university. Michigan residents are eligible if attending an accredited college or university outside of the state.
Any student interested in applying is required to submit a copy of their current transcript and resume, as well as an essay that answers the prompt below. If not presently attending a college or university, proof of college or university enrollment is required. Applicants will be judged on their academic merits as well as the content of the application essay they provide.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jul 4
Deadline
Veterans’ Disability Lawyers at Fight4Vets are thrilled to announce The Dependent Scholarship! As a firm dedicated to improving the lives of disabled veterans, we are happy to provide a scholarship to the community which encourages military members and their families to pursue their education.
The truth is, many harsh realities can come with serving in the military such as, being away from loved ones, physical injuries, and emotional harm, to name a few. However, the military has also provided some much-needed structure and support for individuals and their families. Often, people’s lives improve with the skills and relationships they gain from serving.
For this $1,000 scholarship, we would like to focus on the positive aspect of serving, and we ask students and veterans to analyze how their life enhanced because of the military. Students on active duty, their close family members, and veterans are invited to apply. Tell us about your experience related to the military or how growing up in a military family has positively affected your life.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 31
Deadline
Community college, also known as two-year college, is a golden opportunity for the right student. These schools offer an affordable education to a diverse range of students in a wide range of majors. If starting your postsecondary education at a community college is right for you, we have a scholarship just for you! The “Commencing at Community College” Essay Scholarship aims to financially support community college students who are passionate about their higher education journeys and actively looking for ways to fund it. Thus, this scholarship will be awarded to students based on both the quality of their essays and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. In order to apply for the “Commencing at Community College” Essay Scholarship, students must submit an essay explaining how earning their degree at community college will help them achieve their educational and career goals.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Oct 31
Deadline
“Family” is often defined as parents and children living together under one roof, individuals with a common ancestry, or those grouped together by common characteristics or values. It can also be described as a place where you feel safe, loved for, or a place where you feel a sense of belonging. As being family lawyers, we at The Law Firm of Charles D. Jamieson P.A. understand that families come in all shapes and sizes, and that oftentimes, goes beyond simply being related to one another. That is why we are proud to announce The Law Firm of Charles D. Jamieson, P. A. 2023 Family Scholarship to award one student with $1,000 to help fund their education!
Family and household situations play such a large role in defining who we are as individuals. We want you to share with us what “family” means to you and how your household situation has shaped you to be who you are today. Whether you are in a single parent home, adopted, in a foster home, a household of same sex parents, a traditional household with two parents, or any other non traditional home we want to hear your stories. This scholarship’s purpose is to hear different variations of the word “family”, to listen to your stories, and for the chance to reflect on how your family has shaped you into who you are today.
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When you are starting your college journey, figuring out how to pay for it can feel daunting. Between scholarships, loans, and work-study programs, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. One of the best ways to fund your education—especially in your first year—is through grants. Unlike student loans, grants typically don’t need to be repaid, making them a valuable form of financial aid. In this guide, we’ll break down what grants are, where they come from, and how you can secure them to help cover your freshman-year expenses.
Types of Grants Available to College Freshmen
Federal Grants
Federal grants are often the first place freshmen turn for financial aid. The Pell Grant, one of the most common grants, is awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate significant financial need. Because the maximum Pell Grant amount changes annually, it’s important to check the Federal Student Aid website for the most up-to-date information. To apply, students should file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as it becomes available. Another federal grant is the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), which provides additional grant funds to low-income students who qualify for the Pell Grant. Since SEOG funding is limited and distributed by individual institutions, submitting the FAFSA early is crucial.
State-Sponsored Grants
Many states offer grants specifically for residents who plan to attend in-state colleges or universities. For example, California’s Cal Grant program supports students attending both public and private institutions who meet certain GPA and financial need criteria. New York’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) helps residents attending approved colleges and universities in the state. Eligibility, deadlines, and award amounts vary by state, so it is essential to review your state’s higher education agency website. In most cases, these state grants take into account both financial need and academic performance.
Institutional Grants for Freshmen
In addition to federal and state sources, colleges and universities themselves often award grants to attract and support promising freshmen. These grants may be awarded based on need, merit, or a combination of both. To find out what your prospective institution offers, start by reviewing the school’s financial aid webpage. It may also be helpful to contact a school’s financial aid office directly to inquire about freshman-specific grants. Some colleges automatically consider admitted students for their internal grant programs, while others may require separate applications. By exploring these institutional opportunities, you can discover valuable sources of funding tailored to your individual circumstances and academic profile.
Scholarships Applications Tips for College Freshmen
Scholarship applications can be daunting, and it can be difficult to know where to start. The following tips can help you navigate the scholarship application process:
- Start by doing your research. There are many different types of scholarships available, so it’s important to identify the ones that are most likely to be a good fit for you. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, take the time to read through the eligibility requirements and application instructions carefully.
- Create a timeline for yourself. Applying for scholarships takes time and effort, so it’s important to create a timeline that will help you stay on track. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to gather all of the required materials and write a strong essay.
- Proofread your application thoroughly before submitting it. This may be one of the most important steps in the process, as even a small mistake could disqualify you from consideration. Be sure to ask someone else to read over your application as well, just to be sure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Start Applying for Scholarships as a Freshman?
The answer is yes! Many scholarships may be available to students who are just beginning their college journey. However, it is important to note that the competition for scholarships might be fierce. To give yourself the best chance of success, you should start researching and applying for scholarships as early as possible. Many scholarships may require students to submit essays or personal statements, so it may also be important to begin working on your writing skills. If you start early and put in the effort, you could increase your chances of attaining a scholarship and help to relieve some of the financial burdens of paying for college.
Why It’s Important to Apply for Scholarships as a Freshman
Applying for scholarships as a freshman is important because it may give you the opportunity to receive financial aid. The earlier you start applying for scholarships, the better your chances often are of receiving one. Freshmen are usually unaware of the vast number of scholarships available to them, which is why it is so important to begin your search early. By starting your search early, you may increase your chances of finding scholarships that are a good fit for you and your academic interests. In short, applying for scholarships as a freshman is often an important step in ensuring that you can afford the college of your choice.
Benefits of Scholarships for College Freshmen
Scholarships often provide many benefits for college freshmen, including financial assistance, recognition, and opportunities. One of the most obvious benefits of scholarships is that they can help you pay for your education. With the rising cost of tuition, room, board, and other expenses, scholarships may be a much-needed source of financial assistance.
In addition to providing financial assistance, scholarships could also help you stand out from your peers. Scholarships are often awarded to students who have demonstrated academic excellence or have unique talents or abilities. Receiving a scholarship might give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs or graduate school.
Finally, scholarships may provide you with opportunities to get involved in your field of interest. Many scholarships may be awarded by organizations or companies that are related to the student’s field of study. For example, a student interested in engineering might receive a scholarship from an engineering firm. These types of scholarships often come with benefits like paid internships or the opportunity to shadow a professional in your field.
The sooner you begin looking for scholarships, the more likely you are to find ones that fit both your academic interests and preferences. Applying for scholarships during freshman year gives you the best chance of being able to finance your college education. By beginning your search early, you may have more time to put together a strong application with all the required materials.
Start applying for 2025 scholarships for college freshmen today!
There’s no time like the present to start looking for scholarships! The sooner you start the process, the more money you could potentially have for college. And don’t think that you have to be a straight-A student to qualify – there are usually scholarships available for all types of students, from those who excel in academics to those who are involved in extracurricular activities. So what are you waiting for? Take a few minutes each day to search for scholarships, and before you know it, you’ll have a stack of applications waiting to be filled out. Don’t wait until it’s too late – start applying for scholarships today!
Our Scholarships
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$1,500 – I Have a Dream
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$10,000 – Unigo $10K Award
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$1,500 – Sweet and Simple
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$2,500 – Superpower
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$3,000 – All About Education
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$1,500 – Fifth Month Scholarship
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$1,500 – Do-Over
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$1,500 – Flavor of the Month
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$1,500 – Make Me Laugh
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$1,500 – Shout It Out
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$2,000 – Zombie Apocalypse
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$5,000 – Education Matters
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$1,500 – Top Ten List
Written by Dave Moniz
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Edited by Unigo Staff