Okay, so I’m a junior in high school right now and really stressing about college. I know I’m not going to get into Harvard or anything, but I’m hoping to go to a decent four-year university. My grades are…okay. Let’s just say they’re not my strongest point. But I am heavily involved in extracurriculars and community service. I’m the president of the Key Club at my school and I volunteer every weekend at the local animal shelter. I also sing in the choir and help out with the school plays.
I know scholarships for academics are a thing, but are there any scholarships specifically for students who spend a lot of time volunteering or doing extracurriculars? Like, can I actually get money for the things I’m already doing? I’d love to find some scholarships that value things like leadership, commitment to service, or even just a passion for a particular activity. Are they really out there, or am I wasting my time looking? If they do exist, where would I even start searching? I’m feeling completely overwhelmed.
Answer
Yes, you can get scholarships for community service and extracurricular activities. Many scholarships recognize and reward students who demonstrate a commitment to making a difference in their communities and pursuing their passions outside of the classroom. These scholarships often aim to support well-rounded students who are not only academically strong but also actively engaged in activities that benefit others and showcase their talents and interests.
Types of Scholarships Based on Community Service and Extracurricular Activities:
- Community Service Scholarships: These scholarships specifically recognize and reward students who have made significant contributions to their communities through volunteer work, activism, or other forms of service.
- Leadership Scholarships: Many scholarships focus on leadership skills, which are often developed through participation in extracurricular activities and community service. These scholarships seek students who have taken on leadership roles in clubs, organizations, or community projects.
- Activity-Specific Scholarships: Some scholarships are geared towards students who excel in a particular extracurricular activity, such as athletics, music, debate, or theater. These scholarships often require applicants to demonstrate a high level of skill and dedication in their chosen activity.
- General Scholarships with Extracurricular/Service Components: Many general scholarships, while not exclusively focused on community service or extracurricular activities, consider these factors as part of the overall application review process. These scholarships seek well-rounded students who demonstrate a balance of academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and community engagement.
- Scholarships from Organizations You Volunteer With: Some organizations offer scholarships to volunteers.
How to Find Scholarships for Community Service and Extracurricular Activities:
- Online Scholarship Databases: Websites like Scholarships.com, Fastweb, Sallie Mae, and Niche have extensive databases of scholarships, which can be filtered by criteria such as community service, extracurricular activities, and specific interests.
- High School and College Counseling Offices: High school and college counseling offices are valuable resources for finding scholarships. Counselors often have information about local, regional, and national scholarships that are relevant to their students.
- Organizations and Clubs: Many organizations and clubs offer scholarships to their members or to students who are involved in related activities. Check with the organizations and clubs you are involved in to see if they offer any scholarship opportunities.
- Local Community Organizations: Local community organizations, such as Rotary Clubs, Kiwanis Clubs, and Lions Clubs, often offer scholarships to students who demonstrate a commitment to community service.
- Employers: Some employers offer scholarships to employees’ children or to students who are pursuing degrees in fields related to their industry.
- Scholarship Search Engines: Use search engines with very specific search terms.
Tips for Applying for Scholarships Based on Community Service and Extracurricular Activities:
- Highlight Your Achievements: In your application essays and personal statements, clearly and concisely describe your involvement in community service and extracurricular activities. Emphasize the impact you have made and the skills you have developed through these experiences.
- Provide Specific Examples: Instead of simply stating that you volunteered, provide specific examples of your accomplishments. For example, describe a project you led, a problem you solved, or a difference you made in someone’s life.
- Quantify Your Contributions: Whenever possible, quantify your contributions. For example, state the number of hours you volunteered, the amount of money you raised, or the number of people you helped.
- Obtain Strong Letters of Recommendation: Request letters of recommendation from teachers, coaches, mentors, or supervisors who can attest to your character, skills, and contributions.
- Tailor Your Application: Customize your application to each scholarship you apply for. Highlight the experiences and skills that are most relevant to the scholarship’s criteria.
- Proofread Carefully: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread it for any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation.
- Start Early: Begin your scholarship search and application process early to allow yourself ample time to gather information, write essays, and obtain letters of recommendation.
Examples of Scholarships for Community Service and Extracurricular Activities:
- The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards: Recognizes students who have made significant contributions to their communities through volunteer service.
- The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes: Honors young people who have made a positive difference in their communities and the world.
- The Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship: Awards scholarships based on scholarship, leadership, and financial need.
- The Coca-Cola Scholars Program: Recognizes high school seniors for their leadership, academic achievement, and community involvement.
- The AXA Achievement Scholarship: Awards scholarships to students who demonstrate ambition and drive.
By actively participating in community service and extracurricular activities and by effectively showcasing your involvement in your scholarship applications, you can significantly increase your chances of receiving financial assistance for college.
