Do you need funding to fuel your writing dreams? Explore 20 scholarships for writers in 2024! Find financial aid for undergraduate graduate students, as well as specific genres. Get started on your writing journey today!
Best Scholarships for Writers to Apply to
Scholarships are one of the best ways for students to pay for college. While there are many scholarships for different people and situations, it’s difficult to distinguish which scholarships are legitimate or best for you and your situation, especially when searching online. Finding the best scholarships to apply for can be challenging for students who are writers or interested in a career in the writing field. We’ve made it easier by selecting 20 top scholarships for writers to apply to this year.
1. Lisa Seidman Excellence in Writing Scholarship
This scholarship is open to any female high school senior or undergraduate student with at least a 3.0 GPA who is majoring in English or writing. The award amount is $500.
2. Veterans’ Writing Group of San Diego Ernie Pyle Award
This scholarship aims to support military veterans and those active in the military in pursuing their education and covering their college expenses. It honors the legacy of war correspondent Ernie Pyle. Any veteran or active military member who is an undergraduate student willing to have their essay published may apply. The total award amount is $2,000, with $1,000 for first place and $500 each for second and third place.
3. Tam and Betsy Vannoy Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is open to any high school senior in West Virginia who is planning on studying journalism or English. The award amount is $6,500.
4. Small Seed Big Flower Scholarship
This scholarship aims to support first-generation undergraduate students who need financial assistance to complete their pursuit of education. Any first-generation BIPOC undergraduate student may apply. The award amount is $1,030.
5. Larry’s Legacy Scholarship
This scholarship is open to undergraduate or high school students who are involved in their communities and attend (or plan to attend) a trade school or community college. Students from low-income backgrounds and underrepresented minority communities are eligible to apply. After submitting a personal essay, two winners will receive $1,200 each, for a total award amount of $2,400.
6. Veterans of Hawaii Scholarship
This scholarship seeks to sponsor veterans and the children of veterans pursuing higher education in Hawaii. Four selected students will win $500 each, for a total award amount of $2,000.
7. Glider AI-Omni Inclusive Allies of LGBTQ+ (GOAL+) Scholarship
This scholarship is open to LGBTQ+ undergraduate students with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Four deserving winners will receive $4,750 each, for a total award amount of $19,000.
8. Pratibha Pandey Merit-Based Scholarship
This scholarship is perfect for two-year or four-year undergraduate students with a current GPA of 3.2 or higher who come from a low-income household. Two students will be announced as the winners and will each receive $1,000, for a total award amount of $2,000.
9. Sullivan Promise Project Scholarship
This scholarship is open to high schoolers from Virginia who have a non-traditional home life and yet choose to spend their time making a difference in their communities. The award amount is $500.
10. Frantz Barron Scholarship
This scholarship is available for male high school seniors from New Jersey who are low-income, first-generation college students. One winner will be awarded $1,000 after submitting an essay on adversity.
11. Curtis Holloway Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is available to any high school or undergraduate student who has lost a parent or lives in a single-parent household. The award amount is $1,400.
12. Carlos F. Garcia Muentes Scholarship
This scholarship is aimed at first or second-generation immigrants (including DACA recipients and international students) who are first-generation college students attending school in the United States. Applicants submit a video on their family story, and one winner will receive $500.
13. Alexis Potts Passion Project Scholarship
Open to any high school senior or undergraduate student who has a passion for a hobby – whether that’s art, music, sports, or creative writing – and can explain how that hobby has impacted their life. The award amount is $600.
14. McAllen Emergency Room Student Scholarship
This scholarship is open for high school students from Texas whose parents have a career in public safety or as first responders. Applicants write an essay on how their parents have made a difference in their communities. Thirty winners will receive $1,500 each, for a total award amount of $45,000.
15. Affordable College Prep’s First Time Winners Scholarship
This scholarship targets current high school seniors who have never been awarded a scholarship. One winner will be given $500 based on their essay about what they have learned from applying for scholarships.
16. Jose Montanez Memorial Scholarship
High school seniors who have been in the foster care system and are looking to pursue an undergraduate degree or trade school certification can apply. One winner will receive $1,000 towards their tuition to a higher-level college or university.
17. Francis “Slip” Madigan Scholarship
Any high school senior in Massachusetts who will be a first-generation college student may apply for this $1,000 scholarship.
18. Rising Scholarship
This scholarship is open to any female high school student in Illinois. It aims to encourage the next generation of female leaders as they work to build a more diverse and inclusive world. The award amount is $500.
19. First-Year College Students: Jennie Gilbert Daigre Education Scholarship
This scholarship is open to any undergraduate student at a two-year or four-year institution. It aims to offset the high price of textbooks. The award amount is $500.
20. Cappex Adult Learners Scholarship
This is a no-essay scholarship designed to aid students who are at least 25 years old and looking to return to school to get their bachelor’s degree. Two winners will receive $500 each, for a total award amount of $1,000. This scholarship has a monthly application cycle.
About Writing Scholarships
Writing scholarships are financial awards given to students based primarily on their written work, although other factors are usually considered. These scholarships often target students majoring in English, journalism, creative writing, or any field related to reading and writing. Most creative writing scholarships involve responding to a prompt or series of prompts.
While many scholarships reward students excelling in sports or majoring in psychology, STEM, or education, there aren’t as many scholarships specifically designated for writers. However, you may find some journalism and creative writing scholarships. It’s important to note that while many scholarships require applicants to compose an essay, they don’t necessarily favor students majoring in writing or those with a writing sample to showcase their talents.
What Are Writing Scholarships?
Writing scholarships are awards given to students based on their creative writing skills and abilities. They aim to help aspiring writers pay for their undergraduate or graduate studies. These scholarships assist students who consider writing an intricate part of their identity and self-expression. If you have a passion for writing and the skills to demonstrate it, there’s likely an award for you. You can qualify for a writing scholarship if you already possess excellent writing skills or are studying to become a better writer.
What Qualifies as a Writing Scholarship?
Most scholarship applicants have good writing skills, as these are essential for success in high school and college. Good writing skills are crucial for scoring well on standardized tests like the ACT or SAT and for standing out during the college application process. When applying for scholarships that involve essays or any other form of writing, it’s important to be confident in your abilities.
Applications that involve writing or are purely essay-based present excellent opportunities for diligent students who can produce scholarship-worthy essays. Your chances of winning a scholarship increase when you invest time and effort in your applications. Many scholarships are awarded based on criteria that judge written and verbal ability.
When writing scholarship essays, pay attention to spelling, grammar, essay structure, and content. Provide a clear and concise introduction and conclusion, with one main idea per paragraph. Ensure that your essay addresses the topic provided in the application, and use sources if necessary. Maintain a clear writing style and avoid being generic unless the essay contest specifically states otherwise.
By focusing on these aspects and showcasing your writing skills, you can increase your chances of securing a writing scholarship to support your educational goals.
Types of Writing Scholarships Available:
1. Merit-Based Scholarships
These scholarships reward exceptional academic performance, focusing on a student’s achievements rather than financial status. While test scores and GPA are common criteria, some providers also consider co-curricular talents like athletics or music. These awards typically cover tuition and other educational fees.
2. University Scholarships
Distributed by colleges or universities, these scholarships help fund students’ studies. Many are entrance scholarships, automatically considered upon admission without requiring a separate application.
3. Country-Specific Scholarships
Designed to encourage students from developing countries to pursue higher education, these scholarships are often granted by private institutions to students from specific nations.
4. Government Scholarships
Various government agencies offer these scholarships. Some are available for international students to study in the sponsoring country, promoting cultural exchange and international education.
5. Private Scholarships
Funded by individual donors or businesses, these scholarships are also known as outside/external scholarships. They may be based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria set by the donor. Many have strict eligibility requirements, such as being from a particular background or studying in specific fields.
6. Financial Scholarships/Bursaries
Also called need-based scholarships, these provide financial assistance to students who require help to attend college or graduate school. Providers assess the student’s or their family’s financial situation, considering factors like income, citizenship, residence status, and employment. These can be independent of or combined with merit-based scholarships.
Finding Writing Scholarships
To find additional writing scholarships:
1. Conduct online searches for writing fellowships or creative writing scholarships.
2. Explore reputable scholarship platforms like Bold.org.
3. Research thoroughly to ensure scholarships are legitimate and accepted by your chosen institution.
4. Contact your school’s financial aid office for information on internal scholarship opportunities.
Remember to verify the authenticity and relevance of any scholarship opportunity you discover. Your school’s financial aid office can be a valuable resource for finding and validating scholarship opportunities.
How to Find Writing Scholarships:
- Conduct Google searches for writing fellowships
- Check reputable scholarship platforms like Bold.org
- Research to ensure scholarships are legitimate and accepted by your school
- Contact your school’s financial aid office for internal scholarship opportunities
Tips for Winning Writing Scholarships:
Writing scholarships offer aspiring writers the chance to receive high-quality education without accruing debt. While securing every scholarship isn’t guaranteed, following these best practices can enhance your chances of success:
1. Apply Widely: Submit applications to as many scholarships as possible, provided you meet the eligibility criteria. Educational institutions offer various types of scholarships, including grants, fellowships, and government-funded programs. Review the requirements carefully before applying to any fully-funded program. Remember, more applications increase your odds of success.
2. Hone Your Essay Skills: Many scholarships require personal essays. Practice and improve your essay writing skills, as these samples help selection committees understand your unique qualities. Even if you’re already a strong writer, continuous improvement is beneficial. Mastering the art of impressing judges with your writing can set you apart from other applicants.
3. Prepare Documentation: Create a checklist of required documents for each scholarship to avoid oversights. Common requirements include letters of recommendation, transcripts, and language certifications. Being organized and thorough in your application process is crucial.
4. Give Your Best Effort: Apply yourself fully to each application. Hard work is essential, and you must be willing to go above and beyond to achieve your goals. For creative writing scholarships, past achievements alone aren’t sufficient. With numerous skilled applicants, you need to demonstrate what makes you exceptional and deserving of the award.
5. Showcase Your Uniqueness: Highlight your distinctive qualities, experiences, and perspectives in your applications. Scholarship committees are looking for candidates who stand out from the crowd.
6. Stay Current: Keep your writing skills sharp by engaging in current writing practices and staying informed about trends in your field of interest.
7. Seek Feedback: Before submitting, have others review your essays and application materials. Fresh perspectives can help identify areas for improvement.
8. Meet Deadlines: Always submit your applications well before the deadline. This allows time for any last-minute issues and demonstrates your reliability and time management skills.
By following these tips, you can significantly improve your chances of securing writing scholarships. Remember, persistence and dedication are key in this competitive process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Writing Scholarships:
1. Are Writing Scholarships Legit?
Yes, writing scholarships are legitimate. Many colleges and universities offer them to students with exceptional writing skills. However, be cautious of scholarship scams, especially when applying to external scholarships found online. Avoid scholarships that charge application fees or look suspicious. Always research to ensure the scholarship is genuine.
2. How Can I Improve My Chances of Winning Writing Scholarships?
To improve your chances:
1. Be prepared and confident
2. Research the scholarship thoroughly
3. Ensure you meet all qualifications
4. Focus fully on the essay and required tasks
5. Stay confident and don’t let potential rejection discourage you
6. Apply to multiple scholarships
3. How Many Writing Scholarships Can You Get?
There’s no limit to how many writing scholarships you can be awarded. It’s possible to get a “full ride” (entire tuition paid off in scholarships). Don’t hesitate to apply for multiple scholarships.
4. Are Writing Scholarships Taxable Income?
Generally, scholarships are not taxable income if used for educational expenses like tuition, fees, books, or supplies. They become taxable if used for non-educational expenses such as vacations or shopping. The IRS views scholarships as awards to help pay for education, not extra spending money.
5. What’s the Best Way to Apply For Writing Scholarships?
The best ways to apply for writing scholarships are:
1. Finding relevant opportunities online
2. Contacting your high school or college guidance office
3. Being patient and persevering in your search and application process
Remember, patience and perseverance are key in applying for scholarships. Good luck in your academic career!
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