Over 60 December Scholarship Opportunities to Apply For

How is it already December? We know you’re probably looking forward to relaxing while you celebrate the holidays, but scholarship deadlines won’t wait for you—and there are a ton of opportunities with deadlines in December. Find a balance during winter break between enjoying yourself and being productive by checking out and applying to some of these awards. Good luck with your applications, and happy holidays! 

* A helpful tip: Each section of scholarships is ordered from closest to furthest deadline, so start applying from the top of the category that applies to you downward.

Scholarships for high school students

• Americanism Essay Contest: Sponsored by the Fleet Reserve Association, this scholarship is open to students in grades 7–12, including homeschooled students. Applicants must write an essay about Americanism and patriotism in 350 words. Multiple awards are offered. Awards: Up to $1,500; Deadline: December 1
• 5 Strong Scholarship Foundation: This opportunity is open to high school seniors from Houston, Texas; and Atlanta, Georgia, as well as surrounding counties. Applicants must plan to attend an HCBU institution, meet certain GPA and standardized testing requirements, and demonstrate the potential to be a leader in the classroom and on campus. Awards: Amounts vary but include “full ride” (tuition, room, and board) and full tuition; Deadline: December 1
• Dell Scholars Program: This opportunity is open to high school seniors who’ve participated in a college readiness program during 11^th or 12^th grade, have a minimum GPA of 2.4, demonstrate financial need, and are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant during their first year of college. In addition to the monetary award, winners receive a laptop, textbook credits, and access to other helpful resources, with 500 scholars selected nationally each year. Awards: $20,000; Deadline: December 1
• Wyland National Art Challenge: Students in kindergarten through 12^th grade can enter this contest, which offers multiple awards. The theme of the challenge is environmental and water conservation. Applicants may apply as a team to create a classroom mural, as an individual submitting personal artwork, or as an individual submitting personal photography. Awards: Up to $500; Deadline: December 1
• Jazz at the Ballroom Scholarship: This scholarship is offered to California high school jazz instrumentalists ages 14–18. Applicants must submit an entry form, a personal statement, and an audition recording no longer than 15 minutes long. Recipients will receive a $500 scholarship as well as the chance to play in two to three paid JATB performances in the upcoming calendar year. Awards: $1,000; Deadline: December 15
• Equitable Excellence Scholarship: This opportunity is open to high school students in the United States and Puerto Rico who are planning to enroll full-time at a two- or four-year undergraduate institution in the US next fall. Applicants must demonstrate ambition and self-drive to be a force for good in school, community, or work activities. This program offers 100 renewable scholarships (up to four years) as well as 100 one-time awards, with each recipient’s teacher of choice receiving a $500 gift card. Award: Up to $5,000; Deadline: December 18
• CollegeXpress Scholarship for Students of Color: If you’re a POC student who’s planning to be enrolled in college next fall, you’re eligible for this scholarship. Just tell us the dream job you’d like to pursue after high school in just one sentence and you’ll be entered to win a $1,500 scholarship that can be used at any CollegeXpress featured college or university, plus have $500 donated to a charity of your choice. This scholarship is offered once every quarter. Award: $2,000; Deadline: December 31 (as well as September 30, March 31, and June 30)

Scholarships for high school and undergraduate students

• Employment BOOST Academic Scholarship: This scholarship is open to US high school seniors as well as two- and four-year college students with a GPA of 3.6 or higher. Applicants may be pursuing any major, but one of two scholarships will be given to a student pursuing Business or STEM fields. An essay of 500–1,000 words is required. Awards: $1,000; Deadline: None; applications accepted year-round on a rolling basis
• Future Designer Scholarship: Sponsored by CardsDirect, this award is offered to students 17 and older who have been accepted to or are enrolled at a college or university, including community colleges and trade schools. Applicants may be pursuing any field and must design a holiday card to submit with their application. The winner will be chosen by public vote. Award: $1,500; Deadline: December 1
• Barbara Lotze Scholarship: This scholarship is open to accepted high school seniors and undergraduate students who are US citizens and pursuing a career path of becoming a high school physics teacher. The scholarship may be granted to winners for each of the four years of their bachelor’s program. Awards: Up to $3,000; Deadline: December 1
• Science Ambassador Scholarship: Sponsored by Cards Against Humanity, this scholarship is for female or nonbinary high school seniors and undergraduate students who are pursuing STEM fields. Applicants must create a video of three minutes or less about a STEM topic they’re passionate about and upload it to YouTube to teach others something in a short amount of time. Award: Full tuition; Deadline: December 13
• North American Van Lines Logistics Scholarship: Enrolled college students and accepted high school students may apply if they’re in or will be in a Logistics program or an equivalent field. Applicants must submit an essay between 400–800 words on why they chose Logistics/Supply Chain Management as their college major. Three winners will be chosen. Awards: $1,000; Deadline: December 15
• Scarlett Family Foundation Scholarships: Open to students from any high school in Middle Tennessee’s 40 counties, these renewable scholarships are awarded to high school seniors, students who’ve recently received their GED, and college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who demonstrate financial need. Applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, receive an ACT score of at least 21, and be pursuing a Business or STEM degree full-time at a four-year nonprofit college or university next fall. Recipients may receive their awards for up to four years. Awards: $2,500–$30,000; Deadline: December 15
• Leaders Save Lives Scholarship: This scholarship contest from the American Red Cross is more of a challenge and is open to high school and college students, including those enrolled at trade schools or community colleges. Applicants must organize a blood drive during designated time frames, and depending on how many pints you collect, you’ll earn varying gift card awards and entries into scholarship drawings. Awards: Up to $200 (gift card awards) and $2,500 (scholarship drawings); Drive time frame: December 15–January 15 (and June 1–August 31)
• College Is Power Scholarship: This scholarship is offered to students ages 17 and older who are currently attending a full- or part-time higher education program as well as those who plan to enroll within the next 12 months. Students in both on-campus and online programs are eligible but must be US citizens or permanent residents. Applicants must explain what their primary goal for going to school is in 150 words or fewer. Award: $1,000; Deadline: December 31
• HW Part Store Scholarship: This award is designed to provide financial assistance to students pursuing vocational trades who are committed to building a successful career in their chosen field. Applicants must be 18 years or older, a permanent legal US resident or valid student visa holder, and enrolled or planning to enroll in Agricultural Sciences at an accredited college or university in the United States. A 500-word essay on machinery is also required. Award: $1,000; Deadline: December 31 

Scholarships for undergraduate students

• Elks National Foundation Emergency Educational Grants: These renewable one-year grants are open to undergraduate students who are children of disabled or deceased Elks Lodge members. Applicants must attend an accredited US college or university full-time, demonstrate financial need, and be unmarried as well as under the age of 24 during the application period. Awards: $5,000; Deadline: December 1
• Maeband Scholarship: This opportunity is open to moms and expectant mothers enrolled in accredited two- or four-year college programs in any field; there is no major or minor requirement. Applicants must submit an essay between 500–700 words or a video of up to five minutes that answers three questions about their passions, fears, and pregnancy experience. Award: $500; Deadline: December 1
• Foreclosure.com Scholarship Program: This scholarship is open to currently enrolled undergraduate students at US colleges, universities, and trade schools; graduate students, law students, and high school seniors are not eligible. Applicants must be legal residents of the US or Puerto Rico, fill out the online application, and write an 800–2,000-word essay on the real estate market slowdown and its effect on foreclosures this year. Three winners will be selected. Awards: Up to $4,000; Deadline: December 15
• Garage Insiders Scholarship: This opportunity is open to undergraduate students enrolled in Architecture, Engineering, and Interior & Exterior Design programs or other related studies at accredited colleges and universities in the United States or Canada. Applicants must also be at least 18 years old and a legal US or Canadian resident or valid student visa holder. A 500-word essay on one of three garage-related topics is required. Award: $1,000; Deadline: December 20
• Pioneers of Flight Scholarship: Sponsored by the National Air Transportation Association, this scholarship is for sophomores and juniors enrolled in four-year undergraduate Aviation programs. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA or higher and demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in general aviation. Two awards are granted each year. Awards: $1,000; Deadline: December 29 (last Friday in December)
• Elie Wiesel Prize in Ethics Essay Contest: Only undergraduate students at accredited four-year colleges or universities in the United States are eligible to enter this annual contest. Essays must be 3,000–4,000 words and can be about any topic as long as it pertains to ethics; the topics provided by the Elie Wiesel Foundation each year are merely suggestions. First, second, and third prizes will be awarded as well as honorable mention(s). Award: Up to $10,000; Deadline: December 29
• Driven Coffee Scholarship: This biannual scholarship is open to undergraduates attending a college, university, community college, or trade school in the United States or Canada. Applicants must write three essays of 500 words each and show proof of enrollment. Three scholarships are offered. Awards: Up to $500; Deadline: December 31
• Golden Chimney Scholarship: Undergraduate students majoring in Interior & Exterior Design or related fields should apply for this scholarship. Applicants must be legal US or Canadian residents (or valid student visa holders) 18 years or older and enrolled in a full-time program in the US or Canada. A minimum 3.0 GPA and an essay on the importance of fire safety are also required. Award: $1,000; Deadline: December 31

Scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students

• The Explorers Club Discovery Expedition Grants: In partnership with Discovery, Inc., this opportunity is open to researchers and explorers from around the world who are 18 years or older and doing research projects in the Biological Sciences, Archaeology, Anthropology, Paleontology, Earth Sciences, Ecology, and Astronomy. Applicants must submit a pre-application, which leads to a full application if approved, and should apply a minimum of six months in advance of their field dates. Awards: $25,000–$40,000; Deadline: None; applications accepted on a rolling basis
• SBB Research Group STEM Scholarship: Students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate STEM programs full-time at a college or university are eligible for this scholarship, including international students. Applicants must submit an essay of 500 words or fewer on their most significant STEM experiences and how they will use STEM principles to improve the world. A total of 12 scholarships are available throughout the year, with one awarded each month. Awards: $2,500; Deadline: None; applications accepted year-round on a rolling basis
• Lamber-Goodnow Injury Law Team Education Scholarships: Multiple scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students are awarded by this organization, with categories for college, Nursing, law school, medical school, Physical/Occupational Therapy, summer college, and summer law school. All awards require an essay of 500–750 words (prompts vary). Awards: $1,000; Deadline: December 1
• Ai Engstrom Memorial Scholarship: This award is offered to any student attending a college or university in the US with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Applicants must write an essay of 800 words or fewer on their vision of electronic design, engineering, and manufacturing in the global economy. There are no age restrictions for this biannual scholarship. Award: $1,000; Deadline: December 1 (and August 1)
• Scholarships 4 Moms: This sweepstakes is open to US residents ages 18 and older who are mothers or expectant mothers. Applicants must be enrolled or plan to be enrolled within the next three months at any college or university in the United States. Simply fill out the form to enter this random drawing; applicants may enter the promotion once every seven days. Award: $10,000; Deadline: December 15
• Car Covers Scholarship: This scholarship is open to students enrolled in accredited undergraduate, graduate, or trade school programs in the US. Applicants must write a minimum 1,000-word essay on the topic of how to make a car last forever. Award: $1,000; Deadline: December 15
• Creative Safety Supply Scholarship: Sponsored by an Oregon-based retailer, this biannual award is offered to US citizens and permanent residents who are enrolled at a college, university, or vocational school for the upcoming term and have a GPA of at least 3.0. This scholarship honors creative thinking and requires applicants to answer two essay questions. Award: $1,000; Deadline: December 15 (and July 1)
• American Water Works Association Scholarships: These scholarships are for undergraduate and graduate students (including international) studying Water Research, Engineering, Finance, IT, Legal, Communications, and Policy at accredited colleges and universities in North America. Requirements vary for each award, so applicants should look into each one to see what best applies to them. Awards: Up to $5,000; Deadline: December 19
• Government Finance Officers Association Scholarships: The GFOA sponsors several scholarships that are open to graduate- and upper-level-undergraduate students who are US or Canadian citizens pursuing a variety of degrees that will lead to a career in state or local government, with other criteria required by each individual scholarship. Only one application is required. Awards: $5,000–$25,000; Deadline: December 29
• Achieve Today Scholarship: This scholarship is open to current students ages 18 and older attending any accredited US college or university. Applicants must create a video (strongly encouraged) or write an essay on one of four personal development principles and how it’s made a positive impact in their life or helped them overcome a life challenge. Award: $1,000; Deadline: December 31 (and August 31)
• Apprentice Ecologist Initiative: This scholarship is open to students ages 13–21 who have completed environmental stewardship or conservation projects throughout the year. Applicants must submit photos and an essay on their project. Three scholarships are available. Awards: Totaling $1,750; Deadline: December 31
• Dietspotlight Research Leadership Scholarship: This non-need-based scholarship is offered to legal residents of the United States (as well as US territories, DC, and Puerto Rico) who are enrolled at US colleges, universities, or trade schools. Applicants must write an essay of 1,500 words or fewer on how understanding the topics of physical, mental, and substance use health can help teens make healthier decisions as they navigate adolescence and beyond. Award: $2,000; Deadline: December 31
• Transgender First Scholarship: Designated as the first national scholarship dedicated to helping underserved trans students, this opportunity is open to US citizens who identify as transgender or nonbinary and are currently pursuing a degree at a college or university (or planning to). Applicants must have their high school diploma or GED and submit short answers about their background, passions, goals, and any difficulties with affording or accessing college in relation to their gender identity. Award: $2,500; Deadline: December 31
• GoDark Bags Cybersecurity Scholarship: Specializing in secure phone cases and laptop bags for civilian, law enforcement, and military purposes, GoDark Bags offers two awards to students who strive for excellence and exceptional performance. Enrolled undergraduate and graduate students pursuing any cybersecurity-related courses at any accredited institution within the United States and Canada are eligible. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and legal residents of the United States or Canada (or hold a valid student visa). Awards: $1,000; Deadline: December 31
• Polyshot Scholarship Program: Polyshot hot runner systems and vacuum brazing services is offering a scholarship to a student who’s passionate about engineering and eager to contribute to advancing this field. Applicants must be 18 years or older, a legal US resident or student visa holder, currently enrolled in or accepted to a full-time undergraduate or graduate program in the US, and studying or planning to pursue Technology or other related studies. A 300-word essay on one of four provided topics is required. Award: $1,200; Deadline: December 31
• Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld Legal Scholarship: This opportunity is for students pursuing undergraduate degrees in Pre-law Studies as well as students entering law school. Applicants must submit a one-to-three-page typed essay on how to “Relentlessly protect the rights of the injured and disabled in California.” Award: Amount not disclosed; Deadline: December 31
• Bronx Injury Lawyers PC Essay Competition: This writing contest for graduate/law students and undergrads seeking to go to law school in the future focuses on personal injury law. Applicants must be enrolled in a US undergraduate or graduate-level program and write an essay of at least 1,500 words on whether a home or business owner should be held liable if someone slips and falls on their property on a snowy day. Award: $500; Deadline: December 31
• Brooklyn Injury Attorneys PC Essay Competition: This similar writing contest asks undergraduate and graduate/law students enrolled in US programs to write 1,500 words max about self-driving cars on the road; who should be liable when an accident occurs—the manufacturer or driver? Award: $500; Deadline: December 31
• 1^st Financial Bank Financial Goals Scholarship: This monthly scholarship is open to US residents who are 18 or older and planning to enroll or are currently enrolled in a college degree program. This is a random drawing, but it does require you to submit a short essay of 500 words or fewer. Award: $2,000; Deadline: December 31 (last day of every month)

Scholarships for (basically) everyone

• 1989 (Taylor’s Version) Fan Scholarship: Any student at any education level with any GPA is eligible for this scholarship; the only requirement is to be a Swiftie! Applicants must write an essay between 400–600 words about any 1989 (Taylor's Version) song(s) that has resonated with your 2023 so far. Feel free to cite specific lyrics from Taylor's music and write about how they speak to you. Award: $1,989; Deadline: December 1
• Zendaya Superfan Scholarship: Students from all educational backgrounds who've been touched, motivated, or simply entertained by Zendaya's contributions to the arts are encouraged to apply for this scholarship. Applicants must write an essay between 200–600 words on the aspect of Zendaya’s career they admire most and why. Award: $500; Deadline: December 1
• Creative Masonry & Chimney LLC Scholarship: This scholarship is open to students pursuing a career in construction, plumbing, carpentry, or other skilled trades. Applicants must write a blog of 1,000+ words about their career goals, a project in their field, or any other hands-on experience and publish it somewhere on the internet. Award: $500; Deadline: December 1
• CT Chimney Repair Scholarship: This scholarship is also open to students pursuing careers in construction, plumbing, carpentry, or other skilled trades. It maintains the same application requirements as the previously listed scholarship. Award: $500; Deadline: December 1
• Ray Stoesser Memorial Scholarship: This opportunity is open to high school seniors as well as current undergraduate and graduate students who intend to pursue careers in agriculture-related fields. Applicants must submit a self-produced video no longer than five minutes about their vision for the next generation of the US rice industry. In addition to the monetary award, the recipient will serve as a student ambassador for USRPA and is expected to participate in at least two activities during the calendar year. Award: $5,000; Deadline: December 1
• National Space Club Foundation Keynote Scholar: High school seniors, undergraduates, and graduate students pursuing STEM fields are all eligible for an out-of-this-world opportunity. Applicants must be US citizens, have excellent public speaking skills, and plan to work in a STEM career, with preference given to students with space-related interests. The recipient must be available to give the keynote speech at the Goddard Memorial Dinner in Washington, DC, on March 22, 2024. Travel and lodging for the winner and one guest will also be provided. Award: $15,000; Deadline: December 4
• PixelPlex Bi-Annual STEM Scholarship: This non-need-based scholarship is open to US citizens and permanent residents who are currently enrolled in (or have been accepted and plan to pursue) a STEM, Economics, or Business degree program. Applicants must write a compelling essay (1,200 words minimum) on one of four provided technology industry topics. A check is awarded directly to the recipient, not to the school. Award: $2,000; Deadline: December 5 (and June 5)
• Medical Scrubs Collection Scholarship: This scholarship is open to high school seniors as well as current undergrad and graduate students pursuing medical degrees (such as Dentistry, Laboratory Science, Medicine, Nursing, Nutrition, or Therapy) with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants must submit an essay of up to 500 words on why they’re pursuing the medical field or an image with a short description. Although any student who meets the criteria may apply, preference is given to those with a physical disability. Award: $1,000; Deadline: December 15
• AvaCare Medical Scholarship: This is another opportunity for high school seniors and enrolled students pursuing degrees in the medical field, including Dentistry, Health Law, Laboratory Science, Medicine, Nursing, Nutrition, or Therapy. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and tell an inspiring story of kindness through a short essay, video, or image with a description. As with the previously listed scholarship, preference is given to students with a physical disability. Award: $1,000; Deadline: December 15
• Innovation in Education Scholarship: This monthly scholarship is open to high school, college, and graduate students who write an essay on an innovative project they’ve designed that makes a difference in the lives of others. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and be a US or Canadian citizen. Award: $500; Deadline: December 20 (same date every month)
• Because College Is Expensive Scholarship: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors as well as current college and graduate students are eligible for this quarterly scholarship sweepstakes. Simply fill out a form to apply. Award: $500; Deadline: December 31 (as well as March 31, June 30, and September 30)
• Top Ten List Scholarship: Sponsored by Unigo, this opportunity is for students 14 years and older who are enrolled or will be enrolled in a college, university, or trade school within the next five years. Applicants must create a list (250 words or fewer) of 10 things they love about themselves. Award: $1,500; Deadline: December 31
• Too Cool for School Scholarship: Open to high school, college, and graduate students of all years who are US residents or DACA, undocumented, or international studying in the US, this quarterly scholarship sweepstakes is easy to enter. No essay is required; just submit a simple application form. Award: $1,000; Deadline: December 31 (as well as March 31, June 30, and September 30)
• HeadsetPlus.com Scholarship: Open to US high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students, this contest asks applicants to upload a video to YouTube about themselves and why they should win the scholarship. Applicants must be legal residents or citizens of the United States and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Videos will be judged on creativity, persuasiveness, and content. Award: $1,000; Deadline: December 31
• LawnStarter Lawntrpreneur Scholarship: This scholarship is open to high school seniors as well as two-year college, four-year college, and graduate students who have started, have run, or plan to start a lawn care business. Applicants must submit a 500–700-word essay about what makes them passionate about building a business. All academic majors are welcome to apply. Award: $1,000; Deadline: December 31 (and August 20)
• MyMozaic Scholarship: This monthly scholarship sweepstakes is open to US citizens who are 13 years and older. All you have to do is provide your email address to apply. Award: $1,000; Deadline: December 31 (last day of every month)
• Guide2Fluency Scholarship for Those With Disabilities: Students with a medically recognized physical or mental disability should apply for this scholarship. Applicants must be enrolled at or planning to attend a two- or four-year university, community college, or graduate program in the US and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. An essay no longer than 750 words that answers two posed questions is also required. Award: $1,500; Deadline: December 31
• Gya Labs’ Research Paper Contest: This essay contest is open to anyone who has a love for writing and can research and gather information on essential oils—including students, researchers, aromatherapists, and freelancers. Applicants must choose from a variety of aromatherapy/essential oil topics and write a paper of more than 2,000 words. First, second, and third place will be awarded. Awards: Up to $5,000; Deadline: December 31
• Stromberg’s Chicken Scholarship: Undergrads, graduate students, and high school seniors who will be enrolled in college this spring for Agricultural Studies or related fields should apply for this award. Applicants must also be 18 years or older and permanent legal US residents or valid visa holders. A 500-word essay about one of four poultry-related prompts is required. Award: $1,000; Deadline: December 31
• Micklin Law Group Educational Scholarship: Incoming first-years, undergraduates, and students pursuing advanced degrees are all eligible for this twice-yearly need-based scholarship. Applicants must be accepted to an accredited college in the US. A personal statement is required along with the online application. Award: $1,000; Deadline: December 31
• CollegeXpress Winter Break Scholarship: New and existing CollegeXpress users are eligible for this random drawing starting December 1. To enter, just complete your free CX registration (or log back in) and answer the following question: What’s the best way to spend your time during winter break? You can find a new easy scholarship contest every month in the Featured Scholarships section of CollegeXpress.com. Award: $2,000; Deadline: December 31

You're going to be busy with all these opportunities for free money! Keep your applications and deadlines organized using our Scholarship Search Spreadsheet Template.