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 holiday season, but scholarship deadlines won’t wait for you—and there are a ton of scholarship opportunities with deadlines in December.

Find a balance during winter break between enjoying yourself and being productive by checking out and applying to these scholarships for high schoolers, undergrads, graduate students, and more. Good luck with your applications, and happy holidays! 

* A helpful tip: Each section of scholarships is ordered from the 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 what service to our country means to them in 350 words or fewer. Regional and local prizes as well as 18 national awards are available. Awards: Up to $1,500; Deadline: December 1
• Ron Brown Scholar Program: Open to Black and African American high school seniors who are US citizens or permanent residents, this need-based program awards 20–25 renewable scholarships each year. Recipients must attend a four-year college or university in the United States and demonstrate a keen interest in public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship, and global citizenship. Awards: $40,000 ($10,000 per year); Deadline: December 1
• Dell Scholars Program: This annual 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 (total value); Deadline: December 16
• Equitable Excellence Scholarship Program: 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

Scholarships for high school and undergraduate students

• Employment BOOST Academic Scholarship: This scholarship is open to US high school students who’ve been accepted to college 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
• 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. Winners will also receive a complimentary American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) Student Membership for one year. Awards: Up to $3,000; Deadline: December 1
• North American Van Lines Logistics Scholarship: College students and accepted high school students may apply for this scholarship if they’re enrolled (or will be enrolled) in an undergraduate Logistics program or 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
• 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. Five winners will be announced in the spring. Awards: $20,000; Deadline: December 16
• 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: Up to $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 (as well as June 1–August 31)
• Bright Lights Scholarship: This scholarship is open to high school and undergraduate college students who are first generation and/or an underrepresented minority. To apply, just share your plans for the future and how this scholarship will help you get there. Two recipients will be chosen. Awards: $500; Deadline: December 25
• 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
• 5 Strong Scholarship: 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 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 undergraduate students

• Broslavsky & Weinman, LLP Scholarship: This opportunity is open to any undergraduate college student who is a legal resident of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands. Applicants must write three pages or fewer on “How Social Media Impacts the Law.” Award: $1,000; Deadline: December 14
• 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 foreclosures and affordable housing. Three winners will be selected. Awards: Up to $4,000; Deadline: December 15
• 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 27 (last Friday in December)
• Elie Wiesel Prize in Ethics Essay Contest: 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 two honorable mentions. Winners will also receive a trip to New York City for a seminar and awards celebration (which you are required to attend to receive the prize). Award: Up to $10,000; Deadline: December 30
• 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: Up to $5,000; Deadline: December 31

Scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students

• SBB Research Group STEM Scholarship: All students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate STEM programs full-time at a college or university are eligible for this scholarship during the winter quarter, 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 three awarded each quarter. Awards: $2,500; Deadline: Applications accepted from December 1–February 28
• The Explorers Club Impact 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: Up to $25,000; Deadline: None; applications accepted on a rolling basis
• UNIMA-USA Puppetry Scholarship: UNIMA-USA (Union Internationale de la Marionnette) offers a biannual scholarship and grants for American puppeteers who want to study puppetry outside the US. Applicants should be puppeteers who have some professional experience, a university degree in Puppetry, and/or a serious commitment to the art form. The aid will be sent directly to the school or program at the beginning of the course. Please note that recipients must cover other costs themselves, such as airfare, lodging, meals, etc. Awards: $1,500; Deadline: December 1 (and October 1)
• Lamber-Goodnow Injury Law Team Education Scholarships: This law firm awards multiple scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students, with categories for college, nursing, law school, medical school, physical/occupational therapy, summer college, and summer law school. All applications are reviewed through a lottery process and require an essay of 500–750 words (writing prompts vary). Awards: $1,000; Deadline: December 1
• Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship: Sponsored by PCB Solutions, this award is open to any full-time student attending a college or university in the US with a minimum 2.5 GPA. There are no age restrictions for this biannual scholarship. Applicants must submit an essay on their vision of electronic design, engineering, and manufacturing in the global economy. 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
• Shainfeld Law PC Scholarship: This award is for students pursuing undergraduate degrees in Pre-law Studies or those who started law school this fall. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA or higher and write a one-to-three-page essay on an area of law that interests them. Award: $500; 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 15)
• 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—which include a graduate fellowship, scholarships through local sections, and several opportunities for minority students—so applicants should look into each one to see what best applies to them. Awards: Up to $30,000; Deadline: December 20
• 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 careers in state or local government, with other criteria required by each scholarship. Only one application is required. Awards: Up to $25,000; Deadline: December 31
• OFAC Eco-Friendly Scholarship: This opportunity is open to undergraduate, graduate, law school, and incoming college students at accredited institutions in the US who are enrolled at their institution for the upcoming spring semester and live in one of the 50 states or DC. A 1,000-word essay on examples of how to improve the environment through activism (or examples you’ve already enacted) is required. Award: $1,000; Deadline: December 31
• Achieve Today Scholarship: This scholarship is open to current students 18 and older attending any accredited US college or university. Applicants must create a video 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. YouTube submissions are strongly encouraged but not required. Award: $1,000; Deadline: December 31 (and August 31)
• #TransgenderFirst Scholarship: Designated as the first national scholarship dedicated to helping underserved trans students, this annual 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. An online post of 350–1,000 words on why it’s challenging for transgender students to afford and approach college is also required. Award: $2,500; Deadline: December 31
• iVein Health & Wellness Scholarship: Take care of yourself and win money for college! Current full-time undergraduate, graduate, and medical students attending accredited colleges and universities can apply for this award. Applicants must have a minimum 3.7 GPA and write an essay of 800–1,000 words on practical ways to sustain a healthy lifestyle in college and beyond. Students must also demonstrate detailed knowledge of the importance of health and wellness based on personal experiences. Award: $2,500; Deadline: December 31
• Ruhmann Law Firm Scholarship: This opportunity is open to Pre-law and first-year Law students. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents or have other legal standing allowing them to work in the US. A minimum 3.0 GPA and an essay no longer than 1,000 words on a topic related to the area of law you wish to practice are also required. Award: $500; Deadline: December 31
• Kerri Castellini Women’s Leadership Scholarship: Female-identifying students pursuing associate, bachelor’s, graduate, Business, Medical, or Law degrees at accredited US institutions can apply for this award. Incoming first-year college students with a valid GED or high school diploma are also eligible. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, write a 500–1,000-word essay that describes an ideal woman leader in the 21st century, and exhibit strong leadership skills that are demonstrated by past and present educational, professional, and volunteer experiences. Award: $1,000; Deadline: December 31
• First Generation Scholarship: This is a great opportunity for first-generation US immigrants and their children. Applicants must be enrolled at an accredited community college, undergraduate, or graduate program and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher. An essay of 700–1,000 words discussing obstacles you have faced as a first-generation American (or the child of one) and how those experiences have shaped who you are today is also required. Award: $1,000; Deadline: December 31
• New Jersey Injury Lawyers PC Essay Contest: There are a lot of scholarship opportunities this month for undergraduate and graduate students at US colleges who are interested in or seeking a Law degree. This one asks for an essay of 1,500 words or fewer on the legal and safety considerations of electric scooters in urban areas and the associated rise in accidents. Award: $500; Deadline: December 31
• Boland Injury Lawyers PC Essay Contest: This similar contest asks for an essay that analyzes social media’s impact on personal injury litigation. Award: $500; Deadline: December 31
• PA Medical Malpractice Lawyers PC Essay Contest: This law firm’s scholarship contest requires an essay on “Navigating Legal, Ethical, and Technological Challenges in Remote Healthcare Delivery.” Award: $500; Deadline: December 31
• Bronx Injury Lawyers PC Essay Competition: This contest asks for an essay on the growing importance of digital evidence in personal injury litigation. Award: $500; Deadline: December 31
• Brooklyn Injury Attorneys PC Essay Competition: This contest requires an essay on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)  mechanisms such as mediation and arbitration. Award: $500; Deadline: December 31
• NYC Injury Attorneys PC Essay Competition: This opportunity asks applicants to write about how the role of artificial intelligence is shaping legal proceedings. Award: $500; Deadline: December 31

Scholarships for (basically) everyone

• 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
• 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 6
• 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 topics relating to technology industries. A check is awarded directly to the recipient, not to the school. Award: $2,000; Deadline: December 5 (and June 5)
• WISE Scholarship: The Women in STEM Excel (WISE) Scholarship was created to support, empower, and encourage Washingtonian women pursuing education and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. Applicants must be female Washington State residents who are pursuing a degree and/or career path in a STEM-related field at an institution of higher learning. One letter of recommendation and original essay answers are required. Award: $3,500; Deadline: December 13
• AvaCare Medical Scholarship: This is a great 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. Preference is given to students with a physical disability. Award: $1,000; Deadline: December 15
• Innovation in Education Scholarship: Sponsored by LA Tutors, 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 be US or Canadian citizens and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Award: $500; Deadline: December 20 (same date every month)
• Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest: This writing contest is open to high school seniors as well as undergrad and graduate students worldwide. Applicants must write an essay in English between 800–1,600 words on one of three provided prompts about Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand (there is a new seasonal entry round with a different prompt every three months; you may compete in any or all of these entry rounds). Multiple cash prizes will be awarded for essays from each season, with one annual grand prize available. Awards: Up to $25,000; Deadline: December 27
• 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 who are 14 years or older, legal US residents, and 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 reasons they should receive this scholarship. 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)
• 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 owned, 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. Selection is based on the quality of your MyMozaic profile, including documents, photos, videos, and followers. 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
• Right to Work Essay/Video Contest: The National Institute for Labor Relations Research sponsors this contest with up to 10 winners each month. Applicants must write an essay or submit a video explaining the right-to-work principle and how it benefits individuals in the United States. This contest is open to all students attending US high schools, colleges, and graduate schools, with checks mailed to the winners. Awards: $100; Deadline: December 31 
• $2,000 Sally Mae Scholarship Sweepstakes: Sallie Mae offers an easy scholarship contest that both high school and college students plus parents can enter. It’s open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, or any US Territory who are age 17 or older at the time of entry. Award: $2,000; Deadline: December 31
• Stromberg’s Chicken Scholarship: Undergrads, graduate students, and high school seniors who will be enrolled in college 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 three poultry-related prompts is required. Award: $1,000; Deadline: December 31
• CollegeXpress Scholarship for Students of Color: If you’re a student who’s a person of color, you’re eligible for this contest. Just create a free CollegeXpress account (or log back in) and tell us what your dream job is in just one sentence. You’ll be entered to win $1,500, plus have $500 donated to a charity of your choice. This random drawing is offered once every quarter. Award: $2,000 (including scholarship and donation); Deadline: December 31 (as well as September 30, March 31, and June 30)
• CollegeXpress Winter Wonderland Scholarship: New and existing CollegeXpress users are eligible for this random drawing starting December 1. To enter, complete your free CX registration (or log back in) and tell us which you enjoy more: holiday movies or holiday music? You can find a new easy scholarship contest every month in the Featured Scholarships section of CollegeXpress.com. Award: $2,000; Deadline: December 31

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