How to Turn Your Hobbies Into Scholarships

Where there are hobbies there are scholarships! But how do you find them? Let's break down the process.

It’s so frustrating when you come across those big money scholarships in all your research—and they’re not even a tiny bit related to you or your areas of expertise. You guys, the struggle is so real. But in the scholarship search, you gotta target the ones that fit you.

Luckily, there are tons of scholarships out there for just about every interest, trait, background, and hobby under the sun. And you definitely want to look for the scholarships in your most specialized interests, because you’ll have a much better chance of winning them. The pool of entries will be smaller, and you’ll be more excited and knowledgeable about the subject. Really, it all comes down to showing how determined and psyched you in your application. Then, you’re golden! So, how do you figure out what your specialized interests are and then find scholarships that fit them? Let’s break down the process.

Make a list

Write down everything that makes you unique, everything you excel at, and everything you enjoy. Everything that makes you, well, you! Pinpoint categories you wouldn’t mind doing a project on. Is there any sort of homework you actually like  to do? Think about the subjects and activities that make you excited. Also think about your possible major. There are many scholarships specific to students pursuing certain careers.

Related: Scholarship Search Spreadsheet Template

Sign up for scholarship sites

The key detail here is that you choose websites that point you to scholarships based on your interests and abilities. Make sure you take the time to fill out all the registration information; don’t skip anything! The more info you give, the more scholarships you’ll get in return. Below are some of my favorites:

Most states have a scholarship site specifically for residents too. Find yours by searching for your state plus “scholarships.” 

Conduct a simple search

Go straight to your search engine and type in “scholarships for ___!” I am involved in sign language, fashion, cheerleading, and lots of community service. So that’s what I search for! You can search for a sport you play, your favorite school subject, clubs you are in, or just random hobbies you have. Speaking of hobbies, ask the president or other leaders of your group (like a Girl Scout troop leader or volunteer coordinator) if they know of any scholarships related to the organization. You might be surprised! There are scholarships for everything from redheads to students interested in a career in law or automotive work. I have even seen some just for students who radiate pride in America!

Related: List: 60 of the Weirdest College Scholarships

Showcase your passion

Harness your passion and drive and turn it into your very best work. Your scholarship entries should reflect your love for the subject. Make sure you include what career you’re pursuing, why a career in that field is important to you, and how this scholarship will benefit you. My mentor once told me, “You have to make it impossible for them to decline you.” Those words stick with me whenever I need to make myself stand out. Use them to your own benefit!

Keep track of deadlines

All of your hard work finding scholarships will be for nothing if you don’t stay organized. Write down all the scholarships you want to apply to. A lot of sites will send you reminders of deadlines that are approaching. Another thing to keep in mind: you’re never too young or old to start your scholarship search. Most guidelines start at the age of 13 and don’t specify a cutoff age. The only mistake you can make is giving up or not trying! Encourage your friends to join you in the search. You can point each other to scholarships that might suit you and help edit and perfect each other’s entries.

Related: Smart Strategies for Scholarships With Multiple Deadlines

Remember, you’re not alone in your scholarship search. You can always go to a counselor, mentor, or family member to help you out. Just keep the big picture in mind. You deserve to continue learning about what you love, and scholarships will help make that happen for you.

Find schools that'll support you in pursuing your passions and hobbies with The Student Experience section of our Lists & Rankings.

Like what you’re reading?

Join the CollegeXpress community! Create a free account and we’ll notify you about new articles, scholarship deadlines, and more.

Join Now

Tags:

About Carissa Hills

Carissa Hills

There is no better feeling than knowing that you can make a positive impact on another individual with your writing. I'm searching for ways to make college less intimidating, just like you. I also love fashion and enjoy the outdoors, big cities, and concerts! I have a unique view of life, and I hope to inspire others with it.

 

Join our community of
over 5 million students!

CollegeXpress has everything you need to simplify your college search, get connected to schools, and find your perfect fit.

Join CollegeXpress
Katie

Katie

High School Class of 2019

My favorite feature of CollegeXpress is the scholarship search. As someone going out of state for college, I needed all the financial help I could get, and CollegeXpress helped me easily find scholarships I could apply for to help fund my education.

Lu Diehl

Lu Diehl

High School Class of 2022

I never would have found the college I plan on attending without CollegeXpress! I've always been a person of ambition and have been dreaming of studying and working on my passion for law, legal studies, and political science. Washington College is where I plan on pursuing my career. My journey with my education has been difficult, and oftentimes, I was told I would never amount to much, but now I'm dual enrolled at Caroll Community College and have had experience in the fields I am dedicated to. Without the help of CollegeXpress (even in its early days), I would never have found Washington College and the information I need to apply and become a part of their community.

Samantha Fils-Aime

Samantha Fils-Aime

High School Class of 2019

I love that CollegeXpress has helped me find some scholarships to apply for but also helped me succeed in school with lots of tips. I also really like how they consistently email me about webinars that teach me a lot of things from the comfort of my home!

Daniel Ogunlokun

Daniel Ogunlokun

High School Class of 2022

When I started looking at colleges in the beginning of my senior year, I was conflicted about which ones I wanted to attend based on safety, tuition costs, location, academic rigor, and prestige. Searching the internet and getting more questions than answers, I came across CollegeXpress, which made all the steps I had taken look like a minor issue. Everything was summarized and detailed, and I couldn't be more thankful and appreciative.

Jessica Rinker

Jessica Rinker

Student, Fairhaven High School; CollegeXpress Student Writer

My high school counselor introduced me to CollegeXpress freshman year. It has made such a difference in high school, and I plan to continue relying on it in college. CollegeXpress is my go-to because it addresses each aspect of being a student. There are the articles you’d expect regarding college applications and financial aid, but you will also find advice on things like de-stressing and maintaining relationships while balancing a heavy course load. CollegeXpress will also keep you updated on current scholarships through e-mails each Saturday. (They don’t harass you with any product promotion like so many other sites do.) CollegeXpress is a lot like an older sibling who has already conquered the challenges you are facing. Now, they are reaching out a helpful hand. I say take it.

College Matches
X

Colleges You May Be Interested In

Seton Hall University

South Orange, NJ

Grand View University

Des Moines, IA