With summer rapidly approaching, it’s finally time for students to take a breather after a long school year. That means more time outside, more time with your family and friends — and more time to spend on your favorite hobbies. But even if you’re not thinking about college over the summer, those very same hobbies can help you pay for your higher education in the fall.
There are scholarships out there for everyone from gamers to crafters. And if your hobby is more specific, more unusual or more personal, don’t worry: You can likely find scholarship dollars too.
[Explore scholarships that showcase creativity and offbeat interests.]
For crafty types who focus on knitting and crochet, the Beans For Brains Scholarship program is, well, a no-brainer. Sponsored by Jimmy Beans Wool, a knitting and craft supply company, Beans For Brains has provided more than $50,000 in scholarship assistance since 2010.
Applications are typically open during the month of March, and last year’s program required applicants to be college undergrads and proficient knitters or crocheters with at least a 3.2 GPA. If you love working with yarn, don’t miss out on this one when it opens again.
If horses are your hobby, summer provides the perfect time to get out and ride. And the Arabian Horse Foundation can also help turn your equine pursuits into college cash with their student scholarship program. Youth members of the Arabian Horse Association are invited to apply early each year, with an April 1 deadline.
[Check out more scholarships for animal lovers.]
You’ll need to provide information about your career goals, your financial situation and your equine involvement, so bookmark the application and make sure to get an early start.
High school students don’t tend to develop hobbies involving wine, for obvious reasons — but if turning 21 has turned you into an oenophile, a scholarship from the American Society for Enology and Viticulture can help you turn that interest into a career. Undergrads and graduate students are eligible if pursuing a major or graduate degree that emphasizes enology or viticulture, or “a curriculum emphasizing a science basic to the wine and grape industry.”
[Learn more about where to find horticulture scholarships for college.]
Applications are due each year by March 1, and winners are announced formally at the organization’s annual national conference in June.
Finally, if you’re a student of many hobbies, you’ll want to keep an eye on the rotating scholarship offerings from Wholesale Halloween Costumes. The company offers several unique $500 scholarships each year, most of which feel more like fun than work to apply for. Past contests have included jingle writing, pumpkin carving and creating a Vine video of an Easter bunny or leprechaun sighting.
The current contest asks entrants to create a meme based on a Wholesale Halloween Costumes product photo. If you’re a current student at a two-year or four-year college in the U.S., just submit your funniest work via email by Aug. 12 to be considered — and check out the site for the next contest, starting Aug. 13.
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Scholarships Abound for a Variety of Hobbies originally appeared on usnews.com
