Especially as a high schooler, your parents may not understand your hobbies and other interests outside school — perhaps they push for you to spend extra time on school work when you are ready to tackle your interests. But your hobbies could prove valuable and give you the inside track to paying for college.
Some organizations award scholarships to students who demonstrate great love or proficiency for their hobbies. And this can significantly help offset the still-rising cost of college and skyrocketing student loan debt.
[Read advice on paying for college.]
The National Association for Amateur Radio, for example, each year awards more than 80 scholarships valued between $500 and $5,000. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic achievement as well as involvement in amateur radio.
Students only need to submit one application to be considered for all the scholarships, although some of the scholarships have geographic and other limitations. Applications for 2018 awards open Oct. 1 and are due by Jan. 31, 2018, with transcripts due by Feb. 15.
Students who have developed an interest in photography could be candidates for the $500 Camera Runner Photography Scholarship. The award is presented to high school or college students — including part-time students — who have an interest in photography.
Applicants must write an essay about what they like about photography and submit a favorite photo they’ve taken. The deadline is Aug. 31.
[Find college scholarships that reward a variety of hobbies.]
Public speaking is another talent than can translate into college aid. The Sons of the American Revolution awards multiple prizes between $200 and $5,000 for its Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest. High schoolers, including home-schooled students, are judged on a five- to six-minute speech and accompanying manuscript.
Applicants participate in regional preliminary round before advancing to the state and then national competition, which takes place in June during the organization’s national meeting. Applicants should contact their local chapter for deadline information.
Students who love of cars — and have an interest in an automotive career — can apply for the Automotive Hall of Fame scholarships. The hall’s scholarship programoffers a number of awards to incoming and upperlevel full-time college or trade school students. The scholarship amounts vary and are based on financial need, and most require a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or living in the U.S. with a valid visa and must provide two letters of recommendation that support their interest in automotives. Applications must be postmarked by June 30.
[See how crafting hobbies can lead to college scholarships.]
Tabletop game players also have a shot at winning scholarships via nonprofit Gamers Helping Gamers. Applicants must write essays related to “Magic: The Gathering,” a trading card game, and could win a $5,000 scholarship. 2018 applications will open this fall and are due by March 31, 2018.
High school senior athletes with strong leadership and academic abilities can apply for the Foot Locker Scholar Athletes program. The athletic-gear retailer annually awards 20 $20,000 scholarships, split evenly over the winner’s four-year college career.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents who are members of high school sports teams or after-school sports groups, including intramural teams or martial arts clubs, and must be enrolling at a four-year accredited U.S. college or university. They likewise must have maintained a 3.0 or higher GPA throughout high school.
Academic excellence, leadership and sportsmanship are considered. Check the website for update 2018 application deadlines.
Of course, none of this means you should neglect your studies to become the best amateur radio operator, photographer or game player just to earn a scholarship. But if you already have talent or demonstrated interest in these or other areas, using them to earn a scholarship can help lighten your college financial burden.
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Use Your Hobbies to Pay for College originally appeared on usnews.com
