Get Help Paying for College Through Free Scholarships

One thing's for certain in this day and age: paying for college is tough, and it can barely be accomplished without outside help. The good thing is that there may still be a way for you to get financial aid for college with an unusual college scholarship. These scholarships for students can be for just about anything - including things you probably never thought about. Here's a small sampling of interesting programs to research (there are many more).

1. The All-American Apple Pie Recipe Contest

For those who really have a desire to become a great chef, or get into a food service career, you have potential financial aid help from a great cooking school.. In addition, the winner will have the privilege of becoming the spokesperson (Ambassador) for the National Beef Association. Contestants are required to enter a national speaking competition.

5. The Tylenol Scholarships

This college scholarship from the Tylenol Company offers 170 students the opportunity to win either $1,000 or $5,000 scholarships for college. They are based on academic standings, as well as leadership ability, and the student needs to be going into the medical profession.

6. The National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance Scholarship

This college scholarship goes to those who are overweight and in their high school senior year. It awards either $1,000 or $500 at two times. To qualify, you must already be a member of NAAFA and have a grade average of at least 2.5. You also must be in the New England area.

7. The Patrick Kerr Skateboard Scholarship

Skateboards can win this award. You can be going to either a 2-year or a 4-year college, and you will need to have a GPA of 2.5 or higher. There are 4 awards each year, one for $5,000, and three for $1,000. You will need to write an essay about how skateboarding has positively affected your life in order to qualify.

8. National Rifle Association Scholarships

The National Rifle Association requires that you be an active association member with at least one rating (ability to shoot - Marksman, Sharpshooter, etc.). It offers a scholarship of $5,000 for the winning essay about why you became involved in shooting as a sport. The NRA also offers other college scholarships, too, including financial aid for the children of a law enforcement officer who was killed in the line of duty.

9. The Helen James Brewer Scholarship

This college scholarship is awarded to those who are descendants of a Confederate soldier. In order to qualify, you will have to be studying Southern history or literature and be from a Southern state, such Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, Virginia, or South Carolina. The award is $1,000.

10. The Students for Organ Donation Youth Leadership

If you have agreed to be an organ donor when you got your driver's license, then you qualify for a possible scholarship. Those who win the scholarship will be promoting organ donation. The Scholarship amounts available are $500 and $1,000.

These odd scholarships are just a few that are offered to college students. As you can see, there is a wide variety - but there is almost no limit to what is really out there. There are also scholarships for Start Trek fans, duct tape proms, golf, women, fire safety, horse lovers, herbivores, height-challenged people, and so many more. The best advice is to leave no stone unturned, and look hard for all the scholarship money for which you be eligible.