10 Scholarships for Middle School Students
If you’re a middle schooler, exploring scholarships right now might just be one of the smartest moves you make! Not only can it take a huge weight off your shoulders by making college more financially accessible, but it’s an achievement that can set you apart when you apply for future schools or programs. When it comes time to write your college applications or dive into research opportunities, this will be a great achievement to add on to your CV and personal statements, emphasizing your commitment to excellence, leadership, and initiative. We know that searching for these scholarships may be overwhelming so to make things easier for you, we’ve put together a list of ten scholarships that should be on your radar!
Scholarship Amount: Up to $55,000 a year for college
Application Deadline: May 9, 2024
Eligibility:
Currently in 7th grade and/or entering 8th grade in the fall of 2024.
Since the beginning of 6th grade, earned grades of all or mostly As in school, with no Cs or below in core academic subjects (English/Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies/History).
Demonstrate unmet financial need. We will consider applicants with a maximum annual gross income of $95,000.
Reside in the United States and plan to attend high school in the U.S.
The Cooke Young Scholars Program offers a five-year, pre-college scholarship designed for high-achieving 7th-grade students who demonstrate financial need. As a participant, you will receive academic and college advising along with financial support for school, specialized Cooke-sponsored summer programs, internships, and a variety of other learning enrichment opportunities. Support from Educational Advisers includes helping you identify a challenging high school, engage in strategic four-year planning and goal-setting, and provide funding for academic and extracurricular pursuits such as music and art lessons, supplemental academic classes, and technology needs.
Additionally, the program offers annual summer programs—with two required specifically for Young Scholars—along with year-round community programming and networking opportunities with a community of high-achieving peers. To date, the program has served over 1,100 scholars, with an impressive 96% enrolling in a four-year college or university and achieving an average cumulative college GPA of 3.5.
Scholarship Amount: $1,000
Application Deadline: January 12, 2024
Eligibility:
Students in grades 4-11 are eligible for nominations.
Minimum GPA of 3.75 and display humanitarian qualities through community service
The Carson Scholars Fund is a prestigious program aimed at students in grades 4-11 across the United States who demonstrate both academic excellence and strong humanitarian qualities. If you're selected as a Carson Scholar, you will receive a $1,000 scholarship to be invested towards your future education at a four-year college or university, along with an Olympic-sized medal, a certificate, and an invitation to a regional recognition ceremony. Additionally, your school will be awarded a trophy (or nameplate) to proudly display, highlighting your achievement.
The Carson Scholars Fund's mission includes encouraging early interest in college and providing financial assistance for higher education. With 94% of Carson Scholars reporting a positive impact on their ability to serve as role models, the program underscores the importance of academic achievements and community involvement. Participation requires enrollment in an accredited public or private school in the United States.
Scholarship Amount: Awards range from $10,000 to $50,000
Application Deadline: February 14, 2024
Eligibility:
Be 18 or younger as of the application deadline to be eligible.
Be a U.S. citizen residing in the United States, or a Permanent Resident of the United States residing in the United States, or be stationed overseas due to active U. S. military duty.
There is no minimum age for eligibility.
Teams of two are eligible. Both team members must meet eligibility requirements.
The Davidson Fellows Scholarship is a prestigious opportunity for gifted students who are 18 years old or younger and have completed a significant piece of work in one of nine categories: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Literature, Music, Philosophy, and an "Outside the Box" category for work that does not fit into the other categories. This scholarship recognizes exceptional achievements across these disciplines, offering awards of $50,000, $25,000, and $10,000.
Whether your expertise lies in a scientific subject like physics or biology, computer science areas such as programming, AI, or robotics, engineering fields like electrical or mechanical, mathematics subjects such as calculus or geometry, literature including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, drama, or screenplay, musical performance or arrangement, or even the study of philosophy, this scholarship provides a platform to showcase your talent. For those whose work defies conventional categorization, the "Outside the Box" category ensures your unique contributions are also recognized.
Scholarship Amount: Up to $55,000 plus $50,000 technology award for your school ($5,000 if homeschooled)
Application Deadline: March 14, 2024
Eligibility:
Be a U.S. citizen or a permanent legal U.S. resident (i.e. must be able to show proof of permanent legal residence)
Be enrolled in a private or public elementary or secondary school (grades K-12) or a home school
For Google's 25th birthday, the Doodle for Google Scholarship invites K-12 students to participate in its contest. The contest, open until March 14th, offers a unique opportunity for students to win substantial prizes for themselves and their schools. This year, the rewards include $55,000 in scholarships, $50,000 in tech for the winning student's school, and the chance to have their art displayed on Google.com. Additionally, there are Specialty Awards for Doodles that embody Google-aligned values: the Planet Award for sustainability-focused art, the Good Neighbor Award for community-centered visions, the Imagination Award for exceptionally creative Doodles, and the Biggest Smile Award for the most joyous and playful submission.
Judging criteria encompass artistic merit, creativity in theme representation and Google logo integration, and how well the theme is expressed through both artwork and written statement. Participants' works will be evaluated state by state, with awards for National Winner, State and Territory Winners, and National Finalists.
Scholarship Amount: $10,000
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility:
Between the ages of 8 and 18 (not yet age 19)
Permanent residents of and currently residing in the U.S.A. or Canada
Currently working on an inspiring service project or have done so within the past 12 months
Working as an individual to lead their service work. The Barron Prize does not accept applications from large groups of young people.
Since it was started 23 years ago, the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes has recognized 575 remarkable young individuals from all 50 states, plus D.C. and Canada, for their significant contributions to society and the environment. With winners ranging in age from as young as 8 years old, the prize celebrates young leaders like you between the ages of 8 to 18 who have made a substantial positive impact on people and our planet. They have collectively raised over $28.5 million for their causes.
Among the honorees, 245 have been men and 330 women, with their projects spanning across humanitarian and environmental efforts—344 in humanitarian service and 231 in environmental service. Each year, the Barron Prize honors 25 outstanding young individuals who exemplify leadership and a dedication to positively affecting others and the natural world around them.
Scholarship Amount: Up to $100,000
Application Deadline: May 1, 2024
Eligibility: Students aged 4 to 18 (as of the date the entry is submitted) around the world are invited to enter The Paradigm Challenge individually or as teams of any size.
The Paradigm Challenge invites you, students aged 4 to 18 from around the globe, to engage in an ongoing competition that seeks your kindness, creativity, and collaborative spirit to address and solve real-world problems. Whether you choose to participate individually or as part of a team of any size, this challenge is an open call to put forward innovative solutions that can make a tangible difference in the world. Entries are welcomed in various forms – be it posters, videos, inventions, public messages, community events, websites, mobile apps, or any other medium that could effectively contribute to one or more of the Paradigm Challenge Projects, such as home fire prevention, waste reduction, personal health, and food security.
Project Paradigm aims to select 100 entries as Paradigm Challenge Finalists throughout the duration of the challenge, assessing submissions as they come. Your entry will be judged by a blue-ribbon panel on criteria including effectiveness, feasibility, originality, presentation, and the ability to collaborate. Winners will be chosen across categories, with awards for First, Second, Third, and Grand Prize winners, celebrating the impactful solutions you bring to the table.
Scholarship Amount: Up to $250,000
Application Deadline: July 10, 2024
Eligibility: Anyone between 13-18
The Breakthrough Junior Challenge Scholarship is an annual competition that invites you, students aged 13 to 18 from around the world, to share your passion for science and mathematics. This unique challenge encourages you to create a short video (up to three minutes in length) explaining a complex scientific idea or theory in physics, mathematics, life sciences, or the science of the COVID-19 pandemic in an engaging, illuminating, and creative way. The goal is to inspire fresh thinking and bring complex scientific concepts to life in the minds of people outside your field. As a participant, you have the opportunity to win a college scholarship, along with additional prizes for your teacher and school. This competition not only allows you to showcase your understanding and enthusiasm for science but also to gain recognition on a global stage.
Scholarship Amount: Up to $15,000
Application Deadline: November 2, 2024
Eligibility:
Participants must be individuals between the ages of 14 - 18 when applying and not older than 18 by the end of the entry period (November 2, 2023). Groups and partners are not eligible.
Participants must be legal residents of the United States or Puerto Rico.
Participants must have started their project on or before June 1, 2023.
The Prudential Emerging Visionaries Program is designed to recognize and reward young individuals between the ages of 14 and 18 who possess the foresight and initiative to drive positive changes within their communities. This program seeks people who are actively addressing societal issues through innovative solutions in two key areas: financial challenges and social issues.
As a middle school student, you have the opportunity to showcase projects that demonstrate your commitment to solving pressing problems, be it through entrepreneurship, community service, or both. Selected visionaries are celebrated for their contributions and receive awards that can include scholarships, grants for community projects, and an invitation to a special awards event.
Scholarship Amount: Up to $12,500
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students in grades 7 – 12, ages 13 and up
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards provide a great opportunity for you if you are in grades 7 through 12, to showcase your creative talents in a wide range of artistic and literary categories. This prestigious program, established in 1923, celebrates and supports the next generation of artists and writers by offering recognition, exhibition, publication, and scholarship opportunities. As a participant, you are invited to submit original work in areas such as painting, photography, sculpture, poetry, short story, and more. Winning at a regional level can advance you to national competition, where notable awards and scholarships are available. This platform not only highlights your creative abilities but also connects you with a vibrant community of peers and professionals in the arts and literary fields.
Scholarship Amount: $3,000
Application Deadline: April 8, 2024
Eligibility: Students living in North America (including Canada, Mexico, some Caribbean Islands, and U.S. territories) 13 to 22 years of age as of the contest deadline
The Earth Island Institute's Brower Youth Awards recognize those who are making a significant impact in the field of environmental advocacy. Because it primarily targets young environmental changemakers aged 13 to 22, middle school students who are actively engaged in environmental projects and initiatives can receive this recognition as they approach the eligible age range. This prestigious award celebrates the efforts of people who demonstrate leadership and commitment to the health of the planet through innovative projects and campaigns. As a recipient, you would be honored for your contributions to environmental conservation and sustainability, receiving a cash prize to support your ongoing work or to invest in further environmental initiatives.
One more option - The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is a program for middle school students to work one-on-one with a mentor to explore their academic interests and build a project they are passionate about. Our mentors are scholars from top research universities such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, Duke and LSE.
The program was founded by a Harvard & Oxford PhD who met as undergraduates at Harvard. The program is rigorous and fully virtual. We offer need based financial aid for students who qualify. You can find the application in the brochure!
To learn more, you can reach out to our Head of Growth, Khushi Malde, at khushi.malde@lumiere.education or go to our website.
Multiple rolling deadlines for JEP cohorts across the year, you can apply using this application link! If you'd like to take a look at the cohorts + deadlines for 2024, you can refer to this page!
Jessica attends Harvard University where she studies Neuroscience and Computer Science as a Coca-Cola, Elks, and Albert Shankar Scholar. She is passionate about educational equity and hopes to one day combine this with her academic interests via social entrepreneurship. Outside of academics, she enjoys taking walks, listening to music, and running her jewelry business!
Image Source: Jack Jent Cooke Foundation