Over 60 December Scholarship Opportunities to Apply For

How is it already December? We know you’re probably looking forward to relaxing while you celebrate the holidays, but scholarship deadlines won’t wait for you—and there are a ton of opportunities with deadlines in December. Find a balance during winter break between enjoying yourself and being productive by checking out and applying to some of these awards. Good luck with your applications and happy holidays! 

* A helpful tip: Each section of scholarships is ordered from closest to furthest deadline, so start applying from the top of the category that applies to you downward.

Scholarships for high school students

• Americanism Essay Contest: Sponsored by the Fleet Reserve Association, this scholarship is open to students in grades 7–12, including homeschooled students. Applicants must write an essay about Americanism and patriotism in 350 words. Multiple awards are offered. Awards: Up to $1,500; Deadline: December 1
• Dell Scholars Program: This opportunity is open to high school juniors and seniors who participate in a college readiness program, have a minimum GPA of 2.4, demonstrate financial need, and are eligible for a federal Pell Grant their first year of college. In addition to the monetary award, winners receive a laptop, textbook credits, and access to other helpful resources, with 500 scholars selected nationally each year. Awards: $20,000; Deadline: December 1
• Wyland National Art Challenge: Students in kindergarten through 12^th grade can apply for this multiple-award scholarship. The theme of the challenge is environmental and water conservation. Applicants can apply as a team to create a classroom mural; as an individual submitting personal artwork; or as an individual submitting personal photography. Awards: Up to $500; Deadline: December 1
• Jazz at the Ballroom Scholarship: This scholarship is offered to California high school jazz instrumentalists ages 14–18. Applicants must submit an entry form, a personal statement, and audition recordings no longer than 15 minutes long. Recipients will receive an award as well as the chance to play with world-renowned jazz musicians in an open public concert. An additional $500 award is given to the recipients' respective schools to support the ongoing development of their music programs. Awards: $1,000; Deadline: December 9
• Equitable Excellence Scholarship: This opportunity is open to high school students in the United States and Puerto Rico who are planning to enroll full-time at a two- or four-year US institution in fall 2023. Applicants must demonstrate ambition and self-drive to be a force for good in school, community, or work activities. This program offers 100 renewable scholarships as well as 100 one-time awards, with each recipient’s high school receiving a $500 grant to be used for professional development activities. Award: Up to $5,000; Deadline: December 16
• 5 Strong Scholarship Foundation: This opportunity is open to high school seniors from Houston, Texas; and Atlanta, Georgia, as well as surrounding counties. Applicants must plan to attend an HCBU institution, meet certain GPA and standardized testing requirements, and demonstrate the potential to be a leader in the classroom and on campus. Awards: Amounts vary but include “full ride” (tuition, room, and board) and full tuition; Deadline: December 31

Scholarships for high school and undergraduate students

• Barbara Lotze Scholarship: This scholarship is open to accepted high school seniors and undergraduate students who are US citizens and pursuing a career path of becoming a high school physics teacher. The scholarship may be granted to winners for each of the four years of their bachelor’s program. Awards: Up to $3,000; Deadline: December 1
• HomeLight Scholarship: High school and college students pursuing Interior Design, Architecture, Construction, Urban Planning, Real Estate, Business, Social Work, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Economics, or Sociology can apply for this award. Applicants must be attending an accredited college or university in the spring, be a legal US resident, and submit a short piece of writing answering three posed questions about real estate, home ownership, and homelessness. Award: $1,000; Deadline: December 1 (and April 15)
• Ray Stoesser Memorial Scholarship: This opportunity is for high school seniors and current college students who are interested in or are currently pursuing a career in an agriculture-related field. Applicants must submit a video no longer than five minutes about their vision for the next generation of the US rice industry. In addition to the monetary award, the recipient will serve as a student ambassador for the US Rice Producers Association, with the expectation to participate in at least two activities during the calendar year. Award: $5,000; Deadline: December 1
• Science Ambassador Scholarship: Sponsored by Cards Against Humanity, this scholarship is for female high school seniors and undergraduate students who are pursuing STEM fields. Applicants must create a video of three minutes or less about a STEM topic they’re passionate about and upload it to YouTube to teach others something in a short amount of time. Award: Full tuition; Deadline: December 13
• AvaCare Medical Scholarship: This scholarship is for high school seniors or enrolled college students who are pursuing degrees in the medical field, such as Dentistry, Health Law, Laboratory Science, Medicine, Nursing, Nutrition, or Therapy. Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and preference will be given to students with a physical disability. Award: $1,000; Deadline: December 15
• North American Van Lines Logistics Scholarship: Enrolled college students and accepted high school students may apply if they’re in or will be in a Logistics program or an equivalent field. Applicants must submit an essay between 400–800 words on why they chose Logistics/Supply Chain Management as their college major, and three winners will be chosen. Awards: $1,000; Deadline: December 15
• Scarlett Family Foundation Scholarships: Open to students from any high school in Middle Tennessee’s 40 counties, these scholarships are awarded to high school seniors, students who’ve recently received their GED, and college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who demonstrate financial need. Applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, receive an ACT score of at least 21, and be pursuing a Business or STEM degree full-time at a four-year nonprofit college or university next fall. Recipients may receive their award for up to four years. Awards: $2,500–$30,000; Deadline: December 15
• Empaxis Scholarship for Women in Business: This scholarship is open to female college and college-bound students who are interested in pursuing a career in business or entrepreneurship. Applicants must be US residents (citizenship not required) and submit an essay of 500–1,000 words answering three questions posed by the organization. There are no GPA or SAT requirements, and four scholarships are available. Awards: $500; Deadline: December 16
• The Spotless Scholarship: Sponsored by Spotless Cleaning Chicago, this scholarship is open to high school juniors and seniors as well as college students. Applicants must create a two-to-four-minute video for YouTube explaining what their ideal employer looks like and how employers can improve the lives of employees and increase retention. Award: $1,000; Deadline: December 30
• College Is Power Scholarship: This scholarship is offered to students ages 17 and older who are currently attending a full- or part-time higher education program as well as those who plan to enroll within the next 12 months. Students in both on-campus and online programs are eligible but must be US citizens or permeant residents. Applicants must explain what their primary goal for going to school is in 150 words or fewer. Award: $1,000; Deadline: December 31
• 1^st Financial Bank Financial Goals Scholarship: This is a monthly scholarship open to US residents who are 18 or older and planning to enroll or are currently enrolled in a college degree program. This is a random drawing, but it does require you to submit a short essay of 500 words or fewer. Award: $2,000; Deadline: December 31 (last day of every month)

Scholarships for undergraduate students

• ASNT Engineering Undergraduate Scholarship: This cash award is open to undergraduate students pursuing Engineering degrees who also show an active interest in nondestructive testing and evaluation. Applicants must submit an essay as well as three individual letters of recommendation. Up to three recipients will be selected. Awards: $3,000; Deadline: December 15
• Foreclosure.com Scholarship Program: This scholarship is open to currently enrolled undergraduate students at US colleges, universities, and trade schools; graduate students, law students, and high school seniors are not eligible. Applicants must be legal residents of the US or Puerto Rico, fill out the online application, and write an 800–2,000-word essay on how one can capitalize on foreclosures, bankruptcy homes, and tax liens properties. Three winners will be selected. Awards: Up to $4,000; Deadline: December 15
• Frank M. Snowden Undergraduate Scholarship: The purpose of this program is to further students’ study of the Classics or Classical Archaeology with opportunities not available during the school year. It’s open to undergraduate students from historically underrepresented groups across North America, including African descent, Latino/a, Asian or Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Indigenous descent (Native American, Inuit, and Canadian First Peoples). Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation, a letter describing their career goals and plans for summer 2023, and a prioritized list of programs to which they will apply, among other requirements. Three to four scholarships are offered each year. Awards: Up to $4,500; Deadline: December 20
• Pioneers of Flight Scholarship: Sponsored by the National Air Transportation Association, this scholarship is for sophomores and juniors enrolled in four-year undergraduate Aviation programs. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA or higher and demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in general aviation. Two awards are granted each year. Awards: $1,000; Deadline: December 30
• Driven Coffee Scholarship: This biannual scholarship is open to undergraduates attending a college, university, community college, or trade school in the United States or Canada. Applicants must write three essays of 500 words each and show proof of enrollment. Three scholarships are offered. Awards: Up to $500; Deadline: December 31

Scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students

• The Explorers Club Discovery Expedition Grants: In partnership with Discovery, Inc., this opportunity is open to researchers and explorers from around the world who are 18 years or older and doing research projects in the Biological Sciences, Archaeology, Anthropology, Paleontology, Earth Sciences, Ecology, and Astronomy. Applicants must submit a pre-application, which leads to a full application if approved, and should apply a minimum of six months in advance of their field dates. Awards: $25,000–$40,000; Deadline: None; applications accepted on a rolling basis
• SBB Research Group STEM Scholarship: Students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate STEM programs full-time at a college or university are eligible for this scholarship, including international students. Applicants must submit an essay of 500 words or fewer on their most significant STEM experiences and how they will use STEM principles to improve the world. A total of 12 scholarships are available throughout the year, with one awarded each month. Awards: $2,500; Deadline: None; applications accepted year-round on a rolling basis
• Ai Engstrom Memorial Scholarship: This award is offered to students attending a college or university in the US with a minimum 2.5 GPA. There are no age restrictions for this biannual scholarship, but applicants must write an essay of 800 words or fewer on their vision of electronic design, engineering, and manufacturing in the global economy. Award: $1,000; Deadlines: December 1 (and August 1)
• Rustica Scholarship: Offered by a company that manufactures barn doors, this opportunity is open to students who share the goal of building America using environmentally friendly practices. To apply, just answer the question, “What byproduct could be created from sawdust?” Award: $2,500; Deadlines: December 1 (and July 1)
• AbbVie Immunology Scholarship: Students with the following inflammatory diseases may apply for this opportunity: Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), Crohn’s Disease (CD), Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), Psoriasis (PS), Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Ulcerative Colitis (US), and Uveitis (UV). Applicants must be pursuing an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree from an accredited US college or university. Award: Up to $15,000; Deadline: December 7
• Scholarships 4 Moms: This sweepstakes is open to US residents ages 18 and older who are mothers or expectant mothers. Applicants must be enrolled or plan to be enrolled within the next three months at any college or university in the United States. Simply fill out the form to enter this random drawing; applicants may enter the promotion once every seven days. Award: $10,000; Deadline: December 15
• Car Covers Scholarship: This scholarship is open to students enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or trade school program. Applicants must write a minimum 1,000-word essay on the topic of how to make a car last forever. Award: $1,000; Deadline: December 15
• Creative Safety Supply Scholarship: Sponsored by an Oregon-based retailer, this biannual award is offered to US citizens and permanent residents who are enrolled at a college, university, or vocational school for the upcoming term and have a GPA of at least 3.0. This scholarship honors creative thinking and requires applicants to answer two essay questions. Award: $1,000; Deadlines: December 15 (and July 1)
• Government Finance Officers Association Scholarships: The GFOA sponsors several scholarships that are open to graduate- and upper-level-undergraduate students who are US or Canadian citizens and pursuing any degree that will lead to a career in state or local government, with other criteria required by each individual scholarship. Only one application is required. Awards: $5,000–$20,000; Deadline: December 30
• Achieve Today Scholarship: This scholarship is open to current college students ages 18 and older. Applicants must create a video (strongly encouraged) or write an essay about overcoming obstacles through the use of one of four personal development principles. Award: $1,000; Deadlines: December 31 (and August 31)
• Apprentice Ecologist Initiative: This scholarship is open to students ages 13–21 who have completed environmental stewardship or conservation projects in 2022. Applicants must submit photos and an essay on their project. Three scholarships are available. Awards: Totaling $1,750; Deadline: December 31
• AfterCollege-AACN Scholarship Fund: Sponsored by AfterCollege and the American Association of College of Nursing, this scholarship is for students pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree in Nursing. Special consideration is given to grad students who are working to become a nurse educator, completing an RN-to-BSN or MSN program, or enrolled in an accelerated Nursing program. Award: $2,500; Deadlines: December 31 (as well as March 31, June 30, and September 30)
• CC Bank’s Young Scholars Scholarships: These scholarships are open to students enrolled at colleges and universities in the US. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA and be a US resident under the age of 30. Up to five awards are available. Awards: $2,000; Deadline: December 31
• com Research Leader Scholarship Program: This non-need-based scholarship is offered to legal residents of the United States (as well as US territories, DC, and Puerto Rico) who are enrolled at a US college, university, or trade school. Applicants must write an essay of 1,500 words or fewer on the biggest health challenges today’s youth face and what can be done to conquer them. Award: $2,000; Deadline: December 31
• Transgender First Scholarship: Distinguished as the first national scholarship dedicated to helping underserved trans students, this opportunity is open to US citizens who identify as transgender or nonbinary and are planning to or are currently pursuing a degree at a college or university. Applicants must submit short answers about their background, passions, goals, and any difficulties with affording or accessing college in relation to their gender identity. Award: $2,500; Deadline: December 31
• Applegate-Jackson-Parks Future Teacher Scholarship: Undergraduate and graduate students majoring in Education at US institutions are eligible for this scholarship, which was created to honor three Michigan public school teachers who were fired after they refused to pay union dues. A 500-word essay on voluntary unionism and problems with compulsory unionism is required. Award: $1,000; Deadline: December 31

Scholarships for graduate students

• Excedr Scholarship for STEM Graduate Students: This scholarship is open to graduate students in any STEM program or related sub-program who are currently working in a lab in their respective field of study. Applicants must write a 500­–750-word essay on how they plan to apply their research in the lab to the greater benefit of society in their career. Five scholarships are available. Awards: $1,500; Deadline: December 1
• HaPI Measurement Scholarship: Sponsored by Behavioral Measurement Database Services, this merit-based scholarship is for graduate students pursuing health or psychosocial sciences such as Psychology, Counseling, Sociology, Social Work, Nursing, and Public Health. US-based students in their second year of graduate study and beyond are eligible. Awards are given up to twice a year to support a student’s master’s thesis, dissertation, or other research in the health or psychosocial sciences. A document explaining the project and a letter of recommendation are required. Award: $500; Deadline: December 16
• American Water Works Association Scholarships: These scholarships are for graduate and doctorate students pursuing advanced training and research in the field of water supply and treatment. Application requirements vary for each award, so look into each to see what best applies to you and your future career. Awards: Up to $30,000; Deadline: December 20

Scholarships for (basically) everyone

• Employment BOOST Academic Scholarship: This scholarship is open to US high school seniors as well as two- and four-year college students with a GPA of 3.6 or higher. Applicants may be pursuing any major, but one of two scholarships will be given to a student pursuing Business or STEM fields. An essay of 500–1,000 words is required. Awards: $1,000; Deadline: None; applications accepted year-round on a rolling basis
• Creative Masonry & Chimney LLC Scholarship: This scholarship is open to students pursuing a career in construction, plumbing, carpentry, or other skilled trades. Applicants must write a blog of 1,000+ words about their career goals or a project in their field and publish it somewhere on the internet to enter. Award: $500; Deadline: December 1
• CT Chimney Repair Scholarship: This scholarship is also open to students pursuing careers in construction, plumbing, carpentry, or other skilled trades. It maintains the same application requirements as the previously listed scholarship. Award: $500; Deadline: December 1
• East Rock Films Scholarship: Open to students ages 13–25, this scholarship asks applicants to write an essay between 500–1,000 words about someone from the past who’s inspiring to you. Award: $500; Deadline: December 1
• Lamber-Goodnow Injury Law Team Education Scholarships: Multiple scholarship categories are awarded by this organization, including enrolled high school, two-year college, four-year college, Nursing, law school, medical school, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy students. All awards require an essay of 500–750 words (prompts vary). Awards: $1,000; Deadline: December 1
• PixelPlex Bi-Annual STEM Scholarship: This non-need-based STEM scholarship is open to enrolled or accepted students who are pursuing STEM, Economics, or Business degrees. Applicants must write a compelling essay (minimum of 1,200 words) on one of four provided technology industry topics. Award: $2,000; Deadlines: December 5 (and June 5)
• Novus Biologicals Scholarship Program: This scholarship is awarded twice a year and is open to students pursuing science-related fields—including Life Science, Medical Science, Health Science, and more—at schools, colleges, and institutes within the US, Canada, and European countries. Applicants must be currently enrolled or accepted, and two written statements of 500 words or fewer are required. Award: $1,500; Deadlines: December 8 (and July 20)
• Rehab 4 Addiction Health Care Scholarship: This scholarship is open to high school seniors, undergraduates, and graduate students who are US citizens. Applicants must be 18 or older and pursuing a health-related field such as Counseling, Pre-med, Emergency Medicine, Nursing, Social Work, or Psychology. A short essay on why you’re passionate about working in health care, addiction, and/or mental health is required. Award: $1,000; Deadline: December 9
• Medical Scrubs Collection Scholarship: This scholarship is open to high school seniors and current college students pursuing degrees in the medical field—such as Dentistry, Laboratory Science, Medicine, Nursing, Nutrition, or Therapy—with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants must submit an essay of up to 500 words on why they’re pursuing the medical field or an image with a short description. Award: $1,000; Deadline: December 15
• Leaders Save Lives Scholarship: This scholarship contest from the American Red Cross is more of a challenge and is open to high school and college students, including those enrolled at trade schools or community colleges. Applicants must organize a blood drive during designated time frames, and depending on how many pints you collect, you’ll earn varying gift card awards and entries into scholarship drawings. Awards: Up to $200 (gift card award) and $2,500 (scholarship drawing); Drive time frames: December 15–January 15 (and June 1–August 31)
• Innovation in Education Scholarship: This monthly scholarship is open to high school and college students who write an essay on an innovative project they’ve designed that makes a difference in the lives of others. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and be a US or Canadian citizen. Award: $500; Deadline: December 20 (same date every month)
• Because College Is Expensive Scholarship: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors as well as current college and graduate students are eligible for this quarterly scholarship sweepstakes. Simply fill out a form to apply. Award: $500; Deadlines: December 31 (as well as March 31, June 30, and September 30)
• Top Ten List Scholarship: Sponsored by Unigo, this opportunity is for students 14 years and older who are enrolled or will be enrolled in a college, university, or trade school within the next five years. Applicants must create a list (250 words or fewer) of 10 things you love about yourself. Award: $1,500; Deadline: December 31
• Too Cool for School Scholarship: Open to high school, college, and graduate students of all years who are US residents or DACA, undocumented, or international students studying in the US, this quarterly scholarship sweepstakes is easy to enter. No essay is required; just submit a simple application form. Award: $1,000; Deadline: December 31 (as well as March 31, June 30, and September 30)
• HeadsetPlus.com Scholarship: Open to US high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students with a minimum GPA of 3.0, this scholarship asks applicants to upload a video to YouTube explaining why they should be awarded this scholarship. Students must be legal residents or citizens of the United States, and videos will be judged on creativity, persuasiveness, and content. Award: $1,000; Deadline: December 31
• LawnStarter Lawntrpreneur Scholarship: This scholarship is open to high school seniors as well as two-year college, four-year college, and graduate students who have started, have run, or plan to start a lawn care business. Applicants must submit a 500–700-word essay about what makes them passionate about building a business. All academic majors are welcome to apply. Award: $1,000; Deadlines: December 31 (and August 20)
• MyMozaic Scholarship: MyMozaic’s monthly scholarship sweepstakes is open to US citizens who are 13 years and older. All you have to do is provide your email address to apply. Award: $1,000; Deadline: December 31 (last day of every month)
• Niche Creative Arts Scholarship: All current and prospective college students who are legal US residents are encouraged to enter this sweepstakes, which was created to encourage more people to consider a degree in Art, Design, Performing Arts, or another creative field. Applicants must be at least 13 years old and either create a Niche account online or submit a mail-in entry. The recipient is chosen by random drawing. Award: $2,500; Deadline: December 31
• Niche Beauty School Scholarship: This is another sweepstakes for current and prospective college students ages 13 and older, this time to encourage more people to consider a Cosmetology degree or certificate.Applicants must be legal US residents and apply either online or through mail-in entry. One recipient will be selected by random drawing. Award: $1,000; Deadline: December 31
• Zippia’s Nurse Dream Job Scholarship: Students from any college, university, community/junior college, vocational school, or high school who are US residents 18 years or older can apply for this scholarship. Applicants must submit 500 words or fewer on why nursing is their dream job. Award: $1,000; Deadline: December 31
• Sleep Family Scholarship for Those With Disabilities: Students with a medically recognized physical or mental disability should apply for this scholarship. Applicants must be enrolled at or planning to attend a two- or four-year university, community college, or graduate program in the US and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. An essay no longer than 750 words that answers two posed questions is also required. Award: $1,500; Deadline: December 31
• CollegeXpress Scholarship for Students of Color: If you’re a POC student who’s enrolling in college next fall, you’re eligible for this quarterly scholarship. By answering the question “Who is your hero?” in just one sentence, you’ll be entered to win a $1,500 scholarship that can be used at any CollegeXpress featured college or university, plus have $500 donated to a charity of your choice. Award: $2,000; Deadline: December 31 (as well as March 31, June 30, and September 30)
• CollegeXpress Happy Holidays Scholarship: New and existing CollegeXpress users are eligible for this random drawing starting December 1. To enter, just complete your free CX registration and answer the following question in one sentence: What’s your favorite holiday tradition? You can find a new mini scholarship contest every month in the Featured Scholarships section of CollegeXpress.com. Award: $1,500; Deadline: December 31

Wow! This is a lot of scholarships to keep track of. Stay organized and on top of the awards you want to apply for by using our Scholarship Search Spreadsheet Template.