Key Takeaways
- Fewer students apply for scholarships during the summer months, which could increase your chances of winning.
- Summer scholarships often target specific hobbies, backgrounds, or creative talents rather than just high GPAs or test scores.
- Scholarship hunting is a year-round job; setting aside just one hour a week during your summer break could yield thousands of dollars in aid.
- While many scholarships close in June, there are still plenty of last-minute opportunities available in late July and August.
Just because the spring semester is winding down doesn’t mean the search for financial aid should take a vacation. In fact, summer is one of the best times to apply for funding; while most students are heading to the beach, savvy applicants are taking advantage of less competitive deadlines to secure extra cash for the upcoming year.
Whether you are looking to cover the cost of textbooks or shave a few thousand dollars off your tuition, these 20 summer scholarships for 2026 could be a great opportunity for you.
Top 20+ scholarships for summer
1. CITIZENS SCHOLARSHIP FOR COLLEGE
Award amount: $2,500 monthly prize and $15,000 grand prize
Number of awards: 13 (1 per month and 1 grand prize)
Deadline: Last day of each month for the monthly prize. March 31 for grand prize.
Description: This no essay, no contest sweepstakes from Citizens not only awards a $2,500 monthly prize, but also a one-time grand prize of $15,000 toward school expenses. To enter, fill out the registration from on their website. Winners are selected at random, and winnings must be used towards tuition and school expenses. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited^.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Be 18 years of age or older, a U.S. citizen, and a current or prospective student.
2. JOHN GALT SOLUTIONS SCHOLARSHIP FOR FUTURE SUPPLY CHAIN LEADERS
- Award amount: $10,000
- Number of awards: 1
- Deadline: May 31 annually
Description: This generous scholarship supports the next generation of expert forecasters and supply chain managers. It is specifically aimed at undergraduate students who show a unique blend of leadership, academic achievement, and a strong commitment to improving global supply chains.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Submit a 500-750-word motivational letter addressing your passion for the field, personal growth, and financial need.
3. COLLEGIATE BEEF ADVOCACY PROGRAM (CBAP)
- Award amount: $2,000
- Number of awards: Multiple (usually a team of 3-4 advocates)
- Deadline: June 1 annually
Description: This unique working scholarship selects student ambassadors to represent the cattle industry and educate the public about beef production. Over a one-year term, advocates travel to national industry events and develop digital marketing campaigns to bridge the gap between farmers and consumers.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Complete the Master of Beef Advocacy (MBA) and Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certifications.
- Submit a social media advocacy plan.
- Provide a video showcasing your communication skills.
4. THE CLUB FOUNDATION JOE PERDUE SCHOLARSHIP
- Award amount: $5,000
- Number of awards: 1
- Deadline: June 1 annually
Description: Offered by The Club Foundation, this award supports students pursuing a career in club management. It is ideal for hospitality, business, or tourism majors.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Fill out the online application.
- Submit your transcripts and resume.
- Write an essay detailing your interest in the private club industry.
5. DUCK TAPE “STUCK AT PROM” SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST
- Award amount: $10,000 (grand prize); $1,000 (runner-up)
- Number of awards: 2 grand prizes and 8 runners-up
- Deadline: June 3 annually
Description: This contest challenges high school students to create their own prom attire entirely out of Duck Brand duct tape. Judges look for workmanship, originality, and the creative use of colors in the tuxedo and dress categories.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Create a complete prom outfit (tuxedo or dress) and accessories using Duck Brand duct tape.
- Take a high-quality photo of yourself wearing the outfit.
- Submit the photo with a brief essay or video explaining your design process.
6. BOW SEAT OCEAN AWARENESS ART CONTEST
- Award amount: Up to $1,000
- Number of awards: 6
- Deadline: June 8 annually
Description: This global competition invites students to explore their connection to the ocean through various creative mediums. It is open to middle and high school students who want to raise awareness about environmental issues.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Be a middle or high school student.
- Create and submit an original work of art, writing, poetry, or film based on the annual theme.
7. THE MORGAN MCGEE SCHOLARSHIP
- Award amount: $2,000
- Number of awards: 4
- Deadline: June 12 annually
Description: This award honors Morgan McGee by supporting students who are diagnosed with epilepsy. It’s specifically for high school and college students in Idaho with epilepsy who are planning to receive their higher education in Idaho.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Submit a 500-700-word essay about their experience living with epilepsy.
- Submit a letter of support from a physician.
- Submit a letter of support from an advisor or teacher.
- Send a copy of your transcripts and acceptance letters.
- Send a recent photo.
8. ExtremeTerrain’s Student Scholarship
- Award amount: $2,500
- Number of awards: 1
- Deadline: June 15 annually
Description: This award supports students pursuing degrees in environmental studies, ecology, or land management. It focuses on the importance of maintaining public lands for recreational use.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Submit an essay between 700 and 1,500 words describing your interest in environmental advocacy and land access.
9. Horatio Alger Career & Technical Education Scholarship
- Award amount: $2,500
- Number of awards: 300
- Deadline: June 15 annually
Description: This scholarship supports people attending non-profit post-secondary institutions to gain hands-on skills in fields like healthcare, HVAC, welding, or business. It’s for students who have completed high school (or earned their GED) by July 1st, are under the age of 35, and demonstrate critical financial need.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Complete an online application that includes an essay about the challenges you’ve overcome.
10. MYBIOSOURCE INC. SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
- Award amount: $1,000
- Number of awards: 2
- Deadline: June 30 annually
Description: This scholarship is specifically designed for high school seniors, undergraduates, or graduate students who have a documented learning disability and are looking for help with the costs of higher education.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Download the specific application for students with disabilities.
- Submit it along with a 250-word response to the essay prompt.
11. College Raptor $2,500 Scholarship
- Award amount: $2,500
- Number of awards: 1
- Deadline: June 30 (quarterly deadlines are March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31)
Description: This scholarship helps students find their best college match while earning money for tuition. Applicants are judged on a combination of their academic profile and a short essay. No purchase necessary, see official rules.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Register for a free College Raptor account.
- Use the College Search tool.
- Submit a brief essay response.
12. Hyundai Women in STEM Scholarship
- Award amount: $10,000
- Number of awards: 5
- Deadline: June 30 annually
Description: Hyundai aims to empower the next generation of female leaders in science, technology, engineering, and math. Applicants must be high school seniors or undergraduate women.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Be a high school senior or undergraduate woman.
- Write an essay of 500 words or fewer explaining how you will redefine convention and drive innovation in your STEM field.
13. Delete Cyberbullying Mental Health Awareness Scholarship
- Award amount: $1,000
- Number of awards: 1
- Deadline: June 30 annually
Description: This scholarship is awarded to students committed to ending online harassment and raising mental health awareness. It is open to high school, college, and graduate students.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Complete a short application and provide a 500-word statement on why it is important to delete cyberbullying.
14. COURAGE TO GROW SCHOLARSHIP
- Award amount: $1,000
- Number of awards: 1
- Deadline: June 30 annually
Description: This award aims to help students who may not qualify for traditional academic scholarships. It focuses on the student’s background and determination.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Submit a short response (100 words or fewer) explaining why you believe you deserve the scholarship.
15. Reef2Leaf Wildlife Conservation Scholarship
- Award amount: $1,500
- Number of awards: 1
- Deadline: July 1 annually
Description: This scholarship is for students with big ideas for local impact, such as organizing trail cleanups, reducing local pollution, or expanding community parks, to enhance the environment and the lives of those nearby.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Submit a short essay detailing your big idea for a local conservation project.
16. ABC HUMANE WILDLIFE WOMEN IN STEM SCHOLARSHIP
- Award amount: $1,000
- Number of awards: 1
- Deadline: July 1 annually
Description: This scholarship is designed to encourage women to enter fields that have traditionally been male-dominated. It is open to female students studying fields in science, technology, engineering, or math.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Submit a 1,000-word essay answering a specific prompt about why you are passionate about your chosen STEM field.
17. AMERICAN INDIAN SERVICES (AIS) SCHOLARSHIP
- Award amount: Up to $2,500
- Number of awards: Multiple
- Deadline: July 1 annually
Description: AIS provides financial support to Native American students to help them complete their degrees. This is a recurring scholarship with a dedicated summer window.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Be an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe with at least a 2.25 GPA.
- Submit a personal statement.
18. SPIRIT OF GIVING SCHOLARSHIP
- Award amount: $1,000
- Number of awards: 3
- Deadline: July 31 annually
Description: Provided by Wine Country Gift Baskets, this award honors students who demonstrate a commitment to kindness and service. It is open to high school seniors and current college students.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Provide proof of enrollment.
- Submit an original essay (500-750 words) about how you have advanced the spirit of giving in your community.
19. GEN AND KELLY TANABE SCHOLARSHIP
- Award amount: $1,000
- Number of awards: 1
- Deadline: July 31 annually
Description: This merit-based award is open to all students, including those in high school, college, and graduate school. It is designed to help students of any age or major cover their educational costs.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Complete an online application.
- Submit a short 250-word personal statement on any topic of your choice.
20. MICHAEL MOODY FITNESS NATIONAL STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP
- Award amount: $1,500
- Number of awards: 1
- Deadline: August 1* annually
*Note: The program closes once 1,000 applications are received, so apply early in the summer!
Description: This scholarship is for students who are passionate about a career in health, wellness, or fitness. It rewards those who show a high level of ambition and self-drive through their school activities, work experience, and personal commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Complete an online application detailing your leadership experience and your interest in a health-related major like kinesiology, nursing, psychology, or biology.
21. REALTYHOP SCHOLARSHIP
- Award amount: $1,000
- Number of awards: 1
- Deadline: August 31 annually
Description: This scholarship targets students with an interest in technology and real estate. It’s open to high school seniors and undergraduate students in the U.S.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Write a 500-word essay discussing the future of the real estate industry or a similar prompt provided on their site.
Make the most of your summer
Take a few hours out of your week to apply for summer scholarships. Many of them don’t require long-form essays and can be completed quickly. If you’ve already applied for your summer scholarships, use College Raptor’s Scholarship Search tool to find more with fall deadlines!
Disclosures:
^ No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. The Citizens Scholarship Sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the 50 United States, D.C., and U.S. Territories, who are 18 years of age or older, are students, or prospective students, or parents or legal guardians of students intending to enroll or enrolled at least half-time in an accredited undergraduate/graduate post-secondary institution. Sweepstakes begins at 5:01 PM ET on 3/31/26 and ends at 5:00 PM ET on 3/31/27. Sponsored by Citizens. See Official Rules for details.
