Some little-known scholarship programs are designed for students with unusual skills or traits.
According to FinAid, an online guide to college financial aid, tuition will increase by about eight percent yearly, making the cost of college double every nine years or so. While scholarships for athletes, scholars and needy students are commonplace, there are also little known scholarships designed for students with unusual skills or traits.
Students Named Gatlin or Gatling
Every year, North Carolina State University awards a scholarship to NCSU students with the last name of Gatlin or Gatling. The funding comes through an endowment by the estate of John Gatling, an alumnus of the school and resident of Raleigh, North Carolina who made his money in construction and real estate. This scholarship is open to North Carolina residents as well as out-of-state students and is not dependent on financial aid. All applicants must supply a birth certificate verifying their name.
Stuck at Prom
Couples over the age of 14 who attend their school's prom can enter this contest held each spring by the makers of Duck Brand duct tape. Students must accessorize or create their prom outfits with Duck Brand tape, wear their outfits to the prom and submit a photo to the company. A panel of judges chooses the top 10 entries based on originality, workmanship, use of tape and color and accessories. The public then votes online for the winners. All 10 selected couples win scholarship money, with their schools receiving matching funds. In 2011, the top prize was $5,000 to each student and school.
Tall Clubs International
Each summer, the Tall Clubs International awards scholarships of up to $1,000 at its annual convention. Students must meet certain minimum height requirements, must be starting college as a freshman in the fall of that year and be under 21 years of age. Female students must be at least 5'10" tall and male students must be at least 6'2" tall. Interested students must contact and apply through their closest local TCI membership club.
Duck Calling
Every fall, the Stuttgart, Arkansas Chamber of Commerce holds a duck calling contest as part of its annual Duck Festival. This contest is open to any high school senior who graduates the following spring and plans to attend college that fall. The contest began in 1974 to honor the memory of Chick and Sophie Major, champion duck callers and Stuttgart residents. As of 2009, the scholarship has awarded $58,500 in scholarships. In 2010, the contest gave four awards ranging from $500 to $2,000.
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