Volunteering is a powerful way for students to make a positive impact on their communities while developing valuable skills. For many scholarship providers, students who dedicate their time and energy to volunteer work demonstrate qualities such as leadership, compassion, and commitment—qualities that make them strong candidates for educational funding. Scholarships for students with exceptional volunteer experience can be an excellent way to recognize the hard work and dedication of those who go above and beyond to make a difference. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top scholarships available for students with impressive volunteer backgrounds and offer tips on how to find and apply for these opportunities.
1. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards
One of the most well-known scholarships for students with exceptional volunteer experience is the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. This award honors middle and high school students who have made meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer work. Each year, students who have demonstrated outstanding community service are selected as state-level honorees, with a chance to be named one of the national winners.
The scholarship includes a cash award, a medallion, and a trip to Washington, D.C., where students participate in a special recognition ceremony. National honorees are also given the opportunity to meet with government leaders and attend a special dinner. To be eligible, students must have engaged in volunteer work that significantly impacts their community, and the application process involves submitting detailed descriptions of their volunteer activities.
2. The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes
The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes is another scholarship that celebrates exceptional young volunteers. This award is for students between the ages of 8 and 18 who have made significant contributions to their communities through volunteer efforts or service projects. The prize was created to honor the legacy of Gloria Barron, a philanthropist who was deeply committed to supporting young people who take initiative to solve problems and improve the world around them.
Each year, the Barron Prize selects 25 students as honorees, with winners receiving a cash award to support their education and future endeavors. In addition to recognizing the volunteer work of the recipients, the scholarship also provides a platform for young people to continue their efforts in creating social change. To apply, students need to submit an application detailing their volunteer experiences and the impact of their work on the community.
3. The Volunteerism Scholarship by The DoSomething.org Foundation
DoSomething.org is one of the largest organizations supporting young people who are passionate about making a difference. Their Volunteerism Scholarship provides funding to students who have demonstrated exceptional volunteerism in areas like education, environmental conservation, health, or social justice. This scholarship is available to high school seniors and college students who have shown leadership and initiative through their volunteer work.
The DoSomething.org Volunteerism Scholarship not only offers financial support but also encourages students to continue their volunteer efforts by highlighting their accomplishments on the organization’s platform. Students are often required to submit a summary of their volunteer experiences and an essay that discusses their motivations and the impact of their work.
4. The Coca-Cola Scholars Program
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is one of the most competitive and prestigious scholarships for high school seniors in the United States. This merit-based scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and community service. While the scholarship itself is not specifically dedicated to volunteerism, students with exceptional volunteer experience are often strong contenders for the award.
The program offers recipients a substantial amount of funding for their college education, as well as opportunities to participate in leadership development programs and community-building initiatives. Applicants are evaluated based on their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and, importantly, their involvement in volunteer work. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation places a strong emphasis on service, so students with a proven track record of volunteerism are particularly attractive candidates.
5. The Ron Brown Scholar Program
The Ron Brown Scholar Program is designed to provide financial support to African American students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to community service. This scholarship recognizes individuals who have not only excelled academically but also dedicated significant time to volunteerism and community engagement.
The scholarship covers a portion of the recipient’s tuition and can be renewed throughout the student’s undergraduate studies. In addition to receiving financial assistance, Ron Brown Scholars gain access to a network of successful professionals and mentors who can provide guidance as they continue their academic and career journeys. Applicants are required to submit an essay that highlights their community service activities and the personal growth they have gained through their volunteer work.
6. The DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Scholarship
For students with a history of volunteer work related to supporting veterans, the DAV Scholarship offers funding opportunities. DAV provides scholarships for students who are children or grandchildren of disabled veterans. The scholarship program particularly favors students who have been involved in volunteer activities related to veterans’ issues or who have demonstrated a commitment to serving others in a meaningful way.
This scholarship is not only a financial award but also an acknowledgment of the recipient’s volunteer efforts in supporting disabled veterans and their families. Students who apply for this scholarship must demonstrate both academic achievement and a dedication to helping those in need, particularly in the context of veteran-related causes.
7. The David and Barbara Pryor Scholarship Fund
The David and Barbara Pryor Scholarship Fund offers scholarships to high school seniors and undergraduate students who have displayed significant commitment to community service. The scholarship is named after former U.S. Senator David Pryor and his wife Barbara, who are known for their work in public service and volunteerism.
This scholarship is unique because it specifically looks for students who have made a long-term impact in their communities through volunteer service. Applicants are required to submit an essay outlining their volunteer experiences, the challenges they have faced, and how they have contributed to their community’s improvement.
How to Find More Scholarships
Finding scholarships for students with exceptional volunteer experience often requires some proactive research. Here are some tips to help you find more opportunities:
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Check with Local Community Organizations: Many local nonprofits, foundations, and civic groups offer scholarships for students who have volunteered with their organizations. Reach out to community centers, religious organizations, and volunteer networks in your area to inquire about potential scholarships.
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Use Scholarship Search Engines: Websites like Fastweb, Scholarship.com, and Niche allow students to search for scholarships based on specific criteria, including volunteer experience. Set up an account and complete your profile to receive customized scholarship recommendations.
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Ask Your School Counselor: High school and college counselors often have information about local scholarships and volunteer-based funding opportunities. They can help guide you toward scholarships that align with your volunteer work.
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Network with Past Recipients: If you know anyone who has received a scholarship for volunteer work, reach out to them for advice. They may be able to offer valuable insights on the application process and help you find additional opportunities.
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