national peace essay contest scholarship

ScholarshipMentor

• Scholarships
• Free Newsletter
• Scholarship Resources
• Paying for college

Connect with us

like us on facebook

follow us on twitter

Other Scholarship News

• Fast Food Scholarships
• Scholarships for Children of Active-duty Police and Firefighters
• Essay Contests
• Poster Contests
• Photography Competitions
• Video Competitions
• Nursing Scholarships - National and Local
• Scholarships For Disabled Students
• Science Scholarships
• Scholarships for Students with Deceased Parents

Local Scholarship News

• Community Foundation Scholarships
• The Community Foundation of the Hudson Valley Scholarships
• Community Foundation of Central Illinois
• The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts Scholarships
• The Connecticut Community Foundation Scholarships
• Minnesota Association of Townships Scholarships for High School Juniors
• The Community Foundation of Susquehanna and Wyoming Counties Scholarships
• The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation Scholarships
• Grand Haven Area Community Foundation Scholarships
• The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts Addditional Scholarships
• Adirondack Community Trust (ACT) Scholarships
• The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s Scholarship Program
• The Community Foundation for the Capital Region Scholarships
• The Central New York Community Foundation Scholarships
• The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Scholarships
• The Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes Scholarships
• Society of Women Engineers Local Scholarships

Primary links

National peace essay contest.

The Academy for International Conflict Management and Peacebuilding runs the National Peace Essay Contest . They believe that questions about peace, justice, freedom, and security are vital to civic education. Over 1,100 students submit entries to the essay contest annually.

In addition to winning scholarships top winners are invited to Washington, D.C. for a five-day awards program all expenses paid.

Students in grades nine through twelve are asked to write an essay between 1000 and 1250 words on the topic:

Essay Topic:

Imagine that you are a member of the U.S. Foreign Service recently assigned to one of the eight bureaus within the Department of State or the U.S. Agency for International Development (see the sponsor’s website for the list).

You have been tasked with seeking peacebuilding solutions to a particular conflict or crisis that threatens U.S. interests abroad. Examples of these include, but are not limited to: ongoing tensions between Israel and the Palestinian Territories, escalating violence in Iraq, destabilizing forces in Mali and sectarian violence in Myanmar. You are welcome to explore conflicts related to economic crises, resource scarcity, refugee influxes or any other topic that interests you.

In an essay between 1000 and 1250 words, answer the following questions:

• How does the conflict or crisis you selected threaten U.S. interests abroad?
• What is the official mission of your chosen bureau in general and in your chosen conflict in particular? As a member of the Foreign Service, what is your role in the bureau?
• Consider other U.S. government agencies and organizations, such as the U.S. Institute of Peace, as well as non-governmental organizations, foreign governments, international institutions etc.

Check out other essay contests for which you may be eligible.

Don't miss another scholarship! Subscribe to the free monthly newsletter and get scholarship information delivered directly to you (click this link).

The Scholarship Blog

• There's Hope for the Average Student to Get Into College
• Is Going to an Elite College Worth the Cost?
• A Quest to Explain What Grades Really Mean - for High School Students
• Can You Tivo Your Way Through College?
• Top 5 Items to List in Your Scholarship Essay

Current Scholarships

• Don't miss another scholarship!

© 2018 ScholarshipMentor. All rights reserved.

« Scholarship Search Results

• Share this page on Facebook
• Share this page on Twitter
• Share this page on Linked In
• Email this page

National High School Essay Contest

Eligibility.

• Please note: Students whose parents are not in the Foreign Service are eligible to participate if they are in grades nine through twelve in any of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territories, or if they are U.S. citizens attending high school overseas.
• Students may be attending a public, private, or parochial school.
• Entries from home-schooled students are also accepted.
• Previous first-place winners and immediate relatives of directors or staff of the AFSA, the U.S. Institute of Peace, Semester at Sea, and National Student Leadership Conference are not eligible to participate.
• Previous honorable mention designees are eligible to enter.

More Details

All applications must be submitted by 11:59pm EDT on April 4, 2024

How to Apply

• Write a 1,000-1,250-word essay on the topic (posted on the linked page).
• Student registration forms must have a teacher or sponsor name. That person may review the submitted essay and act as the key contact between participants and AFSA.

The application and submission guidelines can be found on the scholarship’s website.

Deadline: 04/04/2024

Amount: $1,250-2,500

Online Application Available

Contact information:

• https://afsa.org/essay-contest
• [email protected]

National Peace Essay Contest

Ages: High School

Type: Submission

Scope: National

[email protected]

Participate

USIP is proud to partner with the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) on the annual National High School Essay Contest for 2016-2017. The contest engages high school students each year in learning and writing about issues of peace and conflict, encouraging appreciation for diplomacy’s role in building partnerships that can advance peace-building and protect national security.

The 2016-2017 contest challenges students to closely examine the causes and impact of the refugee crisis. The winner of the contest will receive a $2,500 cash prize, an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. to meet the secretary of state and USIP leadership, and a full-tuition paid voyage with Semester at Sea upon the student’s enrollment at an accredited university. The runner-up will receive a $1,250 cash prize and a full scholarship to participate in the International Diplomacy Program of the National Student Leadership Conference.

Submit an essay based on the year’s essay contest question.

Website: https://www.usip.org/public-education/students/AFSAEssayContest

Managing Organization: The U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP)

Contact: [email protected]

Eligibility: High School Students in the United States.

Signup Newsletter

Sign me up for the newsletter!

The Institute of Competition Sciences (ICS) was founded in 2012 to help transform learning into an exciting challenge for all students. We exist to support students in realizing the full potential of their future.

Quick Links

• Competitions
• Privacy Policy
• Terms and Conditions

Connect with us on social media

Copyright © 2024 Institute of Competition Sciences. All rights reserved.

Scholarships, Financial Aid and More for Students, Parents and Teachers

National Peace Essay Contest

• Department of State

American Foreign Service Association

• Publications
• Awards & Honors

Deadline: National High School Essay Contest

The deadline for this year's essay contest is 11:59 p.m. edt on april 3..

In 2024, the United States Foreign Service will celebrate its 100th birthday. The Foreign Service is an important element of the American approach to peacebuilding around the world. Over the last century, our diplomats have been involved in significant events in history – decisions on war and peace, reacting to natural disasters and pandemics, facilitating major treaties, and more.

As AFSA looks back on their century-long history, we invite you to do the same. This year students are asked to explore a topic that touches upon this important history and sheds light on how vital it is for America to have a robust professional corps focused on diplomacy, development, and peace in the national interest.

In your essay, you will select a country or region in which the United States Foreign Service has been involved at any point since 1924 and describe, in 1,500 words or less, how the Foreign Service was successful or unsuccessful in advancing American foreign policy goals – including promoting peace – in this country/region and propose ways in which it might continue to improve those goals in the coming years.

For more information on Essay Contest Rules and Guidance please visit this page . For additional resources click here .

Did You Miss a Previous Event?

Check out AFSA's YouTube channel, where you can watch recordings of all AFSA events.

The full FSJ archive is now available online!

Browse through 100 years of diplomatic history!

Login or sign up

Get Started

• College Search
• College Search Map
• Graduate Programs
• Featured Colleges

Scholarship Search

• Lists & Rankings
• User Resources

Articles & Advice

• All Categories
• Ask the Experts
• Campus Visits
• Catholic Colleges and Universities
• Christian Colleges and Universities
• College Admission
• College Athletics
• College Diversity
• Counselors and Consultants
• Education and Teaching
• Financial Aid
• Graduate School
• Health and Medicine
• International Students
• Internships and Careers
• Majors and Academics
• Performing and Visual Arts
• Public Colleges and Universities
• Science and Engineering
• Student Life
• Transfer Students
• Why CollegeXpress
• CollegeXpress Store
• Corporate Website
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• CA and EU Privacy Policy

National Peace Essay Contest

Sponsored by: United States Institute of Peace (USIP)

Apply Online

Applicant must submit essay of less than 1,500 words. Individual applications are accepted when applicant works with a coordinator who will review essay prior to submission.

Contact Information

Raina Kim National Peace Essay Contest United States Institute of Peace (USIP) United States

Phone: (202) 429-3854 Official website

Search More Scholarships

Join our community of over 5 million students.

CollegeXpress has everything you need to simplify your college search, get connected to schools, and find your perfect fit.

FEATURED SCHOLARSHIPS

You need to be signed into your CollegeXpress account to view scholarship details.

Personalize your experience on CollegeXpress.

With this information, we'll display content relevant to your interests. By subscribing, you agree to receive CollegeXpress emails and to make your information available to colleges, scholarship programs, and other companies that have relevant/related offers.

Already have an account?

Log in to be directly connected to

Not a CollegeXpress user?

Don't want to register.

Provide your information below to connect with

• Board of Directors and Member Institutions
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Pre-Collegiate Academy
• College and Career Information Centers (CCIC)
• Cash For College
• College Information Day
• I’m Going to College
• Transfer: Make It Happen
• Informational Workshops
• Who Qualifies?
• The California Dream Act
• Step-by-Step Guide to Financial Aid
• State Aid Programs
• Federal Aid Programs
• Accepting Student Loans
• Financial Aid from Schools and Colleges
• Steps to go to College
• College Entrance Exams
• Junior’s College Admissions Checklist
• Senior’s College Admissions Checklist
• Admission Requirements
• Top College Resources Online
• Printable Handouts
• Scholarships
• Student Testimonials

National Peace Essay Contest

Institution.

All fields of study. Essays are focused on peacebuilding

The National Peace Essay Contest is a yearly competition that provides scholarships to high school students. NPEC encourages high school students to explore peacebuilding. Many NPEC winners have gone on to study foreign policy issues in college or have pursued careers in international affairs. Up to 53 winners receive college scholarships and, in 2014, the three national winners will be invited to an Awards Program in Washington, D.C.

Students are eligible to participate if they are in grades nine through twelve in any of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territories, or if they are U.S. citizens attending high school overseas. Students may be attending a public, private, or parochial school. Entries from home-schooled students are also accepted. Previous first-place state winners and immediate relatives of directors or staff of the Institute are not eligible to participate. Previous honorable mention recipients are eligible to enter .

See website for essay prompt, requirement checklist, and essay submission directions. 

Share This Scholarship

Foreign Service High School Essay Contest

Scholarship Overview

About the scholarship, eligibility criteria.

42 Scholarships for High School Juniors

Scholarships for high school juniors: introduction.

As a junior, college financial planning may not be at the forefront of your mind. However, it’s never too early to start preparing for college. With rising college costs, you may wonder if there are opportunities to secure money for college even before you begin the application process. That’s where scholarships for high school juniors come in.

There are many ways to win free money for college, even before your senior year. In fact, you might be surprised by just how many scholarships for high school students are out there. Some scholarships are open to students of different grades and ages, while others are considered scholarships for high school juniors only.

Merit scholarships for high school juniors can help alleviate worries about the cost of college. These scholarships can be an important part of your college financial planning. If you’re not sure what scholarships websites to visit or where to start looking for scholarships for high school juniors, you’re in the right place.

This guide to scholarships for high school juniors covers:

• Our top 25 scholarships for high school juniors

Easy scholarships for juniors in high school

Unusual scholarships for juniors in high school.

• Scholarships for high school juniors in California
• Scholarships for high school juniors in Texas
• The best full ride scholarships for high school students, and more!

Different scholarships for juniors in high school will have varying requirements. So, you may not be eligible for every scholarship. That’s why we’ve provided over 40 college scholarships for high school juniors to choose from.

Can you get a scholarship in high school?

In short, yes, you can absolutely get a scholarship in high school. While it may feel early to start thinking about the cost of college, you’re likely already eligible to apply to a ton of different scholarships for juniors in high school.

Different scholarships have different eligibility requirements, and some scholarships and contests are open to students as early as middle school. However, the bulk of scholarships target students in 11th and 12th grades,. This means there are plenty of scholarships for high school juniors to apply to.

Most high school scholarships are only available to students in certain grades. If you do a scholarship search, you’ll find many scholarships for high school juniors.

Sometimes, merit scholarships for high school juniors may come directly from specific colleges and universities. In these cases, schools provide merit aid to students to encourage high-achieving students to enroll. Here, however, we’ll largely focus on scholarships provided through external organizations. Most scholarships for juniors in high school fall into this category. 

Are there scholarships for juniors in high school?

There are plenty of scholarships for juniors in high school available. Most scholarships for juniors in high school are granted through external organizations. These include charities and private foundations. 

Scholarships for high school juniors vary in terms of what portion of the cost of college they cover. Some are just a few hundred dollars, while others provide full ride scholarships for high school juniors. If you start planning early, you can apply to—and hopefully win—multiple scholarships for high school students. This can make an enormous difference when it comes to choosing a college you can afford to attend, particularly in the face of rising college costs . 

Before you begin applying to any scholarships for high school juniors, be sure to visit scholarships websites and double-check the eligibility requirements for each scholarship. There, you’ll learn about application requirements, deadlines, and more.

College scholarships for juniors in high school

In the next few sections, we’ll offer a list of some specific scholarships for juniors in high school. Then, we’ll discuss scholarships for high school juniors that are easy, unusual, and specific to residents of particular states. 

If you want to look ahead at what kind of high school scholarships are available for seniors, we’ve got some great resources for you to check out. Some resources you may want to reference during your scholarship search include our guide to winning the Coca-Cola Scholarship and our webinar on finding and applying to merit scholarships. 

What are some scholarships for high school students? 

Let’s start looking at some specific college scholarships for high school juniors. This list includes a variety of scholarships for which juniors are eligible to apply. However, not all of the scholarships included are exclusively for juniors. 

The scholarships for high school juniors we’ve compiled tend to require an essay and a list of extracurricular activities alongside a written application—much like a college application. However, some unusual scholarships have other criteria. We’ve also included several essay contests and other competitions on this list. 

List of scholarships for juniors in high school

If you’re feeling overwhelmed as you start your scholarship search, then you’re in the right place. To make finding high school scholarships for juniors easy to apply to, we’ve rounded up our top 25 picks for great scholarships for high school juniors.

We’ll review everything you need to know about each of our high school scholarships for juniors, including deadlines, eligibility requirements, award amount, and any other key details.

25 Scholarships for Juniors in High School

1. davidson fellows scholarship.

The Davidson Fellows Scholarship is open to students 18 and under who have “completed a significant piece of work in the STEM field, literature, music, philosophy, or the ‘outside the box’ category.”

• Scholarship award amount: $10,000 – $50,000
• 2023 deadline: February 8 th  
• Eligibility: limited to US citizens

This scholarship seeks to award students who have created significant work. This means that experts in any given field would recognize the submission as meaningful with “the potential to make a positive contribution to society.”

2. Horatio Alger Scholarship

The Horatio Alger Scholarship is open to high school juniors who have “faced and overcome great obstacles in their lives.” This essay contest is specifically looking for students with significant financial need and who have persevered in the presence of adversity.

• Scholarship award amount: $10,000 – $25,000
• 2023 deadline: March 15 th  
• Eligibility: families must make under $55,000/year

The eligibility requirement makes this scholarship more need-based than merit-based. In addition to an essay, the Horatio Alger Scholarship requires students to submit a list of extracurricular activities and volunteer work (check out their website to review the full application requirements).

3. National Merit Scholarship

To qualify for the National Merit Scholarship, students must have already taken the PSAT/NMSQT. This means that if you hope to become a National Merit Scholar your senior year, you need to have taken the PSAT/NMSQT during your junior year.

• Scholarship award amount: $2,500 – $10,000
• 2023 deadline: students who took the PSAT/NMSQT have already been entered
• Eligibility: take the PSAT/NMSQT no later than your junior year

Eligible students will advance through three different rounds, each with their own requirements and selection process: commended, semifinalists, finalists. Of the finalists, only 7,250 students will become National Merit Scholarship winners.

4. House Foundation Scholarships

US citizens from any year of high school are eligible to apply for this scholarship. The House Foundation provides three awards: $2,000 (1 st place award), $750 (2 nd place award), and $250 (3 rd place award).

• Scholarship award amount: $250 – $2,000
• 2023 deadline: February 1 st  
• Eligibility: US citizen/permanent resident of the US, planning to attend a US-based college

Along with their high school transcripts, students will need to respond to four general questions and two themed questions. The application also includes an optional question for students who have been directly affected by COVID-19-related illnesses.

5. Taco Bell Live Mas Scholarship

Students between the ages of 16-26 can apply for the Taco Bell scholarship. This scholarship is open to students both in high school and post-secondary educational programs (including colleges and vocational, technical, and trade schools).

• Scholarship award amount: unspecified
• 2023 deadline: January 11 th  
• Eligibility: students between the ages of 16-26 

The Taco Bell scholarship is looking for students who are passionate about creating a better future and creating a positive impact in the world. Applicants must submit a video (30 – 120 seconds) that tells the story of their passion.

6. Next Young Leaders

This scholarship is specifically for high school juniors and accepts students outside of the US.

• Scholarship award amount: $1,000 – $20,000
• 2023 deadline: January 30th
• Eligibility: high school junior; planning to enroll in college the fall after they graduate high school

This scholarship is need-based. So, students will need to submit their annual household income in their application.

7. Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes

This scholarship is for students who are or have recently worked on an inspiring service project. Strong applicants will demonstrate how their leadership and determination have made a positive impact on the world.

• Scholarship award amount: $10,000
• 2023 deadline: April 15 th  
• Eligibility: permanent residents of the US or Canada, between 8-18 years old

Applicants must include three letters of recommendation from adults who can advocate for the student and their involvement in their service project. Winners can direct their award to their service project or to their higher education.

8. ConnectHER Film Festival

Students from all over the world can submit a short film about topics and issues impacting women and girls, including topics such as education, ending violence against women, and redefining beauty.

• Scholarship award amount: $1,000 – $5,000
• 2023 deadline: June 1 st  
• Eligibility: applicants must be between 13-25 years old

Two films will be selected as the Judges’ Choice Award winner and runner-up. Nine other films will be selected as winners across distinct categories.

9. Questbridge College Prep Scholarship Program

The Questbridge College Prep Scholarship seeks to give students the opportunity to succeed on college apps rather than providing a monetary award. While a Questbridge College Prep Scholar may receive small financial awards, the main benefit is specialized guidance, resources, and feedback throughout their college application process.

• Scholarship award amount: $1,000 – scholarship to a college summer program
• 2023 deadline: March 21 st  
• Eligibility: must be a high school Junior at a school in the US; families must demonstrate financial hardship

Take a look at the Questbridge Scholarship requirements, including academic achievement, financial qualifications, and personal circumstances, to see if you are a strong applicant.

10. The Phyliss J. McCarthy Scholarship for Excellence in Writing

For students who love writing, this scholarship provides an opportunity to win a scholarship with creative writing. Students will select one of three prompts (narrative, meta, and wacky) and create an original piece of 2,000 words or fewer.

• Scholarship award amount: $1,000
• 2023 deadline: July 23 rd
• Eligibility: high school juniors and seniors

The award committee selects three winners each year.

11. 4-H Youth in Action Awards

This award is limited to students who are already a part of 4-H. The Youth in Action program provides recipients with media training and opportunities to share their stories from 4-H. 

• Scholarship award amount: $5,000
• 2023 deadline: March 27 th  
• Eligibility: students must be members of 4-H

Four winners will receive a $5,000 scholarship paid directly to their chosen school.

12. Paradigm Challenge

For this scholarship, students can choose to enter on their own or to enter as part of a collaborative team. The Paradigm asks students to brainstorm solutions for real-world issues affecting society. This scholarship is open to all ages.

• Scholarship award amount: $250 – $25,000
• 2023 deadline: May 1 st  
• Eligibility: between 4-18 years old

First, second, and third place winners will be selected for each age division. One of the three first place winners will then receive the grand prize.

13. JFK Library Profiles in Courage Essay Contest

The Profiles in Courage Essay Contest asks students to reflect on an act of political courage. Essays should be between 700 – 1,000 words and focus on the actions of an elected US official.

• Scholarship award amount: $100 – $10,000
• 2023 deadline: January 13 th  
• Eligibility: 9-12 th grade students

Winners of the Profiles in Courage Essay Contest include first-place, second-place, five finalists, and eight semifinalists.

14. Create Real Impact Contest

Unlike other essay contests, students will create a social media campaign or an original work. These submissions can include a short 30-second video, a poster, an infographic, or a brochure.

• Scholarship award amount: $250 – $10,000
• 2023 deadline: April 10 th  
• Eligibility: students 14-22 years old

The award committee evaluates students based on their creativity, execution, and the effectiveness of their message.

15. AFSA National Essay Contest

The National Peace Essay Contest asks students to choose a country and describe how the US Foreign Service’s involvement in that country was either successful or unsuccessful. 

• Scholarship award amount: $2,500
• 2023 deadline: April 3 rd  

National Peace Essay Contest submissions must be 1,500 words or less. The winner of the National Peace Essay Contest will receive the scholarship award as well as an all-expense paid educational voyage and a trip with their parents to Washington DC.

16. National Ag Day Essay Contest

This college essay contest asks students to consider how American agriculture produces nutritious and safe food for consumers while responsibly taking care of the environment.

• Scholarship award amount: $100 – $1,000
• 2023 deadline: February 13 th  
• Eligibility: US citizens; 9-12 th grade students

Students can submit either a written essay or a video essay.

17. Iefa Teen Changemakers Essay Contest

This essay contest asks students to answer the question “How can students’ mental health be supported virtually?” In an essay of 500 – 1000 words, students will describe their virtual mental health campaign and how they would implement it in their school.

• Scholarship award amount: $250 – $1,000
• 2023 deadline: December 1 st  

Three awards will be given: $1,000 (first place), $500 (second place), and $250 (third place).

18. Youthlinc Young Humanitarian Award

The Youthlinc scholarship recognizes students in Utah who have performed outstanding humanitarian service.

• Scholarship award amount: $1,500 – $7,500
• 2023 deadline: March 1 st  
• Eligibility: high school juniors/seniors and undergraduate students in Utah

Students applying to the Youthlinc scholarship must submit proof of enrollment, a service resume, and two essays, two letters of recommendation.

19. Transform Rhode Island Scholarship

This scholarship is an opportunity for your students of color to describe how they would better the lives of Rhode Island’s BIPOC communities with one million dollars. Students can submit an essay, a video, or a comparable multimedia presentation.

• Scholarship award amount: $5,000 – $25,000
• 2023 deadline: March 31 st  
• Eligibility: 9-12 th grade students of color in Rhode Island

Unlike other college essay contests, the winning idea will receive funding to bring their ideas to life.

20. Diller Teen Awards

The Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards recognize Jewish teens who show are leaders and in community service. Students who engage in many different service initiatives must choose a single project to describe in their application.

• Scholarship award amount: $36,000
• 2023 deadline: January 5 th  
• Eligibility: 13–19-year-olds who self-identify as Jewish 

Winners can use their award to fund their college education or their philanthropic work.

21. Hoover Presidential Foundation Uncommon Student Award

The Herbert Hoover Uncommon Student Award asks students to plan and pitch a public service project. Selected students will then present their projects in October, where all students will receive $1,500, and three students will be selected to receive a $10,000 scholarship.

• Scholarship award amount: $1,500 – $11,500
• Eligibility: high school juniors in Iowa

Students who apply to the Herbert Hoover Uncommon Student Award must be available on June 24 th and 25 th to meet other uncommon students at the Hoover Presidential Library and Museum in West Branch, Iowa.

22. Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship

For this scholarship, the Gen and Kelly Tanabe program asks students to write a short, 250-word essay on a topic of their choosing.

• 2023 deadline: July 31 st and December 31 st  
• Eligibility: 9-12 th graders, college, and graduate students

Open to 9th-12th grade high school, college, or graduate students including home-schooled students and adult learners. You may be studying abroad, but you must be a legal resident of the U.S. Since the Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship is judged on the application alone, financial need and past academic performance are not considered.

23. Samsung American Legion Scholarship

This scholarship is a fund meant to show appreciation for the families of US veterans who fought in the Korean War.

• Scholarship award amount: $1,250 – $10,000
• 2023 deadline: Day 1 of their respective American Legion program
• Eligibility: high school juniors and seniors; part of the American Legion Boys or Auxiliary Girls State program and have a parent or legal guardian who is a member in good standing

Applicants to the Samsung American Legion Scholarship will be evaluated on their academic record and their involvement in school and community service.

24. Voice of Democracy Essay Program

As a college essay contest, the Voice of Democracy Essay Program asks students to submit a 3–5-minute audio essay about a specific topic. This year’s essay topic is: “Why is the veteran important?” Applicants to Voice of Democracy will be judged on originality, content, and delivery.

• Scholarship award amount: $1,000 – $35,000
• 2023 deadline: October 31 st  

Check out the Voice of Democracy website for examples of past winners.

25. United States Senate Youth Program

This program looks for students who have demonstrated leadership by serving in elected positions, like in student government or community service organizations.

Selected applicants will be invited to attend the United States Senate Youth Program Washington Week, where students will have the opportunity to meet the Senate Co-Chairs and learn more about the federal government.

When should juniors start applying for scholarships?

Some of the scholarships we’ve explored allow students to apply as early as middle school. So, you can start thinking about scholarships early . In fact, the more time you give yourself to plan, the more successful you will be.

Most scholarship deadlines are in the fall or winter, though this varies by program. In general, it’s helpful for juniors to start planning for merit scholarship applications in the summer as well as through the fall of their junior year. 

Regardless, make sure you understand the deadlines for the scholarship programs that interest you. As a reminder, the more time you give yourself, the stronger your applications will be! 

Now, you may be thinking, how easy could our easy scholarships for high school juniors be? The answer is: extremely easy. 

While entering essay contests may feel like a lot of work, that doesn’t mean there are no easy ways to get free money for college. Check out the scholarships websites for these four easy scholarships for high school juniors and see just how easy it is to apply.

4 Easy Scholarships for High School Juniors

1. big future scholarships.

By completing certain steps on the CollegeBoard website, students are automatically eligible to enter a drawing for $500 or $40,000 in scholarship money each month. This program encourages students to complete six college and career preparation goals.

Big Future Scholarships are scholarships for high school juniors as well as high school seniors. Drawings occur monthly until the beginning of February in a student’s senior year. So, there is no single deadline to enter to win Big Future scholarships. Students can also qualify for multiple entries based on household income. 

Since Big Future scholarships select winners by random drawing, it’s one of the easiest scholarships for high school juniors to enter. While $500 isn’t a huge award amount, it can still make a difference, especially when combined with other scholarship awards. 

2. ScholarshipPoints

ScholarshipPoints is a monthly scholarship drawing—no essay required. Students simply need to complete a basic online form to qualify. The only qualifications to enter are that students are 13 years or older and are planning to attend college in the United States.

While this isn’t one of our college scholarships for high school juniors specifically, it is one of the easiest scholarships for high school students. In addition to applying to more formal essay contests, we recommend applying to our easy scholarships – you never know when you might be the lucky winner!

3. CollegeXpress

Another one of our easiest college scholarships for high school juniors is CollegeXpress’s annual scholarship contest. Each spring, one lucky student is selected to receive a $10,000 scholarship to put toward their continued education. There is no essay required – all you have to do is create a free CollegeXpress profile.

Students must be at least 13 years old to enter. You can enter and win the scholarship any year, but you’ll only be eligible the year you graduate high school or begin your graduate program.

4. Cappex Scholarships

Just like ScholarshipPoints, Cappex scholarships for high school juniors are another easy opportunity to win scholarship money. Recipients of Cappex scholarships are selected monthly to receive $1,000. 

Cappex scholarships don’t require students to write an essay or have a minimum GPA. Students only need to be 13 years or older to be eligible for this drawing.

While essay contests can provide students with great opportunities to win a higher scholarship award, you may find you don’t have the time needed to write an essay on top of your schoolwork. Since none of these easy scholarships for high school juniors require essays, there’s no reason not to apply!

Next, let’s take a look at some more unusual scholarships for high school juniors. These are more niche opportunities to get free money for college, so they may not be a good fit for every student. Keep reading to learn about five unusual scholarships for high school juniors. 

5 Unusual Scholarships for High School Juniors

1. duck brand stuck at prom contest.

Of all our scholarships for high school students, this one might be the most creative. The contest? Make the best prom outfit out of Duck brand duct tape. High school students of all ages are invited to create a prom outfit using Duck brand duct tape and/or crafting tape and compete for scholarship money.

The contest usually begins in late March, and submissions are open until mid-June. One tux and one dress will be picked to win the grand prize of $10,000. Four runners-up from each category are also selected to win $500. Check out Duck Tape’s photo gallery to see examples of past recipients of Duck Brand’s scholarships for high school juniors.

2. Stockholm Junior Water Prize

The Stockholm Junior Water Prize is open to all high school students grades 9-12 who have conducted a project in water science research. Students can apply either on their own or as a team of two. Research papers will be evaluated by the foundation on six criteria: relevance, creativity, methodology, subject knowledge, practical skills, and report and presentation.

Students first must enter their state Stockholm Junior Water Prize competition before advancing to the national competition level. The deadline to submit your research paper is April 15 th . 

3. Doodle for Google

Another one of our creative scholarships for high school juniors is Google’s doodle competition. This scholarship awards prizes for creating an original doodle. This year’s Doodle for Google prizes will be awarded based on the theme of what you are grateful for.

The deadline to enter your doodle is March 7 th , and the Doodle for Google prizes will be announced in June. One national winner will receive a $30,000 scholarship and a $50,000 technology package for their school or a non-profit organization. 

4. SCAD Challenge

This is another one of our scholarships for high school juniors and seniors. The SCAD Challenge is a scholarship sponsored by SCAD, an arts and design-focused university located in Georgia. To apply, students must submit their creative work for the chance to win up to $4,000 in merit aid.

Winners will receive a scholarship of $2,000, $3,000, or $4,000 that can be renewable every year of their bachelor’s degree. These scholarship funds can only be used to pay tuition at SCAD specifically, and winners will receive their scholarships upon gaining admission.

5. Association for Women in Mathematics Student Essay Contest  

This essay contest is open to students in middle school, high school, and college. Students are asked to write an essay “based primarily on an interview with a woman currently working in or retired from a mathematical sciences career.” The deadline to enter is February 1 st .

The award amount is not currently published on the website. Like other scholarships for high school juniors, the winner will receive some type of monetary prize. However, it’s not technically a scholarship. Unlike other essay contests, the award doesn’t have to be used for schooling or sent directly to your university.

Now that we’ve covered a few unusual scholarships for high school juniors, let’s take a look at a few additional high school scholarships.

California Scholarships for high school juniors

In the next two sections, we’ll look at scholarships for high school juniors that are specific to residents of certain states. Here we have two California scholarships for high school juniors.

California Scholarships for Juniors

1. california association of collectors educational scholarship.

This is one of our scholarships for high school juniors and seniors in California. Essays should be between 700 – 1,000 words and describe the importance of establishing and maintaining good financial credit during your college years. Awards are $2,500 for 1 st place, $2,000 for 2 nd place, and finally, $1,500 for 3 rd place.

2. Carson Scholars Fund

This application process for this award is slightly different from our other scholarships for high school juniors. Schools choose one student to nominate from their school, grades 4-11, to apply for this scholarship. Applicants are evaluated on their community service, teacher recommendation, and application essay. Winners will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Like our California scholarships for high school juniors, there are high school scholarships specifically for residents of other states.

Scholarships for Juniors in high school in Texas

We’ve also included a couple of scholarships for juniors in high school in Texas. So, if you’re located in Texas, read on!

Texas Scholarships for Juniors

1. baftx community service award.

One of our scholarships for juniors in high school in Texas is the Susan Howard Community Service Award. This scholarship focuses on leadership skills and community service. Students aged 11 – 21 are invited to apply and share their experience working on an inspiring community service project. This $5,000 scholarship is for academically adept students of low-income families.

2. UIL Essay Contests

The University Interscholastic League sponsors two essay contests for students grades 9-12 attending UIL member high schools. The Barbara Jordan Historical Essay Competition asks students to discuss the contributions of African Americans to Texas’s history. The Latino History Essay Competition asks students to discuss the historical and cultural legacies of Latinos in Texas’s history.

While these two scholarships for juniors in Texas have the widest eligibility, plenty of other scholarships target specific areas. In fact, you’ll find many scholarships for juniors in high school in Texas if you look in your area. So, make sure to do additional research based on your home county.

What are the best scholarships?

Of all our scholarships for high school juniors, there is no singular award that is the “best”.

High school scholarships for juniors—and students of all ages—come in wide ranges. Often, if you comb through enough scholarships websites, you’ll find a wide range of programs to which you can apply. You may even find smaller, local scholarships for high school juniors. While these can sometimes provide less funding than a national scholarship, they may also be less competitive.

As you research scholarships for high school juniors, look for a range of different programs and award amounts. You should also look for scholarships for high school juniors specific to your location and interests. 

What are the best full ride scholarships for high school juniors?

If getting just a portion of free money for college isn’t your only goal, you may be looking for high school scholarships for juniors that offer winners a full ride. Unlike our other scholarships for juniors in high school, winners of these awards will receive money for their tuition, room and board, and expenses for all four years of their undergraduate study.

Full Ride Scholarships for High School Juniors

1. coolidge scholarship.

While other scholarships for high school juniors are based on location, financial status, or area of study, this is a general merit scholarship students of all backgrounds can apply to. You can also use the Coolidge Scholarship to attend any university in the country. Students with an interest in public policy and service and can demonstrate academic excellence should submit their application by the deadline: February 23 rd .

2. Cameron Impact Scholarship

This scholarship covers four years of tuition for up to 15 high school students. Like other scholarships for high school juniors, applicants of all backgrounds can apply for this scholarship so long as they meet the GPA and citizenship requirements. Applications are received on a rolling basis. Then, 75 – 100 Finalists will be selected to have an in-person interview to help determine the winners.

3. ROTC Scholarships

The ROTC Scholarship offers students the chance to have their college tuition covered at any university with an Air Force ROTC detachment. Selected students will also receive an annual book stipend, a monthly living expense stipend, and travel reimbursements for traveling to and from home.

In general, most full ride scholarships for high school juniors are sponsored by private organizations. If you’re looking for full ride scholarships, you’ll find that many colleges and universities offer merit aid to accepted students. Sometimes, this can come in the form of full ride scholarships for high school juniors. 

What is the Courage to Grow Scholarship?

Another scholarship program you may have come across during your search for scholarships for high school juniors is Courage to Grow. The Courage to Grow Scholarship is one of our scholarships for high school juniors, seniors, and currently enrolled students. The Courage to Grow Foundation provides several $500 scholarships for students to help them fund the cost of college. The application process is relatively straightforward and entirely available online. You can also read about past Courage to Grow scholarships recipients on the Courage to Grow website. 

The 2023 deadline has not yet been published. However, you can expect it to fall near the end of December 2023. Students who want to apply to Courage to Grow scholarships must be a US citizen and a junior or senior in high school or college with a minimum 2.5 GPA.

More CollegeAdvisor resources for Juniors

For students already scouring scholarships websites for high school scholarships for juniors, college applications aren’t a long way off. In addition to college financial planning, you should also start thinking about the college admissions process. 

CollegeAdvisor has lots of additional resources to help juniors navigate college financial planning and get started on their college application process. After checking out our resources on scholarships for high school juniors, check out our webinars where we discuss practicing time management and creating your college admissions timeline . For parents of high school juniors, take a look at our guide to helping your child deal with stress .

Creating Your College Admissions Timelines for Sophomores and Juniors

Helping Your Junior Cope with High School Stress: A Parent’s Guide

Scholarships for Juniors in High School: Conclusion

We’ve talked about all kinds of scholarships for juniors in high school, from essay contests to research projects to creative works. We hope our roundup of scholarships websites has shown you there’s an opportunity to cover some of the cost of college by applying to scholarships for high school juniors. With rising college costs, be sure to include scholarships for high school juniors in your college financial planning and take the time to do your own scholarship search based on your interests.

Check out our merit-based scholarship guides

If you’re looking for a more detailed guide on how to actually win scholarships for high school juniors, check out our other Merit-Based Scholarships guides. We include several scholarships for high school students, like the Hope Scholarship , which sponsors students from Georgia, Tennessee, and South Carolina. Another one of our scholarships for high school students is the Robertson Scholarship , which looks for students who demonstrate purposeful leadership, intellectual curiosity, strength of character, and collaborative spirit.

We hope our roundup of college scholarships for high school juniors helps you get started on your scholarship search. Remember, CollegeAdvisor is here to help you find and apply for scholarships for high school juniors, no matter where you are in your college planning process!

This guide to the Scholarships for High School Juniors   was written by Stefanie Tedards. Looking for more admissions support? Click  here  to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

Personalized and effective college advising for high school students.

• Advisor Application
• Popular Colleges
• Privacy Policy and Cookie Notice
• Student Login
• California Privacy Notice
• Terms and Conditions
• Your Privacy Choices

By using the College Advisor site and/or working with College Advisor, you agree to our updated Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy , including an arbitration clause that covers any disputes relating to our policies and your use of our products and services.

United States Institute of Peace

Home ▶ Press

National Peace Essay Contest Winners Announced

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

News Type: Press Release

(Washington) – The U.S. Institute of Peace today announced the state-level winners of the National Peace Essay Contest (NPEC). Each of the 50 students received an academic scholarship for their essays on "The Impact of New Media on Peacebuilding and Conflict Management." For 25 years the NPEC has challenged students to evaluate critically the international issues related to the work of the Institute. USIP's Science, Technology, and Peacebuilding Center of Innovation identifies promising new practices, conducts research and develops innovative strategies for applying science and technology to the challenge of peacebuilding in fragile states, active conflict and post-conflict societies. "This year’s state NPEC winners should be applauded for their thoughtful, critical essays on new media and conflict," commented Pamela Aall, provost of the Institute's Academy for International Conflict Management and Peacebuilding. "The essay topic encouraged students to think about how the technology they use on daily basis can play an important role in conflict." In addition to the $1,000 scholarship, each state winner is invited to Washington in June to explore the essay topic in greater depth through simulations, briefings with foreign policy leaders, and meetings with their elected representatives. The national first, second, and third place winners will be announced at the conclusion of the Washington program week. The 2012 National Peace Essay Contest State Winners are:

A complete list including the honorable mentions is available online .

The United States Institute of Peace is the independent, nonpartisan conflict management center created by Congress to prevent and mitigate international conflict through non-violent means. USIP works to save lives, increase the government’s ability to deal with conflicts before they escalate, reduce government costs, and enhance national security.

Related News

U.s. institute of peace opens nominations for 2024 women building peace award.

Monday, April 22, 2024

The U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) announces nominations are open for the 2024 Women Building Peace Award. This prestigious annual award honors courageous women in civil society who are building peace in countries impacted by violent conflict.

U.S. Institute of Peace Announces Pétronille Vaweka the 2023 Women Building Peace Award Recipient

Friday, December 8, 2023

(Washington, D.C.) – The U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) is honored to announce Pétronille Vaweka of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as the recipient of the 2023 Women Building Peace Award.

U.S. Institute of Peace Announces Four Finalists for 2023 Women Building Peace Award

Monday, October 30, 2023

The United States Institute of Peace is honored to announce the four finalists for the 2023 Women Building Peace Award.

USIP Peace Teachers Program Announces 2023 Cohort

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

(Washington, D.C.) – The U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) is pleased to announce the selection of the 2023 Peace Teachers Program cohort, consisting of 22 middle and high school teachers from 21 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. The full list of participants can be found here.

Education & Training

U.S. Institute of Peace Opens Nominations for 2023 Women Building Peace Award

Monday, June 5, 2023

(Washington, D.C.) – The U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) announces nominations are open for the 2023 Women Building Peace Award. This prestigious annual award honors courageous women in civil society who are building peace in countries impacted by violent conflict.