9 Weird Scholarships and How to Qualify

• Lots of unconventional scholarships exist, such as awards for tall students and vegetarians.
• Scholarship contents can be won for duck calling, creating a dress out of duct tape, and designing a card.
• Bowlers and caddies can also enter some not-so-obvious sports scholarships.

Not every college scholarship is awarded based on good grades and community service. Many unique scholarships are available to students with niche hobbies, talents, or traits.

It's a great idea to search for scholarships geared toward communities you're part of — students have a better chance at winning a scholarship if fewer people qualify.

Below, we introduce nine weird scholarships for students with some of the rarest and strangest attributes.

1. Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest

Award Amount: $2,000

If duck calling is one of your party tricks, you may be able to win some scholarship money. The Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce in Arkansas hosts an annual duck calling contest for high school seniors. The scholarship competition has been held for over 40 years.

The first-place winner receives $2,000. Second place receives $1,000, third place $750, and fourth place $500. The competition is held in Stuttgart, Arkansas, in November. While you have to be physically present to compete, the competition is open to all high school seniors, regardless of state of residence.

2. National Potato Council Scholarship

Award Amount: $10,000

The Potato Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation annually awards one graduate student a $10,000 scholarship. The student must demonstrate interest in research that will benefit the U.S. potato industry.

Potato-related topics may include potato production, pest and disease management, consumer potato consumptions, and the business side of potato product knowledge and industry competition. The scholarship is awarded in August, with applications opening in the spring.

3. Tall Clubs International Foundation Scholarships

Award Amount: $1,000

Being tall can have its pros and cons. One advantage is that you're uniquely qualified for a college scholarship from the Tall Clubs International Foundation.

To qualify, women must be at least 5'10" while men must be at least 6'2". You must also be under 21 years of age and an incoming first-year college student. Candidates are nominated by Tall Clubs throughout North America.

4. AACT's John Kitt Memorial Scholarship

Award Amount: $5,000

This wacky scholarship is for those who love candy and its creation. The American Association of Candy Technologists (AACT) awards a $5,000 scholarship to a college student with demonstrated interest in confectionery technology, which may mean research, work experience, or formal study in confectionery technology.

The student must be majoring in a related field such as food science, chemical science, or biological sciences. College sophomores, juniors, and seniors attending an accredited university in North America are eligible to apply.

5. United States Bowling Congress Youth Scholarships

Award Amount: $1,000-$6,000

High school bowlers can qualify for a variety of scholarships through the United States Bowling Congress (USBC). Some scholarships are awarded to entire bowling teams, while others go to single players.

Applicants must be a USBC Youth member and currently part of an interscholastic high school bowling team. Winners are chosen based on their bowling accomplishments, their academic achievements, their community involvement, an essay, and letters of recommendation.

6. Stuck at Prom Scholarship

Award Amount: $500-$10,000

Duck Brand has hosted its Stuck at Prom scholarship contest for over a decade. High school students can win between $500 and $10,000 for creating and wearing a prom outfit — either a dress or tux — made with Duck Brand duct tape.

Once you've created your outfit, you must submit a photo of yourself wearing your design by early June. Winners are announced each year in July. Creations are judged on workmanship, originality, use of colors and accessories, and use of duct tape.

There's also a period of community voting during which people can vote for their favorite prom outfits online.

7. The Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarships

Award Amount: $5,000-$10,000

Each year, The Vegetarian Resource Group awards three scholarships to high school seniors who have promoted vegetarianism in their communities. One student is awarded $10,000, and two receive $5,000.

Applicants must write an essay detailing how they have promoted vegetarianism in their school, their successes and challenges, and how they plan to continue their efforts. Students are assessed on their compassion, courage, and commitment to a vegetarian lifestyle.

8. Create-a-Greeting-Card Scholarship

Award Amount: $10,000

The Gallery Collection hosts an annual greeting card competition that's open to high school and college students ages 14 and older. Applicants must submit their greeting card designs by March, with winners announced in May.

The design must be an original piece of artwork, photo, or computer graphic. It's recommended that applicants peruse the cards currently for sale from The Gallery Collection for inspiration.

A panel of judges will assess a winner based on their card's aesthetic, quality, originality, design elements, and suitability for The Gallery Collection's consumer base.

9. Evans Scholarship

Award Amount: Full Ride

Seasoned golf caddies can qualify for a life-changing scholarship from the Western Golf Association Evans Scholars Foundation. The Evans Scholarship covers full tuition and housing for high-achieving student caddies with limited financial support.

Applicants must have a strong caddie record, an exceptional academic record, an outstanding character, and demonstrated financial need. High school seniors and first-year college students can apply.

Feature Image: Peter Cade / Stone / Getty Images