Best Writing Scholarships in 2026

For this year's competition, please write a persuasive, personal essay (300-350 words) about why you reject religion and think others would be better off doing so too. The William J. Schulz Essay Competition is open to all North American high school seniors graduating this spring and attending college or university in the fall.

One high school junior from each state and Washington, D.C., with an interest in journalism will be selected for an all-expenses-paid program on June 21-26, 2026, featuring panel conversations with journalists and multimedia storytellers, newsroom visits, networking events, a chance to meet news industry leaders, and unique tours of our nation’s capital. Includes a $1,000 college scholarship and ongoing support from more than 1,700 alumni. Build your skills, grow your network and get a head start on your future.

The Seattle Public Library Foundation is pleased to host the Stimson Bullitt Civic Courage Scholarship competition. High school seniors and undergraduate students who live, work, or attend school in Seattle are invited to participate. The competition asks students to write an essay about an individual or group of individuals from Washington state who have demonstrated civic courage on an issue of importance to the community at great personal, political or professional risk.

The $6,000 Stoody-West Fellowships in religious journalism are offered in recognition of Dr. Ralph Stoody and Dr. Arthur West, who were leaders in public relations and information services in the United Methodist Church. Each application should include a personal essay and samples of your journalistic work.

For this year's competition, please write an essay (1,500 words or less) exploring one legal argument defending the constitutionality of Montana's "No Aid" provision, or rebutting one argument that the clause is unconstitutional. The Cornelius Vanderbrook Essay Competition is open to all ongoing law school students attending a North American law school.

Each year, DCAPHA awards scholarships for the following academic year, usually two scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each. Scholarship recipients will be chosen at the Association’s discretion, based on a combination of the quality of the application, short essay, and recommendation.

The Leonard M. Perryman Communications Scholarship for Racial Ethnic Minority Students awards a $2,500 scholarship for the undergraduate study of religion journalism or mass communications. It recognizes of the work of Leonard M. Perryman, a renowned journalist for the United Methodist Church. Each application should include a personal essay and samples of your journalistic work.

At Caring.com, we understand the demanding lifestyle of student-caregivers and the challenges they may face. This scholarship provides financial assistance to students who are caring for an adult relative while enrolled in college. Two scholarships of $1,500 are awarded each year to student-caregivers to help cover costs of tuition and books.

For this year's competition, please write a personal essay (400-600 words) about why you are not religious and its benefits. Be sure to explain why you reject religion. The David Hudak Essay Competition is open to freethinking students of color ages 17-21, who are either high school seniors graduating in spring or who are currently enrolled in a college or university in North America.

Sub Pop Records is offering a grand total of $18,000 in college scholarship money to three eligible high school seniors. To apply, you must submit an essay, one page or less, using any combination of the following questions as a guide (or write something completely your own, be inspired and creative!). Please list the school you are graduating from and the school you plan to attend in the fall at the top of your essay along with your contact information.

Each year, the Gordon Hay Scholarship Committee will select up to two exceptional students to receive a one-time award in the amount of up to $10,000. The award is designed for special learning opportunities related to the recipient’s career interest in a non-performance area of theater. Examples include but are not limited to professional conferences, seminars, workshops, participation in an unpaid internship program, professional performances, or technology needs.

The Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) annually sponsors the Bodie McDowell Scholarship program to support tomorrow’s communicators. Ideal candidates are talented communicators with outdoor interests who can demonstrate a record of accomplishment in and commitment to the fields of outdoor communications.

The Peter Agris Memorial Scholarship is for Greek-Americans pursuing careers in journalism and communications. Applications must include a personal essay on "what values from your Greek heritage you hope to carry with you into your career as a journalist," as well as journalistic samples.

For more than three decades, the CBCF in partnership with CBC Spouses has awarded scholarships to talented and deserving students. Each year, we award more than 300 scholarships to students that demonstrate leadership ability through exemplary community service and academic talent. Our programs support current or upcoming college students across a variety of disciplines.

Your story will inspire the future. Tell us about an African-American role model who inspired you and you could earn a college scholarship in celebration of Black History Month and those who have inspired the next generation to make history.