Best Writing Scholarships in 2024

The Horror Writers Association Scholarship will be open to all horror writers (HWA membership is not a requirement). Scholarship is designed to assist in the professional development of horror writers.

It is clear to the HWA that there are unseen, but real, barriers limiting the amount of horror fiction being published by women. This scholarship, named after the great female horror writer, aims to encourage more female writers to enter our genre and to aid in the development of those already working within it.

The Dennis Etchison Young Writers scholarship will be open to students in grades 10-12 (or the equivalent, if home schooled), with an interest in writing horror/dark fiction. Students must provide a selection of their work, at least one letter of reference by their instructor(s), and a description of their goals with an education plan for use of the stipend. The recipient will have 2 years to utilize the funds.

The Dark Poetry scholarship is designed to assist in the professional development of Horror and/or Dark Fantasy Poets. This scholarship is worth $1250, which may be spent on approved writing education over the two years following the granting of the scholarship.

In the context of this year's presidential and congressional elections, make the case for keeping "God" and religion out of the political debates, and the dangers posed when public officials pander and mix religion with government (550-750 words). The Brian Bolton Essay Competition is open to any graduate students through the age 30, or to undergraduate students ages 25-30 who attend a North American college or university

HACU partners with Ford Fund to challenge students from HACU-member Hispanic-Serving Institutions to design and develop innovative ideas that solve vital community issues. Three proposals from groups made up of 3-5 students will receive a substantial grant to activate their project with their chosen community-based organization, plus university scholarships to further their education.

The Marine Corps Essay Contest advances new thinking about how the U.S. Marine Corps will tackle the diverse and difficult security challenges of the 21st century. Dare to write about the toughest and most difficult issues; the topics that everyone knows need addressing, but some are hesitant to acknowledge. Essays should be 2,500 words maximum and this contest is open to all contributors.

To apply for this scholarship, write an essay of at least 600 words about your career aspirations and how your current studies will help you achieve success in your career. Where do you see yourself 10 years from now? Thinking outside the box is encouraged! Any current college student of an accredited U.S. college or university in good academic standing (3.0 or higher) is eligible.

The TalNexus Scholarship for a Master in Fine Arts Degree offers grants of up to $4,000 for storytellers (writers and filmmakers) pursuing degrees in Masters in Fine Arts. The award recognizes applicants of demonstrated talent in their craft and a commitment to exploring themes of individuality, community and innovation – broadly imagined – in their works.

The Cameron Impact Scholarship will be awarded annually each December to approximately 10-15 high school seniors. This four-year, merit-based scholarship is intended to cover the full tuition and educational expenses at the recipient’s chosen collegiate institution. Applicants must submit their high school transcript, two letters of recommendation, and the online application to be eligible for this scholarship.

Six awards offered annually. Two will be chosen by the sponsor, two will be based on public voting at DirectTextbook.com, and two will be drawn from random. To apply, the student must write an original haiku poem based on the given prompt, and make sure to submit by the deadline.

Have you read Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged? Enter this Ayn Rand Institute essay contest for your chance to win the top prize of $25,000! To apply, submit a 800-1,600 word essay on one of three designated topics related to Atlas Shrugged. Entrants must be in 12th grade or college at the time of the contest deadline and are limited to one entry per student per contest.

The purpose of this scholarship is to help you understand the risks of texting while driving. To apply, complete the application form, which includes a 140-character message about texting while driving. Ten finalists will be asked to write a full length 500- to 1,000-word essay about texting while driving, and one will be chosen as the winner of this $1,000 scholarship.

YoungArts’ signature program is an application-based award for emerging artists ages 15-18 or in grades 10-12 from across the United States. YoungArts winners receive valuable support, including financial awards of up to $10,000, professional development and educational experiences working with renowned mentors, and performance and exhibition opportunities at some of the nation’s leading cultural institutions.

The American poet Amy Lowell died in 1925. Her will established an annual scholarship to support travel abroad for gifted American-born poets. Any poet of American birth, who is able and willing to spend one year outside the continent of North America, shall be eligible.