Best Personal Essay Writing Scholarships in 2025

Faith Hope and Love Jesus, Inc. is excited to offer an annual $500 college scholarship for students who have been affected by cancer and/or a blood disorder. The application essay can be on any topic or subject, as long as it's 500 words or more — so let the writing begin! The deadline for submission is every May 1st and we will announce our winner every August 1st.

Our organization seeks to honor Benjamin’s Hope for the Future by raising awareness & funding promising treatments with the hope for a cure for pediatric cancer. As part of this, we provide an annual scholarship to students who have been impacted by cancer and participated in community service (which should be the topic of the essay they submit).

This award is offered annually to students of Italian ancestry who are majoring in journalism or media communications. Award is $2,000 and is available only to residents of the Chicago metropolitan area. All applicants must submit a typewritten essay of 500 words on a topic related to the Italian-American experience, portrayal in the media, and/or history.

To apply for this scholarship, students must be enrolled at an accredited college or university in Connecticut or be a Connecticut resident enrolled in university in any state or country. Applications should include a 500-word essay about a current event that captured your interest, how you stayed informed, and more.

The Robert D. Blue Scholarship awards students who demonstrate literary and scholastic ability; exhibit qualities of truth, courage, and fellowship; and display moral force of character. The applicant must be an Iowa resident planning to attend an Iowa college/university during the upcoming school year. Application includes an original 500-word essay on citizenship.

The Maxwell Foundation provides financial resources to student leaders from Washington state — up to $5,000 per year for freshmen starting at a four-year private college during the upcoming academic year. Requirements include a short essay, sufficient test scores, and financial need. The scholarship is renewable each year for a total of up to $20,000 over a four-year period.

The Bethesda Auxiliary, in partnership with AbleLight, offers scholarships worth $3,000 that will be awarded to Lutheran-affiliated junior and senior students pursuing undergraduate degrees in any academic area that will prepare them to serve and support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To apply, you must write a 250-300 word essay on how your intended academic course of study will achieve this.

This scholarship is intended to encourage young people to pursue learning and spread the message about the gift of sight through eye donation. To apply, students must reside in New York City or a nearby area, and complete a short essay describing an educational or public service initiative in which the student participated that promoted eye, organ and tissue donation.

The Soozie Courter Hemophilia Scholarship Program is designed to inspire students living with hemophilia to achieve their educational goals. Scholarships will be awarded to applicants with hemophilia A or hemophilia B who present the best combination of a creative and persuasive essay, excellent recommendations, and superior academic standing.

The Against The Grain Artistic Scholarship provides financial assistance and promotion of Asian American college students pursuing a major in the performing, visual arts, journalism and/or mass communications. Multiple $1,000 awards will be given, to be applied toward school tuition and fees.

The mission of AEL is in its strong belief in "American exceptionalism", i.e., that our country is exceptional in the history of the world. This essay contest is an opportunity for undergraduate students to express their equally strong belief in American exceptionalism. Essay should be between 1,500-2,000 words, including any footnotes or bibliographic citations.

Summer days for students should be savored and enjoyed, but they can also be used to work, volunteer, and help others. That’s where the Savor Summer College Scholarship comes in! To apply, write a 500-word essay answering the question, “How are you planning on using your summer vacation?”

LearnCurious is proud to introduce the annual competition for the Phyliss J. McCarthy Scholarship for Excellence in Writing. In 3,000 words or fewer, applicants must respond to one of three creative prompts. Entrants must be high school juniors or seniors to win.

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 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.