Best Personal Essay Writing Scholarships in 2025

The Dr. Jerry Pournelle Scholarship may be awarded to a candidate of any gender majoring in engineering, math, biological or physical sciences, or “science fiction as literature” as an eligible field of study. Applicants must submit a 500-1,000 word essay on one of several scientific topics. Winners are announced on July 7th each year.

The Dr. Yoji Kondo Scholarship may be awarded to a candidate of any gender majoring in engineering, math, biological or physical sciences, or “science fiction as literature” as an eligible field of study. Applicants must submit a 500-1,000 word essay on one of several scientific topics. Winners are announced on July 7th each year.

The Marguerite Young Endowment Fund was established at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships for students who plan to study theology. Candidates must be attending a Protestant seminary as a master of Divinity candidate, preparing for full-time ministry and/or be a seminary intern at a Protestant Church. Application must includes proof of this, as well as a personal essay.

Sigma Tau Delta offers the Junior Scholarship in honor of E. Nelson James, long-time Executive Secretary for the Society. Applications should demonstrate both academic achievement and campus, community, or chapter service; applicants should explain the relevance of their program of study to fostering the discipline of English, including literature, language, writing, and literacy.

This scholarship, named in honor of Sigma Tau Delta's Executive Director, recognizes academic excellence and outstanding service to the Society at the local, regional, and/or national level. This scholarship requires applicants to submit, in addition to the application information and scholarship essay, a paper originally submitted as coursework and a declaration of authorship.

This scholarship is intended to assist current student or alumni members in furthering their education on a part-time or non-degree-seeking basis in areas of study. Examples of eligible areas of study include teacher certification, summer coursework, publishing institutes, and professionalization opportunities. Applicants will describe current or past academic scholarship and campus, community, or chapter service, as well as context for their part-time or non-degree-seeking student status.

Sigma Tau Delta offers the Senior Scholarship in honor of Elva Bell McLin, past Southern Regent and Historian for the Society. Applications should demonstrate both academic achievement and campus, community, or chapter service; applicants should explain the relevance of their program of study to fostering the discipline of English, including literature, language, writing, and literacy.

Sigma Tau Delta offers the Graduate Scholarship in honor of Edwin L. Stockton, Jr., Past-President, who served for 18 years. Applications should demonstrate both academic achievement and campus, community, or chapter service; applicants should explain the relevance of their program of study to fostering the discipline of English, including literature, language, writing, and literacy.

The INCIGHT scholarship is open to students in Washington, Oregon, and California who have a documented disability. Applicants must complete two detailed essay responses (video essays also welcome) in order to be eligible. The number of awards and total amount awarded will be determined during the selection process, and winners will be notified in June. INCIGHT Scholars are required to complete either 30 hours of community service or volunteer at one INCIGHT event.

The Bird Dog Foundation, Inc. has established a scholarship fund to promote interest in hunting, wildlife conservation, the rich outdoor heritage of the United States, and other related subjects. This annual essay contest and scholarship is open only to high school seniors who are preparing to enter their freshman year at an accredited college or university.

The AAF-Greater Evansville awards scholarships to deserving high school and/or college students yearly in April. To be eligible, students must plan to pursue a career in advertising, marketing, public relations or graphic design. Application varies yearly but includes various education details and personal statements.

The foundation established this scholarship program to encourage and reward juniors, seniors and graduate students who have a burning desire to pursue some aspect of professional speaking as a career. To be considered for one of our six scholarships, please review and fill out the Scholarship Criteria and Application Form, which includes a personal essay about your career objective, your desire to be a professional speaker and how you will use your skills in oral communications.

Each year PRSSA presents more than $30,000 in scholarships and awards to members and Chapters who exhibit outstanding merit in public relations. Apply for a scholarship, submit your best work, or enter one of our many national competitions to find out how PRSSA can enhance — and help fund — your education.

Higher education: that magical time when deadlines are tight and budgets are tighter. That's why we at Rover would like to help fund your brain fuel for the coming school year. Just write a 400-500 word essay about caring for a pet for your chance to win $2,500!

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.