Introduction: Your Unique Hobby Could Fund Your Education
Most students believe scholarships are only awarded for academic excellence, athletic skill, or financial need. But what if your quirky pastime or unusual interest could help pay for college?
From duck calling and knitting to skateboarding and comic book collecting, there are scholarships available for almost every kind of unique hobby. These awards are often less competitive and celebrate individuality, creativity, and passion.
In this article, we explore a wide range of scholarships that reward uncommon hobbies, and we’ll also show you how to find and apply for these hidden gems that celebrate who you are outside the classroom.
Why Hobby-Based Scholarships Exist
Hobby-based scholarships are funded by organizations that want to promote creativity, preserve niche interests, or support future professionals in specific fields. These scholarships are valuable because they focus on talent, dedication, and passion rather than just grades.
They often:
Celebrate underrepresented hobbies or crafts
Encourage students to continue developing their interests
Have lower competition due to their niche criteria
Reflect real-world diversity in student strengths and passions
If you’ve ever thought your hobby was too “weird” to matter, think again. It might be exactly what gets you a scholarship.
Unique Hobby Scholarships You Should Know About
Let’s explore real scholarships available for students with unusual but meaningful interests.
The National Duck Calling Contest Scholarship
Yes, there is a scholarship for duck calling. The Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest is held in Arkansas and offers cash awards to the best duck callers.
Eligibility
High school seniors in the United States
Must demonstrate duck calling skills during the competition
Award
$2,000 total (split among top winners)
Website: www.stuttgartarkansas.org
National Marbles Tournament Scholarship
If you love playing marbles and are good at it, this childhood game could turn into college funding.
Eligibility
Winners of the national marbles championship
Ages 8 to 14
Award
Varies (typically includes small scholarships and prizes)
Website: www.nationalmarblestournament.org
Stuck at Prom Duct Tape Scholarship
Sponsored by Duck Brand, this contest challenges students to create their prom attire using only duct tape.
Eligibility
Open to high school students in the U.S. and Canada
Must submit photos of prom outfit made from duct tape
Award
Up to $10,000
Website: www.stuckatprom.com
American Society of Magicians Youth Scholarships
This scholarship supports young magicians who want to improve their craft or pursue magic as part of their education.
Eligibility
Youth members of the Society of American Magicians
Demonstrated interest and performance in magic
Award
Up to $2,000
Website: www.magicsam.com
Gamers Helping Gamers – Magic: The Gathering Scholarship
Designed for fans of the Magic: The Gathering card game, this scholarship rewards dedication and community involvement in gaming.
Eligibility
Current college students or high school seniors
Active players of Magic: The Gathering
Must submit essays about gaming experiences
Award
$5,000
Website: www.gamershelpinggamers.org
The Jif Most Creative Sandwich Contest
For students with a passion for cooking or sandwich-making creativity. While technically a recipe contest, winners often receive scholarship funding or educational grants.
Eligibility
Open to children aged 6 to 12
Must submit a unique sandwich recipe
Award
Varies (educational scholarships and prizes)
Website: www.jif.com
The Hobby Greenhouse Club Scholarship
For students who enjoy gardening, growing exotic plants, or greenhouse maintenance.
Eligibility
Students pursuing horticulture, botany, or agriculture
Involvement in personal or school greenhouse projects
Award
$500 to $1,500
Local club-based awards
Website: Search by region (e.g., local greenhouse clubs)
Writers of the Future Contest
For young science fiction or fantasy writers. This contest offers cash prizes and exposure to publishing opportunities.
Eligibility
New writers with unpublished or limited publishing history
Submit short stories of up to 17,000 words
Award
Up to $5,000
Website: www.writersofthefuture.com
The Knitting Guild Association Scholarships
For students who are passionate about knitting, designing patterns, or teaching the craft.
Eligibility
Knitting Guild members or active hobbyists
Often awarded for community knitting projects or original designs
Award
Varies
Website: www.tkga.org
Discovering Scholarships for Your Own Hobby
If your hobby isn’t listed above, that doesn’t mean there’s no scholarship for it. Here’s how to find one that matches your unique interest.
Search scholarships using hobby-related terms
Try phrases like “scholarship for cosplay,” “skateboarding scholarship,” or “photography student award”
Look for nonprofit or brand-sponsored contests
Many companies sponsor art, food, writing, or design challenges for young talent
Ask local hobby clubs and online communities
Join forums or Facebook groups related to your interest
Members often share competitions and scholarships
Talk to a teacher or mentor
Instructors in creative subjects may know about hobby-specific awards
Tips to Win a Hobby-Based Scholarship
Hobby scholarships can still be competitive in their niche. To improve your chances:
Build a strong portfolio
Keep pictures, videos, or samples of your work related to the hobby
Write a compelling personal story
Explain how your hobby shaped your goals, discipline, or identity
Include community engagement
If your hobby helped others, highlight that impact in your application
Don’t ignore small awards
Many smaller scholarships are stackable and easier to win
Submit on time and follow instructions
Creativity counts, but so does professionalism
Combine Passion with Purpose
The best applications show not just that you love your hobby, but how it connects to your future.
For example:
A student who skateboards and plans to study engineering could link their interest to designing sports equipment
A student who collects comics might be pursuing illustration or storytelling
A young gardener may want to major in environmental science or sustainability
Use your hobby as the foundation for a bigger goal.
Avoid Common Mistakes
Don’t treat hobby scholarships as less important. They might be less traditional, but the money is real. Don’t submit low-quality or casual applications. Even fun scholarships deserve serious effort. Don’t assume you're not "good enough." If you’re passionate and committed, that matters more than perfection.
Conclusion: Let Your Hobby Work for You
Your unique talent, unusual pastime, or creative interest isn’t just fun it could be the key to your college funding. Hobby-based scholarships prove that being different is an asset.
So whether you draw comic books, build robots, make origami, design dresses, or play an unusual instrument, there’s likely a scholarship waiting for someone just like you.
Stay authentic, be bold, and apply. Because what makes you different might just be what makes you win.