Did you know only 10% of the world’s population is left-handed? This unique trait could help pay for your education.
Left-handed scholarships rank among the most interesting funding options you’ve probably never heard about. My years of research into scholarship opportunities revealed these gems. They might sound unusual, but these scholarships are real and can offer the most important financial support for your education.
Students often ask me about getting scholarships for being left-handed. The answer is yes. The historic Beckley Scholarship and modern university-specific programs offer many opportunities to left-handed students in 2024.
Here’s a complete list of 5 legitimate scholarships for left-handed people. You’ll find current award amounts, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines. These opportunities could help reduce your educational expenses whether you’re heading to college or already enrolled.
Frederick & Mary F. Beckley Left-Handed Scholarship
Image Source: LinkedIn
The Frederick and Mary F. Beckley Left-Handed Scholarship stands out as one of the most fascinating examples of specialized educational funding I’ve encountered in my research career.
History and Legacy
The scholarship’s story reads like a romance novel. Two left-handed tennis players found love on the courts of Juniata College in Pennsylvania. Their relationship led them to create this unique scholarship in 1979 with a generous bequest of $24,000. Their simple yet influential vision aimed to support left-handed students’ educational goals. The program has helped more than 40 left-handed students achieve their academic dreams in the last several years.
Past Award Details
The scholarship provided substantial financial support between $2,000 and $5,000 during its active period. Students had to meet several requirements to qualify:
- Maintain a minimum 3.39 GPA
- Demonstrate financial need
- Be enrolled at Juniata College for at least one year
- Show involvement in campus leadership
- Provide references confirming left-handedness
Students needed to submit grade certificates, recommendations, and proof of financial need as part of the thorough application process.
Current Status
The Frederick and Mary F. Beckley Scholarship, despite its historical significance, is no longer active. This groundbreaking program’s discontinuation hasn’t diminished its role as evidence of how scholarships can support unique student characteristics. The scholarship’s legacy inspires similar initiatives at institutions of all sizes.
Left-handed students should explore alternative funding options, which we’ll explore later in this piece. This specific program’s end hasn’t stopped it from paving the way for scholarships that recognize diverse student characteristics.
Barack Obama Scholars Program
Image Source: Obama Foundation
My research on specialized scholarships shows that the Obama Scholars Program provides some of the most complete educational funding today. As Paul Fain, your educational funding expert, I’m thrilled to share these chances that go beyond regular scholarship categories.
Program Overview
The Obama Foundation Scholars program blends academic excellence with leadership development naturally. The program’s dedication to equipping future leaders who already contribute to their communities makes it special. Scholars receive complete support that includes monthly stipends, furnished housing, and full coverage of tuition and fees.
Eligibility Requirements
My analysis reveals these most important eligibility criteria:
- Demonstrate total annual family income of $42,400 or less
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50
- Complete 24 credit hours during each academic year
- Show proven commitment to service and leadership
- Demonstrate fluency in English (reading, writing, and speaking)
Application Process
Success depends on following the application timeline. Students must submit everything by January 15th for the following academic year. Successful candidates need to provide:
- A complete application form with personal information
- Full documentation for financial aid verification by July 1st
- Proof of academic achievements and leadership experience
This program’s focus on developing future leaders makes it stand out. My scholarship research over the last several years shows how this program reshapes students’ lives through academic support and leadership development.
Jimi Hendrix Music Scholarship
Image Source: Jimi Hendrix
My research into specialized educational funding shows that the Jimi Hendrix Music Scholarship gives talented left-handed guitarists a unique chance to pursue their dreams. Let me share the details of this special program with you as your scholarship expert, Paul Fain.
Scholarship Details
The Jimi Hendrix Scholarship from Berklee College of Music gives successful applicants $5,000. This scholarship helps returning guitar students who show exceptional musical talent. Students in the United States can apply for this award.
Musical Requirements
The eligibility criteria includes:
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
- Must be a returning guitar student at Berklee College
- Proof of musical talent and academic progress
- Enrollment status from sophomore to senior year
Application Timeline
Students should start their applications early. The deadlines change each academic year. Here’s what you need to do:
Get in touch with the scholarship office:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 617-747-8681
The official Berklee College website has the latest information about deadlines and requirements. The scholarship committee looks at applications as they come in, and awards range from $2,000 to $5,000 based on several factors.
Mark Twain Literary Scholarship
Image Source: Society for the Study of Midwestern Literature
My decades of scholarship research have shown that the Mark Twain Literary Scholarship remains one of the most substantial academic funding options. Let me share the details of this prestigious award as your trusted educational funding expert, Paul Fain.
Award Amount
The scholarship provides impressive funding across multiple tiers:
- Mark Twain Level 1: $21,500 per year
- Mark Twain Level 2: $8,500 per year
- Non-resident Award: Ranges from $2,000 to $5,500 annually
Eligibility Criteria
Students must meet these requirements:
- Rank in the top 50% of their graduating class
- Achieve a minimum ACT composite score of 27 or SAT I score of 1210
- Maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA for renewal
- Complete at least 24 credit hours per academic year
Application Guidelines
Students should start their applications early based on my experience guiding them through this process. The priority deadline falls on May 1st, and the final submission date is August 15th. You can renew the scholarship each year by maintaining the academic requirements.
This scholarship’s connection to Mark Twain’s literary legacy makes it special. It celebrates the author’s contributions to American literature and rewards students who show strong writing abilities and academic excellence.
Left-handed students might find an interesting connection here. While this scholarship isn’t exclusively for left-handed students, it has a unique link to Mark Twain, who was left-handed himself. This makes it a great option for left-handed students who need financial support for their education.
Marie Curie STEM Scholarship
Image Source: College of Saint Mary
I’m Paul Fain, your scholarship expert, and I’m excited to tell you about the Marie Curie STEM Scholarship. This specialized funding opportunity can revolutionize talented students’ educational experience.
Program Benefits
Students receive $20,000 per year which adds up to $80,000 over four years. The scholarship provides these additional benefits:
- Paid research opportunities and internships
- Access to the Marie Curie Science and Math Boot Camp
- Free tutoring and mentoring support
- Professional networking opportunities
- Funded travel for conference attendance
- STEM career exploration resources
Selection Criteria
My analysis shows that successful applicants need to meet these standards:
- Minimum GPA of 3.5
- ACT score of at least 23
- Strong STEM preparation through coursework or activities
- U.S. citizenship
Students pursuing non-medical STEM careers get preference. The same applies to underrepresented groups, including first-generation students and single parents.
How to Apply
The application process needs careful attention. Here’s what you need to do based on my student guidance experience:
- Submit a completed application form through the College of Saint Mary portal
- Prepare a 500-word essay describing your STEM interests and career goals
- File your FAFSA (school code: 002540)
- Participate in a personal interview if requested
This scholarship stands out because of its all-encompassing approach to supporting STEM education. Over the last several years of scholarship research, I’ve seen how this program builds a community of bright, science-minded women while covering most tuition costs.
By Paul Fain, Educational Funding Expert
Paul Fain is an esteemed writer and education journalist at StudyEpic, where he covers key topics such as Admissions, Scholarships, Courses, and Rankings. With a focus on higher education and career development, Paul provides expert analysis and advice to students, families, and educators. His engaging articles explore the evolving landscape of education, from navigating the complexities of college admissions to understanding the latest trends in career opportunities. Paul’s insights help readers make informed decisions on their educational paths and future careers.