home | contact us | disclaimer  

Writing College Scholarships: Writing Grants

If you are interested in creative writing, journalistic writing or other types of writing as a career path, you may be able to apply for writing scholarship to finance some of your college education. Writing scholarships are typically granted based on the student's writing abilities and academic track record, and many are available through literary magazines, college and university English departments, and private entities that want to support talented writers. Getting a writing scholarship and writing grants can be a challenging but very rewarding process, and can help you further your writing career.

Winning Writing Scholarships

Many writing scholarships are based on an essay contest or a writing competition, and applicants are judged based on their writing skills and abilities. Some writer's associations and colleges offer scholarship writing contests throughout the year and the funds from these scholarships can cover the costs of tuition. Other writing scholarships are awarded to students who wish to have their contribution published, or to provide funding for enrollment in a certain program.

No matter what type of writing grants and scholarships you apply for, the application process usually consists of the following:

  • Submitting a completed application
  • Writing a personal statement
  • Providing samples of your work
  • Providing at least one letter of recommendation from an English teacher or professor

In order to win a writing scholarship or writing grants, the applicant needs to review all eligibility requirements, submit a paper, essay or other writing project for review, provide letters of recommendation, write a cover letter, and submit transcripts. Writing scholarship essay contests can be very competitive and may require writing about a very focused topic. Applicants must have strong research and editing skills, and demonstrate their ability to write in a certain tone or style.

Types of Writing Scholarships and Writing Grants

Some of the most readily available writing scholarships and writing grants in the United States include:

  • Ayn Rand Foundation Essay Contest
  • OP Loftbed Writing Scholarship
  • ALBA Essay Contest
  • Scholastic Inc. Art & Writing Awards
  • B. Davis Scholarship
  • AAAS Minority Science Writers Internship
  • Diverse Minds Youth Writing Challenge
  • Excellence in Writing Competition
  • New York Financial Writer's Association Scholarship
  • Annual FundsForWriters Essay Contest

Students interested in applying for writing grants can find a wealth of information about writing scholarships and grants from their college or university of choice. Many state universities and colleges offer their own writing scholarships and writing grants for those who are enrolled in a program in the English department.

Several journalism organizations and associations also offer writing grants and writing scholarships for students who are interested in pursuing a career in journalism after graduation. These scholarships may require writing in a certain journalistic style, reporting on local or national news, and submitting a portfolio that demonstrates the student's skills.

Information About Writing Grants and Writing College Scholarships

If you are a creative writer or have strong writing skills in a particular style, you may be a good candidate for writing grants. Many English departments at accredited colleges and universities offer creative writing grants and other types of writing grants and awards for students who are especially talented. These grants can be used to pay for enrollment in creative writing programs, fellowships and research projects. Some are designed for students who are interested only in writing drama scripts, non-fiction books and screenplays.

Writing grants and writing college scholarships may fall under any of the following categories:

  • General writing
  • Humor
  • Nonfiction
  • Personal essays or memoirs
  • Science fiction and fantasy
  • Short stories
  • Novels
  • Journalism
  • Drama scripts
  • Creative writing

Many private schools and colleges that offer writing grants and fellowship programs groom students to become better writers throughout their college careers and may cover the costs of tuition and college-related expenses for up to four years. For many students, getting writing college scholarships or grants is a noteworthy achievement and tremendous accomplishment. The funds can be used to not only finance a solid college education, but also provide students with resources and opportunities they would not otherwise have had access to if they were financing their education on their own.

 

Back to Writing College Scholarships: Writing Grants