As more students are going to college, more resources are becoming available to help you get there. Whether you’re an expert juggler, know how to play the bagpipes, or are adopted, there are scholarships exclusively offered to you. There is more funding now than ever, and not always for the reasons that you would expect. In fact, one school only offers scholarships to left-handed students.
It’s about time that left-handers started getting the respect they deserve. After all, they make up 13% of the American public, according to a recent study by Penn State. Not to mention, many famous people throughout history were left-handed, such as Albert Einstein, Robert De Niro, Queen Victoria of England, and a disproportionate number of American presidents (Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama were all southpaws).
At Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, being left-handed is seen as an admirable quality. Actually, they have set up the Frederick and Mary F. Buckley Scholarship, which is only accessible to lefties. The financial award of $1,000 - $1,500 is meant to honor the memory of Mary F. Buckley, a former student of Juniata, who left money to the school for this very purpose. As you’ve probably already guessed, she was left-handed.
More than 40 students have been able to pursue their education thanks to this scholarship. Since it was first awarded by the college in 1979, the Frederick and Mary F. Buckley Scholarship has been given to sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are able to maintain the required grade point average. Anyone interested in learning more about this award is prompted to write to Office of Student Financial Planning, Juniata College, 1700 Moore Street, Huntingdon, PA 16652.
Because someone who contributes money to a college for the purpose of student financial aid gets to dictate the terms of its distribution, there are many unusual scholarships at universities all over the nation. If you believe that you have a unique trait or ability, it would be in your best interest to search for scholarships related to it while you’re looking for colleges. You never know what you might find. You won’t get a full ride for being taller than 6’2’’, but you may be able to receive the $1,000 award that the Tall Clubs International (TCI) hands out to towering prospective students.
However, it’s best to watch out for scams. There are websites offering “scholarships” that actually just want to take your information. Make sure you do your research and never give away anything about yourself that you find uncomfortable. Keep an eye out for red flags, such as websites that make you submit a down payment along with your application. Use reputable sources, many of which are available from your high school guidance counselor’s office.
