When school ends and summer begins, it’s tempting to completely unplug—and you should absolutely take time to rest. But summer also gives you a rare chance: free time with fewer academic responsibilities. This makes it the perfect window to work on your scholarship search, which can significantly
reduce the cost of college.
Spending even a few hours a week researching, organizing, and
applying for scholarships can lead to thousands of dollars in financial aid. The key is knowing how to balance your time so you can stay productive and enjoy your summer.
Looking for Scholarship Opportunities: Start with What You Know
The first step is to get organized and know where to look. Many students miss out on scholarships not because they’re unqualified, but because they simply don’t know what’s available.
Start here:
• National databases, like
Fastweb. These sites let you filter opportunities by your background, interests, major, or achievements.
• Local sources such as community foundations, civic groups (like the Rotary Club or NAACP), and your high school counseling office. Local scholarships may have fewer applicants, giving you a better shot.
• Employers and affiliations. Some
workplaces (yours or your family’s) offer scholarships. Churches, unions, and other membership organizations may have options, too.
As you find opportunities,
create a spreadsheet or document that tracks deadlines, requirements, and status. This helps you stay focused and avoid missing key dates.
Balancing Fun and Scholarship Goals: It’s Not All or Nothing
One reason people procrastinate on summer goals is that they think working on them means giving up their break. But balance is completely possible.
Here’s how:
• Work first, play later. Try doing your scholarship work in the morning, so the rest of your day is open for fun.
• Mix it up. Do your research one day,
draft an essay the next, and relax in between. This keeps things from feeling too repetitive.
• Use your environment. If you’re traveling or visiting family, bring your laptop or a notebook. Sometimes a change of scenery helps boost creativity, especially with writing.
• Involve your support system. Tell a friend or family member about
your scholarship goals. They can encourage you or even help review your applications.
A balanced approach makes the process more sustainable, and you won’t feel like you missed out on your summer.
Scholarships for High School Students: Where to Begin This Summer
If you’re still in high school, especially as a rising junior or senior, summer is a great time to get ahead on your scholarship search. Many
scholarships are open to high school students and don’t require a long application process. Starting now can give you a big advantage before senior year gets too busy.
Here are a few scholarships listed on Fastweb that are open to high school students and have summer or rolling deadlines:
Deadline: June 15, 2025
Award: Up to $1,250
Requirements: Open to students aged 18 and older. Applicants must write a maximum 500-word short essay about how creativity has helped them solve a problem or reach a goal.
Deadline: July 31, 2025
Award: $1,000
Requirements: High school seniors and college students can apply by writing about what the "spirit of giving" means to them.
Deadline: August 31, 2025
Award: Up to $2,000
Requirements: Open to high school seniors and college students planning to pursue real estate, business, or a related field. Requires a short 500-word essay.
Deadline: August 31, 2025
Award: $1,000
Requirements: Must be a current high school senior or college student with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants submit a 600-word essay about their career goals. YouTube video submissions are also accepted and should be no longer than five minutes.
Scholarships for College Students: Keep Applying During Summer
If you're already in college, summer is still an excellent time to search for scholarships. Even if you’ve received aid in the past, many private scholarships are available specifically for current undergraduates. These can help reduce student loan debt or cover costs for the upcoming semester.
Here are a few current opportunities on Fastweb that college students can apply for over the summer:
Deadline: June 30, 2025
Award: $4,000
Requirements: Open to full-time college students majoring in STEM-related fields. Applicants must write a short essay about the future of manufacturing and innovation.
Deadline: June 02, 2025
Award: Up to $500
Requirements: Open to college students. Submit a short, original video on the importance of safe student transportation. Creativity is encouraged.
Deadline: June 02, 2025
Award: Up to $15,000
Requirements: Open to undergraduate and graduate students working on a science, technology, or engineering innovation. Requires a working prototype or invention concept, along with supporting documentation.
Use the Summer to Invest in Yourself
Your summer doesn’t have to be packed with stress to
be productive. By using even a few hours a week wisely, you can discover great scholarship opportunities, strengthen your applications, and set yourself up for future success.
You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to be consistent. With the right mindset and a bit of structure, your summer can be both enjoyable and meaningful.
