USA Scholarships
Sustainability & Innovation Prize Guides
Prizes & Awards
Major global prizes that fund sustainability, innovation, and social impact work. These are not traditional scholarships but substantial cash awards for organizations, schools, and initiatives making a measurable difference. Below are our guides.
Documentary Photography Award 2027 - $1,000
The International Documentary Photography Award from Steve Anchell and Anchell Photography pays $1,000 to one undergraduate or graduate student who submits a blind-judged portfolio of 12 to 20 socially conscious documentary photographs plus a 350-word project essay. Matriculated students anywhere may apply regardless of major. The annual cycle historically closes January 1 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific. Winners are notified by March and paid by April. Apply through the official online form or partner portals such as Fastweb.
Ray Bradbury Award 2027 - $1,000 Writing
The Ray Bradbury Award for Science Fiction & Fantasy, sponsored by the Ray Bradbury Foundation through the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, gives up to six $1,000 scholarships to teens in grades 7-12 whose writing uses supernatural, magical, futuristic, scientific, or technological themes as a key part of the story. Enter any eligible writing category at portal.artandwriting.org, pay the regional fee or request a waiver, and opt in to the Bradbury prompt with a short personal statement. U.S. territories, military bases, and American schools abroad qualify alongside the 50 states. Regional deadlines start in December 2026.
Plagiarism Search Scholarship 2026 - $1,000
PlagiarismSearch.com runs a semi-annual essay contest for college students aged 18 and older who write 500 to 700 words in English on AI, plagiarism, and academic integrity. One winner per round receives $1,000 USD by card, PayPal, or bank transfer. Attach proof of student status with your essay through the form at plagiarismsearch.com/scholarship. Round 1 closes 20 May 2026; Round 2 closes 10 December 2026. International students may apply.
Military Child of the Year 2027 - $10,000 Award
Operation Homefront's Military Child of the Year Awards honor seven military dependents ages 13 to 18, one per armed forces branch, with $10,000, a laptop, and a Washington, D.C. gala trip. Nominations close 1 December 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Central.
Student Essay Contest 2027 - Americans United
Americans United for Separation of Church and State runs the AU Student Contest for high school and undergraduate students in the fifty states, DC, and US territories. Enter with a short essay or video on church-state separation using separate 2026 prompts, or submit both. First-place prizes reach $1,500 in each level with additional $500 awards. Apply through au.org/studentcontest by Monday, 5 October 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. Winners may be published in Church & State magazine.
Marine Band Concerto Competition 2027 - $2,500
The United States Marine Band Concerto Competition for High School Musicians is a nationwide performance contest for grades 9-12. Woodwind, brass, and percussion players apply with a YouTube recording of one work from the official repertoire list plus an online application. The winner performs as guest soloist with "The President''s Own" United States Marine Band, receives a $2,500 scholarship from the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, and gets travel support with a guardian. Second and third place earn $1,000 and $500 scholarships. Finalists rehearse and compete in Washington, D.C. U.S. citizens or permanent residents may apply; materials for the 2027 wind, brass, and percussion cycle are due mid-November 2026 following the band''s annual pattern.
BOBS Paws for a Cause Design Scholarship 2026
The BOBS from Skechers Paws for a Cause Design Scholarship invites U.S. college students to submit an original dog or cat mosaic print for BOBS footwear plus a personal shelter-pet story. Two winners each receive a $10,000 scholarship for 2027–2028, shoe production, mentoring, Skechers product, and must attend 2027 celebration events. Apply at my.reviewr.com by 15 September 2026.
AGC Outstanding Educator Award 2027 - $5,000
The AGC Education and Research Foundation Outstanding Educator Award honors full-time faculty in accredited construction management or construction-related engineering programs who excel in teaching, mentoring, and industry engagement. The 2027 cycle accepts emailed or postmarked nominations through 15 November 2026. The winner receives $5,000, may designate two students for $2,500 scholarships, and attends the AGC Annual Convention as a Foundation guest.
PlagCheck Essay Contest 2026 - $1,000 Prize
PlagCheck runs an annual essay contest for college students aged 18 and older who write 500 words in English on AI, academic integrity, and the future of education. One winner receives $1,000 USD paid by PayPal, bank transfer, or card. Submissions must be original with no AI writing tools. Upload through the form at plagcheck.com/essay-contest by 1 October 2026.