The National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC) offers more than $750,000 in competition and award prizes on the local, state and national level. The Biennial Young Artist and Ellis Duo-Pianists competitions award a total of $92,000 in awards and two years of performance bookings. Additional competitions are sponsored by the Federation in a wide range of categories, including voice, instrumental music, composition, dance, conducting, handicapped and visually impaired, and music therapy. NFMC also sponsors more than 38 annual and biennial awards for students desiring to attend the 20 sponsored Summer Music Centers.
The American Protege International Vocal Competition is designed for singers who would like to challenge themselves in a very competitive environment. The Competition is open to solo vocalists and vocal groups of all ages, nationalities and countries. Participants are required to submit video recording materials for the audition. First and Second Place Winners can choose to perform at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York City, or to receive a Winner’s Package by mail.
Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) sponsors an annual essay contest to promote the spirit of Americanism and patriotism among our country’s youth. FRA’s Americanism Essay Contest is open to all students, grades 7 through 12, including those who are home schooled. Students are invited to submit a 350-word essay through an FRA member or local FRA branch before the December 1st deadline. Local winners are forwarded for competition at the regional level and regional winners compete for national prizes. The grand national winner will receive $5,000, with additional prizes for the top three essays in each grade category ($2,500 for first place, $1,500 for second place, and $1,000 for third place). Each national winner will receive an attractive plaque citing his/her achievement, and every entrant judged at the national level receives a certificate of recognition. Additional prizes may be awarded to students winning at local and regional levels of competition.
For nearly two decades, students from around the world have competed in the Imagine Cup, Microsoft’s global technology competition just for students, for the chance to win mentorship, networking opportunities, free travel, cash, and other prizes, not to mention the coveted trophy. But the Imagine Cup is more than just a tech competition. It’s a chance to work with friends, gain new skills, and meet other students who want to make a difference.
FIRST Tech Challenge teams (up to 15 team members, grades 7-12) are challenged to design, build, program, and operate robots to compete in a head-to-head challenge in an alliance format. Participants have access to tens of millions of dollars in college scholarships. Each season concludes with regional championship events and an exciting FIRST Championship.
FIRST LEGO League Junior is designed to introduce STEM concepts to kids ages 6 to 10 while exciting them through a brand they know and love − LEGO.
Since its inception, NABA, Inc. has provided more than $11 million in scholarship funds to deserving students preparing to enter various accounting, finance and business professions. Through the generous contributions of individuals, groups, and organizations that share NABA’s desire to break through the economic barriers students of color often experience, NABA offers an average of 50 national scholarships annually ranging from $2,500 – $10,000.
Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA) conducts an annual student Essay Contest to foster the study and appreciation of Jane Austen’s work. The contest is open to students world-wide ranging from high school to graduate level students. Scholarship awards range from $250-$1,000.
NACLO is a contest in which high-school students solve linguistic puzzles. In solving these puzzles, students learn about the diversity and consistency of language, while exercising logic skills. No prior knowledge of linguistics or second languages is necessary. Professionals in linguistics, computational linguistics and language technologies use dozens of languages to create engaging problems that represent cutting edge issues in their fields. The competition has attracted top students to study and work in those same fields. It is truly an opportunity for young people to experience a taste of natural-language processing in the 21st century.
During September’s National College Savings Month, my529 and the Utah System of Higher Education sponsor the Make Your Mark bookmark contest. Make Your Mark offers students a chance to win a $1,000 my529 college savings scholarship account through an art contest. Students in kindergarten through 12th grade can enter an original bookmark design within their appropriate grade category (K-3, 4-6, 7-8, 9-12). Eight Utah students will each receive a $2,000 college savings scholarship account for their winning bookmarks.