Left-handed scholarships are a real opportunity to help you pay for college! If you’re among the 10% of the population that writes with their left hand, you could qualify for free money for school.
This guide covers the best scholarships for left-handed students in 2025, eligibility requirements, application tips, and everything you need to boost your chances of securing financial aid.
What Are Left-Handed Scholarships?
Left-handed scholarships are special scholarship opportunities created specifically for left-handed students. While these scholarships are not very common, some organizations, institutions, and foundations recognize the uniqueness of being left-handed and offer scholarship awards to assist college-bound southpaws.
Unlike traditional scholarships that focus on academic performance, extracurricular activities, or financial need, left-handed scholarships center around a specific characteristic: handedness. These scholarships aim to recognize and provide opportunities for students who are left-handed, acknowledging both the challenges and strengths associated with this trait.
Although the number of scholarships available for left-handed students may be limited, those that do exist provide valuable financial support for students pursuing higher education. Additionally, many left-handed scholarships can be combined with other financial aid programs to help make college more affordable.
Top Left-Handed Scholarships for 2025
Here are some of the top left-handed scholarships you should think about applying for in 2025. These scholarships are open to students who identify as left-handed and meet the specific eligibility criteria.
- Juniata College Left-Handed Scholarship
- Award Amount: $1,000 – $1,500
- Eligibility: Available to left-handed students enrolling at Juniata College in Pennsylvania.
- How to Apply: To apply, simply submit a general application to Juniata College and mention that you are left-handed. This is a fantastic opportunity to begin your college experience on the right foot!
- Frederick and Mary F. Beckley Scholarship
- Award Amount: Up to $5,000
- Eligibility: Designed for left-handed students enrolled at Juniata College, who show strong academic performance and demonstrate financial need.
- Application Deadline: Generally in April, so be sure to submit your application early for the best chance of receiving it!
- The James River Church Left-Handed Scholarship
- Award Amount: Varies
- Eligibility: Available to left-handed students intending to enroll at James River College in Missouri.
- How to Apply: Complete an application directly through the college.
- Left-Handed Scholarship by Lefthanders International
- Award Amount: Varies
- Eligibility: This opportunity is available to all left-handed students who fulfill the specific academic or extracurricular criteria set by Lefthanders International.
- How to Apply: Submit your application through the official website of Lefthanders International.
How to Qualify for Left-Handed Scholarships
While each scholarship program has its unique criteria, most will require you to meet these basic scholarship requirements:
- Left-Handedness Verification: Some scholarships may request proof of your left-handedness, which could be a simple statement or documentation.
- Enrollment: You need to be enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited college or university.
- Academic Performance: Some scholarships expect a certain level of academic success, such as a minimum GPA or standardized test scores.
- Financial Need: Some scholarships prioritize students who demonstrate financial need, so be ready to provide financial documentation like FAFSA forms.
- Community Service: Some left-handed scholarships may take into account your participation in community service or extracurricular activities.
It’s essential to thoroughly review the specific eligibility criteria for each scholarship to ensure you qualify.
How to Apply and Increase Your Chances of Winning
- Research Thoroughly Many left-handed scholarships are not widely known, so conducting thorough research is crucial. Use scholarship databases such as Fastweb, Cappex, and Niche to discover more scholarship opportunities for left-handed college students. You also need to check with your college’s financial aid office, as some schools may offer private scholarships specifically for left-handed students that aren’t widely advertised.
- Write a Strong Essay Some left-handed scholarships require an essay as part of the application. Make your essay memorable by focusing on:
- How being left-handed has influenced your life.
- Your career goals and why you deserve the scholarship.
- Personal anecdotes about overcoming challenges or excelling in areas where being left-handed has made a difference.
- Gather Strong Recommendations Letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, or employers can strengthen your application. Choose individuals who can speak to your work ethic, determination, and character.
- Meet Deadlines Ensure that you apply before the deadlines. Many left-handed scholarships have strict deadlines, so plan ahead to avoid being disqualified for late submissions.
- Follow Instructions Carefully Pay close attention to the application instructions and ensure that you submit all required documents.
Additional Scholarship Resources for Left-Handed Students
If you don’t qualify for a left-handed scholarship, there are numerous other financial aid options available:
- Merit-Based Scholarships: Awarded for academic excellence, leadership skills, and extracurricular achievements.
- Need-Based Scholarships: Aimed at helping students who demonstrate financial need.
- Field-Specific Scholarships: If you’re studying in fields like STEM, Arts, or Business, look into specialized scholarships.
- Community and Regional Scholarships: Many local businesses, foundations, and institutions provide scholarships for students from their area or community.
Final Thoughts
Being left-handed can distinguish you, and in some cases, it might even help you secure scholarships for left-handed students. While left-handed scholarships may be fewer in number, they can offer significant support to students looking to further their education. Additionally, many students apply for multiple scholarships to increase their chances of securing funding.
If you are attending Juniata College, applying for the Andrew Macrina Scholarship Fund, or seeking opportunities such as the Beckley Scholarship, these scholarship awards can help lessen the financial burden of your studies.
Even if you don’t find a dedicated left-handed scholarship, remember that there are many other ways to secure financial aid through scholarship opportunities based on merit, financial need, and your commitment to community service. By exploring a wide variety of options, you increase your chances of finding scholarships that suit your unique needs.