Think you need a perfect transcript to win big scholarship awards? Think again. A growing number of programs value life experience, leadership, creativity, and passion over your GPA. If your grades haven’t been stellar but you excel in community service, entrepreneurship, the arts, or vocational skills, you can still qualify for awards of $10,000 or more. In this guide, you’ll find 8 high‑value scholarships that either ignore GPA altogether or apply holistic criteria—plus step‑by‑step tips for crafting a winning application without relying on grades.

Why “No GPA” Scholarships Exist

Traditional merit awards often hinge on academic performance, but many organizations recognize that leadership, creativity, and real‑world impact can matter more. “No GPA” scholarships aim to:

• Empower nontraditional learners and career‑switchers
• Reward entrepreneurial drive and innovation
• Foster civic engagement and community service
• Encourage artistic and vocational excellence

If your strengths lie outside the classroom, these awards put you on equal footing with straight‑A students.

1. The Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars Program

Award Amount: Up to $10,000 per year
Who Should Apply: High‑achieving high school sophomores from low‑income backgrounds

This program identifies talented students in grades 8–10 and nurtures them through high school with academic advising, enrichment activities, and scholarships. While academic potential matters, the selection committee places equal weight on leadership, perseverance, and life challenges rather than static GPA cutoffs.

• Submit an essay on a personal challenge you’ve overcome.
• Include two letters from mentors who can speak to your character and drive.
• Highlight extracurricular projects that demonstrate growth.

2. AED SuperQuest™ Competition

Award Amount: $5,000–$10,000 grants
Who Should Apply: Middle and high school students passionate about community safety

Hosted by the American Red Cross, the AED SuperQuest™ invites students to design innovative solutions for public access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Judging focuses on creativity, feasibility, and impact—grades are not part of the rubric.

• Form a team and develop a prototype or campaign strategy.
• Prepare a 3‑minute video and 1‑page summary for judges.
• Showcase potential real‑world deployment in your community.

3. Regeneron STS & Scholar Awards

Award Amount: $2,000–$10,000 plus national recognition
Who Should Apply: U.S. high school seniors with independent STEM research

The Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) rewards students for original research projects. While academic context helps, winners are chosen based on the quality and innovation of their research, not GPA.

• Submit a research paper with clear hypothesis, methods, and results.
• Include letters from science fair sponsors attesting to your scientific rigor.
• Prepare to discuss your work in a live interview if you become a finalist.

4. AFCEA STEM Major Scholarships

Award Amount: $5,000–$10,000
Who Should Apply: Undergraduate STEM majors pursuing national security or intelligence careers

The Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association (AFCEA) partners with industry sponsors to fund students in cybersecurity, electrical engineering, and related fields. Selection emphasizes commitment to national service, internships, and community outreach over GPA.

• Detail internships, club leadership, or hackathon achievements.
• Provide a 1‑page statement of security and ethics commitments.
• Include recommendations from military or industry mentors if available.

5. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Voice of Democracy

Award Amount: $1,000–$30,000 nationwide
Who Should Apply: High school students (grades 9–12) with strong oratory skills

This annual audio‑essay competition invites students to record speeches on patriotic themes. Judging focuses on originality, delivery, and knowledge—academic records are not considered.

• Draft a 3‑ to 5‑minute script on the year’s theme.
• Record high‑quality audio in a quiet environment.
• Submit a typed transcript and VFW contest entry form.

6. Burger King Scholars Program

Award Amount: $1,000–$50,000
Who Should Apply: Burger King employees, their families, and high school seniors in the U.S.

This program awards scholarships based on community involvement, work experience, and leadership in the Burger King system. A strong application can offset average GPAs with exceptional service and job performance.

• Submit an essay on how you’ve contributed to your community or team.
• Include your work history and a letter from your BK manager.
• Highlight volunteer initiatives you led or participated in.

7. NASE Entrepreneurship Competition

Award Amount: $4,000–$10,000 grants
Who Should Apply: U.S. entrepreneurs and small‑business owners

The National Association for the Self‑Employed (NASE) provides grants to help small businesses grow. Applicants submit business plans and budgets—there is no academic requirement.

• Prepare a concise business plan with market analysis and financial projections.
• Include letters from customers or partners validating your business impact.
• Demonstrate revenue growth or community benefits in your narrative.

8. NSHSS Creative Arts Scholarships

Award Amount: $1,000–$10,000
Who Should Apply: High school and undergraduate artists, musicians, writers, and performers

The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) awards scholarships to outstanding talent in visual and performing arts. Judging is portfolio‑based, with no GPA threshold.

• Submit a digital portfolio or performance reel showcasing your best work.
• Provide a 1‑page artist’s statement or program notes.
• Include a letter from a teacher or mentor detailing your creative potential.

Application Tips: Beyond the Transcript

To compete for “no GPA” scholarships, focus on these strategies:

• Tell Your Story: Use essays and videos to convey passion, challenges overcome, and vision for the future.
• Document Impact: Quantify results—participants served, videos produced, revenue generated.
• Secure Strong Endorsements: Choose recommenders who can speak to your specific strengths and character.
• Polish Presentations: Invest in clear audio/video recordings and professional formatting for portfolios and plans.
• Leverage Multimedia: When allowed, include short videos or interactive links to bring your application to life.
• Follow Instructions Exactly: “No GPA” doesn’t mean “no rules”—adhere strictly to word counts, file formats, and submission guidelines.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Don’t let an average transcript hold you back. By targeting scholarships that evaluate character, creativity, and real‑world contributions, you can unlock $10,000 or more without worrying about grades. Start today by selecting two programs that align with your strengths, gathering your materials, and crafting a narrative that highlights your unique impact. With a strategic approach and polished application, you’ll prove that GPA is just one of many paths to scholarship success.