Religious Liberty Essay Scholarship Contest

For high school juniors and seniors. To enter, you must compose an essay of between 800 and 1200 words that examines the role religion should play during a presidential campaign. Award: $1,000. www.bjconline.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=44&Itemid=146 Deadline: March 1

International College Counselors

For 9^th-11^th grade students. One must write an essay, in no more than 500 words, that addresses the following topic: If You Could Change One Thing About Your Education, What Would It Be? Award: four (4) $250 scholarships; one winner will be selected from Broward, one from Dade, one from Palm Beach and one from outside the tri-county area. internationalcollegecounselors.com/2012-international-college-counselors-scholarship-essay-contest/  Deadline: April 1

Launch Ringleader Scholarship Program

For sophomores and juniors who live in Miramar and who want to attend a two-week summer camp at Florida State University’s “Flying High” Circus in Tallahassee. In under 500 words, students must write an essay on the theme “I am a Ringleader: Becoming the Person Others Want To Follow.” Award: Paid admission to Flying High summer camp. Contestants should possess both an energetic persona and interest in physical activities. Get more information at www.ci.miramar.fl.us/ or www.MiramarCulturalCenter.org. You can also call 954-602-4521 or email at Education@MiramarCulturalCenter.org. Deadline: April 30

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) U.S. Scholarship Program

For students in the United States living in areas where there are participating local RMHC Chapters. The network of U.S. Chapters, along with RMHC Global, offer scholarships to students in financial need who have demonstrated academic achievement, leadership and community involvement. Since 1985, more than $44 million in scholarships have been awarded. Award: Varies. rmhc.org/what-we-do/rmhc-u-s-scholarships/ Deadline: Scholarship application opens October 1
 

Discus Awards College Scholarship

For high school students planning to attend college. You must choose three areas from the categories on the Web site and provide evidence of your excellence in each, then post the information on the Web site. You must be nominated to qualify for this award. Self-nominations are also accepted. Award: $2,000. www.discusawards.com/scholarship-info Deadline: Deadlines vary.