Imagine this: you’re filling out your college applications, and someone jokingly tells you, “Hey, you should look for a scholarship for being left-handed!” It might sound like a quirky myth, but there really are opportunities out there for lefties—you just need to know where to look. If you’re one of the roughly 10% of people in the U.S. who write with their left hand, you might be eligible for a unique path to help pay for college.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to find a scholarship for being left-handed in 2025, separate fact from fiction, and give you real, actionable steps to increase your chances of earning financial aid.
Are Left-Handed Scholarships Real?
The Truth Behind the Left-Handed Scholarship Myth
There’s a popular rumor that there are scholarships out there just for being left-handed. And while the truth is a bit more nuanced, it’s not completely false. One of the most well-known examples was the Frederick and Mary F. Beckley Left-Handed Scholarship, created by a couple who were both left-handed and met at Juniata College in Pennsylvania. This scholarship for being left-handed was real, but only available to students attending that specific college, and it required more than just being a southpaw.
That’s the reality of most left-handed scholarships: they exist, but they usually come with other requirements like academic achievement, financial need, or being enrolled at a particular institution.
Unpacking the Myth of Unclaimed Scholarships
You may have also heard that millions of dollars in scholarships go unclaimed every year, just waiting for students to find them. Unfortunately, this myth is largely fueled by misinformation and even scholarship scams. Real scholarships almost always receive plenty of applications. However, what is true is that niche scholarships—including those related to specific traits like being left-handed—may have fewer applicants, giving you better odds.
Current Scholarships and Opportunities for Left-Handed Students
Scholarships With Historical Ties to Left-Handed Individuals
Though there may not be many scholarships solely for lefties, some are connected to well-known left-handed people and their legacies. For example, the President Barack Obama Scholars Program at Arizona State University helps financially needy students. While it’s not a scholarship for being left-handed per se, it’s linked to a famous left-hander.
Others include the Jimi Hendrix Scholarship for guitar students at Berklee College of Music and the Mark Twain Scholarship for out-of-state students attending the University of Missouri. These awards are tied to creative or academic pursuits, and all have links to famous lefties.
Scholarships That Welcome Unique Traits (Including Left-Handedness)
Some lesser-known scholarships are more inclusive of specific or quirky attributes. For example:
- The James River Church Left-Handed Scholarship specifically targets left-handed students.
- The Andrew Macrina Scholarship Fund is geared toward culinary students and doesn’t require being left-handed, but having a unique background can help you stand out.
- There are even scholarships for tall students, twins, and students with rare last names.
These unique opportunities might not always be labeled as a scholarship for being left-handed, but left-handedness can help differentiate you when applying for niche awards.
How to Qualify for Left-Handed or Related Scholarships
Know the Full Criteria
It’s important to understand that a scholarship for being left-handed usually involves more than your dominant hand. You’ll likely need to meet additional criteria like:
- Academic performance (GPA, test scores)
- Demonstrated financial need
- Enrollment at a specific college or in a certain program
Always read the eligibility details carefully. Don’t waste time applying for scholarships where you don’t meet the full requirements.
Strengthen Your Application with These Tips
Even if you find a scholarship for being left-handed, you’ll still need to impress the scholarship committee. Here’s how to stand out:
Write a personal essay that highlights how being left-handed has influenced your academic journey, creativity, or problem-solving skills. Maybe it made you adapt in a right-handed world or pushed you to think differently. These stories can make your application memorable.
Tailor each application specifically. Don’t send generic responses—instead, speak directly to the mission of the scholarship. If they value leadership or community service, give clear examples of how you embody those traits.
Get strong letters of recommendation. Ask teachers or mentors who can speak to your character, perseverance, or unique perspective as a left-handed student.
Where to Find and Apply for Left-Handed Scholarships
Use Trusted Scholarship Platforms
To find a legitimate scholarship for being left-handed, stick to trusted platforms. Create a detailed profile and keep it updated. The platforms use your info to match you with relevant scholarships, including any labeled as a scholarship for being left-handed.
Tips for Maximizing Your Chances
Apply early and often. Don’t wait until the deadline, and don’t stop after applying for one or two. The more applications you submit, the better your odds.
Look beyond just left-handed awards. Consider scholarships for creative students, science lovers, or those with leadership potential. Your left-handedness can be a unique angle in almost any application, even if it’s not a strict requirement.
Stay organized. Track deadlines, requirements, and application statuses to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you get a scholarship for being left-handed?
Yes, you can—but the pool is limited. A scholarship for being left-handed may exist in name, but most come with other requirements like attending a specific college or demonstrating financial need.
What are some left-handed scholarships still available in 2025?
The James River Church Left-Handed Scholarship is one example. The Frederick and Mary F. Beckley Scholarship used to be available at Juniata College, though availability varies by year. Platforms like Bold.org may offer updated niche awards.
What’s the best way to improve my chances?
Tell a compelling story. Being left-handed may seem minor, but if you frame it as a part of your resilience, creativity, or growth, it can add a human touch to your application. Combine this with academic and extracurricular strengths.
Are there scams related to left-handed scholarships?
Unfortunately, yes. Avoid any service that charges a fee to find you scholarships. Legitimate platforms are free and transparent. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Do other unique traits offer scholarship potential?
Absolutely! There are scholarships for twins, tall students, students with specific last names, and more. If you’re left-handed and also fit into another unique category, you could qualify for multiple awards.
Final Thoughts: Left-Handed and College-Bound
Finding a scholarship for being left-handed in 2025 might feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But the real value lies in embracing what makes you different. Left-handed students have always had to adapt in a world designed for right-handers. That adaptability, creativity, and persistence, are qualities that scholarship committees love.
Don’t stop at one label. Use your left-handedness as a launching point. Combine it with your passion, your achievements, and your story. Keep applying, stay resilient, and remember that every bit of financial aid helps pave your path to a brighter academic future.
So, go ahead. Wear your left-handedness with pride and start applying. Your perfect scholarship for being left-handed might be just around the corner.
