The Sweet and Simple Scholarship is an essay contest offering a $1,500 one-time award. It is open to all U.S. students who are legal residents of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia, are 14 years of age or older, and are currently enrolled (or plan to enroll no later than fall of 2027) in an accredited postsecondary institution of higher education. The application requires an online written response of 250 words or less answering: “Think back and tell us about something you received as a gift and why it meant so much to you.” The contest seeks submissions that highlight the profound impact of simple, non-extravagant items. The application deadline is February 28, 2026.
UNIGO Sweet and Simple Scholarship 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Sweet and Simple Scholarship |
| Host Organization | Unigo |
| Category | Creative Contest / General Scholarship |
| Eligible Countries | U.S. Residents Only |
| Program Level | All Levels (High School to Graduate) |
| Reward Value | $1,500 (One-time award) |
| Essay Word Limit | 250 words or less |
| Application Deadline | February 28, 2026 |
UNIGO Sweet and Simple Scholarship Details
The Sweet and Simple Scholarship challenges students to look beyond monetary value and reflect on the emotional significance of a gift they have received. Offering a $1,500 award, this scholarship is a non-academic contest designed to reward powerful storytelling and the ability to convey deep meaning in a concise format. It is a unique chance for U.S. students to secure funding for their postsecondary education simply by sharing a personal, touching memory.
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UNIGO Sweet and Simple Scholarship Program Benefits and Award Structure
The structure of the award is centered around accessibility, the financial prize, and rewarding thoughtful personal reflection.
Tier 1: One-Time Financial Award ($1,500)
This is the central financial support provided directly to the contest winner.
- Award Amount: A single winner receives a $1,500 one-time scholarship intended for college expenses.
- Flexibility of Use: The funds can be utilized for tuition, books, fees, or other costs associated with their education at an accredited institution.
Tier 2: Focus on Personal Reflection and Narrative
The submission requirement emphasizes the ability to convey sentimental value and narrative depth within strict constraints.
- Essay Theme: Applicants must discuss a gift that was not expensive or extravagant but held deep personal meaning, explaining why it was so significant.
- Storytelling Challenge: The 250-word limit requires sharp focus and powerful, emotive language to make the story resonate with the judges.
Tier 3: Enrollment and Notification Timeline
This tier outlines the academic status requirements and the communication plan for the contest outcome.
- Enrollment Requirement: Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited postsecondary institution or plan to enroll no later than fall of 2027. This ensures the winner can use the college-specific funding.
- Notification: The scholarship winner will be notified by email or phone on or around May 28th following the application deadline.
Eligibility Requirements for Sweet and Simple Scholarship
The eligibility criteria are broad to encourage participation from all U.S. students who meet the basic age and residency standards.
- Academic/Leadership:
- No GPA, test scores, or specific achievements are required.
- Study Status:
- Must be a U.S. student (currently enrolled or planning to enroll by Fall 2027).
- Enrollment must be in an accredited postsecondary institution of higher education.
- Visa Status:
- Must be a legal U.S. resident.
- Must be a resident of one of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia.
- Program Admission:
- Must be 14 years of age or older at the time of application.
- Must submit an online written response (essay) that adheres to the word count.
How to Apply for Sweet and Simple Scholarship (Step by Step)
The application is simple, requiring an account setup on the platform and the submission of the short, reflective essay.
- Get Started & Create Account: Go to the scholarship page and sign up or log in to the platform using email or Google to access the application.
- Draft Your Essay: Write your personal story in response to the question: “Think back and tell us about something you received as a gift and why it meant so much to you.” Maintain a strict word count of 250 words or less.
- Submit Online Response: Paste your final essay into the online application form and submit.
- Confirm Application: Ensure the application portal confirms your submission and that your status is updated before the deadline.
Application Deadline: February 28, 2026
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the amount of the Sweet and Simple Scholarship award?
The scholarship provides a one-time award of $1,500 to the single winner.
2. What is the required essay topic for this scholarship?
Applicants must write about “something you received as a gift and why it meant so much to you,” specifically focusing on a gift that was not expensive or extravagant.
3. What is the maximum word count for the essay submission?
The entire written response must be 250 words or less.
4. When is the final application deadline for the contest?
The final application deadline is February 28, 2026.
5. Must I be in college to apply, or can high school students apply?
High school students who are 14 years of age or older may apply, provided they plan to enroll in an accredited postsecondary institution no later than fall of 2027.
6. Are there any restrictions on how the $1,500 award must be spent?
The award must be used for educational expenses, such as tuition, books, or fees at an accredited postsecondary institution.
7. Does the scholarship require transcripts or letters of recommendation?
No, the contest is purely based on the quality and creativity of the short written response.
8. Is this scholarship open to international students studying in the U.S.?
No. Applicants must be a legal U.S. resident and a resident of one of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia.
9. When will the scholarship winner be officially notified?
The winner will be notified by email or phone on or around May 28th following the application deadline.
10. Can I write about an expensive gift if it had deep sentimental value?
The prompt strongly encourages focusing on gifts that are not expensive or extravagant. While sentimental value is key, the “sweet and simple” nature of the item should be emphasized.
