College scholarships for kids 13 and under!

November 19, 2010 (WPVI) -- We've found thousands of dollars out there for your future college student.

10-year-old Sadie Gustafson and her sisters volunteer their time every week at Cradles to Crayons in Conshohocken, Montgomery County. The charity provides gently used clothes, books and toys to children in need.

"I think it's really nice and kind what they're doing to help all the kids who don't have as much."

Sadie's volunteering even inspired her to compose a song for the non-profit organization.

Sadie's teacher was so impressed with the young girl's dedication that she entered her in "Kohl's Kids Who Care" college scholarship contest. We're pleased to say Sadie is a 2010 regional winner of $1,000!

"I think it's really cool that I got a scholarship like this young," she said.

Her parents had no idea that scholarships for kids Sadie's age are available.

It's amazing to me that these things even existed at such a young age," said David Gustafson.

In fact there are a number of scholarships available for kids under the age of 13!

"Students can go on to websites such as educationplanner.org or fastweb.com and setup profiles that can find scholarships that match who they are as individuals, personalities, career goals," said Michael Cruz, the Director of the Division of College Readiness, Philadelphia Public Schools.

Some examples are the Christopher Columbus Community Service Awards which are focused on kids using science and technology to solve real-world community problems. The winners get $2,000.

There is also the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes. This goes to students who have developed an extraordinary service project that helps people and the planet. The prize is $2500.

The National Marbles Tournament awards $5,000 in scholarships each year.

Aspiring artists should check out the Red Vines Drawing Contest, first place gets $2500.

And for kids, who love their snacks, try Jif's Most Creative Peanut Butter Sandwich Contest. The grand prize is a whopping $25,000 scholarship!

"We want parents to know that college is attainable that college is something every student is able to achieve," said Michael.

Sadie's parents say they're grateful for any financial boost in that department.

"Everyone knows the cost of secondary education is really going through the roof so you can't start too early," said David.

And Sadie, well the girl with the big heart also has big dreams and already knows where she's going to college!

"NYU!"

For more information:
FastWeb
EducationPlanner.org
Finaid.org
School District of Philadelphia College Awareness
DisneyFamily.com: Guide to Finding College Scholarships
Cradles to Crayons
Preview and Buy "Peace" performed by "the Gigis" from iTunes
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Free Scholarship Searches
Christopher Columbus Community Service Awards
Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes
National Marbles Tournament
Red Vines Drawing Contest
Jif's Most Creative Peanut Butter Sandwich Contest
Kohl's Kids Who Care

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special report, college, school, special reports, brian taff

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