ฅ՞•ﻌ•՞ฅ Hi, girlies!

People cannot support goals they do not know you have. Whether you want extra credit, an internship, or more responsibility at work, you have to let people know you are interested. And once you do the work, make sure it reaches the person who needs to see it.

This week, we are talking about advocating for yourself: asking for opportunities, communicating your progress, and following up on your effort. You will also find scholarships, paid programs, and funded experiences to put that advice into practice. 🎀

_{✩ Final days to apply for these opportunities ✩}

Have you ever worked hard on something and wondered why nobody acknowledged it? Or hoped someone would offer you an opportunity without telling them you were interested?

It is easy to assume people will notice. But professors, supervisors, and mentors have other responsibilities, and they may not know what you are working toward unless you tell them.

1) Let people know what you are interested in

Think about extra credit. If you want to improve your grade, check the syllabus and ask whether any extra credit opportunities are available. Your professor cannot automatically know you are willing to take on additional work.

You could say: “I would like to improve my grade and am willing to put in additional work. Are there any extra credit opportunities available?”

The answer may be no, but asking gives you clarity. The same applies to telling a mentor you are looking for an internship or letting your supervisor know you would like to learn a new skill.

2) Doing the work includes submitting it properly

If your professor offers extra credit for attending an event, showing up may only be one part of the assignment. You might also need to submit a reflection or proof of attendance by a deadline.

Your professor needs a way to verify and evaluate what you completed. Read the instructions, submit the required materials, and keep your confirmation.

This applies beyond the classroom, too. When you finish a project, share the deliverable and explain what you completed so the person relying on it knows it is ready.

3) Make your updates specific

You do not need to exaggerate your accomplishments or write a long explanation. Give people the information they need.

For class: “I submitted my extra credit reflection through Canvas today.”

For work: “I finished the research and added the findings to our shared document. It is ready for your review.”

For a mentor: “I am applying for summer marketing internships. If you hear of any openings, I would appreciate you keeping me in mind.”

Specific updates make it easier for people to respond, give feedback, or connect you with an opportunity.

4) Follow up when something needs attention

If the expected grading window has passed and your extra credit is still missing, a polite follow-up is reasonable. Include what you submitted, when you submitted it, and where they can find it.

You can advocate for yourself while respecting someone else’s time. Give them a reasonable chance to respond, then check in with a clear question.

✨ We usually don’t promote no-essay scholarships, but I personally spoke with the ScholarshipOwl team and they were really kind. They actually have 4 real winners every month, and students have used the funds for college, food, and even vet school! The $50,000 ScholarshipOwl No Essay Scholarship is open now and super easy to apply for — no GPA, no essay, just a quick form.

50 winners in total |$1000 each | 🗓️ Deadline: September 29, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT
👉 Apply here

Classical instrumentalists, vocalists, and composers ages 8–18 with financial need can receive funding for instruments, lessons, and other music expenses. Must be a pre-college student and participate in From the Top’s fellowship.

Extended deadline: September 14, 2026
Learn more and apply

🎀 AITCOY Graduate Scholarship | $1,000

Illinois residents accepted into or enrolled in eligible master’s programs related to youth services can apply. Requires experience in youth programs or social services, leadership, and plans to work with young people.

Deadline: September 11, 2026
Learn more and apply

🎀 Fund for Education Abroad Scholarships | Awards vary

U.S. undergraduates ages 18+ with financial need can apply for Winter/Spring 2027 study-abroad funding. U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and DACA recipients are eligible. Must be a first-time post-high-school study-abroad participant.

Award: Includes eligible partner scholarships up to $5,000
Deadline: September 16, 2026, at noon Eastern
Learn more and apply

🎀 AAUW International Fellowships | $20,000–$25,000

International women admitted to or enrolled in eligible full-time STEM master’s or doctoral programs can apply for 2027–28 funding. Requires a bachelor’s-equivalent degree and minimum 3.5 GPA in the highest degree earned.

Eligibility: Non-U.S. citizens who do not hold or have pending applications for U.S. permanent residency; additional study-location requirements apply
Award: $20,000 for master’s students; $25,000 for doctoral students
Deadline: September 17, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET
Learn more and apply

Here is the a list for high school students and undergraduates, sorted by deadline:

Ten college students will be matched with paid internships at tech and climate-focused startups based on their goals, skills, and interests. Includes career readiness training, coaching, biweekly check-ins, and a peer cohort.

Who: Low-income and/or first-generation students currently enrolled in a two- or four-year college who lived in NYC’s five boroughs during high school. No previous internship experience required.

Dates: September 28–November 20, 2026
Commitment: 10 hours weekly for eight weeks
Pay: $20/hour, totaling $1,600
Deadline: September 11, 2026; the announcement lists 6 p.m., but does not specify a time zone.

Apply here

Develop an existing storytelling, arts, or civic engagement project with mentorship from Social Resonance Lab. Two fellows will receive support, contribute a written piece, appear on a podcast, and co-lead a workshop.

Who: U.S. residents with an existing project; must be able to provide a W-9 and receive payment through a U.S. bank account
Format: Fully remote, November–December 2026
Deadline: September 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (time zone not specified)
Learn more and apply

🎀 3) Born This Way Foundation Youth Advisory Board | $5,000 total

Help shape youth mental health programs, review grant applications, share stories, and contribute to campaigns. This is a separate opportunity from the Programs Internship, with approximately four hours of participation monthly.

Who: Young people ages 15–24; international applicants welcome, with priority countries listed in the application
Format: Virtual meetings and committee work, with occasional virtual or in-person opportunities
Term: January 2027–December 2028
Pay: $2,500 annually for two years
Deadline: September 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET; applications reviewed on a rolling basis
Learn more and apply

🎀 4) Foster Success Youth Engagement Leadership Training | $100 stipend

Build skills in advocacy, public speaking, sharing your story, and navigating the child welfare system. Participants receive the stipend for full attendance and participation in the virtual training.

Who: Indiana Foster Youth Alliance members ages 14–22
Format: Virtual, one-day training
Event: September 19, 2026, from 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
Registration deadline: Not listed; see the event page for registration details
Learn more and register

Two law students will complete a ten-week internship involving environmental litigation, legislation, nonprofit law, and coastal policy. Applicants must finish their second year of law school before the internship begins.
Deadline: September 15, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. PT
Format: Fully remote
Apply: Surfrider Summer 2027 Legal Internship

Here is the a list for high school students and undergraduates, sorted by deadline:

High school seniors who identify as women—including trans and nonbinary women—can experience classes, student life, and campus workshops. Applicants must live in the U.S. or its territories. Eligible statuses include U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, undocumented/DACA, TPS, refugee and asylum status; F, J and H visa holders aren’t eligible.

Deadline: September 11, 2026
Program: October 16–17 or November 6–7
Learn more and apply

2) 🔧 Olin MIX & Mingle — engineering campus visit with travel expenses covered

For high school seniors and other students entering college in fall 2027 who are interested in hands-on engineering and face financial barriers to visiting campus. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents living in the contiguous United States.

Deadline: Teacher, counselor or administrator nomination by September 14; student interest form and transcript by September 21, 2026
Program: November 8–9
Nomination form and details

3) 🏫 Getting to Know Union — transportation, overnight stay + campus meals

A two-day college preview for high school seniors in the New York City metropolitan area. Students meet faculty, explore academics and stay with a student host. Requires U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, a B+ average or higher in core courses, and challenging coursework. Priority goes to students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds.

Deadline: September 21, 2026
Program: October 11–12
Learn more and apply

4) 🎓 Miami University Bridges — free overnight program + travel assistance

For high school students graduating in 2027, with first-generation status and financial need considered. Typical selected applicants have a 3.0 GPA or rank in their class’s top 25%. Hotel accommodation and scheduled meals are provided.

Transportation is available from selected Ohio cities. Out-of-state participants in Session 4 can receive up to $300 in flight reimbursement or $200 for mileage. Funding details.

Deadline: September 21, 2026
Program: Four sessions between October 18 and November 16
Bonus: Participants who later enroll at Miami may qualify for a Bridges scholarship; last year’s awards were $2,500–$5,000 annually.
Learn more and apply

5) 🍁 Discovering UVM — hotel, meals + optional travel grant

Students entering college in fall 2027 can explore the University of Vermont through classes, student panels and activities around Burlington. Open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and undocumented/DACA students residing in the U.S.

Programming, lodging and meals are covered. Students facing financial hardship may apply for travel reimbursement of up to $500; travel funding isn’t automatic.

Deadline: October 2, 2026
Program: November 1–3
Learn more and apply

6) 📚 Reed Senior Scholars — virtual college access program + spring visit support

For students graduating in spring/summer 2027 who live in or attend high school in the U.S. Meet professors, campus leaders and current students through virtual programming.

The funded visit is conditional: students must apply to Reed through Early Action or Early Decision and be admitted to receive financial support for a spring campus visit. Reed doesn’t specify a dollar amount on this page.

Deadline: October 15, 2026
Program: Virtual events in November–December; campus visits February–April
Learn more and apply