For vegetarian teens, a meat-free diet isn't just good for the conscience and the body; it's also good for the wallet! Each year, an anonymous donor provides the Vegetarian Resource Group with two $5,000 scholarships for students on their way to college. While the application is a bit extensive and will take some time and work to assemble, you should certainly make the effort if you're a vegetarian looking for creative ways to pay for college!

The award money is intended for graduating high school students who promote or have promoted vegetarianism in their communities or schools. The group defines vegetarians as those who do not eat meat, fish, or fowl. You "will be judged on having shown compassion, courage, and a strong commitment to promoting a peaceful world through a vegetarian diet/lifestyle," according to the Vegetarian Resource Group.

Set aside some time for the essay; you must cover 16 different topics in it, including why you are a vegetarian, how you expect to promote vegetarianism in college and after, and what vegetarian foods you would recommend to a non-vegetarian, in addition to more basic questions about your strengths, weaknesses, and goals. To learn about what is required in the essay and what other information you must submit, check out the website.

This year's scholarship is for students graduating in the spring of 2009. The deadline is February 20, 2009; applications will be accepted as long as they are postmarked on or before that date. They encourage early submission, so get to work! If you win, the money will be paid directly to your college, which must be located in the United States. This means you can't use it for fun money, but if you win, you'll be grateful for this when your tuition bill arrives!

If you have any additional questions about the scholarship, call (410) 366-8343 or email vrg@vrg.org. Good luck!