CoffeeforLess.com Hit the Books Scholarship 2013

This scholarship is interesting for a number of reasons.  First, it's clearly promotional in nature.  When you visit the scholarship page on the CoffeeforLess.com site, they are very clearly promoting their products.

In addition, this seems to be an essay contest with a twist.  As regular readers know, I like pure essay contests.  They offer a chance for all students to compete on an equal footing (as the essay is the sole criteria).  It doesn't seem that is the case here (see bolded text below).

"Eligible students will be aged 18-25 and enrolled in an accredited college or university.* Candidates will have the opportunity to compete once in January and again in September for the scholarship, but will only be eligible to win the scholarship once. The “Hit The Books Scholarship” will award one student up to $500 dollars to be used for educational books and materials.**

In order to be considered for the scholarship, candidates should submit an essay of no more than 500 words on the subjects of the importance of education in their lives and how the scholarship money will assist the students’ goals. Bonus points will be awarded to those students who find a creative way to include their passion for coffee within their essay without losing sight of the primary topic.

CoffeeForLess.com “Hit The Books Scholarship” winners will be selected based upon two criteria: successful accomplishment of essay subject matter and individual student needs."

Still, this might be your chance to win, and I can guarantee it's a better use of your time than surfing facebook.  Application deadline: September 30, 2013.  Get started at http://www.coffeeforless.com/scholarship.