Once summer has arrived and your final papers are handed in, you may find yourself with some spare time – and maybe even fleeting feelings of nostalgia for writing assignments.

Take advantage of this free time by seeking out scholarships that require an essay as part of the application, and let your creativity pay off in a big way. Although some scholarship programs are already closed for 2014, it doesn’t hurt to plan ahead and prepare applications and essays for submission in the fall and spring.

One of the best-known essay scholarships is the Profile in Courage Essay Contest, sponsored by the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library.

[Follow these four steps to make your scholarship essay stand out.]

Students in grades nine through 12 are eligible to apply, and essays may not be more than 1,000 words. This year’s essays must describe an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official that occurred during or after 1956, the publication date of Profiles in Courage.

There are more details on the website, with examples of how to cite sources and select a topic for the essay. The deadline to apply is Jan. ​15, 2015.

The Abraham Lincoln Brigade Archives sponsors the George Watt Prize for undergraduate and graduate students. Essays are on the topic of the Spanish Civil War and related issues during the 1920s and 1930s, and must be between 3,500 and 7,500 words. Two awards of $500 will be given. The deadline to apply is Aug. ​1, so now is a good time to start your research.

The Fleet Reserve Association offers an essay contest for any students in grades seven through​12. This year’s theme is "Why I am proud to be an American."

Essays may not exceed 350 words. Multiple students are selected to receive recognition, and award amounts range ​from $1,000 to $5,000. Additional awards may be distributed by your local FRA sponsor branch as well, so be sure to contact them for details.

[Get additional tips on how to pay for college.]

The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials sponsors an essay contest every year with three students selected to receive scholarships. You must be a high school senior or current student at a college, vocational school or training program to apply. Essays must be between 800 and 1,600​ words and concern a selected topic each year.

This year’s topic was "How is the planet's energy future tied to the innovation and skill of the plumbing and mechanical industry?" for the up to $1,000 scholarship. The deadline to apply was May 1, so check back for the 2015 award information.

Washington State Association for Justice offers multiple scholarship programs for high school and college students in the state of Washington. There are essay contests that focus on increasing awareness of the importance of the justice system in society and even scholarships that ask applicants to produce a public service announcement video. This year’s video topic was texting and driving. If you are a law school graduate, there are also scholarships to help offset the cost of bar review courses. ​​

[Consider applying to these scholarships for aspiring writers.]

The Ayn Rand Institute offers a number of essay contests, awarding $100,000 in scholarships for high school and college students every year. The topic of each contest is based on one of Ayn Rand’s novels. Deadlines to apply vary based on which essay contest you are entering.

The Bird Dog Foundation offers essay-contest scholarships to high school seniors. The deadline to apply is April 15 every year. You must live in Tennessee, Arkansas or Mississippi to be eligible to apply. Scholarship recipients will receive an award of up to $1,500.