Teachers want to see their students reach abundant heights. Each completed assignment and passed test is designed to prepare students for the benchmark ahead. With great hope, students will walk out of the classroom one step closer to higher education, also known as college.

Parents dream of college aspirations with the help of early education teachers who set the foundation for student learning. Though early education teachers aren't tasked with preparing students for SAT testing, they can help in their own way.

By incorporating scholarship activities into lesson plans, early education teachers can help students improve on talents and tap into unseen interests, while sparking creativity and volunteerism in the community.

Some may view this as premature, but it's actually right on schedule when considering the competitive nature of scholarships. Once completing the scholarship programs, students will have a better understanding of how their effort can reap benefits for themselves and their own community.

As the summer break begins and you start planning for the 2016-17 school year, consider these scholarship activities to help your students get a head start toward college.

Doodle 4 Google

Sponsored by Google, this scholarship is open to students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Each year, Google chooses a theme, and applicants enter a creative doodle. Google offers multiple levels of winners, including state/territory winners, national finalists and one national winner.

Each winner receives a tablet and T-shirt, while national finalists are given a $5,000 scholarship. The national winner receives a $30,000 college scholarship and a $50,000 grant to his or her school to go toward building a technology lab or program.

Jif Most Creative Sandwich Contest

Children between the ages of 6 and 12 are encouraged to enter this contest that's not only fruitful, but fun. Applicants must use Jif peanut butter or Jif hazelnut spread product to create a sandwich.

Students must submit an entry form, sandwich recipe, original sandwich name and a photo of the sandwich. The four runner-up winners will receive a $2,500 college fund, and one child will win a $25,000 college scholarship

Stephen J. Brady Stop Hunger Scholarships

Stephen J. Brady Stop Hunger Scholarships are open to students ages 5-25 enrolled in an accredited educational institution in the United States. Applicants must demonstrate ongoing community service, with special interest given to those impacting hunger in the U.S.

The scholarship recipients each receive $5,000 for their education and a matching grant in their name for a chosen hunger-related charity organization.

Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes

The Barron Prize honors young leaders between the ages of 8 to 18 in the U.S. Those applying should be involved in helping the environment or others.

The top 15 winners will each receive $5,000 and the option to use the earnings to support their cause or higher education.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

This scholarship is also based on volunteerism in your community, with one added bonus: a trip to Washington, D.C. There is no age requirement, though applicants must be in grades 5-12. Applicants will be judged on initiative, effort, impact and personal growth.

Even more importantly, you could win recognition that might inspire other young people to follow your example. Several awards are presented, with the winner given $1,000 to $5,000 toward his/her education.

VFW's Patriot's Pen Youth Essay Contest

Over 100,000 students enter the Patriot's Pen program each year with hopes of walking away with just one of its prizes. The contest is open to those in grades 6-8 in the United States. Students compete in an essay contest that allows each applicant to combine American history with their background.

Each state's first-place winner competes for national awards totaling $54,500, and first-place state winners earn a minimum $500 at the national level. The national first-place winner receives $5,000 and a trip to Washington, D.C.

The Angela Award Sponsored by the National Science Teachers Association

Unique from the previous awards, this scholarship is open to young girls in grades 5-8. Applicants must have a proven interest in STEM and aspirations in the field. Students must be nominated, write an essay displaying their passion for STEM, and include two letters of recommendation with their application.

If chosen, the student will be honored at the NSTA National Conference with a $1,000 savings bond.

International Young Eco-Hero Awards

For any child with a strong interest in preserving the environment, this award is perfect. The Action For Nature organization honors the work of young people ages 8 to 16 who have completed creative environmental projects. Judges are established individuals in the field of biology or environmental health looking for impactful kids of tomorrow.

The winners of AFN’s International Young Eco-Hero Awards program receive a cash prize, certificate and recognition on the organization's website.

The Heroes of the Heart Awards Program

This is a national recognition program that offers two service-based award scholarships: The Christopher Reeve Service Award and The Gee Whiz Kids Service Award. This program is designed to recognize individuals who have been instrumental in enriching others.

The Gee Whiz Kids Service Award focuses on honoring children age 12 and under who are great representation of their communities. The Christopher Reeve Service Award is presented to youth (no specific age limit) who have remained compassionate and caring while serving the community.

Recipients in both receive a $1,000 scholarship toward their education.

Birthday Mail Contest Sponsored by Johnson & Johnson

Johnson & Johnson has teamed up with DoSomething.org to create this contest for kids. Applicants will have the opportunity to earn $5,000 and aid an important cause: homelessness. 2.5 million children are found to be homeless each year, often celebrating their birthdays in a shelter.

This contest allows kids to mail birthday cards to shelter, which enters them for a chance to win the scholarship.

DoSomething.org Shower Songs Contest

The Shower Songs contest was designed to reduce water usage from long showering. Research shows that limiting shower time to 5 minutes could save 1,500 gallons, compared to the trillion gallons of water used each year. Applicants are given the task to create a 5-minute playlist with the goal of tracking time spent in the shower.

The contest is judged by drawing, with entrants given the chance to win a $3,000 scholarship.