Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships

Scholarships can be achieved a variety of ways and you may be surprised how many are available. They are granted based on achievement in sports, academics, community involvement, hobbies, ties to organizations, demonstrated talents, and more. They can be offered by the military, governments, businesses, non-profit organizations,  even private family trusts.

To be awarded a scholarship, you will have to submit an application that will most likely include an essay, maybe a written exam or profile, or possibly a project. Scholarships have different criteria for award and for the amount of the award. Most often, the award is paid directly to the recipient's college or university.

Examples of Scholarships

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
Listing of scholarships sponsored by the Coca-Cola Foundation.

Microsoft College Scholarships

Microsoft is committed to building the pipeline of future computer scientists.

HSF Scholarship: College Scholarship Program

The College Scholarship Program is available on a competitive basis to community
college, four-year college, and graduate students of Hispanic heritage

US Air Force ROTC - Scholarships

Air Force ROTC can help you to overcome the financial hardships associated with college,

and when you complete your degree you've got a guaranteed career after school - debt free.

Grants

Federal Pell Grant

Unlike a loan, a Federal Pell grant doesn't require you to repay it. Most of the time, Pell Grants are only awarded to undergraduate students. In some limited cases, however, you might receive a Pell Grant if you're enrolled in a postbaccalaureate teacher certificate program.

Pell Grants are usually a foundation of federal student aid, to which aid from other federal and nonfederal sources might be added. Like all financial aid, the school you are attending plays a role in whether or not you will qualify. You can apply for a Pell grant through your school's financial aid office

The maximum Pell Grant for the 2004-2005 award year ( July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2005 ) is $4,050. The amount awarded to students is based on financial need, on your cost of attendance, whether you're a full-time or part-time student, and whether you attend school for a full academic year or less. Only one Pell Grant can be awarded to you each year, and you may not receive Pell Grant funds from more than one school at a time. If you are awarded a Pell Grant, your school can write you a check for the entire amount, credit your school account, or any combination.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

Start you search at you current school or the school you plan to attend, as many scholarships are school-specific. Check with you local librarian and local civic organizations. You may also want to consider the effect a scholarship can have on your financial aid options.

If you are awarded a Pell Grant, you may also be eligible for an FSEOG, if you have an exceptional financial need. Like a Pell Grant, you do not have to pay back an FSEOG. Your school is allocated a certain set amount to distribute as FSEOGs and will make awards based on availability.

The amount can be from $100 to $4,000

For additional information about Federal Grant programs and Federal Financial Aid programs, please visit the U.S. Dept. of Education at http://studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/student_guide/2004_2005/english/glance.htm