If you’re the parent of a high school junior or senior, you may notice your student dragging their feet when it comes time to apply for scholarships. From gathering letters of recommendation to writing essays, acquiring a scholarship takes work. But you may want to tell them this: If you spend 20 hours in one week on an application and earn a $1,000 scholarship, you’re still earning $50 an hour--not a bad rate--and far better than most campus jobs!
Whether your child is a freshman or a senior in high school, it’s never too early to start thinking about scholarships that can support their journey to and through college. Here you can learn more about available scholarships, what it takes to land them, and resources to fuel your search.
Future Focus: Knowing a potential college major--or what you want to study--can really pay off. Many scholarships target specific career goals.
Connect: Has your student been involved in the community lately? Many scholarships award students for service, character, and leadership.
Remember: Scholarships typically go to students with at least a 2.5 GPA. Boosting your GPA will increase your likelihood of securing college scholarships!
Amplify Scholars: These scholarships from the KIPP Foundation provide stipends for tuition and college expenses, mentoring support, and access to a 3-day retreat hosted in New York City to build skills and connections. For criteria and more information, visit: kipp.org/amplifyscholars/
David Goldberg Scholars: Goldberg Scholars receive stipends for expenses outside of tuition and room and board, a Goldberg Mentor for ongoing support, and access to professional networking events that help students secure career opportunities. For criteria and more information, visit: kipp.org/goldbergscholars/
Ronald McDonald HACER Scholarship: This scholarship provides up to $100,000 in education funding for Hispanic students on the basis of academic achievement, community involvement, and financial need. Learn more at mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/community.html
UNCF: UNCF is the nation’s largest private scholarship provider to minority group members. They award more than $100 million in scholarships to more than 10,000 students across the country each year. Learn more: uncf.org/Scholarships
Humanity Rising: This organization dedicated to youth service awards thousands of dollars in cash college scholarships and tuition discounts to students who are making a difference in the world through volunteerism. Check out their website here: humanityrising.org/Scholarship
Questbridge Scholarships: This competitive scholarship offers full college funding to low-income students that demonstrate exceptional academic ability. Learn more about criteria at Questbridge.org
The Gates Scholarship: This is a highly selective, last-dollar scholarship for exceptional, Pell-eligible, minority, high school seniors. Visit thegatescholarship.org to learn more.
Women of the Dream Scholarship: College-bound graduating senior girls in Camden are eligible for this scholarship, which seeks to support students demonstrating service to their community and academic achievement. Learn more: womenofthedream.org/
The Chad School Foundation Scholarships: This Newark-based organization offers scholarships to college-bound high school seniors in the Greater Newark Metropolitan Area. CSP consists of both a total award of $10,000 and mentoring from their network of professionals. Learn more: thechadschoolfoundation.org/scholarship
Don’t forget to think local:
Many scholarships are right around the corner.
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