For a lot of students and their families, managing the cost of college tuition and other education-related expenses can be quite overwhelming. Fortunately, several college grants and scholarships help students fund their education and succeed academically. Various scholarship opportunities, offered by private organizations and local foundations, help undergraduates support different goals, specific talents, and career ambitions. Conducting proper research about various grants and scholarships before applying is important to ensure one makes the right decisions.
1) Allison’s Gift Scholarship Program
Established by the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Inc., this scholarship is exclusively for undergraduate birth mothers who have placed a child for adoption and wish to study further in college. The Allison’s Gift Scholarship Program is also awarded to those who want to take up a vocational school program. The award amount of the scholarship program is $5,000, and requires that applying students have a minimum GPA of 2.0. It is also important for applicants to note that for this need-based scholarship program, preference will be given to birth mothers who are residents of Florida.
2) America’s Heroes Scholarship Fund
This scholarship is awarded to the children or spouses of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers who have fallen in the line of duty and wish to enroll in two-year or four-year colleges, graduate schools, or vocational technical programs. Established by the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, this student financial aid source is accessible to undergraduates, high school seniors, GED holders, and graduate students. To be eligible for the America’s Heroes Scholarship, applicants must also have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The winning applicant will receive a scholarship of $10,000.
3) “Be Bold” Scholarship
With a huge award amount of $25,000, the Be Bold Scholarship is open to all students at any education level. However, in a list of private scholarships, what makes the “Be Bold” award stand out is its selection criteria. To apply for this education fund program, students do not need to write an essay, nor do they need to have a minimum GPA. Rather, they need to have a profile that seems to be the “boldest. As per the organization (Bold.Org), what makes one “bold” is being earnest, determined, and moving. Based on these characteristics, the profile the organization deems most fitting will win the scholarship.
4) TLF Undergraduate Scholarships
Offered by The LAGRANT Foundation, TLF Undergraduate Scholarships are awarded to minority students pursuing degrees in advertising, marketing, public relations, or an associated field. There are a total of 30 scholarships, and each selected candidate receives $2,500 to support their academic journey. What makes this undergraduate funding option even more generous is that, along with the award amount, students will also receive professional guidance for a year. To apply for this scholarship, students will have to submit their resume, along with an essay, transcript, application form, and references.
5) CDM Smith Scholarship
Those looking for tuition assistance options for pursuing a degree in STEM undergraduate/graduate programs focusing on engineering can consider applying for the CDM Smith Scholarship. This program comprises eight scholarships, with an award amount of $7,500 each. Out of those eight awards, all are merit-based scholarships. Applicants must also be willing to pursue their STEM degree at an accredited four-year university or college to be eligible for the program. Along with that, students must have a strong academic record, especially in the field they are pursuing, as well as a track record of performing community service.
6) Sweet Dreams Scholarship
Offered through Bold.org and funded by Sweet Hut Bakery and Food Terminal, the Sweet Dreams Scholarship awards a $1,000 funding to five winners. To be eligible for this scholarship, the applicant must be a Texas or Georgia resident and have experience volunteering or working for a non-profit organization. To apply for the program, students must write an essay, make a video, or create a photo album to convey their contributions to the community. This financial aid program is open to undergraduates, high school seniors, and graduates.
7) Future Women In STEM Scholarship
This academic scholarship program aims to empower female students in science, technology, engineering, and math fields, as might be evident from its name. This is a privately funded scholarship, which is open to both undergraduate students and high school seniors. The scholarship award amount is around $1,000, and to apply for it, students need to submit an essay about a personal experience that motivated them to pursue a future in a STEM field.
8) Dominion Energy Educational Equity Scholarship Program
With an award amount ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, this scholarship opportunity for college is exclusively for students residing in Connecticut, Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, or West Virginia. Besides college, students planning to pursue further studies in a university or vocational-technical school can also apply for this financial aid program. Those considering this option must also note that it is a merit-based scholarship and requires applicants to have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Apart from their academic performance, the candidates’ work experience, participation in school and community activities, and family circumstances will also be considered for the scholarship.
