7 Scholarship Programs for College Students

By Jenn Pedde on October 12, 2011

College costs continue to rise, but a growing number of scholarships are available to students to make higher education more affordable. Thousands of scholarship programs seek out students on an endless variety of criteria ranging from ethnic or religious background, to interest in a specific field of study, financial need and community involvement. Here is a selection of some of the major scholarships available to undergraduates:

Photo by SigEp NV Alpha '03 on flickr.com

Dell Scholars Program
The Michael and Susan Dell Foundation awards $20,000 scholarships to 300 students each year, but it includes more than a grant. Members of the program also receive other benefits, like computers, printers, textbook credits, as well as networking opportunities and mentoring. The scholarships target students who have overcome obstacles, and applicants must, among other criteria, have participated in an approved college readiness program for two years. Find out more on the Dell Scholars’ website.

Coca-Cola Scholarships
Awarded to 250 students annually, these scholarships last four years in amounts of either $10,000 for regional winners or $20,000 for national winners. The selection panel looks for students who have displayed academic excellence and community service through volunteering, and financial need is not a factor. Additionally, there are scholarships available for students who attend two-year colleges in amounts of $1,000 and $2,000. For more on the application process and timeline, visit the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation site.

The Gates Millennium Scholars Program
Established in 1999, this program targets exceptional African-American, Hispanic, American Indian, Alaskan Native and Pacific Island Americans who qualify for Federal Pell Grants. An educator must nominate applicants, who must then complete the application process. Awards vary based on financial need and may be renewed for graduate study in select fields, like engineering, education and library science. See the GMSP website for more information on eligibility and the application process.

Google Scholarships
Google offers scholarships designed to encourage women and minorities to study computer science. The Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship awards $10,000 to female high school seniors intending to study computer science / engineering or a related field in college. Applicants should exhibit a passion for technology and computer science, and must take at least one computer science course during the first year to receive payment. Similar scholarships are available for Hispanic, African-American and American Indian students, as well as students with disabilities, in amounts up to $10,000. Google also invites scholarship recipients to networking retreats at their Mountain View, CA, headquarters. More information on all of these scholarships is located on the Google Scholarships website.

AXA Achievement Scholarship
AXA awards scholarships to one student from each of the 50 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, in a one-time award of $10,000. Ten of the state winners are selected as national winners, and receive an additional $15,000 and an offer to intern with AXA. Scholarship recipients are selected on their ambition and ability to succeed in college, amongst other factors, and this scholarship is not limited by minority status or financial need. Students can find out more on AXA’s website.

Buick Achievers Scholarship
Sponsored by the GM Foundation, the Buick Achievers Scholarships program gives scholarships to students based on a variety of criteria that include financial need, leadership, community involvement and an interest in the automotive industry. Applicants must intend to study science, technology, engineering, business or other related fields. One hundred students receive up to $25,000, and 1,000 more receive $2,000. The awards are renewable for four years of study and special consideration is given to minorities and children of military service members. Interested students should visit Buick Achievers for more information.

Military Commanders’ Scholarship Fund
Children of active duty, reserve or retired members of the U.S. military are eligible for these scholarships, which are sponsored by the New York Chapter of the American Logistics Association. They award up to ten students with grants of $5,000 based on academic performance, leadership, work experience and other factors, including financial need. Find out more at the Military Commanders’ Scholarship Fund website.

This is only a small portion of the many scholarships available. Students can find additional resources at these sites:

ScholarshipAmerica.org
FastWeb.com
Zinch.com


This post is written by Jenn Pedde who is the community manager for the Masters of Social Work program at the University of Southern California which is known for their virtual MSW degree. She’s an avid traveler and loves photography.


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