Grants and Scholarships

Scholarships

What kinds of scholarships are available?• Some scholarships for college are merit-based.

• Other scholarships are based on financial need.

• Many scholarships are geared toward particular groups of people.

Scholarships

What kinds of scholarships are available?• A scholarship might cover the entire cost

of your tuition.• It might be a one-time award of a few

hundred dollars. • Either way, it’s worth applying for, because

it’ll help reduce the cost of your education.

Scholarships

When do I apply for scholarships?• That depends on each scholarship’s

deadline.• Some deadlines are as early as a year

before college starts.• Do not give up

Scholarships

How do I apply for scholarships?• Each scholarship has its own

requirements. • The scholarship’s website should give you

an idea.• Make sure you read the application

carefully.

Grants

• Grants and scholarships are the most desirable types of funding you can receive.

• The most popular grants are broken down by the federal, state and college level.

• Do your research.• Student loans should always be kept at a

minimum

Grants

Applying for Grants• Filling out a FAFSA.• The neediest students will be eligible for

the most grant funding on the federal level.

• Grants from private groups will often have an application process.

Grants

Federal Grants• The most popular federal grant is the Pell

Grant.• These grants go primarily to undergraduates.• The grants are dependent on federal funding. • The maximum Pell grant for the 2013-2014

school year is $5,635.

Grants

Federal Grants• Those found eligible for Pell Grants may

also receive funding through other grants.

• Pell recipients may also be eligible for the Academic Competitiveness Grant.

Grants

State Sponsored Grants• Most states offer grants to students

based on specific criteria.• The Illinois Future Teacher Corps (IFTC)

Program.• Education and Training Vouchers for

Youths Aging Out of Foster Care program.

Grants

State Sponsored Grants• Contact state-based educational

organizations, local higher education assistance foundations, your high school and your intended college.

• Scholarship searches.

Grants

College-Based Grants• Most colleges will have a pool of funding

available to assist low-income students.• Grants may also be awarded based on

merit, field of study or other characteristics specific to the student.

• College-based grants may change from year to year.

Grants

Career Specific Grants• Grants awarded to students interested in

pursuing a particular career have become more common.

• Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program.

Grants

Career Specific Grants• Grants targeting nursing students include

the Nursing Scholarship Program.• Both teachers and nurses also have a

number of scholarship opportunities available to them.

Grants

Grants by Degree Level• Most grants target undergraduates.• High school students rely on scholarships and

grants to cover tuition.• Incoming freshmen with a better idea of what

they would like to study, or who have a particular talent they’ll be pursuing on the college level, may be eligible for other grants.

Grants

Grants by Degree Level• Grants for graduate students are harder to

find.• If you’re a returning student, check with your

employer. • Often, private companies will offer scholarship

and grant opportunities for employees looking to further their educations .

Grants

Student Specific Grant• Grants exist for nearly every

characteristic you can think of.• Make a list of what makes you special.• The most common student specific

grants are those available to minorities.

Grants

Student Specific Grant• The United Negro College Fund for

African Americans.• Students with disabilities also have many

options.• The Individuals with Disabilities

Education Act of 1975.

Grants

Unique Grants• As scholarships come in all wacky shapes

and sizes, so do grants. • Think about what makes you stand out.• Consider contacting local organizations if

the field of study you’re pursuing in college is a unique one.

Grants

Academic Competitiveness Grant• National Science and Mathematics

Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART).• If you’re also a Federal Pell Grant

recipient, contact your college’s financial aid office for more information.

Grants

What is an ACG?• The award was first disbursed for the

2006-2007 school year.• The program is both need- and merit-

based. • Determine whether you’re eligible for the

TEACH Grant and how much funding you could be eligible to receive.

Grants

Who may be eligible for ACG Grants• Are you eligible?• Such programs include Honors, IB or AP

courses.• Those who are found to be eligible

during their sophomore year of college must also maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Grants

How much money can I get?• Students can get up to $750 for the first

year of undergraduate study and up to $1,300 for the second year of undergraduate study.

• That amount is subject to change.

Grants

Do I need to know anything else?• As of July 1, 2009, the Secretary of Education

will not be adding new programs to the list of those programs considered “rigorous.”

• That list is still subject to change, however, if a program official lobbies for a particular program’s inclusion on that list.

Grants

Grants for survivors• Beating a tough illness is difficult enough

without worrying about how you’re going to pay for college.

• The Cancer Survivors' Fund.• There are also a number of cancer

scholarships available.

Grants

Grants for international students• International students looking to study

here aren’t out of luck when it comes to finding funding.

• Fulbright Scholar Program through the Council for International Exchange for Scholars.

Bright Futures

• Florida resident • U.S. citizen • eligible non-citizen• Complete the Florida Financial Aid Application• Florida high school diploma• Not have been found guilty of, or pled nolo contendere to, a

felony charge• earn at least 24 semester credit hours