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Higher Education Scholarships

FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

The U.S. Department of Education Administers the Following Financial Aid Programs:

Pell Grants are for students who have yet to receive a bachelor’s or professional degree. The grants are awarded on financial need. Annual awards usually range from $200 to $2500.

College Work Study allows students to gain work experience and earn additional funds working in various positions in school. The program provides students with supplemental income that facilitates funding throughout the college years. Students are allowed to earn as much as possible, provided the amount does not surpass student’s financial need.

Stafford Loans are federally guaranteed, low interest loans available to students who have been approved for federal financial aid assistance. Undergraduate and Graduate students are eligible to apply for Stafford Loans.

Perkins Loans are federally subsidized loans, but unlike Stafford loans, are processed, awarded, and distributed by the school. Upon graduation the student must repay the school. These low interest loans are available to both graduate and undergraduate students.

A Federal Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need - that is, students with the lowest Expected Family Contributions (EFCs) - and gives priority to students who receive Federal Pell Grants. An FSEOG doesn’t have to be paid back. Students can receive between $100 and $4,000 a year, depending on when you apply, your level of need, the funding level, the school you’re attending, and the policies of the financial aid office where you attend school.

Consolidated loans are low interest loans that allow students to combine various types of federal student loans to simplify repayment. There are two types of loans currently available. The Direct Consolidated Loans(FFEL) and FFEL Consolidation Loans. For information about Direct Consolidated Loans call 1-800-848-0982.

Federal Parents Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) loans are low interest loans available to parents of students that are ineligible for other federal programs. PLUS loans have variable interest rates, and they usually don’t exceed 9%. Students should consult their school’s financial aid office for application requirements and procedures.

APPLYING FOR FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is used to apply for federal student financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available from the following resources:

1. FAFSA on the Web: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov
2. The Financial Aid Office Located in Your School
3. Write to the Federal Student Information Center:
   PO Box 84
   Washington, DC20044
   1-800-433-3243
   Hearing Impaired: 1-800-730-8913

FEDERAL SCHOLARSHIPS

The federal government administers scholarships based on factors that are NOT based on financial need. Instead, they are administered on scholastic excellence and for students in specialized areas of study, and other criteria. Students who wish to apply for these scholarships should do so at the earliest possible time as some programs have application deadlines

Americorps Program closely resembles the Peace Corps, with the exception that it is a domestic program. Americorps volunteers earn educational benefits in exchange for one or two ears of service in the Americorps program. For more information contact: 1-800 942-2677, or visit the Americorps website at http://www.cns.gov.

The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship Program was designed to honor former Senator Barry Goldwater through the operation of an education scholarship program, financed by a permanent trust fund endowment, designed to encourage outstanding students to excel in engineering, and the natural sciences. Awards range from $1 to $7500 per annum. Application deadline is February 1st yearly. For more information, the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation, Gerald J. Smith, Presidents 6225 Brandon Avenue, Suite 315, VA 22150-2519 Telephone (703)756-6012 E-Mail goldh2o@erols.com.

The Christa McAuliffe Fellowship provides assistance to outstanding teachers to continue their education, create innovative programs, consult with or assist school systems, or pursue other activities that strengthen their knowledge or skills. Teachers must teach in elementary or secondary schools. For more information, contact: The Equity and Educational Excellence Division, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington DC 20202 or call (202) 260-2715.

The aim of the Educational Exchange for Graduate Students is to improve and strengthen international relations of the United States by promoting better understanding among cultures of the world through educational exchanges. To be eligible, students must be U.S. citizens at the time of application; must hold a Bachelors degree before the date of the grant; may not hold a doctoral degree at the time of application and must be proficient in English. Scholarship amounts range from $1,200 to $35,000. For more information, contact your school's Fullbright program, or write to: Institute of International Education, 809 United Nations Plaza, New York, New York 10017.

The objective of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Program is to honor former President Harry S. Truman through scholarship financed by a permanent trust fund endowment, to create increased opportunities for students to prepare and pursue careers in public service. Students receive financial assistance ranging from $3,000 to $13,500 per annum. For more information, contact the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, Louis Blair, Executive Secretary, 712 Jackson Place, NE, Washington, DC 20006. Telephone (202)395-4831 Use the same number for ETS.

National Security Education Scholarship participants are encouraged to (1) equip themselves with an understanding of less commonly taught languages and culture and (2) to help build a critical base of future leaders both in the marketplace and in government service. Students enrolled in any accredited 2 or 4-year college or university are eligible to apply. Scho1ars amounts are up to $8,000 per academic term, not to exceed two terms per year. Application deadlines are specified in annual application, usually in January or February. For more information, contact Dr Edmond J. Collier or Mr. Kenneth A. Clayton, Department of Defense, Office of the Secretary of Defense, National Security Education Program 1101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1210, Arlington, VA 22209-2248. Telephone: (703) 696-1991. E-mail:collier@nsp.policy.osd.mil

Undergraduate Scho1arship Program for Individuals from Disadvantaged Backgrounds scholarships are available to students aspiring to pursue a course of academic studym which prepares them for professions needed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Eligible students include undergraduate full time students enrolled in 4-year colleges and universities. For more information, contact The National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Program and Business Contact: Marc S Horowitz, J.D. Office of Loan Repayment and Scholarship, National Institutes of Health, 2 Center Drive, Room 2E30, Bethesda, MD 20892-0230 Telephone (800) 528-7689. Facsimile (301) 480-5481.

ARMED FORCES R.O.T.C. SCHOLARSHIPS

These scholarships are offered through the Air Force, Army, Marines, and Navy. Program awards range from two-to-five year scholarships that pay for tuition books and fees in return for respective commitments to reserve or active duty service.

Your local military recruiter can provide you with more information about colleges with ROTC programs. You may write to the ROTC programs at the follpwing addresses: