With the end of the early college application process brings a new season of essay writing and checkbook stress for seniors. Getting into a school is only half the battle as college tuition continues to rise. According to US News, “Over the last two decades, in-state tuition and fees at national public universities have grown about 56% [adjusted for inflation]”. Senior Heidi Weir, relates to the challenge of affording in-state college tuition, “As a student, I see my mom stress about paying my sibling’s and I’s college tuition and it’s even more difficult when I can only work a part time job.” For students like Weir, the struggle to afford secondary education makes scholarships a critical resource. All scholarships do not require students to have a 4.0 grade point average and abundant list of extracurriculars. One hundred million dollars in scholarship money is not allocated to students because of the lack of applicants. This means that competing for scholarships is not as competitive as one might think. Just taking an hour to fill out seemingly small scholarships is a step towards thousands of dollars towards a student’s tuition.
Many smaller scholarships are company sponsored, meaning that local businesses can offer money based on set criteria of their choosing. For example, the Better Business Bureau Serving Western VA (BBB) is offering the opportunity to earn $1,000 to any student who has a 3.0 GPA and is enrolling in an accredited university, college, or trade school following high school graduation. They must attend the Student of Integrity Awards Ceremony to receive their scholarship. The application only requires three small essays, high school transcript, and a letter of recommendation. This application must be digitally submitted by January 31, 2024.
Another resource to find company sponsored scholarships is DoSomething.org. This organization aims to reward students for taking action in their communities. With this organization it’s possible to earn a $1000 scholarship just for writing to your elected government official about advocating for STEM funding in your school district. In addition, their Science Go Seek scholarship offers $2000 to students who submit a 60 second to 90 second video of how STEM can explain an individual’s interest, such as gravity’s role in the sport of basketball. Both opportunities are due March 31st, 2024, giving students ample time to finish application requirements.
In addition to company sponsored scholarships, there are foundations that aim to offer opportunities to underprivileged students. The Jimmy Rane foundation offers students to write an essay that, “exhibit[s] academic excellence, leadership skills and community involvement as well as activities, awards and honors.” Additionally, students must require need based financial aid and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship awards $500 to $5000 to students depending on their level of need and must be completed by February 5th, 2024.
Not only companies and foundations offer scholarship money to incoming college freshmen, so do many of Virginia’s in-state colleges. James Madison University offers up to 400 different scholarships to incoming students. One example is the Madison Award for Academic Excellence. This scholarship covers 75 percent of in-state tuition for students and only requires an application to the school. JMU encourages students to complete the general application for scholarships as well to be considered for other opportunities. This allows students to quickly apply for a number of scholarships in hopes for an affordable education.
Virginia Tech offers a similar process to JMU. Once students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and a general scholarship application at VT, students can receive money for academics in the individual major schools within the university. With an application to Virginia Tech, students with significant financial need will be eligible for the Presidential Scholarship Initiative, a program designed to offset college costs. Although this scholarship is extremely competitive, it gives students who financially struggle a chance for prestigious education.
Students should not be afraid to look at the many resources available to them today. Loudon County provides college and career center specialists at every high school. Woodgrove’s specialist, Mrs. Annie Harding, is available to offer substantial insight for stressed students stating, “Students can stop by to talk to me about scholarships any time.” Additionally, the Scholarship and Financial Aid page in the College and Career tab on the counseling website offers additional scholarships to students. As you apply to colleges, make sure to check school websites in the financial aid section to access available scholarships.