Are you a high school student, a parent, a teacher, or a college counselor? Remember, it is never too early to start researching sources of financial aid. 

First, speak to the financial aid officers at the colleges you are considering. Take notes and follow their advice and instructions. Don’t overlook important details, such as application deadlines. 

No matter the scholarships or loans you will apply for, you will almost certainly have to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online. Remember that the name of that form is somewhat misleading because it is used by colleges, not only by the government, to evaluate the amount of financial assistance you could qualify for. Plus, FAFSA will require you to assemble and organize financial documents, including your income statements and tax returns, that you will need to apply for a variety of scholarships, loans, and other forms of financial assistance.

College financial aid officers will probably recommend different sources of assistance that have proved helpful to students who attend their schools. Yet there are other sources of funding they might not mention.

In today’s post, we will provide information about some scholarships that should be on your radar.

The Gates Scholarship

The Gates Scholarship is a highly competitive scholarship that covers the cost of college for eligible students. The scholarship is awarded to outstanding minority students with high academic achievement who demonstrate significant financial need. The scholarship is open to high school seniors who are U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents and will enroll full-time in a four-year degree program at accredited U.S. colleges or universities.

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The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship awards $20,000 to 150 high school seniors each year. The scholarship is based on academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement. To be eligible, applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, attend a high school in the United States, and plan to attend an accredited U.S. college or university. The application process involves a series of essays, transcripts, and recommendations.

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The Horatio Alger Association Scholarship

The Horatio Alger Association Scholarship is a scholarship program that provides financial assistance to students who have faced and overcome significant obstacles. The scholarship awards up to $25,000 per recipient and is open to high school seniors who are U.S. citizens and plan to attend an accredited U.S. college or university. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and have a minimum GPA of 2.0. The application process involves submitting transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

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The Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship

This scholarship program awards up to $50,000 to high school seniors who demonstrate leadership, scholarship, and financial need. The scholarship is open to all U.S. high school seniors who are citizens or permanent residents and plan to attend an accredited U.S. college or university. The application process involves submitting transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay.

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The Dell Scholars Program

The Dell Scholars Program provides financial assistance to low-income students who demonstrate academic excellence and the potential to succeed in college. The scholarship awards up to $20,000 and includes a laptop and textbook credits. The scholarship is open to high school seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, have a minimum GPA of 2.4, and plan to attend an accredited U.S. college or university. The application process involves submitting transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay.

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The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship is a highly competitive scholarship program that awards up to $40,000 per year to deserving students who have demonstrated financial need. The scholarship is open to high school seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, have a minimum GPA of 3.5, and plan to attend an accredited U.S. college or university. The application process involves submitting transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

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The National Merit Scholarship Program

Chances are you know about The National Merit Scholarship Program, which has been giving scholarships to American students since 1955. It awards scholarships to students based on their PSAT scores. The program awards three types of scholarships: National Merit Scholarships, Corporate-Sponsored Merit Scholarships, and College-Sponsored Merit Scholarships. The program is open to U.S. high school students who take the PSAT/NMSQT in their junior year and meet other eligibility requirements. 

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National Student Research Study

If you are a high school educator, be sure to have your students participate in our national student research. This study benefits your students, educators, and non-profits working with youth. Fill out our quick and easy survey request form and get involved in this important work!

Participate in the research study

Resources

Teacher Break Room

Career and College Lesson Plan

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