Scholarships Can Defray The Costs Of Your Degree
The Journal News in Dayton, Oh., referred to them as members of the “$100,000 Scholarship Club.” In May, 25 high school seniors in the mid-western community of Badin were recognized for receiving $100,000 and more in scholarships. The students, many of whom plan to study engineering disciplines, aren’t alone. Those interested will find information for distance learning programs helpful as they progress.
By searching for scholarships online, Shayla Price of Thibodaux, La., received more than $100,000 in scholarships of $100 to $40,000 – and about 80 percent of those for which she applied, the Black Collegiate notes. High school senior Matthew Lee of Pacolete, S.C., as one of 10 finalists in a May Proton Energy Scholarship competition, walked away with a single $100,000 scholarship. The Proton Energy Scholarship recognizes students for their achievements and their promise in the areas of technology and science and for pursuing studies in these fields. Following are a few scholarship programs that, like the Proton Energy Scholarship, provide appealing dividends:
Siemens Competition in Math, Science and Technology: High school students participate individually and in teams in this research project competition for a chance at winning up to $100,000 scholarships. The Siemens Foundation each year proffers more than $7 million to support engineering, technology, science and math education initiatives. It’s administered by the College Board, with regional winners moving on to finals at the national level.
Distinguished Young Women (formerly America’s Junior Miss): Women can vie for cash and college-granted scholarships in this national pageant in which nearly 200 colleges and universities participate. Idaho’s Madison Leonard, in claiming the first Distinguished Young Woman of America title in June 2010, earned $40,000 in scholarship money that she plans to use to pursue a degree in journalism. Leonard won state and local program prizes of $9,100 – plus an additional $41,000 in cash and scholarships by claiming a preliminary talent competition.
Jack Kent Cook Foundation: Eligible students with financial needs as early as the 8th grade and on into graduate school can receive some form of educational support from this private non-profit foundation. Undergraduates, including transfer students at two-year institutions, earn up to $30,000 a year for three to four years, while graduate students were awarded up to $50,000. Philanthropist Jack Kent Cook established the foundation posthumously in 2000. He had himself turned down an athletic scholarship from a Canadian institution because he helped support his family during the Great Depression and completed only four of five required high school years. He ultimately went on to own a media empire of radio stations and newspapers, as well as New York City’s Chrysler building and sports teams such as the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Ronald McDonald House Charities: Scholarships from the golden arched restaurant chain are nothing to clown around about. As part of its Hispanic American Commitment to Education Resources Scholarship Program, Ronald McDonald House Charities in 2008 went nationwide, awarding four high school students throughout the country $25,000 a year for four years of college, university and technical school studies. Scholarship recipients hailed from New York, New Jersey, California and Florida and planned to major in chemical engineering, biochemistry, neurobiology and economics and math. They were selected based on academic achievement, financial need and community service. Ronald McDonald House Charities also offers programs for high school seniors in general and for students of Asian-Pacific and African-American heritage. Through these programs, participating local chapters in areas where applicants reside provide $1,000 minimum scholarships.
The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation: Awards up to $30,000 to full-time students in four-year colleges and universities for graduate or professional school studies that can lead careers in government and other areas of public service. Applicants must be nominated by a faculty representative at the institution where they’re studying. Past Truman Scholars have majored in everything from economics and engineering to environmental science and history. Scholarship recipients are also able to participate in leadership development activities and garner federal government internships and employment. Information on online degree education may save you time and money.