Scholarships

Check out these colleges that offer free tuition or no loans!

2011-01-19T08:34:00.000-08:00

Did you know that Cooper Union college, an engineering, architecture and art school in the heart of Greenwich Village, New York City, offers free tuition to its students? Neither did I!

The school, which has about 4,200 students, only accepts about 8 percent of the students who apply . . . but hey, regardless . . . !

To learn about Cooper Union and a handful of other colleges that offer free tuition, no student loans and other incentives to their student body, click here.

Planning to travel in 2011? Check out these scholarships!

2010-12-11T10:07:00.000-08:00

Years ago, we learned of an organization that provides scholarship money for students wanting to travel abroad. We shared it as much as we could, but have since "lost" that piece of information.

American students nestled in base of huge ceiba tree
in a national park in Guatemala.
Photo credit: 'Brooklyn Blue' Esters

Just this morning, one of our colleagues and friends sent us a list of scholarships, one of which provides scholarships to students wanting to travel for educational purposes . . . across the ocean, or as close by as a museum or aquarium in the next largest city. (Thanks, Sis. Angie!)

* Travel is Education Scholarship: www.acis.com (deadline, Jan. 14, 2011)
* Student Youth Travel Association Scholarship: www.sytayouthfoundation.org (next application period opens March 1, 2011, for 31 days)

April 15, 2010, is deadline for seeking UNCF/Foot Locker scholarship

2010-04-14T06:50:00.000-07:00

Thursday, April 15, 2010, is the deadline for applying for a UNCF / Foot Locker Foundation, Inc. scholarship. The scholarship is for up to $5,000.
The scholarship is only open to high school seniors and/or college students who are planning to or currently attending United Negro College Fund (UNCF) colleges and universities and who have at least a 2.5 grade-point average. Students may apply online for the scholarship.
For details, visit www.uncf.org/forstudents/scholarDetailSGA.asp?id=442.

Southwest Michigan educators share how to improve literacy, academic success

2010-02-04T01:57:00.000-08:00

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The main way to ensure or improve your child's literacy and academic success is summed up in a single word, said Kimberly Parker-DeVauld, principal of a 600-student elementary school in the city: Read.
          In fact, Parker-DeVauld led an audience in citing the top ten things parents and guardians could do to ensure literacy and academic success: 1). Read. 2). Read. 3). Read. 4). Read. 5). Read. 6). Read. 7). Read. 8). Read. 9). Read. 10). Read!
          Parker-DeVauld's comments came during the "Literacy Is The Key" forum hosted by Mt. Zion Baptist Church, which is leading its congregation and others in taking biblical, pro-active measures to raise the academic success of its children and those throughout the community. The church serves a primarily African American population in a city where anonymous benefactors created The Kalamazoo Promise, which pays tuition for eligible Kalamazoo Public High School graduates to attend any of the state's public colleges and universities. All the presenters are members of the church.
          Parker-DeVauld's colleague, Leadriene Roby, principal of Covert Elementary School in Covert, Mich., agreed with her assessment.
          "Children who read the most, read the best," Roby said. "If you read a lot, it raises your scores in a lot of areas."
          Roby also asked the audience about its home library, inquiring whether they had more televisions in the home (especially in children's bedrooms) than bookshelves.
          "Simply put, those who watch the most (TV) know the least," Roby said.
          Material presented at the forum indicated that fifth-graders who spent 1.8 minutes a day reading outside of school scored in the 30th percentile on a standardized reading test, while those who spent 21.1 minutes a day scored in the 90th percentile and those who read 65 minutes a day outside of school scored in the 98th percentile. (Source: "Growth in Reading and How Children Spend Their Time Outside of School," 1988 Reading Research Quarterly)
          Presenter Nkenge Bergan, principal of the 1,179-student Lakeview Middle School in nearby Battle Creek, Mich., challenged parents to stay involved in the lives of their middle-school students. That, she said, included attending parent-teacher conferences, visiting your child's school and classroom and keeping abreast of the homework and other work assigned. For instance, if a child told a parent he or she didn't have homework for the evening, Bergan offered a solution:
          "Say 'guess what? I have one for you'," and present that child with a book to read, Bergan suggested.
          Bergan shared how she also refused to give her own middle-school daughter a cell phone — not because she couldn't afford to — but because cell phones and other technology such as social-networking sites (MySpace and Facebook, for instance) encouraged bullying and negative behavior and interferred with young people's academic development.
          "Monitor social activity, be nosy and say 'no'," Bergan said. "I'm so tired of middle school parents thinking that they can be friends with their kids."
          She also encouraged parents to have expectations of their children and to lead the youth in creating a life plan.
          The audience — comprised almost equally of adults and youth — also heard from Craig LeSuer, an assistant principal at Maple Street Magnet School for the Arts in Kalamazoo, Mich. LeSuer, who has also coached student sports, specifically discussed how student-athletes aspiring for the professional arena needed to prepare academically.
          LeSuer presented data showing that of the nearly 550,000 high school male athletes, only about 1.3 percent of them would wind up playing sports professionally.
          He borrowed from a phrase he attributed to one-time heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson: "Everybody has a plan until they get hit."
          "What is your Plan B?" LeSuer said. "Have a Plan B to fall back on."
   Organizers are now launching a Reading and Writing Clinic, to meet 6 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays, at the church; the clinic will be for children from kindergarten to age 8.
   To solidify the evening's messages, forum organizers gave away new and gently used books to the children and their parents.

For an audio or videotape recording of the "Literacy Is The Key" forum, contact Mt. Zion Baptist Church at 269.388.3111 or http://www.mtzionkalamazoo.org/.

Southwest Michigan church hosts ACT prep classes

2010-02-03T07:37:00.000-08:00

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — ACT prep classes are planned for several days, running from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18, 2010, to March 8, 2010, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church (the church's lower level), 120 Roberson, Kalamazoo, Mich.
   The free sessions are Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010 and Monday, Feb. 22, 2010 (math); Thursday, Feb. 25, 2010, and Monday, March 1, 2010 (English/writing); and Tuesday, March 2, 2010, and Monday, March 8, 2010 (science).
   The sessions are targeted to students in the 11th grade, although 9th and 10th graders are welcome to attend.
   To sign up for the sessions or receive more information, contact ACT prep coordinator Cassandra Bridges at Mt. Zion Baptist Church at 269.388.3111.

Imagine attending school at N.H.'s Phillips Exeter Academy

2009-10-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

Did you know that tuition is free at Phillips Exeter Academy, for students whose families have annual incomes of $75,000 or less?

For details, visit Phillips Exeter Academy, in Exeter, N.H., online at http://exeter.edu, or contact admissions officer Idris McClain at 800.828.4325, ext. 3365 or via email at: imcclain@exeter.edu.

Former foster care youth nabs $1 million in college dollars

2009-10-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

Read about how one young man amassed more than $1 million in college scholarships!

Click here to read the Oct. 2009 Chicago Tribune story.

Start NOW compiling next year's scholarship info!

2009-10-06T04:07:00.000-07:00

Scholarship Application Tip #1:

Are you a high school senior needing scholarships to attend college next school year?
Then now is the time for you to start working on that process — creating your personalized filing system that lists by "deadline date" the scholarships for which you're planning to apply. Use a manila folder for each scholarship you plan to apply for; put a copy of the scholarship application and guidelines or requirements in the folder, with Post-Its indicating the materials you need to collect to include with the form.
If you're the type of student who needs a little bit more leeway or reminder room, then make that deadline date a week earlier than the posted deadline. That system should help you better keep abreast of and the letters of recommendation and letters of reference, high school transcripts and test scores, for instance, that will need to be included with the package.

Writing Contests

2009-09-24T14:52:00.000-07:00

"Being An American Essay Contest"

The "Being An American Essay Contest" is open to high school students, who are asked to right about the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship: The question they're asked to write about is "What civic value do you believe is most essential to being an American?"

Students compete for a first prize of $5,000, second-place prize of $2,500 and third-place prize of $1,250. These prizes are awarded to the top winners in nine geographical regions.

Applications and essays are accepted until the deadline of Dec. 1, 2009. This contest is administered by the non-profit Bill of Rights Institute, with sponsors David H. Koch, Amway Global and the Jack Miller Family Foundation.

For details and full contest guidelines, visit www.BeingAnAmerican.org.

— His Hem Ministry

Gates Millennium Scholarship program turns 10!

2009-09-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

It was in 1999 that Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation invested $1 billion in the Gates Millennium Scholars program, to fund college education for eligible African American, Hispanic American and American Indian / Alaska Native, Asian and Pacific Islander American students.

The application period for the 2010 scholarship program is now open. Read details at www.gmsp.org. The submission deadline for applications is 11:59 p.m. EST on Monday, Jan. 11, 2010.

ARCHITECTURE

2009-09-14T07:40:00.000-07:00

AIA / AAF Minority/Disadvantaged Scholarship

The AIA / AAF Minority/Disadvantaged Scholarship, sponsored by The American Institute of Architects in Washington, D.C., awards scholarships to high-school graduates from a minority and/or financially disadvantaged background who intend to pursue a professional degree in architecture from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen and either a high school senior or a college freshman; they must be nominated for the scholarship.

Awards: $500 to $2,500

2009 Nominating form deadline: first week of December

2009-2010 deadline: Jan. 15, 2010 (for application and supporting materials)

For more info: 202.626.7511, www.archfoundation.org, or http://www.archfoundation.org/aaf/aaf/Programs.Fellowships.htm

THE ARTS

2009-09-14T07:30:00.000-07:00

youngARTS, a program of the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts

Provides recognition and awards to young artists across the country, for excellence in the literary, visual and performing arts — including dance, cinematic arts, jazz, music photography, theater, visual arts, voice and writing. Each year, youngARTS names 20 finalists (graduating high school seniors) as Presidential Scholars in the Arts.

Visit: www.youngarts.org

2009 registration deadline: Oct,. 16, 2009

2009 audition / portfolio deadline: 5 p.m. EST, Oct. 30, 2009

GENERAL STUDIES (NON-SPECIFIC)

2009-09-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

Ron Brown Scholar Program

Awards scholarships to African American high school seniors who are expected to “make significant contributions to society.” Applicants must excel academically, exhibit exceptional leadership potential, participate in community service activities and demonstrate financial need. (Current college students are not eligible.)

Award: $10,000 annually

Visit: www.ronbrown.org

2011 Deadlines: - Nov. 1, 2010 (postmarked, for Ron Brown Scholar Program and selected college and other scholarship providers)

- Jan. 9, 2011 (final postmarked deadline to only be considered for the Ron Brown Scholar program)

The Gates Millennium Scholars Program

Awards college scholarships to 1,000 high school graduates (African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American, Hispanic American students) to pursue degrees "in any discipline area of interest."

Visit: www.gmsp.org

2011 deadline: Jan. 10, 2011 11:59 EST (online) or postmarked on or before Monday, Jan. 10, 2011

2009-09-14T05:30:00.000-07:00

Coca-Cola Scholars Program

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program awards scholarships to high school seniors throughout the United States who meet the eligibility requirements. The students must be U.S. citizens (other classifications accepted) and plan to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution.

Awards: $20,000 (National Scholars) and $10,000 (Regional Scholars)

Deadline for 2011 high school graduates: Students may apply between Aug. 1 and Oct. 31, 2010.

For more info: Visit www.coca-colascholars.org

2009-09-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship

The Jackie Robinson Foundation provides scholarships of up to $7,500 annually to minority high school students who show leadership potential and demonstrate financial need. Applicants must be U.S. residents and not yet have a two- or four-year degree when applying for this scholarship.

Call 212.290.8600, in New York, or 310.595.3294, or visit www.jackierobinson.org.

Award: Up to $7,500

2011 deadline: March 15, 2011 (deadline for receipt of all materials)

JOURNALISM

2009-09-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

Chips Quinn Scholars Program

College students or recent college grads may be nominated by faculty or enter themselves into this scholarship program, which includes a paid 10- to 12-week internship. The scholarships (the Chips Quinn Scholars Program for Diversity in Journalism) are hosted by the Freedom Forum, 555 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001.

2009 Nomination Deadline: Oct. 15, 2009 (postmarked applications) for the 2010 spring and summer programs

Contact: Karen Catone, program director, at 202.292.6271, www.chipsquinn.org

2009-09-13T04:00:00.000-07:00

Donald W. Reynolds National Center for Business Journalism Scholarships

The awards are hosted for business journalism students by the Reynolds Center, located at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. (2008-2009 scholarship recipients attended various universities around the country)

Award: $4,000

2009 Deadline: Not yet announced.

For more info: Visit www.businessjournalism.org

2009-09-13T03:53:00.000-07:00

The Medill School at Northwestern Bloomberg Scholarships

These journalism scholarships are for students who have been accepted into Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism five-quarter graduate (MSJ) business journalism program, in conjunction with the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern.

Amount: $ 15,000

Contact: Joe Mathewson, director of Medill's business journalism program, at 312.503.0770.

METEOROLOGY

2009-09-11T03:00:00.000-07:00

The American Meteorological Society Scholarships and Fellowship (various)

Scholarships are available to full-time students in certain categories:

- AMS / Industry Minority Scholarships

- AMS Freshman Undergraduate Scholarships

- AMS Undergraduate Scholarships

- AMS Industry / Government Graduate Fellowships

- AMS Graduate Fellowship in the History of Science

2010 Deadline: Not yet announced (for 2010 - 2011 applications and information coming soon)

For more info: Visit www.ametsoc.org

STATE-SPECIFIC

2009-09-09T14:00:00.000-07:00

Michigan

Kalamazoo Area Scholarship Guide

This scholarship guide, published by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, is updated annually and lists hundreds of local, regional and national scholarship listings. (The 2009-2010 guide will be available Nov. 1, 2009.)

Visit: www.kalfound.org/

2009-09-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

Michigan

The MEA Scholarship
The Michigan Education Association (MEA) Scholarship is offered to graduates of a Michigan public high school who plan to attend a Michigan public community/junior college, four-year degree-granting institution or a vocational training institution that grants a degree, certification or license.
Award: Amount to be determined (awarded scholarships may be renewed up to four times in a five-year period).

2010 Deadline: Must be postmarked by Friday, Feb. 12, 2010 (no fax or email applications will be accepted).

Visit: www.mea.org/awards/meascholarship.html

2009-09-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

Michigan

The Rosa L. Parks Scholarship Foundation

The Rosa L. Parks Scholarship Foundation is “dedicated to awarding scholarships to Michigan high school seniors who hold close to Mrs. Parks’ ideals while demonstrating academic skills, community involvement and economic need,” according to its website.

The Foundation awards 20 scholarships ($2,000) to seniors in Michigan public and private high schools who will graduate by August of the application year; who have a 2.5, or higher, grade point average; and meet other requirements. Founded in 1980 by The Detroit News newspaper and Detroit Public Schools, the foundation has awarded more than $1.6 million in scholarships to 800 high school students.

2010 deadline: Not yet announced. (The 2009 deadline was March 1, 2009.)

Visit: www.rosaparksscholarshipfoundation.org

Contact: 313.222.2538, email: rpscholarships@dnps.com