Monday, August 19, 2013

General Information On Scholarships For Underprivileged Students

By Helga Stokes


A scholarship is the name given to an award issued to students to further their education. It is essentially for financial aid. Different criteria are used in choosing the recipients of such awards. Typically they reflect the purposes and values of the founder or donor. Scholarship money must not be repaid and is often used toward higher education. There are many scholarships for underprivileged students.

In reality, getting a higher education and going to college is expensive. Many people attend university or college through financial aid, such as loans or grants. The grants are usually not required to be repaid but loans are.

Scholarships are, for some, their best bet for getting into college and earning a degree. Some people have the drive, determination and goals but are without the money they need to achieve those future dreams. Through this aid, even underprivileged students have the opportunity to receive a proper education and all the tools they need to be success.

These awards can be classified into five main categories: college specific, career specific, student specific, need based, merit based. In America, need-based awards are given to students based on the financial records of their families. Some of these awards include a bond requirement. That is, the recipients are required to work for a specific employer for a certain time, or to work in remote or rural areas. Otherwise, they may be forced to repay the money. This is often the case with nursing and education awards.

In situations where it is a federal award, applicants have to complete a FASFA, Free Application for Student Aid. Awards that are need based and private usually assess the results of a FASFA form, estimating how much aid is necessary. This is done by using a formula that estimates how much contribution a family will be able to make toward the education, as well as attendance costs.

Generally, the awards are given to people with good records. These may be athletes who are skilled at a sport, students with a particular talent in a certain activity, or those who are extremely intelligent and maintain good grades. Some awards offer enough money to pay for all the years of schooling that is needed by a student. Others might offer less than that and only cover a portion of the total costs. There are some guidelines that have to be maintained for a scholarship to stay active. A student who receives a sports scholarship might be at risk of losing it if he or she does not stay on top of studies or is unable to play sports.

Many utilize local awards of this kind. Teachers and counselors at schools can provide students with resources and information related to scholarships that they are eligible for. Local scholarships tend to be less competitive than national or international awards.

A great number of scholarships for underprivileged students are available. The awards are essential financial aid that does not need to be repaid. In some cases, this is the only opportunity people have to attend college because it is far too expensive otherwise. The awards will range in stipulations, application process and the financial aid amount.




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