College Scholarships and Grants

There are many scholarships out there and they can come from different sources. Some of them can be won through contests, raffles or whatnot. However, the most prestigious scholarships and grants are not obtained through sheer luck. Sometimes, the prestige is reward in itself already. In addition to the glory, these scholarships also offer the highest financial assistance. The best advantage to getting scholarships and grants is the fact that they need not be repaid. They are awarded to the recipient free and clear, for use in pursuing higher learning.

Undergraduate Scholarships

• Apple Scholars

  Sponsored by Apple Computer, ten high school seniors are given US$2,000 for exhibiting innovative use of technology in their schoolwork. Winners may also receive products from the company along with the money.

• Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program

  Provided by the federal government, this scholarship annually gives 6,000 to 6,500 high school seniors US$1,500.

• Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship

  The Coca-Cola Company gives high school seniors with a GPA of 3.0 to 4.0 who are ranked accordingly. There are 50 students who are selected to be National Scholars and will be awarded with US$20,000 while 200 Regional Scholars will receive US$10,000 each. They are selected based on their academic performance, leadership skills, character, civic and extracurricular activities, as well as community service.

Graduate Fellowships

• AT&T Labs Fellowship Program

  This scholarship provides for all educational fees including tuition, monthly stipend of US$1,400 and a mentor who is a staff in the company. It is available for up to six years of support. This fellowship is for female and minority students who are pursuing a doctoral degree in computer and communications related fields of study. They must be either a US citizen or a permanent resident.

• Beinecke Scholarship Program

  Formulated for college juniors who are committed to pursuing a master's degree in the arts, humanities, and social sciences at any of their accredited universities. Prior to enrolment, the scholar receives US$2,000 and while attending US$30,000 is awarded. The funding must be used within five years of completing their undergraduate studies. Around 100 nominations are submitted annually by colleges and universities but only 18 are awarded the scholarship.

• Canon National Parks Science Scholars Program

  Throughout the continents of North and South Americas, eight fellowships are given to PhD students who wish to conduct conservation-related research projects. The research may be under the discipline of natural sciences, social sciences or physical sciences. For three years, the fellowship will be giving US$26,000 to each of its winners. There are also four honourable mentions and they are given US$1,000 each.

There are many scholarships out there which will give premium to the specific skills that you possess. These scholarships and grants often have their own websites to which you can refer to in order to learn about their requirements and application procedures. While some scholarships award full tuition coverage, most of them give small compensations. But remember, each scholarship is also a mark of honour and excellence.