Amarachi AgwuAlthough community college is desired for its significantly low costs, there is still a price for attendance. While tuition varies based on location, the cost of community colleges can be as high as $25,000, meaning that although it may cost less than a four-year institution, attending community colleges is still an expensive endeavour. People wonder if community colleges offer scholarships.
This article sheds light on the subject of community college and some community scholarships available for students.
Can You Get a Scholarship for Community College?
Community college, just like any four-year college or university, costs money. Luckily, there are tons and tons of community college scholarships out there for students who intend or are already in a community college.
Scholarships for Community College Students
Here are some other scholarships for community college students who wish to earn a bachelor’s degree afterward:
1. American Association for Women in Community Colleges
AAWCC will award a $500 scholarship per region to one student who meets the national board scholarship criteria. This national scholarship was established by AAWCC as part of a continuous effort to support and elevate women in every region. Women who are currently enrolled in any community college in the US are eligible for the scholarship. Women who attended any community college in the US during the previous three years and are transferring to a four-year university are also eligible for the scholarship. A competitive process will be used to award the $500 scholarship.
Scholarship applications and all supplemental materials should be sent to your AAWCC Regional Director.
2. Guistwhite Scholarship Program
The Guistwhite Scholarship recognizes Phi Theta Kappa members for engagement and participation in Phi Theta Kappa chapter activities and societal programs, while also exhibiting leadership accomplishments and outstanding academic achievement during the pursuit of a bachelor’s degree.
The Guistwhite Scholarship honours Phi Theta Kappa International Honorary Member Dr. Jack Guistwhite and his wife, Margaret. Dr. Guistwhite developed the first transfer scholarship designated exclusively for Phi Theta Kappa members.
Eligibility – Students MUST:
- Be enrolled through December of the application year in a minimum of six (6) semester credit hours [or nine (9) quarter credit hours] of associate degree, college-level coursework.
- Be an active member of Phi Theta Kappa in good standing.
- Hold a minimum of a 3.50 cumulative grade point average out of a possible 4.0 on all college-level coursework completed in the past five years.
- Intend to transfer to a regionally accredited four-year college, attending on a full-time basis.
- Have completed a minimum of 45 college-level semester credit hours (or the quarterly equivalent) by December 31st of the application year.
- Hold temporary or permanent residency in the country of the college the student is attending OR must possess a visa considered appropriate by the college.
3. Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation is a subsidiary of the famous Coca-Cola Company. Its focus is, in its own words, “bring[ing] better to the world through investment in exceptional high school students who are dedicated to leadership, service, and action that positively affects others”.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation supports more than 1,400 college students each year through its 3 nationally recognized programs. One of these programs is the Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship. 150 high school seniors are selected each year to receive this $20,000 scholarship.
Here’s how to apply:
1. Check out the eligibility requirements to make sure you can apply.
2. Click over to the application page and create an account. Click “Sign Up” to get started. After you create an account, you will be asked to complete an eligibility quiz to make extra sure you can apply.
3. When you’re ready, complete your application.
4. Darrel Hess Community College Geography Scholarship
Amount Details: $1,500 (Low Amount Awarded)
Eligibility Requirements
- Must attend a university or a four-year college
- Must not be attending high school currently
- Restricted to students studying Geography
How to Apply
What you’ll need:
- Application Form
- Financial Need Analysis
- Recommendations Or References
- Transcript
5. Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Scholarship Amount: Up to $5,000Apply for Scholarship
Where to Find Community College Scholarships
Since there are so many community college scholarships, starting with a general internet search may prove overwhelming and ineffective. Because the best scholarship applications are specific, searching for local sources might drastically improve a student’s chances of being awarded money. Below are some local search areas that may help students find the best community college scholarships for their needs.
- Places of Employment: A student’s employer — or even a student’s family’s employer — may offer scholarship programs. Some might even offer free college tuition, depending on the type of degree!
- Unions: If a student or family member’s place of employment doesn’t have a scholarship program, a union is worth exploring. Many unions offer funding for their members and their members’ families.
- School Counselors: High school and college counselors will have the most up-to-date information on what scholarships are currently available. What’s more, these professionals can help tailor their recommendations to a student’s needs and strengths as well as help with scholarship applications.
- Member Organizations: Having memberships with certain organizations may provide scholarship opportunities.
- Local Branches of National Organizations: While national scholarship drives from big organizations will draw intense competition for scholarships, it may be more reasonable to shoot for scholarships offered by local branches.
- Churches and Other Places of Worship: Religious institutions often offer funding and other scholarships for community college students.
Tips for Applying for Community College Scholarships
Boost Your College Resume
Scholarship committees receive dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of applications to review. With such stiff competition, you need to stand out from the crowd. To do that, boost your college resume by getting involved in activities such as Challenging classes, Extracurricular activities, and Volunteer work.
Be Smart When Applying
When applying for scholarships you’ll need to play to your strengths. Conduct a scholarship search for areas related to your intended major. There are several excellent free search tools and resources at your disposal such as, State higher education agencies, Federal agencies, etc.
Also think about personal qualities that might qualify you for scholarships, such as religion, ethnicity, or disability. If you’re a first-generation college student or come from a family that has experienced financial distress, additional scholarship opportunities will be available. Additionally, if you’ve got an outstanding GPA and a history of success in rigorous courses, you can apply for merit-based scholarships.
Pay Attention to Details and Deadlines
Far and away, the most common reason why students do not get scholarships and other forms of financial aid is because they don’t adhere to the directions. A section of the application left unfilled, an essay that doesn’t meet the requirements, or sending your application materials to the wrong person or address can mean the difference between getting a scholarship and having to take out a student loan instead.
Additionally, many scholarships have requirements that may seem silly or arbitrary. But no matter what is required of each application, be sure you read the instructions very carefully and follow the requirements of the letter. If there is confusion about the scholarship requirements, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Scholarship sponsors can guide their specific requirements.
Choose References Wisely
When choosing references or people to provide a letter of recommendation, look for people who can provide specific details about your academic performance, work ethic, drive to succeed, and other positive traits. Your references will need to be people who have worked with you in some capacity, whether it’s a teacher, school administrator, a supervisor at work, a volunteer coordinator, or a club sponsor or coach. Whomever you choose should be able to speak about your strengths and provide insight into why you are the best applicant for the scholarship.
Clean Up Your Online Reputation
In today’s technology-driven world, scholarship committees may well Google your name to see if what you say and do on Facebook and Twitter is reflective of what you talk about in your application materials. Before sending off your first scholarship application, give your social media accounts a quick review and delete anything that may reflect poorly on you. Remove anything that might be seen by others as being inappropriate or immature. You can also set your accounts to private to ensure only your friends can see what you post online. Be sure that you have an appropriate email address as well. If you need to, sign up for a new account that follows the firstname.lastname@email.com format.
Write an Amazing Essay
The importance and weight that a scholarship essay carries cannot be understated. Reviewers will often rely on the essay as the single most important aspect of their decision-making process. To put your best foot forward, consider the following: learn about your audience, make it personal, be enthusiastic, demonstrate your impact, and avoid common mistakes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFJvgurQutM&pp=ygUvQ2FuIFlvdSBHZXQgQSBTY2hvbGFyc2hpcCBGb3IgQ29tbXVuaXR5IENvbGxlZ2U%3D
Conclusion
Your decision to enrol in community college was probably impacted by several variables, cost being just one of them. Although community college is the least expensive option, you can potentially save even more money by applying for scholarships. Even though applying for scholarships can be a time-consuming and drawn-out process, your chances of receiving the necessary scholarships will significantly increase if you persevere and adhere to these recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I increase my chances of getting a community college scholarship?
Focus on academic excellence, craft compelling applications, meet deadlines, and seek guidance from counsellors for a competitive edge.
2. Are there scholarships specifically for non-traditional or adult students at community colleges?
Yes, some scholarships cater to non-traditional students, recognizing the unique challenges they may face.
3. Can community college scholarships cover all expenses?
Scholarships vary, but they often cover tuition and, in some cases, additional expenses. Research thoroughly to find scholarships aligning with your financial needs.
Blessing Etim
Scholars Admin
Amarachi Agwu
Queen Okon
