Some students may believe they are not financially able to attend a college or university. Fortunately, there are many scholarships available if potential recipients apply for them.
When I was a senior in high school, scholarships were limited. I didn’t let that deter me. I was from a poor family, but I was determined to go to college. I grew up in the segregated South, and we lived in a farming community. My family and I lived in shacks without electricity or indoor plumbing. In grade and junior high school, I studied by the lamp of a coal oil lamp. My older siblings did the same. We knew that having an education was one of the pathways out of poverty.
We moved to a housing project in the big city before I entered high school. My older siblings had graduated. The oldest was awarded a college scholarship to a private university out of state. The other two siblings worked and attended a local junior college. That left two siblings at home. My brother was couple years older, and we attended a big beautiful new school. The school had caring guidance counselors for its large student body. My brother was determined to go to trade school after graduating, and I was determined to go to college. We knew our parents couldn’t afford to pay for college tuition and expenses.
In high school, I studied hard to maintain a 3.0 grade point average, and volunteered in the community. One of the guidance counselors at school guided me in the college application process. I was awarded a partial scholarship to Tennessee State University. The partial scholarship did not cover the full tuition, so I worked for a semester to save money. I entered through the doors of Tennessee State University the winter semester and applied for work study and student loans. After waiting in long lines at the Financial Aid Office, I was awarded financial assistance.
Finishing college gives low-income students a better chance of breaking the cycle of poverty. Scholarships can bridge the gap between what’s covered by financial aid and the total cost. Incidental expenses are excluded from financial aid awards.
According to the reference cited below, college graduates make significantly more over their lifetime. The author’s cited the National Center for Education Statistics and found that the average salary for 25-34 year olds with a college degree is almost $58,000. Those with a high school degree and some college averages around $36,000. Findings by The Education Trust show that with only a high school diploma, almost half of children born into poverty will remain in poverty as adults. A college degree reduces those chances.
It’s no question that to obtain a college education, schools need to be more affordable. Parents, students, guidance counselors, and financial aid counselors all have a role to play.
Students and parents must learn how to search and apply for scholarships. Without assistance from outside sources, students may have trouble paying for their education. It’s never too early to begin the process.
Here are some suggested common steps to follow:
- Check your eligibility.
- File the FAFSA (Free application for Federal Student Aid).
- Complete the assigned essay prompt or video assignment.
- Compile required materials such as a school transcript, ID, test scores or letters of recommendation.
- Meet posted deadlines.
Scholarships help students focus on their studies. For many students, the stresses of working make it difficult to meet academic requirements or graduate on time.
I’m a member of an international organization that award scholarships and low interest loans to students for college, graduate school, or continuing education. Some of the scholarships are based on academic achievements and others are need based.
There are many scholarships available. Success starts and ends with you!
Francie Mae. August 13, 2023
Reference
Post University Blog. “Wondering Why Scholarships Are Important?” News, Student News & Resources. February 19, 2021.Website. Accessed August 13, 2023.