Scholarships are like lighthouses, guiding students to educational opportunities they otherwise would not have access to. The key to securing a scholarship is to research thoroughly and to work hard.
With dedication and commitment, securing a scholarship will become easier than you think. Start the process by reading this article and analyzing your own unique circumstances.
Scholarships for International Students
Few states can boast as many cultural treasures as New York, and that diversity can make for an interesting college experience. Many state universities are interested in broadening their student body and welcome the unique perspective international students can bring to campus. Concordia University, for example, offers scholarships to international students based on their academic ability and family need that can range from $8,000 to $16,000 per year. Dartmouth College also meets the demonstrated financial need of all admitted undergraduate international students.
Many private scholarship programs are also available. The Women in Communications Foundation, for instance, awards scholarships to female students from New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania who are studying communications or a related field. Applicants must have a minimum 3.2 GPA and write an essay explaining why they deserve the scholarship.
Students who are interested in art can apply to the Nancy and Harry Koenigsberg/Textile Study Group of New York Scholarship. The competition focuses on fiber art, defined as any work created with flexible materials. Recipients receive a $1,500 award toward their tuition and are invited to present their works at the TSGNY meeting each June in New York City.
Applicants should be sure to check the application requirements for each scholarship carefully. For example, many scholarships require proof of residency, and some may have a minimum GPA or letters of recommendation to qualify. Some also have application deadlines. Applicants can find out more about the eligibility requirements for each program by talking to their school’s financial aid office.
Most New York colleges and universities have specific pages devoted to scholarships for international students, though it’s always best to speak directly with the school of your choice. They can help you identify the best opportunities and explain any additional requirements, such as maintaining a minimum GPA or taking certain classes, that might be in place.
The Tuition Assistance Program, the state’s biggest grant program, helps pay for in-state tuition for eligible residents of New York who are enrolled at a higher education institution. This fund is based on the family’s New York state taxable income, and it can be combined with other types of grants and scholarships to reduce overall tuition costs.
Scholarships for Low-Income Students
The Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building and Niagara Falls are icons worldwide, but the state of New York is also home to many college scholarship programs. From major public universities to smaller private institutions, scholarships for residents of the state provide opportunities for students to study at their dream schools without breaking the bank. Whether they are based on financial need, grade point average or other factors, these state specific programs make it possible for students to attend college in New York City and beyond.
One of the largest scholarship programs available in New York is The Educational Opportunity Program, which offers a yearly grant for students with high financial need. This is a need-based scholarship, meaning that it will adjust each year depending on the student’s financial situation. The Educational Opportunity Program is administered by the Financial Aid Office at participating colleges and universities, so students should contact the office of their chosen school to learn more about the program.
Other need-based scholarships in New York are the NYS Memorial Scholarships, which offer funding to children of firefighters, police officers and emergency medical service workers who die in the line of duty. These scholarships are available to both public and private schools, and they can cover up to four years of tuition. The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) also offers a variety of other need-based scholarships and grants for students.
Aside from need-based scholarships, there are also many unique scholarship programs for students of particular backgrounds and life circumstances. The CINTAS Creative Writing and Visual Arts Fellowship, for example, is available to students with Cuban citizenship or direct descendants studying the subjects of creative writing or art. The Schwallie Family Foundation Autism Scholarship and the Avonte Oquendo Memorial Scholarship for Autism are two additional examples of scholarships that aim to provide support to students living with autism or whose close relatives do so.
To apply for many of the state-specific scholarships in New York, students will need to submit the FAFSA, SAT or ACT scores, letters of recommendation, academic transcripts and other requirements. Students should also do research into local foundations, organizations and government programs that may be able to provide funding for tuition or other expenses. Using online directories can help students find additional scholarships that may be relevant to their interests and background.
Scholarships for Students of Color
Few places in America offer as many unique scholarships for college students as New York. This state offers a large number of general scholarship programs that combine merit and financial need, as well as specific scholarships for students from particular backgrounds. Students looking to attend a New York college can find plenty of support, including a wide range of scholarships for African American students.
Many of the New York scholarships for minority students are targeted toward a specific field of study, such as film or theatre, or to specific groups of people. For example, the Ascend Educational Fund has a scholarship for students from families with two parents who were born outside of the United States. In addition, the Black Women Film Network Scholarship awards scholarships to female students in the fields of film and TV production. The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee has a scholarship for students at the undergraduate and graduate level who are active members of their community.
Other scholarships for minority students are more general in nature and are designed to encourage and support all kinds of academic pursuits. For example, the Community Foundation for the Hudson Valley has a scholarship program for students who want to pursue a degree in the performing arts. In addition, the Acacio “Roger” Rodrigues Memorial Scholarship offers scholarships to students from communities in Putnam, Westchester, Dutchess and Fairfield counties.
Scholarships for student athletes are another way to help students pay for college. These awards often cover all or part of tuition and are available to both high school and college students. These awards are often based on a combination of academic performance and extracurricular activities.
As with all types of scholarships, students must be prepared to meet the requirements of each one that they apply for. They may need to submit an essay, letters of recommendation or other documents. In some cases, students will be required to demonstrate their eligibility through financial records such as tax returns or property records. The majority of these scholarships, however, are based on need.
Students who are considering applying for a New York college scholarship should make sure that they have a full understanding of all the requirements before beginning an application. There are many free resources online that can provide information about scholarship opportunities. Applicants should also be aware of the application deadlines.
Scholarships for Students with Disabilities
Getting into college is stressful enough, but the costs of tuition, school-related fees and accommodations for disabilities can be overwhelming. Thankfully, scholarships for students with physical or mental health challenges exist to help make these educational goals a reality. The ChairScholars Foundation removes financial barriers for low-income students with physical impairments by awarding them scholarships that cover all expenses incurred while pursuing higher education. Similarly, the RISE Scholarship for High Achievers with ADHD offers $2,000 to be applied to tuition costs at an accredited college or university.
Other scholarships for students with disabilities are offered by companies that provide products or services to those living with a disability, as well as organizations that focus on advocacy and research. For example, the Stony Wold Fund Scholarships for Students with Pulmonary Disorders awards up to 30 students with pulmonary defects or disorders each year. Similarly, the Google Europe Scholarship for Disabled Students is open to full-time undergraduate and graduate students with a disability, who are studying computer science, engineering or a related field.
In addition to scholarships, grants can be helpful sources of funding for college. They are similar to scholarships in that they do not require repayment, and unlike loans, grant resources can be renewed as long as the student continues to demonstrate progress toward a degree. Those seeking scholarship opportunities should apply for the FAFSA to see what aid they qualify for.
Other types of grants available for students with disabilities include the Eccleston-Callahan Scholarship Trust, which is awarded to a criminal justice or social work student who demonstrates financial need and volunteerism within the special needs community. The Thomas J. Kilcullen Memorial Scholarship, which is provided by the Eccleston-Callahan Fund in memory of a man with cerebral palsy, also provides scholarships to those pursuing a career in criminal justice or social work. Additionally, the ADA Accessibility Scholarship and the New York State Scholarship Program for Disabled Students both offer $1000 scholarships to students with disabilities who are enrolled at a NYS college or university. The latter also provides funding to assist colleges and universities in enhancing the supports and services they offer enrolled students with disabilities.
