College Bound: 2011 Minority Scholarships

Fisk University Graduates

During their junior and senior years, students begin to feel the stress of seeking financial aid for college. Students who have their mind set on attending a four-year university or junior college oftentimes turn to their parents for financial assistance. But as we all know, the times in which parents squared away a savings account in anticipation of their child graduating from highschool…are long gone.  Those savings are now being used on things such as past due bills, second mortgages, and everything else under the sun families spend money on just to stay afloat. But each year, luckily, other financial assistance opportunites presents themselves in forms of grants and scholarships. So don’t fret! There are many organizations offering minority scholarships to well deserving students. Of course, there are certain guidelines or requirements those that apply have to follow. To help minority students and their parents find funding, STACKS Magazine have gathered a some great scholarship opportunities. Check hem out below. 

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Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund  – Scholarships are merit based; however, applicants must have a financial need to qualify; must re-apply annually for renewal; restricted for payment of tuition, on campus room and board, books and fees; awards average $2,200 per student per semester; awards are not paid directly to students, but to the institution.

United Negro College Fund – In addition to the UNCF general scholarship, the website also lists several other affiliate scholarship programs for students to apply for.

Coca-Cola Scholars Program – Students must carry a 3.0 GPA at the end of their junior year; applications are only accepted during August 1 – October 31 of the senior year; 50 students are then designated as National Scholars and receive awards of $20,000 for college; 200 students are designated as Regional Scholars and receive awards of $10,000 for college. 

State Farm Insurance Scholarship Program – Grants offered to students in the hispanic community.

Sallie Mae Grants and Scholarships –  Website houses scholarship award database containing 3 million scholarship leads; offers new Sallie Mae Scholarship Search Facebook application.

KFC Colonel’s Scholars Program – Eligible students can earn up to $20, 000 towards college; open registration for 2011 is closed, but 2012 applications can be filed starting December 1, 2011.

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Students this is just a short list to get you started in your quest. You can check your local library, school guidance counselor, or the internet to find out about more scholarship opportunities.  If you have access to the web, check out this list of 100+ programs! But before you apply for anything, make sure to talk it over with your parents or counselor, conduct a thorough review of all the programs out there and pick the ones you have the best chance at being awarded. And don’t forget to KEEP YOUR GRADES UP!

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