Grants for High School Students.
Every year, high school students across the globe embark on their journey towards higher education.
For some, this can be an overwhelming experience, especially when considering the potential financial burden that often accompanies it. Fortunately, numerous grants exist to alleviate this stress.
These are essentially ‘free money’ that doesn’t need to be repaid and is awarded based on various factors, including academic achievements, athletic abilities, community service records, and more.
What are High School Student Grants?
Grants are funds disbursed by one party (grant-makers), often a government department, corporation, foundation or trust, to a recipient, often (but not always) a nonprofit entity, educational institution, business or an individual. In order to receive a grant, some form of ‘Grant Writing,’ often referred to as either a proposal or an application, is required.
The Importance of Grants
Grants serve as financial support for students who have the desire and aptitude to pursue higher education but lack the necessary funds. Unlike loans, grants don’t need to be paid back, making them an excellent way to finance education. They can cover a wide range of expenses, from tuition and accommodation to books and other educational resources.
Top 10 Grants for High School Students
1. Federal Pell Grant: This is the largest provider of student grants, and it’s funded by the federal government. The amount awarded varies each year and depends on the student’s financial need, cost of attendance, and full-time or part-time status.
2. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): This grant is for students with exceptional financial need. Not all schools participate in the program, so check with your high school guidance counselor or the financial aid office at your prospective college or university.
3. National Merit Scholarship Program: This competitive program awards grants to high-performing students. The winners are determined based on their scores on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).
4. Gates Millennium Scholars Program: Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this program offers grants to minority students who demonstrate significant financial need.
5. Coca-Cola Scholars Program: This program awards 150 scholarships each year to promising high school students. To apply, students must be seniors and planning to attend a post-secondary institution in the United States.
6. Dell Scholars Program: This program targets low-income, highly motivated students. It takes into account a student’s determination to succeed despite personal obstacles.
7. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program: This is one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarship programs for high school students. It offers grants to high-performing high school seniors with financial need.
8. Horatio Alger National Scholarship Program: This program awards scholarships to students who have faced and overcome great obstacles. High school juniors from low-income families can apply.
9. Rotary Foundation Grants: Offered by the Rotary International, these grants aim to fund a variety of projects, scholarships, and training that improve the quality of life for individuals.
10. Siemens Competition in Math, Science, and Technology: This competition awards scholarships to exceptional high school students who have unique research projects in math, science, and technology.
Practical Example: Applying for the Federal Pell Grant
Consider the Federal Pell Grant, a need-based grant that you apply for by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You’ll need your family’s financial information to fill out the FAFSA, which the government uses to calculate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The EFC is subtracted from the cost of attending college to determine your financial need. The difference is your financial need, which the Federal Pell Grant can help cover.
Start by gathering your financial documents, such as tax returns, W2 forms, and bank statements. Then, go to the official FAFSA website, create an account, and follow the instructions provided. It’s important to apply as early as possible because many grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Don’t forget to look beyond federal grants. Many state governments, colleges, private companies, and nonprofits offer grants to help high school students afford college. Some are based on need, some on merit, and some on factors such as ethnicity, gender, or area of study.
In conclusion, grants play a pivotal role in facilitating the journey of high school students towards higher education. The key to success in acquiring these grants lies in early preparation, research, and commitment to the application process. These funds are more than just financial aid; they are investments in a student’s future, helping them realize their academic dreams without being burdened by financial stress.
