Scholarship Spotlight

Previous Spotlight Scholarships
The Fulbright program, created in 1945 by Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas, promotes understanding between American citizens and the rest of the world by funding education abroad. It is one of the premier awards for studying outside of the U.S. The Fulbright program is not only a way to finance an education, but carries with it a level of prestige that will open doors for students throughout their careers.

The Fulbright program sends 800 scholars to approximately 140 countries each year. The amount of awards varies widely between countries, but some pay enough to cover all expenses, including the cost of bringing family members with you.

Full details and application information can be found here: Fulbright Scholarship

Note that you can browse and apply for awards according to country of interest and discipline.

The Roothbert Fund Scholarship seeks students who are “motivated by spiritual values,” although no particular religious faith is favored. It is open to all students living in the United States, regardless of race, sex, age, or nationality. About 20 scholarships ($2,000 - $3,000) are awarded each year.

All majors are welcome to apply, but those pursuing careers in education will have preference. Generally, winners will be chosen from residents of one of these states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia, West Virginia, or North Carolina.

For complete details, visit the website: Roothbert Scholarship

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation offers scholarships to college students entering graduate school. The amount of the awards depends on school costs and length of program, but can be as high as $50,000 per year.

You will need 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale and must be nominated by your undergraduate institution.

The application deadline varies, but usually is around May 1st.

You can find full details here: Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship

The National Merit Scholarship Program is open to full-time high school students who take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT) and meet other eligibility requirements. Each year millions of dollars are awarded to thousands of students. It is also one of the most prestigious scholarships available. Winning is based on merit alone without any regard to gender, race, financial status, or career plans. However, winners are chosen on a state representation basis, so you do not have to beat out the entire country to win an award. About 8,200 will win some type of scholarship. This ranges from a one-time $2500 scholarship, to a college or corporate scholarship, which may be renewable for four years. Even if you are not a finalist, you could receive a Letter of Commendation, which may help you qualify for other sources of college financial aid.

For full details, visit the National Merit Scholarship website here: National Merit Scholarship

The Google 2006 Anita Borg Scholarship is open to female undergraduates and graduate students with a GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale or 4.5 on a 5.0 scale or equivalent. Applicants must also be in a Computer related field and be able to demonstrate leadership abilities. The award is $10,000.

Full details and an online application can be found here: Google Anita Borg Scholarship

Gates Millennium Scholarship program is a generous offer for minorities. 1,000 scholarships were awarded for 2005/2006. It is open to all U.S. residents who fall into one of these categories:

African American

American Indian/Alaska Native

Asian Pacific Islander American

Hispanic American

Additional requirements:

You must have a GPA between 3.3 and 4.0, and have demonstrated leadership qualities.

Website: Gates Millennium Scholarship

Mabel and Lawrence S. Cooke Scholarship

This is the largest scholarship awarded by the National Eagle Scout Association. Each year one scholarship of up to $48,000 and four $20,000 scholarships are awarded. To keep the scholarship, you must keep a GPA that is in the top one-third of your class. You must also be a full-time student at a four-year institution. All funds will be paid directly to your school to cover tuition, room, board, and books.

For full details and to download an application go here: Mabel And Lawrence S. Cooke Scholarship

Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Contest

The Elks National Foundation offers 500 four-year scholarships to be awarded in 2006. You do not need to be a member of the Elks or be related to one in order to apply.

Awards range from $1,000 to $15,000 a year. Only high school seniors planning to study full-time at a U.S. college or university are eligible. You must also be a U.S. citizen. Men and women compete separately on the basis of financial need, leadership, and scholarship.

Apply through your local Elks Lodge. For more information, visit the official website here: Elks Scholarship

Hope Scholarship

The Hope Scholarship (Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally) is a program designed to help Georgia students with good grades pay for college. Various awards in this program cover tuition, fees, and books. Recent high school graduates applying for the first time, will need a “B” average, but to renew your award, a “B” is not required. Non-traditional students who graduated before 1993 can also use a Hope scholarship at a technical college, unless you already have a 4-year degree or 127 semester hours.

In order to be eligible, you must enroll in a Georgia university or technical school. You must also be a resident of Georgia.

Visit the official website here: Hope Scholarship

Rhodes Scholarship

For more than 100 years, the Rhodes Scholarship Foundation has been sponsoring American students who want to study abroad. The award covers all educational expenses including tuition and fees for two to three years at Oxford University in England.

Winners are selected from across the country, with most scholarships going to students at schools which have never received a Rhodes Fellowship. There are no restrictions as to major or career plans, as long as your choice of study is offered at Oxford.

To download an application, go here: Rhodes Scholarship

Target Scholarship

The Target Corporation offers over 600 $1000 scholarships and one $25,000 award each year. The eligibility requirements are much broader than most scholarships, and excellent grades are not required.

To apply, you must be a legal U.S. resident, age 24 or under, and either a senior in high school, a high school graduate, or enrolled as an undergraduate in college. Target employees, their immediate family members, and past winners are excluded.

For such a generous award, the grade requirement is fairly lax. You only need a “C” (2.0) or higher GPA. Rather than grades, the emphasis seems to be on volunteer service in the community and an essay on volunteer work.

For compete details, visit the website here: Target Scholarship

McDonald’s Scholarship program

The McDonalds Scholarship is a $1,000 grant, awarded to one student from each state and the District of Columbia. One student will be selected as the "McScholar of the Year" and receive $5,000.

An independent panel of educators selects winners based on academic achievement, involvement in the community, and their job performance.

Eligibility Criteria:

Must be a McDonald’s employee and work at least 15 hours a week.

Only high school seniors or students at an accredited institution can apply.

Usually the programs runs from January 1 to March 31.

Visit the official website here: McDonalds Scholarship

Sam Walton Community Scholarship

Each Walmart and Sam's Club offers two $1,000 scholarships each year. All high school seniors are welcome to apply, but you can not have any affiliation with Walmart in order to be eligible. A minimum 2.5 GPA is required and you must demonstrate financial need.

The money can be used for freshman year expenses at any accredited college or university. Walmart claims that as many as 6,000 of these awards may be given out next year.

To learn how to apply go here: Walmart Scholarship