28 Oct 11 How Scholarships Can Put That Too Pricey School In Reach

A group of 25 Badin, Ohio, high school students recently earned six figure scholarships. Referred to by the Journal News in Dayton as members of the “100,000 Scholarship Club,” the seniors in this mid-western community were honored in May for being awarded $100,000 and more in scholarships. Those interested will find information for scholarships and grants helpful as they progress.

By searching for scholarships online, Shayla Price of Thibodaux, La., received more than $100,000 in scholarships of $100 to $40,000 – and about 80 percent of those for which she applied, the Black Collegiate notes. High school senior Matthew Lee of Pacolete, S.C., as one of 10 finalists in a May Proton Energy Scholarship competition, walked away with a single $100,000 scholarship. The Proton Energy Scholarship recognizes students for their achievements and their promise in the areas of technology and science and for pursuing studies in these fields. Following are a few scholarship programs that, like the Proton Energy Scholarship, provide appealing dividends:

Siemens Competition in Math, Science and Technology: High school students participate individually and in teams in this research project competition for a chance at winning up to $100,000 scholarships. The Siemens Foundation each year proffers more than $7 million to support engineering, technology, science and math education initiatives. It’s administered by the College Board, with regional winners moving on to finals at the national level.

Distinguished Young Women (formerly America’s Junior Miss): Idaho’s Madison Leonard, Miss Distinguished Young Woman of America, was crowned in June 2010 and was provided with a bit over $90,000 in cash, scholarship money and prizes. The breakdown: $40,000 in pageant scholarship money, $41,000 in cash and scholarships for winning a preliminary talent competition and $9,100 in state and local program prizes. In addition to competition-provided cash scholarships, nearly 200 colleges and universities contribute scholarships that can be applied to their institutions.

Jack Kent Cook Foundation: Eligible students with financial needs as early as the 8th grade and on into graduate school can receive some form of educational support from this private non-profit foundation. Undergraduates, including transfer students at two-year institutions, earn up to $30,000 a year for three to four years, while graduate students were awarded up to $50,000. Philanthropist Jack Kent Cook established the foundation posthumously in 2000. He had himself turned down an athletic scholarship from a Canadian institution because he helped support his family during the Great Depression and completed only four of five required high school years. He ultimately went on to own a media empire of radio stations and newspapers, as well as New York City’s Chrysler building and sports teams such as the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Ronald McDonald House Charities: A national scholarship program for Hispanic high school students in 2008 awarded recipients $25,000 a year for four years. Ronald McDonald House Charities also offers local scholarship programs for African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, high school seniors in general and students with an Asian-Pacific heritage in instances where chapters are located in the areas where they live. Local chapters provide minimum $1,000 scholarships, according to the Ronald McDonald House Charities website.

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation: Full-time students in four-year colleges and universities through this memorial to the 33rd United States President can receive $30,000 toward graduate or professional school studies that can lead careers in government and other areas of public service. Truman Scholars also are provided opportunities to participate in leadership development activities and land employment and internships with the federal government. Applicants can major in any of a variety of subjects, but a faculty representative at the institution where they’re studying must nominate them for the scholarship. Information on college grant may save you time and money.

Experts recommend that students also apply for smaller scholarships in the $100 range. These scholarships can be used for online degrees. By applying for many scholarships in many different award ranges, students might find that they never have to worry about paying for their accredited degree online.

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