As the new school year begins, one concern rings on my mind and the minds of students at universities all over the nation: Where will I get the money I need? All of the expenses that come with being in college crop up at once: Books, tuition, supplies; they all hit you like a ton of bricks.
According to a recent CNN report, the country's higher education affordability grade has been lowered from a 'C' to a 'D,' making it even harder for minority group members, who, although they are attending college in record numbers, are dropping out at a high rate because of affordability factors.
Financial aid from your college or university can offer some help. But most students end up taking out loans that they will be paying back into their golden years. Now, more than ever, looking for help outside of the normal financial aid system in the form of scholarships and grants is crucial when trying to finance what should be one of the best times of your life. Why pay for your own education if you can get someone else to do it?
One of the biggest problems you may have with applying for scholarships is not the application. It's your own doubts and uncertainties about the process, which end up becoming the "walls," you build around the cash you need. But if we look at the facts, we can break down those walls and pursue the money we need to get through school.
1. The "My family makes too much money according to the Government" Wall
Fact: Not all scholarships are based on need! There are many scholarships that are need-blind. Many funds that use need as a component also look at a lot of other factors as well and allow you to explain your situation as a part of the application process. The Hispanic College Fund as well as the United Negro College Fund understand that the government formula is not the best, so they account for that when determining your true financial need.
2. The "I have a low GPA" Wall
Fact: Most scholarships are not based on GPA alone. Some have GPA requirements as low as 2.50, or none at all. While GPA is a good measure of student ability, judges know it is not the total measure of the student. In the sciences and engineering, students can receive lower grades because of the demand of the course work. Speaking with judges from both the Hispanic Scholarship Fund and the Hispanic College Fund, I've learned that the whole person is taken into account, not just the grades.
3. The "There is not much money for my career interest and major" Wall
Fact: There is always money for what you want to do. For instance, say you're on the career track that may take you into the theraforming industry (heating plastic into molded parts). The Society of Plastics Engineers has both career- and minority-based scholarships. Many companies now are using scholarships and internships as a part of their "commitment to diversity" strategy and as a form of recruiting.
The point is that there is money, but you have to look and be willing to work for it. The key to scholarships is the fact that they are competitive. No one will just come up to you and say, "Hey, want some free money?" The people who look are usually the ones who win.
Jose Vazquez, a student at Western Illinois University, has been awarded 27 scholarships, amassing more than $75,000 in aid to date. He currently is writing a book on scholarship strategy for minorities and nontraditional students. Vazquez is also a public speaker who gives seminars on financial aid and scholarship strategy for universities and corporations interested in work-life initiatives. He can be reached at JVazquez@ccgmag.com.
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Scholarships Online
I know what you're thinking: "OK, so there is cash. But where do I look for the money I need?" The Web is a good place to start. Below are some sites that can get you onto the right track.
These sites perform searches based on your area of interest:
http://www.wiredscholar.com/
http://www.fastweb.com/
www.srnexpress.com
These are Hispanic-oriented that not only list scholarships but can send you reference material:
http://www.hispanicscholarship.com/
http://www.hsf.net/
www.hispanicfund.org
These are African-American-oriented sites that do the same:
http://www.uncf.org/
http://www.africanamericanscholarship.com/
www.cbcinstitute.org
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