1. Joshua Kuck Collegiate Cycling Scholarship: $1,500

Application Deadline: December 1, 2009

The USA Cycling Development Foundation’s Joshua Kuck Collegiate Cycling Scholarship awards at least $1,500 to one female and one male student who has gone the extra mile to succeed in academics and collegiate team development. Priority is given to applicants who have place an emphasis on cycling safety, advocacy and education. Click the link above to learn more about Joshua Kuck, whom the scholarship is named in memory of.  Applicants must be full-time students, U.S. citizens, and a member of a USA Cycling Collegiate cycling club. Included with your application must be a brief, one-page statement explaining why you feel you are the best candidate to receive the scholarship and describing your contributions to cycling safety. Winners will be notified by December 15, 2009.

2. Mommy Goes to College Scholarship: $1,000

Application Deadline: December 31, 2009

Are you a mom planning to go to college? You could win a $1,000 scholarship from Myusearchblog.com for your first year of studies.  Applicants must submit an essay of no more than 750 words, or a video of no longer than 5 minutes, answering the questions:

What is your biggest challenge as a mother trying to get a degree? What can colleges and universities do to help you overcome this challenge and encourage other mothers to further their education?

Applicants must have a combined household income of less than $100,000 and must not have previously attended the college or university to which the scholarship will be applied.

3. Hispanic Scholarship Fund General College Scholarship: $1,000 – $5,000

Application Deadline: December 15, 2009

The Hispanic General Scholarship Fund awards up to $5,000 scholarships to students of Hispanic heritage enrolled (or planning to enroll) in community college or four-year colleges. Both undergraduate and graduate students are welcome to apply. In addition to being of Hispanic heritage, applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, be enrolled in a full-time course of study, and have completed the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

If you would like to learn more about college scholarships, please visit the Financial Aid Finder’s section on scholarship information. Let us show you how to navigate the scholarship application process, write killer scholarship essays, take advantage of scholarship search engines, and win weird & unusual scholarships.

Good luck with your scholarship applications this week!

Well, today I need to come clean with you all. While it’s still an unbelievably good deal to pay for college with someone else’s money, that money might not be entirely free. That’s because with some scholarships, you might just owe Uncle Sam his cut. Now this isn’t always the case — sometime the money is completely tax free. But the distinction is tripping enough of you up that I wanted to review the rules with you today.

Whether or not you received a W2 with your scholarship or grant, you may still owe taxes on some, part or all of the amount. Here’s how you figure it out.

When you owe all:

• If you are not a candidate for a degree, then you must claim the entire amount of the scholarship as income. The value of the scholarship will be taxed at your current income tax rate. So let’s say you are in the 25% bracket and you win a $1,000 scholarship for your non-degree course of study (i.e. you won’t be graduating with a BA, MA, PhD, etc. as a result of your studies). Come April of the following year, you will owe the government $250 in taxes on your $1,000 scholarship.

• If you win a scholarship prize through a contest which does not require to you to use the winnings for your education, the full amount must be claimed as income. If you can use the money for any purpose, then you will generally owe taxes on all of your winnings.

When you owe none:

• If you are a student working toward your degree and you receive a scholarship that is applied fully to the cost of your tuition, fees, books or equipment, you will not owe any taxes on the value of that scholarship. So let’s say you are working on your Master’s degree and you win an $8,000 scholarship. The cost of your tuition is $12,000, so you apply the entire scholarship to your tuition bill. You will not be required to claim the scholarship as income on your tax return.

When you owe some:

• If you are a candidate for a degree, you will owe taxes on the portion of the scholarship not being used for tuition, fees, books or equipment required for your coursework. So let’s say you are studying for your B.A. and you win a $10,000 scholarship. Your tuition, fees  and textbooks only cost $4,000, so you apply the balance of the scholarship ($6,000) toward your room and board bill. You are required to claim the $6,000 as income on your tax return. If you have additional sources of income on which you are assessed a rate of, let’s say, 25%, then you will owe that same 25% on the $6K. Keep this in mind when you allocate your scholarship money, as you may prefer to set aside the $1,500 right away.

For additional information on when and how to report scholarship winnings on your income taxes, see IRS.gov for their article on scholarship income.

Winning scholarships is as much about the quality of your applications as the quantity of your applications. In other words: It’s a numbers game. Apply to 10 scholarships and you might win one. Apply to 100 scholarships and you might win enough to cover tuition, room and board! The more you apply, the better your chances of winning. In the somewhat altered words of the late Mayor Daly, “Apply early, apply often!”

If you are a regular to the Financial Aid Finder, you probably know by now that every Friday I encourage you to apply for scholarships by telling you about three opportunities with upcoming deadlines. This week, I have three great scholarships, including an essay competition about economic development, another essay contest about the foreclosure crisis, and an online visual arts competition.

1. SEVEN Fund Economic Development Essay Competition: $10,000

Deadline: December 7, 2009

The SEVEN Fund is seeking essays about inspiring new models of economic development from around the globe. Per the website, applicants must read the article ‘Rwanda Rising: A New Model of Development’ and then

write an essay about models of economic development anywhere in the world that subvert traditional top-down approaches, and instead use a ‘heretical mix’ of business strategy, local wisdom, culture, and mutual benefit to bring about sustainable economic change at the city, country, or regional level.

Essays must be no longer than 2000 words and must be written in English. In addition, a brief abstract and author bio should be included. Essays may be submitted online, using the link above. The competition is open to high school students, undergraduates, and graduate students studying any field. College students must e enrolled full-time at an accredited institution.

2. MYARTSPACE.com Art Competition : $5,000

Deadline: December 16, 2009.

MYARTSPACE is the premier online venue for the contemporary art world and it is seeking applicants to its second annual art scholarship program. The scholarship will provide two grand prizes — one for undergraduates and one for graduates — to students that exhibit exceptional artistic excellence in the visual arts, including photography and video. Applicants must be enrolled in an approved BFA, MFA or other art graduate degree program. Submissions should be uploaded to an online MYARTSPACE gallery, containing up to 20 images for review by the jury panel. A total of $19,000 will be awarded, with $5,000 going to the two first place winners, $2,000 to each of the 2nd place winners, and $1,000 to the two in 3rd place.

3. Foreclosure.com Essay Contest: $5,000

Deadline: December 31, 2009

Here is an interesting and timely scholarship. Foreclosure.com is calling on college students to come up with creative ideas on how to solve the foreclosure crisis. Submit an essay of no fewer than 1,000 words and no more than 2,5000 word describing your solution to the foreclosure crisis. The top five plans will be sent to Congress and the White House and earn the writers scholarship dollars. Top prize is $5,000, 2nd through 5th place will each receive $1,000.

If you want to learn more about college scholarships, come visit Financial Aid Finder’s scholarship information section. We’ve got how-to articles on the scholarship application process, scholarship essays, scholarship search engines, and weird & unusual scholarships.

Good luck with your scholarship applications this week!

Let me make that “research” part of your weekend plan a little easier by giving you a lead on three great scholarship opportunities with upcoming deadlines.

1. Regional Undergraduate Scholarships, Engineering: $3,000
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers is offering a number of regional scholarships to undergraduate applicants with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a class standing of at least the top 30%. For students living in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, there is a one-year $3,000 scholarship for an undergrad studying engineering or architecture. There is a second $3,000 scholarship annually to a full-time undergraduate engineering student enrolled in an accredited college or university in Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma or Mexico. The application deadline is December 1, 2009.

2. American Ranch Horse Association Scholarship, $500

The American Ranch Horse Association is offering a $500 academic-based scholarship for the 2010-2011 school year to its youth members. Applicants must be current ARHA members, in good standing. Applicants must submit current school transcripts, a letter of recommendation from their principal, advisor or faculty member, a second letter of recommendation a club officer or board member of the local ARHA club; and a brief essay indicating the importance of higher education, career goals and scholarship need. The application deadline is December 31, 2009.

3. Amtrak Travel Scholarship: $750

The United Negro College Fund has teamed up with Amtrak to provide a $ 750 to undergraduate students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who attend one of two dozen school. (Click the link above for a full listing of the schools, including most Historically Black Colleges and Universities.)

The scholarship will cover the cost of travel, by Amtrak, anywhere in the United States within a one-year period, up to $750. What a great way to get to school next year! The application deadline is November 20, 2009.

If you want to learn more about college scholarships, come visit Financial Aid Finder’s college student scholarship section. We’ve got how-to articles on the scholarship application process, scholarship essays, scholarship search engines, and weird & unusual scholarships.

Good luck with your scholarship applications this week! 

As you know by now, every Friday I make your scholarship search a little bit easier by posting about three great opportunities with upcoming deadlines. This week, I have three essay competitions, all of which are open exclusively to high school students. Even if you are just a freshmen or sophomore in high school, winning an essay competition is a great way to get a head start on paying for college.

To learn more about college scholarships, please visit the Financial Aid Finder’s scholarship section, with how-to articles on everything from completing the scholarship application process to writing your scholarship essays.

1. The Valley Humanities Review High School Scholarship Contest: $500

The Valley Humanities Review is seeking 3,000 to 6,000-word essays from high school students demonstrating quality, originality and intellectual rigor. First prize is $500 and publication in the Spring 2010 Issue. All submissions must adhere to Chicago style and be error-free. Click on the above link for more information, including where to send your essay. The application deadline is December 15.

2. National Society of High School Scholars: $1000 – $5000

The National Society of High School Scholars is sponsoring two scholarships exclusively for its members. Membership requires a minimum GPA of 3.5 and nomination from a teacher at your high school. (If you think you qualify and haven’t been nominated, you may contact the NSHSS directly to inquire about an invitation.) The Claes Nobel Academic Scholarships award $5,000 and the National Scholar Awards are $1,000. The application deadline for both is November 30, 2009.

3. Freedom in Academia Essay Contest: $5,000

FIRE, the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, is sponsoring the second annual “Freedom in Academia” essay contest. The competition is open to high school seniors planning to attend college in the fall of 2010. Applicants must write a 700 – 1,200-word essay addressing the following question:

Why are free speech rights crucial to higher education and how do infringements on these rights betray the purpose of a university education?

The essay should cite examples from videos on the FIRE website describing how Valdosta State and the University of Delaware violated the First Amendment rights of their students. The first-place winner receives $5,000; two second-place winners each receive $2,500, and five runners-up each receive $1,000. The application deadline is November 6, 2009.

Good luck with your scholarship applications this week!

How has your week been? Have you made any progress on your college scholarship applications? As the weather turns colder we are heading into prime scholarship deadline season, so be sure to clear a few hours every week to work on your applications. After all, the best way to pay for college is with some free money, right?!

This week, I have three great scholarship opportunities for you, including two essay competitions plus a $15,000 MVS (Most Valuable Student) competition from the Elks National Foundation. I hope you find something here than will help you to pay for college!

To learn more about college scholarships, please visit the Financial Aid Finder’s scholarship section, with practical articles on everything from completing the scholarship application process to writing your scholarship essays.

1. Most Valuable Student Competition: Up to $60,000 ($15,000 per year for 4 years)

The Elks National Foundation will award 500 four-year scholarships to the highest-rated applicants in its 2010 competition. The competition, which judges scholarship, leadership and financial need, is open to any high school senior who is a U.S. citizen and planning to enroll full time in an accredited college or university for the fall of 2010. Male and female students compete separately. Membership in the Elks is not required. Applicants will first be judged by local, district and then state committees. National finalists will be notified by February 1st, at which point they must submit a secondary application, including an essay and their student aid report. The 500 national winners will be notified by April 1, 2010. Scholarships will range from $1,000 to $15,000 per year for four years, based on financial need. The first-round application deadline is November 2, 2009. Applications must be submitted to the Lodge closest to your permanent address.

2. The NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund Essay Contest: Up to $1,000

The NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund (NRACRDF) is sponsoring its annual essay contest celebrating the Second Amendment as an integral part of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. This year’s theme is:

The Second Amendment to the Constitution: Why it is important to our nation.

Applicants must submit an essay of approximately 1,000 words, which will be judged on originality, scholarship (including works cited) and presentation (including grammar and spelling). A statement from a teacher or parent declaring that the paper is your original work must be included as well. The competition is open to students in K-12th grades, although essays will be judged in two categories: Senior (10th – 12th grade) and Junior (9th grade and below). Each category will award separate prizes. First prize is a $1,000 U.S. Savings Bonds. Second prize is $600, 3rd prize is $2000 and Honorable Mention receives $100. Essays must be sent to the NRA Civil Rights Defense Fun in Fairfax, VA (click the above link for address and additional information). The entry deadline is December 1, 2009.

3. Culture of Enterprise Project Essay Contest: Up to $10,000

The Culture of Enterprise Project is sponsoring its annual international student essay on the topic

Can Character and Communities Survive in an Age of Globalization?

Intended to encourage reflection on the relationship between free enterprise and cultural mores, this top dollar contest awards a $10,000 scholarship to the first place winner.  Essays must be between 2,500 and 3,000 and must be double spaced. Eligible applicants must be full-time undergraduate students enrolled at an accredited U.S. college or university. The application deadline is December 31, 2009.

Good luck with your scholarship applications this week!

Then you’re in the right place! There is no more productive way to spend your weekend than applying for a handful of scholarships.

I recently read that earning money for college through scholarships is a numbers game — the more you apply to, the better chance you have to win. Will you will all? No way! Half? Nope! But you may win 5 or even 10% of the scholarships you apply to, if you pick your applications strategically. Look for opportunities where you meet *all* of the qualifications — and be sure you have your A-game on every time you sit down to write an essay!

Back to business. This week, I have three great scholarship opportunities for you, including a $5,000 essay contest on Memorial Day (for junior and senior high school students); a $5,000 biomedical science award; and a $10,000 scholarship for minority students.

1. Americanism Essay Contest For Grades 7 – 12: $5,000

The FRA National Committee on Americanism-Patriotism is sponsoring its annual Americanism Essay Contest, based on the theme What Memorial Day Means to Me. The grand prize winner will earn a $10,000 U.S. Savings bond. First, second, and third place winners will receive $5,000, $3,000 and $2,000 Savings Bonds, respectively. The contest is open to all students grades 7 through 12, including home schoolers, whose entry is sponsored by an FRA member in good standing. Submit your essay to your nearest FRA branch (click the link above to find the location nearest you). The application deadline is December 1, 2009.

2. Dr. Daniell Biomedical Science Award: $5,000

The Golden Key’s Biomedical Science Award aims to recognize members who are leading to careers in human or veterinary medicine, dentistry, biomedical research or other related professions. Eligible candidates must be undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students currently enrolled or planning to enroll the following year in a degree-granting program. The application committee is seeking candidates with excellent academic achievement, demonstrated leadership qualities, and scholarly basic or applied research. You must submit a written statement of no more than five pages, on your personal and professional goals over the next decade, along with the persons and events that have influenced your decision. A personal resume, letter of recommendation, and current copy of your transcript are also required. The application deadline is November 1, 2009.

3. The Vanguard Minority Scholarship Program: $10,000 (College Juniors)

The Vanguard investment company is sponsoring up to ten (10) $10,000 scholarship for minority students who will be entering their senior year of college in the fall of 2010.

Qualified applicants must be enrolled full-time in an accredited four-year college of university in the United States, have a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0, and be studying business, finance, economics, IT or the liberal arts (i.e. not natural science or engineering). The scholarship committee is seeking candidates with a strong academic record, demonstrated leadership in school and community activities, work experience, and unusual personal or family circumstances. A strong personal statement and resume is also essential. Winning checks are made payable to the students’ school. The application deadline is November 30, 2009.

I hope you find something here than can help you pay for college!

To learn more about college scholarships, visit Financial Aid Finder’s scholarship search section and Scholarships Information pages. We have helpful articles on everything from finding unusual scholarships to being the candidate a scholarship committee wants.

Have you made much headway on your college scholarship applications? Why not clear a few hours this weekend to dedicate to applying to one or two scholarships? What better way to pay for college than with free money?!

This week, I have three great scholarship opportunities for you,  including the prestigious Coca Cola scholars program; a $2,500 medical software essay scholarship (all majors welcome); a $1,000 technology education scholarship. I hope you find something here than can help you pay for college!

You can learn more about college scholarships by visiting Financial Aid Finder’s scholarships pages, which has helpful articles on everything from completing the scholarship application process to writing scholarship essays.

1. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation (4-year program): $20,000 x 4 years = $80,000

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation annually provides $3.4 million in scholarships through its two nationally recognized programs: the four-year student award and the two-year student award. The four-year program awards 50 high school seniors with a four-year $20,000 scholarship (that’s $80,000 over four years!), and it grants another 200 runners up a four-year $10,000 scholarship. Scholarships reward leadership and excellence, with a focus on academic achievement (a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required), extracurricular activities and community service. The scholarships are truly an opportunity of a lifetime, so they are super competitive. The application deadline is October 31, 2009.

2. Medical Software Essay Scholarship: $2,500

Here’s a great little essay competition. Write a 500-1,000 word essay (this post is just shy of 500 words, so writing it shouldn’t even take you too long!) on the topic:

How will medical software improve the future?

Essays will be judged on idea development, clarity of vision, creativity, practicality (okay?), and grammar/spelling. First place will win a $2,500 scholarship; 2nd place is $1,500 and 3rd place is $1,000. To be eligible, you must be a full time student studying at an accredited U.S. accredited college or university. You must be 18 years old or older at the time of entry. All majors are welcome to apply. The application deadline is October 31, 2009.

3. The Foundation for Technology Education Scholarship: $1,000

The Foundation for Technology Education is offering one $1,000 scholarship to an outstanding undergraduate student majoring in technology education teacher preparation.

The scholarship committee is looking for a student with a sincere interest in teaching, strong academic ability and glowing faculty recommendations. The applicant must be a full-time student and a member of the International Technology Education Association (but if you are not, you can apply for membership at the same time that you submit your scholarship application.)  Applicants must also have a minimum GPA of 2.5, along with three faculty letters of recommendation. The application deadline is December 1, 2009.

Good luck with your applications this week.

Now that you are settling into school, hopefully you have a little bit more time to dedicate to your scholarship applications. And even though this year is just starting, it’s not too early to be seeking out scholarships for next year — and certainly next semester. This week — like every week at the Financial Aid Finder — I have some great leads on scholarships with upcoming deadlines. Usually I get you three of these leads, but today I just ran out of time — so you’re getting two! I hope one of these will help you to pay for college!

You can learn more about college scholarships by visiting the Financial Aid Finder’s student scholarship section, which has helpful articles on everything from the scholarship application process to scholarship essays.

1.Joe Fossi 2009 Veteran’s Day Scholarship Contest: $5,000
The Joe Fossi Institute is once again sponsoring its annual Veteran’s Day scholarship contest. To enter, you must submit an original essay of at least 1,5000 words on the topic, “What Do We Owe Our Veterans? And Why?”  The contest is open to 7th-12th graders living in the United States (homeschoolers are welcome to apply as well).  Entries must be electronically submitted no later than November 2.

2. Ron Brown Scholar Program: $10,000/year x 4 years
One of the most prestigious college scholarships, the Ron Brown Scholars Program annually provides at least ten $10,000 to outstanding African-American high school seniors. The scholarship is renewable for four years, for a total award of $40,000. Applicants must be high school seniors who excel academically, exhibit exceptional leadership abilities, are active in community service activities, and have demonstrable financial need. Only high school seniors are eligible to apply. A group of finalists will be notified in February and invited to participate in a weekend selection process in Washington, D.C. in March. During the all-expense paid trip, finalists will be personally interviewed by members of the Ron Brown Selection Committee. The application –  which includes an essay, letters of recommendation and high school transcript — must be submitted no later than November 1, 2009 for consideration by both the Ron Brown Selection Committee and a select number of additional scholarship providers.

Good luck with your applications this week!

You can learn more about college scholarships by visiting our scholarship section, which has helpful articles on everything from the scholarship application process to scholarship essays.

1. Sun Trust Scholarship: $1,000

One of the nation’s largest financial holding companies, Sun Trust is giving away a $1,000 scholarship every two weeks from October 30, 2009 through May 14, 2010.  Registration opened on the 14th and the first drawing will be held on October 30th. It is free to enter, and winners are not based on GPA or financial need. Winnings will be made payable to your school of attendance. Enter weekly to increase your chances of winning!

2. Akademos / TextbookX.com 2009 Scholarship: $2,000
TextbookX.com is a discount online bookstore, founded by Akademos, which offers up to 90% off retail prices on more than 900,000 titles. This year marks the company’s third annual scholarship contest, in which one well-written student will win a $2,000 scholarship (and two runners-up will win $250 in book credits). To enter, you must write a essay of no more than 750 words on the subject,

Should there be a death penalty? Defend your position on practical, philosophical or ethical grounds.

Answers must reference at least one book that influenced the student’s answer and provide complete bibliographical information. Scholarship will be paid directly to the winner. All essays must be submitted on the TextbookX.com website by October 31, 2009.

3. PRIMERO Hispanic Heritage Scholarship: $10,000

Inspired by the many Hispanic families who have helped their children become the first to attend college, the Sears Holdings Corporation created the PRIMERO Hispanic Heritage Scholarship. The program will award up to $10,000 towards college costs for those who are first in their family, as well as those who are continuing the tradition. High school and college students from all ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Applicants must submit an online application and answer the following essay question (in English or Spanish) in no more than 500 words:

Describe a person of Hispanic origin who was a “FIRST” in his or her industry or field who you admire and who has been an inspiration to you in your current/future career goals.

In addition to the grand prize of $10,000, there will be one second-place prize of $5,000, two third-place prizes of $2,500, and 10 runners-up prizes of Sears-Kmart “Back to Campus” kits (ARV $250). Applications are due no later than October 15, 2009.

Good luck with your applications this week!