Welcome to Scholarship Friday. The weekend is finally here, but it’s not time to party quite yet. If you are currently enrolled in college — or planning to be next fall — now is the time to buckle down and get serious… about applying for scholarships. Given the state of the economy, I’m hard-pressed to imagine that there are too many students who can afford to say no to some free money to school. But that’s just what you’ll be doing if you fail to apply for scholarships. Not sure where to start? Each Friday, I make your search a little easier by posting three broad-appeal scholarships with upcoming deadlines. This week I have three essay-based scholarships: The No Population Growth Essay Contest, worth up to $2,000; the $1,000 Signet Classics Essay...

The John Bayliss Broadcast Foundation awards scholarships to honor the memory of radio executive John Bayliss. The foundation’s goals are to support students who desire to enter the radio broadcasting field and to work towards stronger radio programs in top communications schools. They began distributing college scholarships in 1985, and typically give out 15 awards per year in the amount of $5,000. Most awards are given to students who attend specific schools. To be eligible students must: - be attending an institution in the United States - be entering their junior or senior year in college - be preparing for a career in the radio industry, preferably commercial radio - maintain a 3.0 GPA or better Preference is given to students who have a history of radio-related experience; financi...

TGIF! Before you shut off your computer and go enjoy your weekend, I’ve got some scholarship announcements for you. As I mentioned last week, February and March are scholarship season. There are tons of great scholarships out there with deadlines in the next few weeks. So, if you are serious about earning free money for college, now is the time! Today I have three wonderful opportunities: The Hebrew Immigrant Aid Scholarship for refugees and asylum seekers now living in the United States; Sodexo’s STOP HUNGER scholarship for community activists; and US Bank’s Internet Scholarship Program. Unlike the first two scholarships, the US Bank scholarship does not require an essay or a formal recommendation. In fact, the online application shouldn’t take you more than a ...

If you are a graduating high school student or an undergraduate college student, it’s time to consider applying for a BECU Foundation scholarship. Since 1995, the BECU Foundation has awarded over 500 scholarships totaling over $1,000,000. In 2008, the BECU Foundation awarded 40 student-members scholarships in the amount of $2,500 each. Scholarship Selection Selection is based on the student’s commitment to service through volunteer efforts and school activities, as well as academic performance. Scholarship selection is made without regard to the applicant’s race, color, national origin, religious belief, sex, marital status, age or physical disability. Applicants must be BECU (Boeing Employee Credit Union) members. Applications due March 31, 2009 Download an applicati...

Thursday, January 7, 2009 It has been a while since we have had a Scholarship Announcement Thursday.  But school is back in session (or will be next week), so it is time to get back to the routine! Today, I have three great scholarship opportunities, worth nearly $100,000! All have deadlines of later this month — and two are due within the next few days (so hurry!). There is the McKelvey Foundation Scholarship for Young Entrepreneurs, the Gates Millennium Scholars Program, and Elks Club Most Valuable Student Competition. Before you get started on your scholarship applications, you may want to check out the Financial Aid Finder’s articles about the scholarship application process and scholarship essay writing tips. 1. McKelvey Foundation Scholarship for Young Entrepreneurs ...

Can you believe it’s already Thursday again? For many of you, this is the start of a long holiday weekend. If you’ve got Monday off for Columbus Day, why not dedicate a few hours to completing some college scholarship applications?  Here are two great opportunities: 1. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Back in August, I told you about this phenomenal scholarship opportunity. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation provides $3.4 million in annual scholarships through its two nationally recognized programs: the four-year award and the two-year award. October 31st is the deadline for Coca-Cola four-year award program, which provides 50 high school seniors with a four-year $20,000  scholarship (that’s $20K/year for for years!), and it gives another 200 high school seniors a f...

It may be late in the day, but it’s still Thursday and I’ve got two really great scholarship opportunities.  To make some time in your busy weekend schedule to write some essays and fill out some applications. 1. Horatio Alger Association Scholarships: $20,000 The Horatio Alger National Scholarship is one of the nation’s largest scholarships program, annually awarding 105 high school seniors with a $20,000 scholarship.  The scholarship committee is looking for candidates who will use their college degree to serve others.  Ideal candidates will also have demonstrated integrity, perseverance in overcoming adversity, and strength of character.  Candidates must have at least a 2.0 GPA and critical financial need (family adjusted gross income of $50,000 or less).  In ...

September 18, 2008 by Mara Strom I have received a few emails this week about the full-ride scholarship to UW, which I mentioned on Monday. As the Ivy League schools kick their financial aid rewards into high gear, a number of state colleges and universities, including the University of Washington, are following suit. Given your interest, I wanted to dig up a little bit more on this awesome scholarships opportunity.  So here you go: The Washington College Bound Scholarship, as it is called, is a four-year scholarship covering tuition, fees and books at the University of Washington. Recipients are low-income students who signed a pledge in junior high school promising to stay in school and “demonstrate good citizenship.”  If you think you or your child might qualify for th...

September 4, 2008 by Mara Strom Welcome back to school!  By now, all you coeds should be happily ensconced in your gleaming ivory tower.  How is it going? I hope your transition has been a smooth one! So amidst all the excitement of a new year, have any of you encountered the sinking realization that all that money from your student loans, grants and scholarships isn’t going to go quite as far as you thought it would.  (I recall this realization vividly — it’s what led me to my first work-study job!) Yes getting a job on or off campus is one way to help with your cost of living.  But it’s also not too late to land a few more scholarships for the ‘08-’09 school year (and plenty more opportunities abound for those of you looking to fund your next y...

August 29, 2008 by Mara Strom We’ve got three September-deadline scholarship opps for you today.  Hopefully you’ll find some time to complete some applications in the midst of all your back-to-school activities. 1. OXY Cash for College: $25,000 It doesn’t get easier than the OXY Cash for College competition.  If you are aged 13-18, ask you parents to head on over to the OXY site and complete their super fast on-line application.  One grand prize winner will be selected for a $25,000 contribution to your 529 Plan College Savings Plan. There are also five 1st place prizes of $10,000 each and five 2nd place prizes of $5,000 each. Deadline: September 28, 2008. 2. Red Vines Drawing Contest: $5,000 Do you love red licorice (mmmmmm)?  Even if you’re not a licorice...