Every week, the Financial Aid Finder brings you three scholarship opportunities with upcoming deadlines. This week we have a $7,500 scholarship for outstanding students in mathematics, natural sciences and engineer; $10,000 – $20,000 for the winning essay about social change in Rwanda; and $5,000 for social change activists.
To find more scholarships that will help you pay for your college education, visit FAF’s article on free scholarship search engines. Also be sure to check out the Four Qualities Scholarship Committees Look For and Tips for Writing a Killer Scholarship Essay.
1. Goldwater Scholars: $7,500/year
The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation annually awards more than 300 scholarships to undergraduate sophomores and juniors majoring in math, science, engineering, and computer science. The Goldwater Scholarship, who are selected on the basis of their outstanding academic merit, receive one- or two-year scholarships to that cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board up to a maximum of $7,500 per year. The federally endowed Goldwater Foundation aims to encourage outstanding students to pursue careers in the fields of mathematics, the natural sciences, and engineering. Apply on line at the Goldwater Scholarship website. Applications are due no later than January 30.
2. The S.E.V.E.N. Fund Student Essay Competition: $10,000 – $20,000
The S.E.V.E.N. Fund is the Social Equity Venture Fund, an independent nonprofit organization supported by the John Templeton Foundation. S.E.V.E.N. provides monetary and organizational support for the research of enterprise based solutions to poverty. The competition will award two scholarships — a $10,000 prize to one undergraduate and a $20,000 prize to one graduate student. The winners will write a 2,000-word essay with policy recommendations to put Rwanda President Kagame’s vision into practice. The persuasive essay will be written in first person. The application deadline is in early December. Winners will be announced in February. (NOTE 1/25/13 – Website down. Try visiting www.SevenFund.org)
3. Do Something Mountain Dew Voltage Scholarships: $5,000
Mountain Dew has teamed up with Do Something in a nationwide search for leaders and change-makers. Six $5,000 scholarships will be awarded to people organizing to bring change to their communities. The winners will also be featured in the launch for Mountain Dew’s newest beverage, Voltage. Eligible candidates must be at least 13 years old. Prize money must be applied to schooling and can be applied to future educational costs. Visit the website to apply. Applications are due in mid-December. Winners will be announced in January.