Are there scholarships specifically for students who are already in college and not just incoming freshmen? I'm curious if these scholarships are competitive and how I might qualify for them.
Yes, there are quite a few scholarships available specifically for current college students. Here are some examples:
1. The Gilman Scholarship provides up to $5,000 for undergraduates who are U.S. citizens and Federal Pell Grant recipients to participate in study abroad programs or internships abroad. This is especially competitive due to the number of applicants, but students usually have a fair chance if they craft a well-thought-out proposal.
2. The Udall Scholarship offers up to $7,000 to sophomores and juniors who are U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents committed to careers related to the environment or Native American tribal policy or healthcare.
3. The Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society offers numerous scholarships for active members, including study abroad grants and fellowship opportunities for grad school. The amount of these awards can vary, but they can be quite substantial.
4. The Goldwater Scholarship is a highly competitive program for sophomores or juniors who demonstrate strong research potential in STEM fields. This award covers eligible expenses up to a maximum of $7,500.
Eligibility for these scholarships varies depending on the specific scholarship, but usually includes being a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, maintaining a certain GPA, and demonstrating commitment to a particular field or cause.
Remember, the aforementioned scholarships are highly competitive because of their national reach. Nonetheless, it's worthwhile to put yourself in the running and give it your best shot. In addition to these larger, national scholarships, many colleges also have scholarship opportunities specifically for their currently enrolled students, often through individual departments or divisions. It's a good idea to reach out to your financial aid office, academic department, or an advisor to see what opportunities might be available to you at your school.
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