What are the eligibility criteria for the Oprah Winfrey Scholarship?

I'm an international student trying to figure out if I qualify for the Oprah Winfrey Scholarship. I know it's competitive, but I'm hopeful. Does anyone know what specific requirements or steps I need to follow to apply?

The Oprah Winfrey Scholarship, more formally known as the Oprah Winfrey Endowed Scholarship Program, is intended for students with demonstrated financial need and has certain eligibility criteria associated. These include:

1. You must be accepted into, or currently attending, an eligible educational institution. While the Oprah Winfrey Scholarship has been associated with several institutions like Morehouse College and Spelman College, you'll need to check with your specific institution to determine if the scholarship is available there.

2. Demonstrated financial need is a must. While the exact level of need isn't specified, generally, students with significant economic hardship will be favored.

3. Academic performance is also considered. While the specific GPA requirement may vary by institution, getting good grades will make you a more competitive applicant.

4. Being actively involved in leadership, service, and extracurricular activities is advantageous. As for many scholarships, students who demonstrate leadership and community involvement have a higher chance of standing out.

As with all scholarships, you must check the exact criteria and eligibility requirements with the financial aid department at your respective institution. Additionally, there may be an application process that might involve submitting financial information, academic transcripts, and possibly writing an essay or personal statement.

One critical point to note is that since you're an international student, you'll want to verify whether the scholarship is open to non-U.S. citizens. Some scholarships restrict eligibility to U.S. citizens or permanent residents, while others are open to all students. This information should also be available from your institution's financial aid department.