Scholarships for Low-Income Students?

I'm a high school junior looking for scholarships to help me pay for college. Does anyone know of any scholarships that specifically target low-income students? Thanks in advance!

Hello! It's great to see you're being proactive in searching for scholarships. There are quite a few scholarships out there designed to help low-income students pay for college. I'll list some well-known scholarships and programs to help you get started:

1. The Gates Scholarship: This highly competitive scholarship is awarded to 300 students each year and covers the full cost of attending college not covered by financial aid. To be eligible, you must be a high school senior, Pell-eligible, and demonstrate academic excellence and leadership.

2. QuestBridge National College Match: QuestBridge is a program that connects high-achieving, low-income students with top colleges and full-ride scholarships. As a junior, you might be eligible for their College Prep Scholars Program, which includes resources and opportunities like summer programs and mentoring to help you prepare for college. As a senior, you can apply for the National College Match, which includes full-ride scholarships to partner colleges.

3. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation's College Scholarship Program: This scholarship is for high-performing high school seniors with financial need. It provides up to $40,000 per year for a maximum of four years, along with additional support in academic and career advising.

4. Horatio Alger Association Scholarships: There are various scholarships offered by the Horatio Alger Association for low-income high school students who demonstrate integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity. Awards range from $10,000 to $25,000.

These are just a few examples of scholarships targeted towards low-income students. Additionally, many colleges offer need-based financial aid and scholarships, so it's essential to research each college's financial aid policies as well. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is imperative, as it's the first step in determining your eligibility for financial aid. Don't forget to look for local and regional scholarships as well, as they often have less competition than national scholarships. Good luck!