Scholarships
A Word on Scholarships
There is so much to know when it comes to scholarships, but we recommend checking out these opportunities first as they might be particularly helpful for students who are undocumented or who have family members who might be!
There is so much to know when it comes to scholarships, but we recommend checking out these opportunities first as they might be particularly helpful for students who are undocumented or who have family members who might be!
Funding
Funding
Funding a post-secondary education is a great concern to undocumented students and are often further burdened by the belief that they cannot receive scholarships. You should know that there are many scholarship opportunities open and available to undocumented students. Make sure you pay attention to any scholarships that are shared with you. A good scholarship resource guide with an extensive list of scholarships including many that do not require a SSN (social security number) or ask for information about immigration status, is the MALDEF Scholarship Resource Guide. Also be sure to use a trusted scholarship search engine like https://www.goingmerry.com/ to enhance your search.
Funding a post-secondary education is a great concern to undocumented students and are often further burdened by the belief that they cannot receive scholarships. You should know that there are many scholarship opportunities open and available to undocumented students. Make sure you pay attention to any scholarships that are shared with you. A good scholarship resource guide with an extensive list of scholarships including many that do not require a SSN (social security number) or ask for information about immigration status, is the MALDEF Scholarship Resource Guide. Also be sure to use a trusted scholarship search engine like https://www.goingmerry.com/ to enhance your search.
Scholarship funding is usually based completely on a student’s merit or achievement, although students can receive scholarships based on their athletic ability or their artistic talents (i.e., drawing, painting, writing, etc.) which is why it is vital to ensure that your academic record is competitive, and you are doing your best throughout all four years of high school. It is imperative that you end your junior year on a high note, and you start your senior year with as strong of an academic record as possible. Scholarships are generally divided into three main categories: (1) institutional scholarships; (2) state funded scholarships; and (3) private scholarships.
Scholarship funding is usually based completely on a student’s merit or achievement, although students can receive scholarships based on their athletic ability or their artistic talents (i.e., drawing, painting, writing, etc.) which is why it is vital to ensure that your academic record is competitive, and you are doing your best throughout all four years of high school. It is imperative that you end your junior year on a high note, and you start your senior year with as strong of an academic record as possible. Scholarships are generally divided into three main categories: (1) institutional scholarships; (2) state funded scholarships; and (3) private scholarships.
Types of Scholarships
Types of Scholarships
- Institutional scholarships are often part of the application process and based almost exclusively on a student’s academic standing (GPA, test scores, rigor of curriculum). Athletic scholarships are also usually funded by the institution.
- State Scholarships are funded through the state legislative allocations. Florida has several scholarships available to graduating seniors including the Bright Futures Scholarship. Please refer to page X for additional information about applying for Bright Futures and other state funded scholarships.
- Private scholarships originate from an array of local, state, or organizations. These scholarships vary from local social clubs to community based organizations to large corporate sponsors. Each private scholarship awarding entity determines the eligibility requirements for their own program. Many are open to non-citizens and undocumented students alike so you should not hesitate to apply.
