College Education Grants
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Foundations which award college education grants usually select recipients based on outstanding academic achievement or community service. Students who excel in a particular field of study or exemplify outstanding citizenship are often rewarded by public and private foundations which donate money to fund college educations. Bright recipients from financially or socially underprivileged families may qualify for tuition assistance, room and board, or full four-year scholarships to a charitable or philanthropic organization's alma mater. Children of well-to-do families can usually write their own ticket to college; but those of indigent or underprivileged households need a helping hand to realize the American dream of higher education.
Charitable foundations not only provide college education grants to young men and women who would not otherwise have an opportunity to gain a degree, but also serve a valuable role in building a corps of intelligent, young adults who will one day run the nation. Philanthropic societies realize that inside of a straight-A student could very well lie the potential to be the next Nobel Peace prize winner, the next Einstein, or the next scientist to develop a cure for AIDS. Philanthropists are willing to make a monetary investment in the lives of young adults who can fulfill their destinies when given an opportunity. "I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).
The skyrocketing cost of higher education has made these kinds of college education grants even more important, especially in a waning economy. The average tuition to a four-year university can exceed $30,000 per year, a 10,000-fold increase over two decades ago; and that's primarily in-state entrance fees. Out-of-state tuitions carry a hefty price tag of nearly one and a half times the cost of in-state assessments. Public and private foundations offering college funding can help offset student expenses, while also writing off charitable contributions as tax shelters. Some organizations are required to donate a certain charitable amount to university-bound students or run the risk of losing federal and state funding. Government-funded monies usually have a limited term in which to be awarded. However, no matter what purpose monies are funded, students who receive grants, scholarships, and stipends are happy to be recipients of a foundation's generosity. Many undergraduates go on to pursue terminal degrees and lucrative careers which help promote the cause of philanthropic society's and associations.
Medical students, law students, and science and math majors are primary target groups for college education grants. Because of the cost of medical and law school, even well-to-do families may need some assistance in offsetting the expense of four-plus years of advanced education. Philanthropists are eager to offer funds to promising students with high GPAs on the fast track to medical or law school. Some college funds are available not only on the basis of high GPAs, but also for those in accelerated learning or gifted programs. Grants are designated not only to level the playing field between the haves and the have-nots, but also to promote scientific research, fine arts, and literature. Monies are available for gifted students who excel in academics, sports or the performing arts and who will undoubtedly, make substantial contributions towards promoting excellence in the fields of academia, art, and competitive sports
Monies offered through college education grants can be found online at foundation or government websites. Qualifications may vary and some funding may be for a limited time only, usually during seasonal periods when monies must be expended before the end of the fiscal year. Government and privately-funded grants are also awarded to students who pursue studies in health care, engineering, medicine, or scientific research. Monies may also be available to graduate students pursuing advance degrees in sociological or educational fields of interest to the government. Advanced research in AIDS and other resistant disease, indigent and migrant care, and aid to indigenous peoples, such as Native American Indians are major focuses for funding.
Another untapped resource for college education grants is local churches, which sometimes establish foundations in memory of deceased members. Occasionally, wealthy members bequeath a substantial amount of money from their estates to churches and other charitable organizations. At the church's discretion, funding can be designated to help students who excel academically or need assistance going to college. Individual students may also qualify for funding for enrollment in institutions of higher learning which are located abroad or in conjunction with a church mission or outreach. Major corporations are also known for awarding promising young adults scholarships in hopes that they will become a valuable asset to the company upon graduation. The Armed Services also provides scholarships and grants to help young men and women attend a college or university, with the promise of enlisting in the military as highly qualified officers upon graduation.
High school students and undergraduates should begin seeking and applying for college education grants well in advance of enrollment, usually a minimum of one year prior to graduation. Undergraduates seeking admission into graduate school should begin seeking grant opportunities at the beginning of their junior year. Monies are available, but the competition is tough. Federal and state websites and home pages of major and lesser known foundations and philanthropic organizations may advertise opportunities and deadlines to apply. Multimillionaire athletes, actors and actresses, and corporate moguls also provide college education grants. By doing online searches of websites of the rich and famous, students may be able to access information on foundations established by wealthy individuals who want to give a hand up to a bright young hopeful. High school and college guidance counselors and financial aid officers are also a wealth of information on how to apply for and obtain scholarships and grants. Graduate students should investigat the possibility of obtaining grants to conduct independent studies as work towards doctoral degrees or teaching fellowships. Today, funding is available for almost any student who has a desire to make the grade and pursue a higher education degree.
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