When it comes to applying and winning scholarship programs, experts usually advise applicants to search far and wide. Similarly, applicants are encouraged to scrutinize and apply for scholarships that meet the required criteria. The primary reason for this myriad of advice is that scholarship programs and different and specific individuals are expected to apply. Before making a list of scholarship targets, applicants are urged to list their strengths, as selecting the appropriate scholarship program is necessary. There are different types of scholarships available in the U.S. However, the seven popular scholarships include;
- Academic scholarships
- Community service scholarships
- Athletics scholarships
- Scholarships for hobbies and extracurricular activities
- Need-based scholarships
- Employer scholarships/ military scholarships
Academic scholarships
Academic scholarships are the most popular type globally. In most instances, academic scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, where high achieving students are offered chances to study in top universities under subsidized fees. An example of a university that offers merit-based scholarships is Indiana University. Ohio State University also provides merit-based scholarships to academically outstanding students covering the total cost of course attendance for four years. Concurrently, the National Merit Scholarship Corp. appreciates high-performing students by issuing funding awards of varying amounts for scoring highly in PSAT.
Community service scholarships
Scholarships are not a preserve for academically performing students. There are scholarship chances for individuals who dedicate their time to serving communities. An example of a community service scholarship program is the Equitable Excellence Scholarships that award varying amounts starting from $2,500 to $25,000 for citizens or community residents that have impacted the community positively. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is another example of community service scholarship that is viable for local and international students.
Athletics scholarships
Athletics scholarships are another essential scholarship program that favors talented individuals in sports. Students with exceptional talents in sports are encouraged to consider pursuing an athletic scholarship since it is not demanding. Applicants of athletics scholarships are not expected to show exemplary academic performance, but it is still necessary. Accordingly, students who qualify for this type of narrow scholarship down and specialize in a specific sport such as football, basketball, or swimming. Prominent institutions that offer athletic sponsorships include the NCAA Division I and Division I schools that sponsor student-athletes. While athletics scholarships offer full board payments, successful candidates are expected to perform exceptionally and consistently in their specialized sport.
Scholarship for hobbies and extracurricular activities
While most individuals are familiar with academic and athletic scholarships, scholarships for hobbies and extracurricular activities are uncommon. Scholarship for hobbies and extracurricular activities awards were created to support specific interests, and it offers exciting opportunities for applicants. One of the prominent facilitators of this unique award is the Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest. This special award provides scholarships for students who make outstanding outfits out of the Duct Tape brand of duct tapes. Understandably, most scholarship searches do not include this category; thus, applicants are encouraged to search for the class by filtering results in the hobbies and traits section. Scholarship for hobbies and extracurricular activities is essential from multiple facets. It encourages students to explore their unique talents and make them proactive in arts with an incentive of winning college scholarships.
Scholarships based on applicant identities
Scholarships based on applicant identities are a scholarship program primarily focused on supporting students from underrepresented or minority groups. In most cases, the scholarship awards applicants from minority communities such as African Americans or Hispanics. A prominent scholarship based on applicant identities is the Hispanics Scholarship Fund awards that cover vulnerable students from $500 to $5000.
Needs-based Scholarships
This type of scholarship offers sponsorship for students who demonstrate and provide evidence that they need financial assistance. An example of a need-based scholarship program is Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund that avails up to $15,000 per year for financially challenged students.
Employer Scholarships/ Military Scholarships
This scholarship fund primarily supports college-age children of employees. Eligibility and awards vary significantly. CVS Health Foundation is an example of an employer scholarship that offers scholarships to children of full-time CVS employees.
