Scholarships >> Browse Articles >> Scholarship Spotlight
November is National Scholarship Month!
Featured Author:
Mark Kantrowitz
As a nationally recognized financial aid expert and publisher of Fastweb.com and FinAid.org, Mark has been called to testify before Congress about student aid on several occasions.
He has served as a guest columnist for the New York Times and the Huffington Post and has been interviewed regularly by major news outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, MSN, CNN, NBC, ABC, CBS, CNBC and more.
Mark is the author of five books, including three about student aid. His most recent book, Secrets to Winning a Scholarship, helps families find and win scholarships. He is also on the editorial board of the Council on Law in Higher Education and the editorial board of the Journal of Student Financial Aid, a member of the board of directors of the National Scholarship Providers Association and a member of the board of trustees of the Center for Excellence in Education.
Mark is ABD on a PhD in computer science from Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and holds Bachelor of Science degrees in mathematics and philosophy from MIT and a Master of Science degree in computer science from CMU.
Follow him on Twitter at @mkant.
Mark Kantrowitz Publisher of FastWeb and Finaid.org
November 01, 2010
National Scholarship Month
The month of November is devoted to raising awareness of the need for scholarship support for postsecondary education. Scholarships help students realize their dreams. (National Scholarship Month was previously celebrated in the month of May from 1998 to 2007. It was switched from May to November in 2008 to coincide with the start of the main scholarship application season.)
Scholarships are a form of student financial aid that does not need to be repaid. Scholarships are awarded by foundations, philanthropists, non-profit organizations, businesses and colleges to help students pay for college. Some scholarships are awarded for academic merit, while others may focus on artistic or athletic talent or other personal characteristics. There are even a variety of unusual scholarships based on more esoteric talent such as duck calling or knitting with wool.
Students discover the scholarships for which they are eligible by searching one of several large scholarship matching sites, such as the FastWeb scholarship database.
National Scholarship Month is sponsored by the National Scholarship Providers Association (NSPA), the national professional organization for scholarship sponsors. NSPA promotes student access to higher education through scholarships. (National Scholarship Month was originally sponsored by Scholarship America, the largest private sector scholarship and educational support organization. ) For more information on creating a scholarship, see FinAid’s Scholarship Design & Management section.
Access and Choice
Scholarships not only make it possible for students to pursue a college education, improving access to higher education, but they also provide the recipients with greater flexibility. This allows students to choose the college that best meets their needs, without worrying about having to pay back large loans.
College scholarships also offer other benefits for students beyond the money. The act of applying for a scholarship can help the student clarify his or her goals and decide upon a career path. Winning a scholarship can be a mark of excellence, opening doors for the student to new educational experiences. Many scholarship sponsors provide their winners with long-term advocacy and support, through mentorship and other services. The scholarship recipients also get to interact with each other, building life-long friendships and creating a synergy that challenges and inspires them to strive for excellence.
Benefits of Investing in Higher Education
The Institute for Higher Education Policy’s report, Investing in America’s Future: Why Student Aid Pays Office for Society and Individuals, highlights the many ways in which investments in higher education benefit the nation.
Proposal for a Scholarship Sponsorship Tax Credit
Mark Kantrowitz, FinAid’s publisher, has written a proposal for a Scholarship Sponsorship Tax Credit.. This proposal would establish a tax credit to create a public-private partnership for leveraging increased private sponsorship of college scholarships.
This article originally appeared on . FinAid.org.
marevil666
10 days ago
hello!
My name is maredy glines. I am a graphic design student. I will be graduating at the end of this year 2012 with a BFA in graphic design. I am 22 years old. My father was killed in a motorcycle accident (by a drunk driver) in 2010 and he was the only member in my family with a job. My mother is currently unemployed and taking care of me and my little sister. I have an older sister and a nephew as well. I was wondering if there were any scholarships specifically for my type of situation. I find it very difficult to continue my education with so little income. If anyone knows of a scholarship that I can apply for please let me know. I'm hispanic (from venezuela), I have a cumulative GPA of 3.4 so far and expect to raise it.
I am in urgent need of financial aid.
thanks
my school email is mglines@fau.edu...
marevil666
10 days ago
hello!
My name is maredy glines. I am a graphic design student. I will be graduating at the end of this year 2012 with a BFA in graphic design. I am 22 years old. My father was killed in a motorcycle accident (by a drunk driver) in 2010 and he was the only member in my family with a job. My mother is currently unemployed and taking care of me and my little sister. I have an older sister and a nephew as well. I was wondering if there were any scholarships specifically for my type of situation. I find it very difficult to continue my education with so little income. If anyone knows of a scholarship that I can apply for please let me know. I'm hispanic (from venezuela), I have a cumulative GPA of 3.4 so far and expect to raise it.
I am in urgent need of financial aid.
thanks
my school email is mglines@fau.edu...
marevil666
10 days ago
hello!
My name is maredy glines. I am a graphic design student. I will be graduating at the end of this year 2012 with a BFA in graphic design. I am 22 years old. My father was killed in a motorcycle accident (by a drunk driver) in 2010 and he was the only member in my family with a job. My mother is currently unemployed and taking care of me and my little sister. I have an older sister and a nephew as well. I was wondering if there were any scholarships specifically for my type of situation. I find it very difficult to continue my education with so little income. If anyone knows of a scholarship that I can apply for please let me know. I'm hispanic (from venezuela), I have a cumulative GPA of 3.4 so far and expect to raise it.
I am in urgent need of financial aid.
thanks
my school email is mglines@fau.edu...
masini
about 1 month ago
The article is very interesting, but some issues still remained less affected. I hope that a future article and will reveal things behind the scenes, things that show us the true face of this.
www.auto-my.com
wendybermudezurquiza
2 months ago
Dear donor,
I am mexican, being here for 3 years under a H4 visa. I can not work now. We are in the process to become US citizens. We are planning to stay at Chicago forever. I already have an MBA. I want to go back to study to get to know the culture and being a professional therapist. Going back to work as soon as I finish.
I have been teaching painting and art therapy without having a title, that is what happens in my country. That is my passion and my hobby. I would love to study a MA in Art Therapy at the SAIC. I am in the admission process, I am sure I will be in. I only need the money to afford it.
Could you help me please, or give me advice where I can look for it.
Thank you
WENDY
wendybermudezurquiza
2 months ago
Dear donor,
I am mexican, being here for 3 years under a H4 visa. I can not work now. We are in the process to become US citizens. We are planning to stay at Chicago forever. I already have an MBA. I want to go back to study to get to know the culture and being a professional therapist. Going back to work as soon as I finish.
I have been teaching painting and art therapy without having a title, that is what happens in my country. That is my passion and my hobby. I would love to study a MA in Art Therapy at the SAIC. I am in the admission process, I am sure I will be in. I only need the money to afford it.
Could you help me please, or give me advice where I can look for it.
Thank you
WENDY
Luna_120
2 months ago
Dear Sir,
My name is Cindy and i am a Senior. I am a First Generation student to go to College. My parents do not believe in higher education but i know that even alittle can help me be someone important to the community. I come from a family of 7 where only my father works. I want to become a Registered Nurse to do volunteer work for my religion. I am currently taking CNA courses through the school and i have 100+ hours of volunteering in my community's hospital. I would really appreciate any Scholarship because for me even a small quantity counts. Thank you so much for your time and i hope you keep me in mind
Cindy
myhearts1des
2 months ago
Dear Sir / Madam ,
Greetings to you .My name is Ingrid and I'm the mother of three children .I'm a Missionary in my Church and an I.C.U. Nurse Tech by profession , earlier this year I got seriously hurt on my job and had to have surgery. I love helping ,praying , comforting and encouraging people and my heart's desire is to become an Ordained Chaplain to work in Hospitals, Nursing Homes ,Hospices and wherever God leads me.This mishap have been hard on me and my Children and paying for my Schooling . I have always ran my own little charity that I use my own money to send Medical Equipments to the Island of Jamaica W.I. to the Hospital in Montego Bay and Barrels of sanitary supplies to the Saint James Infermery (Homeless Shelter) but due to my present situation everything is on pause .Now I'm the one seeking help , I am badly in need of Scoolarships to go to New York Theological Seminary to complete my Masters in Divinity. I am presently completing my Bachelors Degree at another Bible Institute in Brooklyn , NY. Please help me in whatever way you can. Thank you for your time ,may God richly bless you.Patiently awaiting your decision as I would love to start in January 2012 God's willing.
Ingrid
Creshai
2 months ago
Dear Sir,
I could really use this scholarship, I am a senior at Savannah High School ( Savannah Ga, 31404 ) and I plan on going to Albany State University for Physciology. My mother is a single parent and I would be the first generation to attend college and become somebody. It's the middle of the school year and I'm searching for help. Please contact me at smith.creshai@yahoo.com
Thanks.
lzthandy
2 months ago
Dear Sir, l am a college sophomore and l am looking for funds to finish my school. l have a single parent who can no longer afford to pay my tuition due to economic factors that have hit my country (Zimbabwe) and l really want to finish to pursue my dream of becoming a Hotel Manager,l would really appreciate any help l can get. Thank you
Kayannaj92
3 months ago
Dear Sir, i am a 19 year old college student living in the US. I have been trying to find money for school since 2010. Because I am supporting myself through school it is hard for ,me to pay 26,000 each year for my education. Im not looking for handouts, but if there are scholarships or grants that Fastweb can help me receive to help pay my tuition off i would greatly appreciate it. I really dont want to leave school, but without financial help I might not have a choice.
Thank you for listening,
Kayanna Jordan
agadason
3 months ago
DEAR SIR, i have great pleasure write you this time, i found this site, my name is kingsley Agada , i was born in Enugu state , but i live in lagos state Nigeria , i have been looking sponsorship just further my education for my degree, since my father died in may 2000 i could not be able to get finanace for my education, i have my national certificate in education now i finished it 2010, but since i finished it i could not be able to complete my degree , so that is the reason why i am looking for financial Aid so as TO BE ABLE TO CONTINUE, i here by please your organization that i will be loyal , to due respect, i can only give God almighty thanks when i get this financial Aid from yours organisation , i fished my high school on 2004, i will wait happily to hear from your organisation , thanks
YOURS FAITHFULLY,
AGADA KINGSLEY
PHONE:
+2347037898118
Anisa_27
3 months ago
.
Anisa_27
3 months ago
I obviously care for my future because by the time I attend college everything is going to be competitive. I am trying my best in school, taking extracurricular activities, community service and doing well in my course classes. I just need the money and want to attend a great four-year college but so far no luck this scholarship contest are getting on my nerves. I seriously need help before it's too late.
audreylbyram
3 months ago
Okay. National Scholarship Month. My birthday was 9Nov, I am an American Citizen with three sons in the Army(2 are overseas again). I am in school trying to earn a Bachelor's leagally. I am tired of all these "contests" where you have to buy something to earn points to "win" a scholarship. I just need to get a scholarship so I can finish school so I can get a high paying career to set up trusts for my grandkids(5 of them,so far)