Alternative Financial Aid Programs
Horatio Alger Military Veterans Scholarship
Deadline: September 28, 2007 for Spring 2008
The HAA seeks to assist students who have demonstrated integrity, perseverance in overcoming adversity, strength of character, financial need, a good academic record, commitment to pursue a college education, and a desire to contribute to society.
Eligibility Requirements:
•Veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan or Operation Iraqi Freedom
•Prove honorable service record un the United States Military
•Pursue a bachelor's degree at an accredited college; attend on a full-time basis
•No more than 60 cumulative semester/credit hours by the end of spring 2007
•Minimum cumulateive GPA of 2.0
•Demonstrate critical financial need
•U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
Applications can be downloaded at www.horatioalger.com/scholarships_military
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants & Accountemps
Deadline:
Five scholarships of $2500 each will be awarded to students pursuing a degree in Accounting, Finance or Information Systems. Scholarships will be awarded based on demonstrated academic achievement, leadership activities, community service and future career interests.
Eligibility Requirements:
•Full-time student with a declared accounting, finance or information systems major
•An AICPA student affiliate member
•An overall GPA of at least 3.0
•Have completed at least 30 semester hours, including at least 6 semester hours in accounting.
Applications can be downloaded at http://ceae.aicpa.org/Resources/Scholarships+and+Awards/AICPA+Accountemps+Scholarships.htm
More information about student affiliate membership can be found at www.aicpa.org
Air & Waste Management Association of West Michigan
Deadline: December 1, 2007 for the 2008-09 school year
The West Michigan Chapter, WMA&WMA is pleased to announce five scholarships in the amount of $1,500 each to be awarded to students studying for a career in environmental protection. Each winner will also receive a one year student membership in the A&WMA. Complete application information is available at http://www.wmawma.org or paper copies may be picked up in the Student Financial Services office.
American Chemical Society Scholarship
Deadline: March 1, 2008
Eligibility Requirements:
• Seeking a chemical or science degree in the fields of chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, materials science and environmental science.
• African American, Hispanic/Latino, or American Indian
• A full-time student at an accredited college, university, or community college with a 3.0 GPA or better. Applications can be picked up at the Student Financial Services office. For more information visit their website at http://www.chemistry.org/scholars.
Angelfire Scholarship
Deadline: For the 2008-2009 school year is January 31, 2008
This scholarship honors military personnel who have served in the US military during periods of combat. It is presented to outstanding students who served in the Asian theater between 1964 and 1975. Spouses and children of Vietnam veterans, and refugees of Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam are also eligible. In addition, scholarships are awarded to military personnel who have served in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and/or Operation Iraqi Freedom. Applications are requirements are available at www.datatel.com/dsf.
ATHENA Scholarship - Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce
Deadline: May 2, 2008
The ATHENA Foundation scholarship fund was created to support women over the age of 30 returning to complete their education. This scholarship is designed to aid women who demonstrate a commitment to a professional, business, or entrepreneurial career, and meet specific criteria relating to academic performance, community service, and experience. Since non-traditional students may be raising children or working a job in addition to their studies, ATHENA Scholarship recipients can use the money for child care, transportation costs or tuition. Applications can be picked up in our office or downloaded at http://www.grandrapids.org/events/athenaawardprogram.
Boating Industry Scholarship
Deadline: For the 2008-09 school year is March 15, 2008
The Recreational Boating Industries Educational Foundation will award 10-15 scholarships ranging from $500-$2500 to students would like to pursue a career in the recreational boating industry. Career path outlines and application requirements are available online. Go to www.mbia.org and click on 'About MBIA' then 'Recreational Boating Industries Educational Foundation.'
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Graduate School Scholarships
Deadline: For the 2008-09 school year is Friday, February 29, 2008.
This Foundation offers competitive scholarships to partially fund graduate school tuition, fees, and living expenses for up to six years.
Eligibility Requirements:
•Be a college senior or recent graduate (since May 2002)
•Have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale
•Plan to begin first graduate degree in Fall 2008
•Be nominated by his or her undergraduate institution. To be considered for nomination by the Jack Kent Cooke nominating committee at CU, all application materials must reach Dr. VanDyke by 5:00 p.m. Friday, February 28. Since there are a number of materials for potential nominees to prepare, it is important to begin the process soon.
To learn more about the process and further qualifications, please contact faculty representative Dr. Michael VanDyke, Humanities Dept., by email (michael_t_vandyke). For additional information visit the Foundation's website www.jackkentcookefoundation.org or call 1-800-498-6498.
Datatel Scholars Foundation Scholarships
Deadline: For the 2008-2009 school year is January 31, 2008
The Datatel Scholars Foundation awards over $300,000 annually to students attending Datatel Client Universities. Cornerstone students are eligible for four different scholarships. Scholarship descriptions and applications are available at www.datatel.com/dsf.
Nancy Goodhue Lynch Scholarships
Deadline: For the 2008-09 school year is January 31, 2008
This $2500 scholarship is awarded to outstanding undergraduate students majoring in information technology-related curriculum programs. Applications and requirements are available at www.datatel.com/dsf.
Grand Rapids Community Foundation
Deadline: April 1, 2008
Grand Rapids Community Foundation Eligibility Requirements:
• Resident of Kent or Ottawa County
• Free Application for Federal Student Aid filed
Download a paper application form at http://www.grfoundation.org.
Grand Rapids Community Foundation Local Scholarship
Deadline: April 1, 2008
Eligibility Requirements:
• Resident of Kent County for a minimum of 3 years
• Minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average
• Demonstrated financial need as indicated by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
To apply log on to www.grfoundation.org.
Russ Griffith Memorial Scholarship (formerly Returning Student Scholarship)
Deadline: For the 2008-09 school year is January 31, 2008
This $2000 scholarship provides assistance to current outstanding students who have returned to higher education after an absence of five years or more. Applications and requirements are available at www.datatel.com/dsf.
John Gyles Education Awards
Deadline: June 1, 2008
Eligibility Requirements:
• A Canadian or American citizen
• 2.7 or higher grade point average
Applications are available online at www.johngyleseducationcenter.com.
Rosamond P. Haeberle Memorial Scholarship sponsored by the Michigan Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution
Deadline: March 21, 2008
Two $1500 scholarships will be awarded.
Qualificatins:
- U.S. citizen and Michigan resident
- Served active duty for a minimum of 6 continuous months
- Currently serving or honorably discharged
- Currently enrolled at least half-time (6 credits)
- Cumulative undergrad or high school GPA of 2.5
Print an application at http://www.michigandar.org/scholarships.htm
Hillsdale County Community Foundation
Deadline: April 1
The Hillsdale County Community Foundation offers a variety of scholarship funds. We administer a scholarship program that helps local students and residents pursue higher education each year. To view a listing and description of funds please see http://www.abouthccf.org/scholarships.asp.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF)
Deadline: March 15, 2008
HSF is the nation's leading organization supporting Hispanic higher education. Founded in 1975, HSF's vision is to strengthen the county by advancing college education among Hispanic Americans.
Eligibility Requirements:
• Be of Hispanic heritage
• Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident with a permanent resident card or passport stamped I-551 (not expired)
• Minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA required on a 4.00 scale
• Must apply for federal financial aid using FAFSA
Several scholarships are available and can be applied for at www.hsf.net.
Institute of Management Accountants (IMA)
Deadline: February 15, 2008
IMA is offering various scholarships ranging from $1000 to $5000 to accounting or finance students. Eligibility Requirements:
• Have at least 12 credits
Scholarship available in the Student Financial Services office or online at www.imanet.org/scholarships
Lions of Michigan Scholarship for the Visually Impaired
Deadline: December 31
One or two scholarships totaling $3000
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be legally blind
- 2 letters of recommendation
- Attend Michigan Lions Forum in March to accept scholarship
- Completed application which can be picked up in the Student Financial Services office or www.lionsofmi.com and click on White Cane
James Madison Foundation Scholarship
Deadline: March 1, 2008
James Madison Foundation Scholarship Eligibility Requirements:
• Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
• Be a teacher, or plan to become a teacher, of American history, American government, or social studies at the secondary school level (grades 7-12).
• Possess a bachelor's degree or plan to receive a bachelor's degree no later than August 31 of the year in which you are applying.
• Wait at least three years from the time that any previous graduate degree was awarded before applying for a James Madison Fellowship.
To apply: visit www.jamesmadison.com.
Michigan Assoc. for the Education of Young Children Student Leadership Scholarship Award Deadline: February 19, 2008
Applicant must have completed a minimum of 60 credit hours, have maintained a GPA of 2.75 or higher, and pursuing a bachelor's degree in the field of early childhood development/education. Award includes a $1000 scholarship, one-year membership in MiAEYC, conference registration and one night's lodging at the conference. Applications can be picked up in the Student Financial Services Office. For more information visit www.MiAEYC.org.
Michigan Credit Union Foundation
Deadline:
One $2500 STU Scholarship will be announced from each of the ten Michigan Credit Union Leagues. Applicant must supply proof of college registration, current minimum 2.8 GPA, record of community service activity, two letters of recommendation, and write a 500 word essay. STU Scholarship information and applications are available online at the Michigan Credit Unions' student aid website, www.custu.org. Applicants may also call 800-262-6285 ext. 339 for information.
Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) Scholarship
Deadline: Applications must be requested by March 14 and submitted by April 1
The MRA wants to recognize deserving students who have achieved a high level of academic achievement. This is not a need based scholarship.
Eligibility Requirements:
•High school senior or college student
•Part-time employee or dependent of full-time employee of a business that is a member of the MRA
Scholarship applications may be picked up in the Student Financial Services office or access the MRA website at http://www.retailers.com/. Click on Foundation Scholarships in the Education & Events column. The access code is MIRA.
The Lilly Moving Lives Forward Reintegration Scholarship
Deadline: January 25, 2008
Now in its eighth year, this scholarship is designed to help persons with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and related schizophrenia-spectrum disorders acquire the educational and vocational skills necessary to move their lives forward and reintegrate into society. More information is available at www.reintegration.com.
NALS (Association for Legal Professionals) Scholarship
Deadline: January 15, 2008
Open to Pre-Law majors
The NLS of Michigan is offering two $1000 annual scholarships to those enrolled, or planning to enroll, in a school of advanced education pursuing a dergee in the legal field. High School seniors are elibible. Applications can be picked up in the Student Financial Services office or go to their website at www.nalsofmichigan.org and click on "Scholarship."
National Association of Negro Business & Professional Women's Clubs, Inc.
Deadline: March 1
Several scholarships are available to African-American females of all ages.
All require a cumulative GPA of at lease 3.0, enrollment in an undergraduate program, and an essay. Specific information and applications can be accessed at http://www.nanbpwc.org/ScholarshipApplications.asp
National Federation of the Blind
Deadline: March 31, 2008
NFB has a large and prestigious scholarship program whose awards are made solely to persons who are legally blind. The program will award thirty scholarships ranging from $3000 to $12000. Students must fill out an application, send a personal letter, two letters of recommendation, a letter from a Federation state president, and score reports. Applications may be picked up in the Student Financial Services office or may be downloaded at www.nfb.org/nfb/scholarship_program.asp.
National Italian American Foundation Scholarship
Deadline: March 6, 2008
Eigibility Requirements:
• GPA of at least 3.25
• United States citizen or permanent resident alien
• Italian American - defined as a student who has at least one ancestor who has immigrated from Italy or any student who is majoring or minoring in Italian language, Italian studies, Italian American studies or a related field.
Application must be submitted online at https://www.niaf.org/scholarships/index.asp.
The National Scholars Honor Society
The National Scholars Honor Society grants scholarships to highly qualified achievers from all academic pursuits. Scholarship eligibility is determined for each new applicant at the time of acceptance, and is reviewed biannually. Scholarships are funded by private grants and membership fees. The total number and amounts of scholarships granted are based upon the total funds available to the scholarship committee each academic year. Scholarships are distributed directly to the recipient members in the form of stipend checks and may be subject to state or federal taxation as reportable income. For more information visit their website at http://www.collegehonors.org/.
Carl Parsell Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 5, 2008
Eligibility Requirements: Residents and their immediate families of the state of Michigan who are members of Michigan Association of Police, Michigan Association of Public Employees or the Michigan Association of Fire Fighters, residents and their immediate family of the state of Michigan who are full or part-time employees of county, municipality, township or village government. Not available to employees of any schools, the state of Michigan and the United States government. For an application, contact http://www.mapmichigan.org/application.asp.
Saginaw Community Foundation Scholarship
Deadline: February 15, 2008
SCF is concerned about the community as a whole. In partnership with nonprofit organizations throughout Saginaw County, we fund community programs and projects in the fields of arts and culture, community improvement, education, environment, health, human services, and youth. There are many scholarship opportunities. For an application visit http://www.saginawfoundation.org/.
Miriam Schaefer Scholarship/Michigan Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Deadline:
This $1500 scholarship is awarded to students enrolled in teacher education programs who have mathematics as a specialty; elementary education students would have a math minor, secondary education students would have a math major. Students must be a college level senior in the fall semester of the year they apply, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and be a Michigan resident. Applications can be picked up at the Student Financial Services office or online at www.mictm.org, click on "Miriam Schaefer Scholarship Information."
Talbots Women's Scholarship Fund
Deadline: January 1
Talbots Women's Scholarship Fund, a program of the Talbots Charitable Foundation, will award $100,000 in scholarships to women determined to finally get that college degree. Five women will each be awarded $10,000 scholarships and 50 women will each be awarded $1,000 scholarships. All applicants must be seeking an undergraduate degree from an accredited two- or four-year college or university, or vocational-technical school. Only applicants seeking a bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university are eligible to receive a $10,000 award. Scholarship awards are based primarily on financial need and previous achievements for women who earned their high school diploma or GED at least 10 years ago. To apply visit Talbots.com.
The Tylenol Scholarship
Deadline: May 15, 2008
Apply to receive one of twenty $5000 grants or 150 $1000 grants being offered to undergraduate and graduate students in health-related fields of study.
Applications can be submitted online at www.Tylenol.com/scholarship
Alternative Loans
Alternative Loans are available to help students meet education costs not covered by federal, state and institutional financial aid and personal resources. These are loans provided by a bank, require a credit check, and usually a co-signer.
