American Dream Scholarships Program

Established in partnership with the United Negro College Fund, the American Dream Scholarship Program is open to African Americans with financial need. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, with a minimum 2.5 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale), who meet Pell Grant eligibility criteria, and are enrolled full time at approved, accredited, undergraduate institutions. Scholarships range from $500 to $5,000.

Please visit theSallieMaeFund for more information.

Applying for Scholarships

1. Read all the requirements and directions and apply only if you are eligible.
2. Complete the application in full.  Do not leave a question blank.  If a question does not apply to you, note that in the application form. Supply all materials required in the directions but do not send anything not asked for.
3. Type your application or print neatly and legibly. Make a couple of photocopies of all the forms before you fill them out. Use the copies as working drafts as you develop your application packet.
4. Write a strong, personal and honest essay about yourself, needs, or plans.
5. Act early.  Ask for recommendation letters and  transcripts, etc early,
6. Send in all application materials before deadline and to the right places.  Be sure to keep a copy for your record.
   As a parent, let your child be in control.
7. Just encourage him (her) to apply and get the applications in on time.

Scholarship for High School

Caroline D Bradley Scholarship is open to exceptional middle school students who can not afford an expensive private high school education.  The detailed information is given on their website.  If your child or someone’s child meets the criteria for the scholarship award, give it a try.

“The mission of the Institute for Educational Advancement’s (“IEA’s”) Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship is to
identify exceptionally gifted middle school students who have demonstrated academic and personal
excellence and to award them with a scholarship to a high school where they can actualize their intellectual
and personal potential.” – quoted from their mission statement.

FAFSA application available

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application is now available.  The FAFSA is the federal application for financial aid, but it is also used to apply for aid from other sources, such as your state or school.

FAFSA deadline for federal aid is midnight cental daylight time June 30, 2009.  State and school deadlines differ and usually are much earlier. Check with your local state for its deadline. March 2, 2009 is the deadline for California.

Before, filling out FAFSA application, you will need PIN.  “Your PIN can be used each year to electronically apply for federal student aid and to access your Federal Student Aid records online. If you receive a PIN, you agree not to share it with anyone. Your PIN serves as your electronic signature and provides access to your personal records, so you should never give your PIN to anyone, including commercial services that offer to help you complete your FAFSA. Be sure to keep your PIN in a safe place.” Student and parent each needs to create a PIN.  You can get started creating a PIN at the PIN website.

Good luck to you, all.

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