Finally Summer break, Now what?
What’s your plan for this summer break? Watching favorite TV shows!! Chilling with friends all the time!! That’s not maybe the best idea if you are interested in pursuing a successful life. Besides all the fun activities find out some time to look for your preferred scholarship. Summer break is arguably the best time for you to apply for some of the best scholarship programs. Maybe this decision will make your academic journey smoother.
Why Summer Applications Matter?
So why should you consider applying for scholarships during the summer? The answer is simple: time and focus. As you don’t have any ongoing classes, you can spend more energy and time finding and applying for great scholarships that fulfill your requirements. An interesting fact is that summer is often less competitive so you have a better chance of getting it. Another important reason is that many scholarship deadlines are in the summer.
High School Seniors: What should you know?
As a graduating high school senior, this summer can mark a great transition. For you College is nearby, and with it comes the need for financial planning. Use this time wisely to apply for scholarships that help you with tuition and other expenses. It's also a great time to reflect on your achievements, gather recommendation letters, and write essays. This approach can pay off significantly when you step onto your college campus in the fall.
Undergraduates: Summer is Your Secret Weapon
For undergraduate students, summer break is more than a pause in your academic schedule; it’s an opportunity to get ahead. Dive into internships, volunteer work, and research projects. These experiences enhance your resume and make you a stronger candidate for scholarships. Balancing your time between gaining practical experience and applying for financial aid can ease your journey to success in the coming academic year.
Graduate Students: Upgrade Your Academic Journey
Graduate students often face intense academic and financial pressures. Summer offers a break and a chance to secure funding for your advanced studies and research. Scholarships and fellowships available during this period can significantly reduce your financial stress, allowing you to focus on your research. Take advantage of the summer months to apply for these opportunities.
Summer Scholarship for Graduating High School Seniors
Following are some of the active and great scholarship programs that are available for high school seniors:-
- Dell Scholars Program
- Award: $20,000
- Eligibility: Minimum 2.4 GPA, demonstrate need for financial assistance, participate in a college readiness program.
- Deadline: August 15, 2024
- Link: Dell Scholars
- Horatio Alger National Scholarship
- Award: $25,000
- Eligibility: Demonstrate critical financial need, be involved in co-curricular and community service activities.
- Deadline: June 30, 2024
- Link: Horatio Alger Scholarship
- Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship
- Award: Up to $40,000 per year
- Eligibility: Minimum 3.5 GPA, SAT combined critical reading and math score of 1200 or above.
- Deadline: Rolling
- Link: Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
- Coca-Cola Scholars Program
- Award: $20,000
- Eligibility: Current high school student, minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Deadline: June 15, 2024
- Link: Coca-Cola Scholars
- Burger King Scholars Program
- Award: Up to $50,000
- Eligibility: Minimum 2.5 GPA, must work part-time.
- Deadline: August 1, 2024
- Link: Burger King Scholars
- Savor Summer College Scholarship
- Award: $500
- Eligibility: Minimum 3.0 GPA, 500-word essay on how you'll use summer for academic enrichment.
- Deadline: August 1, 2024
- Link: Savor Summer Scholarship
- National YoungArts Foundation Awards
- Award: Up to $10,000
- Eligibility: Exceptional young artists in various disciplines.
- Deadline: July 1, 2024
- Link: National YoungArts Foundation
- The Hispanic Scholarship Fund
- Award: Varies
- Eligibility: Hispanic students pursuing a variety of degrees.
- Deadline: July 31, 2024
- Link: Hispanic Scholarship Fund
- The Gates Millennium Scholars Program
- Award: Full Cost of Attendance
- Eligibility: Minority students (African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Hispanic American, and Native American Pacific Islander American).
- Deadline: July 31, 2024
- Link: Gates Millennium Scholars
Summer Scholarship for Undergraduate Students
The scholarships that undergraduate students can get the best output out of these:-
- Gates Scholarship
- Award: Full Cost of Attendance
- Eligibility: High school senior, minority student, demonstrate financial need.
- Deadline: July 15, 2024
- Link: Gates Scholarship
- Generation Google Scholarship
- Award: $10,000
- Eligibility: Current undergraduate or high school senior, majoring in computer science or a related field.
- Deadline: June 30, 2024
- Link: Generation Google
- UNCF STEM Scholars Program
- Award: $25,000
- Eligibility: African American undergraduate pursuing a degree in a STEM field.
- Deadline: July 1, 2024
- Link: UNCF STEM
- NSHSS Foundation STEM Scholarship
- Award: $1,000
- Eligibility: High school senior or undergraduate pursuing a degree in STEM.
- Deadline: July 31, 2024
- Link: NSHSS STEM
- Microsoft Disability Scholarship
- Award: $20,000
- Eligibility: High school senior with a disability, planning to attend college.
- Deadline: August 1, 2024
- Link: Microsoft Disability Scholarship
- Boren Awards for International Study
- Award: Up to $20,000
- Eligibility: Undergraduate students pursuing international study in STEM fields.
- Deadline: June 30, 2024
- Link: Boren Awards
- Bizee Young Entrepreneur Scholarship Grant
- Award: $1,000
- Eligibility: Submit a business plan and video pitch.
- Deadline: August 1, 2024
- Link: Bizee Scholarship
- Rapid Formations Entrepreneur Scholarship Program
- Award: $500
- Eligibility: Submit a business idea and personal statement.
- Deadline: July 31, 2024
- Link: Rapid Formations Scholarship
- "Be Bold" No Essay Scholarship
- Award: $25,000
- Eligibility: Short application with basic information.
- Deadline: July 31, 2024
- Link: Be Bold Scholarship
- College Raptor Scholarship
- Award: $2,500
- Eligibility: Short application.
- Deadline: August 1, 2024
- Link: College Raptor Scholarship
- $10,000 "No Essay" Scholarship
- Award: $10,000
- Eligibility: Easy application process.
- Deadline: June 30, 2024
- Link: No Essay Scholarship
- $2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship
- Award: $2,000
- Eligibility: High school upperclassmen, college students, and grad students.
- Deadline: August 1, 2024
- Link: Sallie Mae Scholarship
Summer Scholarship for Graduate Students
These scholarships are especially for students with higher studies:-
- AAUW International Fellowships
- Award: $18,000–$30,000
- Eligibility: Women pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral study in the U.S. who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Deadline: June 30, 2024
- Link: AAUW Fellowships
- Ford Foundation Fellowship Program
- Award: Varies
- Eligibility: Graduate students committed to a career in teaching and research at the college or university level.
- Deadline: July 1, 2024
- Link: Ford Foundation Fellowship
- Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
- Award: Up to $90,000
- Eligibility: Immigrants and children of immigrants pursuing graduate school.
- Deadline: July 31, 2024
- Link: Soros Fellowships
- NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program
- Award: $34,000
- Eligibility: Graduate students in NSF-supported STEM disciplines.
- Deadline: June 30, 2024
- Link: NSF GRFP
- GEM Fellowship Program
- Award: Varies
- Eligibility: Underrepresented students pursuing graduate education in engineering and science.
- Deadline: July 1, 2024
- Link: GEM Fellowship
- National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships Program
- Award: $34,000
- Eligibility: Graduate students in NSF-supported STEM disciplines.
- Deadline: June 30, 2024
- Link: NSF GRFP
- National Institutes of Health Loan Repayment Programs
- Award: Varies
- Eligibility: Graduates pursuing research careers at specific institutions.
- Deadline: Rolling
- Link: NIH Loan Repayment
- The Andrew Mellon Foundation Fellowships
- Award: Varies
- Eligibility: Graduate study in humanities and social sciences.
- Deadline: Varies
- Link: Mellon Foundation Fellowships
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program
- Award: Varies
- Eligibility: Graduate study, research, and professional experiences abroad.
- Deadline: Early deadlines
- Link: Fulbright U.S. Student Program
General Scholarships (Open to Multiple Levels)
The following covers scholarships that are available for a wide range of students:-
- President's Volunteer Service Award
- Award: Varies
- Eligibility: Outstanding volunteer service.
- Deadline: June 30, 2024
- Link: President's Volunteer Service Award
- National Youth Leadership Council Service Scholarship
- Award: Varies
- Eligibility: High school juniors/seniors with a strong commitment to community service.
- Deadline: August 1, 2024
- Link: NYLC Service Scholarship
- ScholarshipPoints Scholarship
- Award: Varies
- Eligibility: High school, college, and graduate students.
- Deadline: Rolling
- Link: ScholarshipPoints
Smart Strategies for a Productive Summer
Ah, the sweet promise of summer—a time for sun-soaked adventures and lazy afternoons. But amidst the allure of leisure lies a golden opportunity to supercharge your future. Here are some savvy tips to transform your summer break into a springboard for success:
Plan Ahead: Crafting Your Blueprint for Success
Gone are the days of flying by the seat of your shorts! Take charge of your summer by sketching out a detailed game plan. Map out your days with precision, allocating dedicated slots for scholarship applications, personal projects, and, of course, some well-deserved downtime. A structured schedule not only ensures you stay on track but also maximizes every precious moment of your break.
Set Clear Goals: Dream Big, Achieve Bigger
As the sun sets on another academic year, take a moment to envision your ideal summer. What skills do you want to hone? What accomplishments do you aspire to achieve? Whether it's mastering a new language, completing a passion project, or landing that coveted scholarship, clarity is key. Define your goals with precision and let them serve as your North Star guiding you through the sunny days ahead.
Stay Organized: Tame the Chaos, Unleash the Potential
In the wild whirlwind of summer activities, maintaining order is your secret weapon. Arm yourself with planners, digital apps, or good old-fashioned sticky notes—whatever floats your boat—to corral those scholarship deadlines and application requirements. Stay one step ahead by tracking your progress and celebrating each milestone along the way. With organization as your ally, you'll conquer the summer with finesse.
Seek Support: The Power of Community
No one sails through life's adventures alone. Harness the collective wisdom of your tribe—be it family, friends, or trusted mentors—to fuel your summer endeavors. Share your dreams, solicit feedback on your scholarship essays, or simply bounce ideas off each other. Together, you'll navigate the twists and turns of summer with confidence, knowing that you're part of a tight-knit crew cheering each other on.
Embrace the Journey: A Summer of Self-Discovery
Amidst the hustle and bustle of summer productivity, don't forget to savor the journey. Take time to bask in the warm glow of personal growth and discovery. Whether it's a quiet moment of reflection under the stars or a spontaneous adventure with friends, cherish each experience as a chapter in your summer saga. Remember, it's not just about reaching the destination—it's about relishing every step of the way.
Making This Summer Count
These scholarships offer a variety of opportunities for students across different educational levels. By taking the time to apply over the summer, you can secure financial aid to support your academic goals. Be sure to visit each scholarship's website for detailed application instructions and deadlines. Good luck!