Scholarships for Your Non-Traditional Situation
Going for the First Time or Coming Back?
A non-traditional student is a student who does not fit the typical college applicant/student. A non-traditional student is an adult student age 22 and older or a re-entry student. A re-entry student is one in which has left school and come back after a period of time. Non-traditional in this sense, is rapidly becoming extinct. More and more adults and re-entry students are entering the classrooms each semester.
Due to circumstances, it can sometimes be hard for non-traditional students to find college scholarships. If you are a "non-traditional" student, and you have had trouble finding scholarships, you might find some excellent resources here.
Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded by each individual Executive Women International (EWI) chapter. There are also 12 corporate awards available. Scholarships are $2,500. The scholarships are awarded not only to cover tuition and books but also child care and travel expenses. Scholarships are based on need, social/physical/economical status and also if applicants are care takers of children. Applicants must be able to define their career goals. Applicant must live in EWI chapter boundaries.
"Leading the Future" Scholarship
It's designed to heighten awareness of students' potential future. Applicant must be a U.S. resident who is planning to or already attending an accredited undergraduate college or university. Award varies from student to student and is non-renewable. The scholarship is based on essay, application, achievements, responsibility and leadership. Documentation of enrollment or attendance of undergraduate program may be needed. Click to go to their site.
The Rogins/Braswell National Scholarship
Applicant must attend or have attended a workshop or online class on "winning scholarships" or "financing high education" 1 year prior to applying (ex: take workshop in Nov. 2006, you are eligible to apply in Nov. 2007). Applications are received at the workshop or as material for an online course. Amounts of award vary from student to student and are non-renewable. Scholarship is based on use of strategies from workshop/class and essay. More information is available at www.scholarshipworkshop.com/rbns.html
Datatel Scholars Foundation Returning Student Scholarship
For students currently attending an eligible Datatel client educational facility. Applicants must be returning to school after a 5+ year gap. This award is open to both full and part time students. $1,500 will be awarded to 50 returning students. Applicant must write a personal essay. To view a list of Datatel eligible institutions and application, go to www.datatel.com
Talbot's Women's Scholarship Fund
This scholarship is for women who received their diploma or GED 10 years ago and more. 5 women will receive $10,000scholarships, 50 women will receive $1,000 scholarships. Applicant must be seeking an undergraduate degree and enrolled or planning to enroll at an accredited school. The scholarship is based on need and achievements. An application can be found here.
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Program
The scholarship is for students and alumni from any community college or 2 year colleges who are trying to pursue a B.A at a 4 year college/university. The amount varies from student to student. The maximum amount that can be awarded is $30,000. Applicants must be nominated by a Jack Kent Cooke Foundation representative. To see a list of representatives visit www.jackkentcookefoundation.org. If you have any question about the program or application, call 1-800-498-6478
North Iowa Community College Scholarship for Adult Students
This scholarship is for adult students age 23 and older. Applicant must not have taken a NIACC credit class in the past 3 years. The award ranges from $250 to $1,000. For more information call 1-800-GO-NIACC or visit www.niacc.edu/makeover/
Providence College's School of Continuing Education
Providence College has 5 different types of scholarships available to adult students including: the Rev. John Cunningham Diversity Scholarship Fund, the Rev. Michael Murphy Scholarship Fund, the SCE Scholarship Fund, the Dr. Edwin K Gora awards and the SCE Alumni Scholarship.
- The Reverend John Cunningham Diversity Scholarship Fund is available to students whose native language is NOT English. Applicants must not yet have attained an undergraduate degree. Status can be degree seeking or non-degree status. Award covers about 2/3 the cost of 6 classes.
- The Rev. Michael Murphy Scholarship Fund is for formally accepted degree or certificate seeking students. Applicant must have a minimum of a 2.5 GPA. Award covers the cost of one course.
- The SCE (School of Continuing Education) Scholarship Fund is awarded to women students. The Scholarship is based on need and educational performance. Applicants must have completed 6 courses in SCE or have 60 transfer credits. Also, must have a minimum of a 3.2 cumulative GPA. An essay is required. The award amount is $4,200 per school year.
- The Dr. Edwin K. Gora Award is for adult students enrolled in a B.A. or A.D. program with 30 SCE credits and a 3.0 overall GPA. Award is $1,000 per year. An essay is required.
- The SCE Alumni Scholarship is for SCE students who do not receive aid from a third party. Applicants must be head of household, make $40,000 per year or less, completed 30 SCE credits, have a 3.0 GPA, and must average 2 or more courses per semester. This award is $600 per academic school year.
For more information or an application email SCE@Providence.edu or call (401) 865-2487
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
University of North Carolina at Charlotte's Office of Adult Students and Evening Services (OASES) offers many scholarship programs for adult and re-entry students including:
- Re-entry Scholarship - based on need and goals of higher education. Award may vary. The scholarship is available to full time and part time students. Fran and David Taylor Scholarship for Non-Traditional Students- Applicants must be in pursuit of a degree. Applicants may be attending full or part time and must maintain a 3.0 GPA.
- Sarah Hoadley Wilson Scholarship for Non-Traditional Students - Applicants must female students in pursuit of a degree and have a 3.0 GPA May be attending full or part time. Award is $500 per year.
- National Association of Women's Business Owners Scholarship - Applicant must be a woman returning to finish or start out their education at UNC-C. The scholarship is for $1,000 annually to non-traditional women students. You must have prior work experience and a desire to achieve. Applicant must have had a "B" average in previous schooling.
- The Rising Star Scholarship - Designed for single parent that has a 2.8 cumulative GPA.
**For most of these scholarships you must have applied for a FAFSA, be a U.S. Citizen, complete an essay, have 2 letters of recommendation and copy of SAR (Student Aid Report).
For more information on these scholarships, additional scholarships and application contact the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
As you can see, non-traditional students are filling more and more seats in the classroom and there is much more need for additional scholarships and aid for these types of students. Don't give up hope! There are lots of scholarships out there tailored specifically for you and more being created all the time!
