Lesser Known College Scholarships Worth Checking Out
By Raymond Tsang, Academic Coach
It’s an unfortunate reality that many students’ dream colleges are out of reach—not due to their academic performance but due to the prohibitive cost of tuition. For many students, attending college would not be possible without scholarships that help reduce the financial burden of yearly fees and student loans.
In my time as a high school teacher, I found out about a number of scholarships that aren’t on the radar of many teachers, parents, and students. Below are a few that I want to make more widely known.
Doodle for Google
More info here: https://doodles.google.com/d4g/how-it-works/
Google has been offering a yearly scholarship for students who submit an original artwork to their website using the Google Doodles application.
What’s included?
$30,000 for college and an additional $50,000 technology award for school
Key info:
Deadline for each year: March 4
Designed for US Citizens enrolled in a US-based K-12 School (including homeschool) or a school in Puerto Rico, Guam, or the U.S. Virgin Islands
How Can I Prepare?
Start learning to draw art using Google Doodles Application.
The Gates Scholarship
More info here: https://www.thegatesscholarship.org
This scholarship is given through the Gates Foundation and is another lesser-known scholarship specifically geared toward students of color from families with lower incomes.
What’s included?
Full cost of attendance including books, room and board, and living costs that are not covered by other sources. This award also potentially covers some of the costs of Graduate School depending on the student’s choice of major.
Key info:
Application Dates: July 15 - September 15
Designed for seniors who are US Citizens, nationals, or permanent residents from one of the following ethnicities: African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian & Pacific Islander American, and/or Hispanic American
Students must plan to enroll in a full-time four year accredited not-for-profit college
Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.3 out of 4
How can I prepare?
Have the following documents ready if you are a senior: Recent transcripts, headshot photo, resume, financial aid award letter, and a letter of admission to a four-year bachelor’s degree program
National Merit Scholarship Program
More info here: https://www.nationalmerit.org/s/1758/interior.aspx?sid=1758&gid=2&pgid=424
Many students and parents were not aware that students who do well on the PSAT are eligible for different scholarships. This is one awarded to students who score very well.
What’s included?
$2500
Key info:
Deadline for each year: October 5
Designed for juniors or seniors taking the PSAT
How Can I Prepare?
Start studying for the PSAT! Contact us to get matched with an academic coach who can help you prepare.
Raymond Tsang, Academic Coach
About The Author
Raymond has a Master's in Education from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and has been working in education since 2015. He specializes in teaching math, chemistry, physics, and test prep.
Raymond also has experience working with students that have special educational needs, including students with ADHD and autism.
Raymond likes his students to find the value in what their learning, through meaningful activities and concepts that tie directly in with real-world skills and the student's interests.
We provide college test prep and counseling to help students on their higher education path.