Scholarships

What Are Scholarships?

Scholarships are a form of gift aid that typically does not have to be repaid.  Academic merit is typically the basis for determination of scholarship recipients, although financial need is also sometimes taken into consideration.  Funds may also be awarded based on a number of different reasons including scholastic achievement, hobbies, college major, academic merit, political involvement, or participation with athletics.

What Does It Take to Get a Scholarship?

Some students assume that because they do not demonstrate financial need, they will not be eligible for scholarships.  Some students also believe that because they are not earning perfect grades, they will not be eligible for scholarships.  Both of these assumptions are false!

Not all scholarships require completion of the FAFSA.  This means that they are awarded based on some criteria other than demonstrated financial need.

Additionally, scholarships donors recognize that outside factors may occasionally have a negative effect on a student’s academic progress.  Thus, not all scholarships consider a student’s grade point average as a final determination of eligibility.  Most scholarship applications require an essay.  This allows the student the opportunity to explain why they deserve to receive the scholarship.

How Do I Find Out About Scholarships?

Start reading

Check out your local newspaper. Read the bulletin board in your guidance counselor’s office. Doing research can help you find scholarships you may not have otherwise known about. Most public libraries carry scholarship guides. Ask your librarian or guidance counselor for help.

Check Edison's list of outside scholarships

Edison maintains a list of scholarship opportunities that are available for your review. Please check the outside scholarship portion of the website for more information.

Ask employers

Employers sometimes offer scholarships to employees and children of employees. Check with your human resource department to find out if any are available. The staff there should be able to provide applications, deadlines, and any other information you will need.

Check local scholarships

Many community organizations, political groups, churches, and clubs offer scholarships. If you or your parents are a member of any of these sorts of groups, you may want to discuss your options with them as they may have scholarship opportunities also.

Check Edison scholarships

The Edison-Based Scholarships page is a resource for applying for any of the scholarships offered by Edison. The Academic Scholarship Application is your ticket to applying for over thirty campus-based scholarships.

Search the net

Using keywords like "financial aid," "student aid," and "scholarships"; you can find a wealth of free scholarship information on the internet.  Some sites even allow you to apply online for scholarships.  However, be careful . . .

Don't get scammed!

Unfortunately, in their efforts to pay the bills, many students and their families are falling prey to scholarship scams. Visit the Department of Education’s Looking for Student Aid page for pointers on avoiding scams and for a checklist of places to find free scholarship and other non-federal aid information. The site includes a printer-friendly fact sheet you can share with other students.

Department of Education - Looking for Student Aid Without Getting Scammed

How Do I Apply For A Scholarship?

The most important thing to do to apply for scholarships is to get accurate information up front:

  • What are the qualifications for applicants?
  • Where do you get forms and how do you apply (online, by mail, etc.)?
  • Are additional interviews or references required?
  • What are the deadlines?

Once you have the information in hand, you can make a chart of what's due and when. Taking small steps throughout the process will help ensure you will meet all the requirements on time.