Several foundations and organizations are committed to providing college scholarships to support students in their pursuit of higher education. These scholarships can cover a wide range of educational expenses, from tuition and fees to books and living expenses. Here are some foundations and organizations that have historically supported college scholarships:
1. **The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation:** The Gates Foundation offers various scholarship programs for undergraduate and graduate students, with a focus on minority and low-income students.
2. **The United Negro College Fund (UNCF):** UNCF provides scholarships and financial support to African American students attending historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
3. **The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation:** This foundation offers scholarships to high-achieving, low-income students to help them attend college and pursue their educational goals.
4. **The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF):** HSF provides scholarships and support to Hispanic students to increase their access to higher education.
5. **The Thurgood Marshall College Fund:** This organization supports students attending publicly-supported historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) by providing scholarships and financial assistance.
6. **The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation:** Coca-Cola Scholars awards scholarships to high school seniors who demonstrate leadership, community involvement, and academic achievement.
7. **The Horatio Alger Association:** This organization offers scholarships to students who have overcome adversity and demonstrated a commitment to pursuing higher education.
8. **The National Merit Scholarship Corporation:** National Merit Scholarships are awarded to high-achieving students based on their performance on the PSAT/NMSQT.
9. **The Dell Scholars Program:** Dell Scholars provides scholarships and support to students from low-income backgrounds who are the first in their families to attend college.
10. **The QuestBridge Scholarship Program:** QuestBridge matches high-achieving, low-income students with full scholarships to leading colleges and universities in the United States.
11. **The Scholarship America Dream Award:** Scholarship America provides renewable scholarships to students who have overcome significant obstacles to pursue their education.
12. **Local and Regional Scholarship Foundations:** Many communities have local or regional foundations that offer scholarships to students from their area.
13. **Colleges and Universities:** Many colleges and universities offer their own scholarships and financial aid programs to support their students.
It’s important to note that the availability and criteria for scholarships can vary widely. Students seeking scholarships should thoroughly research each program’s requirements, deadlines, and application processes to determine the best fit for their educational goals and circumstances. Check out www.thegrantportal.com for grant sources.