Scholarships
Scholarships are monetary gifts awarded on the basis of academic performance or other exemplary achievements. Some scholarships are based on financial need (Need-Based), while others are not. Scholarships may come from a community or professional group, a business, labor union, religious organization, or national foundation. Your counselor is a reliable source of information on all types of scholarships.
Merit-Based Scholarships
2008 Regents’ Scholarship - Application, Criteria, Requirements
In 2008, the Utah State Legislature created the Regents’ Scholarship Program to reward students who take a college rigorous course of study and save for college while in high school. There are three elements to the scholarship:
1. The Base Scholarship of up to $1000 is awarded to any student who completes a prescribed core course of study (based on the Utah Scholars program) with a 3.0 or better GPA.
2. The Exemplary Academic Achievement Scholarship is worth up to 75% of tuition for two years of college if a student completes the core course of study (based on the Utah Scholars program) with a 3.5 GPA and a 26 or higher ACT score.
3. The third component is a match of up to $100 per year for students who have contributed to their Utah Educational Savings Plan account during the ages of 14, 15, 16 and 17.
The Regents’ Scholarship may be used at any public college or university in the Utah System of Higher Education, as well as at
National Merit Scholarships
The independent, nonprofit Merit Scholarship Corporation awards about 5,000 scholarships each year. Students compete on the basis of test scores, academic and extracurricular achievements, and school recommendations. Taking the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) in the fall of your junior year in high school will enter you in the competition.
New Century Scholarship
The New Century Scholarship provides opportunities to Utah students who complete, with a cumulative 3.0 GPA, the requirements of an associate degree, its equivalent, or the approved math and science curriculum at a state institution of higher education by September 1 of the year they graduate from a Utah high school.
Centennial Scholarship
The Centennial Scholarship is a full- or partial-tuition scholarship that can be used at any postsecondary institution in Utah that is accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges. To be eligible for the scholarship students must graduate early from high school and must enroll in an eligible postsecondary institution within one year of graduation from high school.
Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program
The Robert C. Byrd Scholarship is a federally funded program to promote student excellence and achievement and to recognize exceptional graduating seniors who show promise of continued excellence. These $1,500 scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit for the first year of study at an institution of higher education. Awards are subject to the availability of Congressional funding and may be received for up to a total of four years. Students that apply must have a cumulative GPA of 3.7 and a score of at least 25 on the ACT.
Community Organization-Sponsored Scholarships
Many civic and community groups such as Rotary Club, Elks, American Legion, 4H, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Chamber of Commerce, PTA, and others offer scholarships and other assistance. Contacting the various patriotic, civic, fraternal, religious, ethnic, social, and professional organizations in your community may provide you with more information. Generally, these organizations will send this same information to your high school counseling and guidance center.
Business/Employer-Sponsored Scholarships
Many private businesses and corporations offer scholarships or loans to employees' children or to students who live in the community where the company is located. Others offer aid to students majoring in fields related to the company's activities or interests. Personnel offices at some companies have application information and forms available. Check with online sources and scholarship search engines, as well as the counseling and guidance center at your school for more information.
Professional, Career, and Trade Association-Sponsored Scholarships
Libraries have directories of scholarships and loans offered by professional, career, and trade associations in your proposed career or field of study. Also, ask your art or shop instructor, coach, or bandmaster about schools and colleges looking for students with your talents. Scholarship leads also may be listed in trade magazines related to your special interests and skills. Again, your school's counseling and guidance center is a good place to start asking for this information.
