Scholarship Resources

• America's National Teenager - recognizes the achievements of outstanding young women.
• American Indian College Fund - raises money for the 30 tribal colleges located across the United States.
• Black Student Fund - provides tuition grants and essential services to low-income black children attending participating schools (K-12) in Maryland, Virginia and the District.
• Central Scholarship Bureau - independent organization providing funding for college through interest-free loans and scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area.

Here are some Tips on how to avoid scholarship scams.

The Gates Millennium Scholars program
One of the many funding opportunities for degree-seeking students is The Gates Millennium Scholars program. Established in 1999, The GMS was created to assist outstanding students of minority background. Specifically, the scholarship program is for students of African American, American Indian, Asian Pacific Islander American and Hispanic American origins. Funded originally by a $1 billion grant, the GMS is the brainchild of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The scholarship program is open to students pursuing degrees in engineering, education, mathematics, science, public health or library science. The objective of the Gates Millennium Scholars is to “promote academic excellence and to provide an opportunity for thousands of outstanding students with significant financial need to reach their fullest potential,” according to its Web site. The program also seeks to develop a diversified group of future leaders for the nation by encouraging the completion of undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Historically, scholarship recipients represent all 50 United States and the five major outlying areas of the country. Since its inception, the program has awarded more than 10,000 scholarships. Additionally, more than 3,900 of the recipients graduated in five years. Scholars have attended approximately 1,300 accredited universities and colleges thanks to the program.
Finally, the GMS provides students support for the cost of education, renewable awards based on satisfactory academic progress, leadership development programs and graduate school funding for recipients who wish to continue their education after their undergraduate career.
Eligible applicants must boast a minimum grade point average of 3.3 or higher to qualify for the scholarship. Students also need to demonstrate leadership schools and financial need. The application deadline is usually in January each year for the upcoming academic year. Potential recipients can apply for the scholarship online. Additional information on scholarship requirements and award amounts can be found at The Gates Millennium Scholars Web site at www.gatesfoundation.org