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New Beginnings Scholarship
I remember as a junior in high school, I couldn’t wait to go to college. High school was never my jam; too much drama and busy work. I wanted to take exciting classes that I cared about that would help me get an interesting career. My parents, who were wonderful people but grew up in a very different time, didn’t think anyone needed college. In my father’s defense, he had a very successful career without any college at all. These days though, there’s no way you’ll even get past the online application if you can’t check the box asking if you have a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
I had no financial help from my parents, so I had to find a solution myself. My grades were not stellar in high school, I was a solid C student. There were very few scholarships available to me. The ones I could find all had bizarre stipulations like you had to live abroad for at least a year, or you had to have a family member in the military… be of a certain nationality, or have had some rare experience… I was an average white girl in middle-class California.
Then, I got a $500 grant one day that I didn’t even remember applying for. That sense of relief still comes over me when I think about that moment. Suddenly, that looming dread of somehow finding money to pay for books was gone. I almost teared up right there in the finance office of my college.
I tried over the next few years to run a blog that would help students like me find scholarships. Sadly, I just couldn’t devote enough time to it for it to get anywhere. Now though, I have reached a point where I can give back to people out there who need a little help. I only wish I could do more.
Scholarship Criteria
Who:
- This scholarship is for students who have graduated high school (traditional, private, alternative, or other) or have earned their GED.
How:
- Applicants will write an essay on the following topic:
- In detail, write an essay about a learning experience that impacted your life. Include how you believe furthering your education will help continue to impact your life.
- Minimum of 800 words, maximum of 2,000 words
Requirements:
- Must have graduated from an accredited alternative, private, or traditional high school or homeschool program, or earned your GED
- Must complete application
- Must complete essay
- No GPA requirement
Award:
- One award of $500
Dates:
- Application window opens April 17th
- Applications are due June 17th
- Award is announced August 17th
What to submit:
- Completed application
- Essay
- Transcript proving graduation, or copy of diploma, or GED certificate
- Photographic proof of identity