School Grants | Financial Aid College Students | College Grant Student Loan

How To Find Grants for Single Mothers – College Grants, Government Grants, Financial Aid for Single Mothers

Posted on March 11, 2011 by From the Office of Administration

School Grants for Single Mothers: What Are Your Options for Financial Aid?

Single mothers are generally much more likely to fall into financial difficulty. In addition to time pressures that limit the number of hours they can work, one income is often not enough to adequately support a family of two or more (although of course this depends on the income). Statistics from Raise the Nation, an organization concerned with support and school grants for single mothers, indicate that single mothers with at least a Bachelor’s degree are five times less likely to live on or below the poverty line.

Raise the Nation is one among a growing body of institutions and organizations that specialize in financially supporting single mothers through their education. There are a host of sources of school grants for single mothers, from Federal grants and State grants all the way down to private businesses, institutions and non-governmental, non-profit organizations. There are increasingly specialized grants available today, with varying criteria and more specific target groups. However, the first place to start looking for school grants for single mothers should be in government funds.

To begin with, there are plenty of Federal school grants for single mothers, as well as broader Federal grants whose criteria single mothers can meet. The Pell Grant, for example, is a need-based sum of money that is intended to pay for educational expenses. The sum that Pell Grant recipients can receive ranges between $400 and $5,350. In order to apply for the Pell Grant, candidates must complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Although the Pell Grant is open to any applicant, single mothers have an edge because they can often more easily demonstrate financial need.

Another Federal source of school grants for single mothers is the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). This, too, is need-based and is intended for students in the greatest financial need. The grant can be made up to $4,000.

The Academic Competitive Grant (ACG) is another option when it comes to government-funded school grants for single mothers. Again, this is not uniquely offered to single mothers, but they can qualify for it if their academic achievement meets a certain standard. The ACG school grant is available to first- and second-year college students, and can be worth up to $750 and $1,300, respectively.

Single mothers with more specific educational goals may also be eligible for the National Science and mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant, which is based on merit and awarded to third- and fourth-year college students who are working for a degree in math, engineering, science or one of the foreign languages that are considered crucial for homeland security.

Single mothers who are training to become elementary or secondary-school teachers may want to look into the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant. This Federal fund provides school grants for single mothers worth up to $4,000 per year, provided they are intending to become teachers in a public or private school that serves low-income families.

Beyond Federal school grants for single mothers, there are also state-specific sources of funding. Single mothers and fathers living in Arkansas, for example, can apply to the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship to assistance with their educational fees. Many, if not all, states have similar programs, which are well worth looking into.

In addition to the myriad government-funded school grants for single mothers, there are also a vast number of non-governmental and private sources of funding. The Jeanette Rankin Foundation Scholarship Program, for example, has been helping women to attend college since its start in 1978. This fund does not target single mothers specifically, but does have categories into which they fall (‘single women 35 years and older’, for example). A more recently established source of school grants for single mothers is the Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation for Low-Income Women and Children, which has the aim of improving educational access, support and opportunities for low-income women, especially mothers, and educational enrichment for children.

Among the various specifically targeted school grants for single mothers is the R.O.S.E. scholarship, which is offered to survivors of domestic violence who are attending college or university. This is only applicable to attendees of accredited institutions in the New England area, and is usually easier to get if you have already completed one full year of undergraduate studies.

Another good source of school grants for single mothers is the educational industry. Many colleges, universities and other educational institutions offer grants and scholarships themselves. It can significantly simplify the process of getting financial aid if you get it directly from the institution you’re planning to study at.

There are many, many organizations and companies that offer school grants for single mothers. peaChic is a magazine that caters to women in business, and one of its main goals is to empower women think and do bigger and better. While not example school grants for single mothers, peaChic offers grants to women in order to start up or expand their business.

A very, very good source of grants for single mothers is the Rockefeller Family Fund. The Fund has been involved in social advocacy and financial support programs for almost forty years. One area that it works in is economic justice for women. The Rockefeller Family Fund Grant is intended to provide women with equitable employment opportunities and improve their work lives. This is not aimed at school, but it is an excellent resource for help in taking that next step after graduation. In the past, grants have been made to women leading projects that promote economic justice in through national advocacy, research, public education efforts, training women in leadership and public policy skills and many others.

Beyond school grants for single mothers, another area in which they can seek support is paying their children’s tuition fees. Many of the general grants—those for which basically everyone can apply—can benefit single mothers’ children. Taking the pressure off of financing your child’s education can make a significant difference to financial comfort and stability.

The W.I.S.P. scholarship also helps single mothers to finance their children’s education. The grant is made available exclusively to the children of graduates from the Women’s Independence Scholarship Program, however. Applicants must be able to demonstrate financial need and strong motivation to get an education in order to qualify for the scholarship.

Single mothers have a wide range of school and other grants accessible to them. The procedure for applying for government-funded grants is generally standardized, and involves the FAFSA form. For non-governmental grants, however, the application process can vary quite a bit. The first step towards securing a school grant is to look into your options. The more specific you can be about your courses, your goals and the purpose of your studies, the easier it will be to locate an appropriate school grant and the more efficiently you will be able to apply.

It is difficult to put a value on school grants for single mothers. These financial boons can contribute more towards empowerment than virtually all other activities. By educating yourself, you not only take charge of your life, but you also open countless doors to experience, knowledge, careers and possible futures for yourself and your child.

Posted in School Grants | Tagged grants for single mothers, school grants for single mom, single parent grants, Single Parents | Leave a comment

Is It Easy to Get a School Grant?

Posted on February 11, 2011 by From the Office of Administration

As the cost of getting an education rises, more and students and prospective students turn towards different forms of financial aid. School grants are one of the best ways to fund your education, but they do require meeting certain conditions. If you’re wondering whether it’s easy to get a school grant, the answer is: it depends.

What exactly it depends on varies based on your particular situation. There are school grants available for students who can demonstrate financial need. The Pell Grant, offered by the US Federal Government, is specifically for individuals from low- to middle-income families who are not able to finance their own education.

There are also school grants that target individuals studying a specific field, such as one of the natural sciences. Where these grants are funded by the government, they are usually intended as investments in individuals who are in high demand for the country’s safety and development.

Given that school grants are essentially ‘free’ money, individuals must meet certain criteria in order to qualify for them. It can be easy to get a school grant if you consistently achieve results that are above average. Qualifying criteria are not always restricted to grades, however. Again, however, it is easy to get a school grant if you are well established in the field you are applying to.

This may all sound a little frightening, but there’s no need to worry. There are a multitude of sources of grant money, including private funds, organizations and even philanthropic individuals. If you work hard, show dedication and commitment, it can be easy to get a school grant. It always helps to have a somewhat clear idea of what you want to study, why, and why you are suited to receiving financial assistance.

Posted in School Grants | Leave a comment

From Where Can I Get a School Grant?

Posted on February 10, 2011 by From the Office of Administration

School grants are an increasingly important part of student life. With the rising cost of education, more and more prospective students find themselves wondering: From where can I get a school grant? The answer to this is simple: everywhere!

The truth is that you can get a school grant from a number of different places. The easiest way to categorize these sources is by dividing them into public and private sources. The first place most people turn to get a school grant is the government. Many governments around the world have well established departments for funding school grants and school loans. In the US, for example, the Federal Government is a good place for many individuals to get a school grant.

The Pell Grant, for example, is offered to post-secondary school students who are financially incapable of supporting their own education. In order to get a school grant such as the Pell Grant, students must be able to demonstrate their financial need. In other cases, in order to get a school grant students must demonstrate above-average academic achievement, intelligence or other unique qualities.

Another way to get a school grant is to approach private sources. Privately funded school grants are offered by many institutions, charities, trusts and even philanthropic individuals. To get a school grant that is privately funded, individuals must also meet whatever criteria is set forth by the funding body. In order to get school grants for a specific study, for example, students may need to be highly qualified within that field.

If you are planning to get a school grant, one way to begin the process is to consult your prospective academic institution. It may offer grants itself, or it will recommend other institutions or potential sources.

Posted in School Grants | Tagged Academic grants, College grants, government school grants, school grants | Leave a comment

College Grants and Loans: How to Find the Right Financial Aid for You

Posted on February 2, 2011 by From the Office of Administration

For many students, attending university is only an option with the assistance of college grants and loans. There are a number of options out there. So many, in fact, that virtually anyone can successfully secure college grants and loans, or at least one of the two.

The key difference between college grants and loans is repayment. While loans are borrowed money—often with interest—grants are effectively ‘free’ money. In order to qualify for a grant, however, an applicant must meet specific criteria set out by the institution making the grant. There are a wide variety of college grants and loans out there, and there can be quite a significant difference between the requirements of different grants, for example.

Certain college grants and loans require you to be studying within a specific field. Others are one-time grants, which are intended to fund a particular body of research or a specific project. Often, such specific grants are funded by bodies that have an interest in the work being done, such a pharmaceutical company funding a medical research grant.

College grants and loans can be publicly or privately funded. In the former case, money for the grant or loan is provided by a government body. Often, these college grants and loans are geared towards achieving certain socially desirable ends, such as equal access to education. Accordingly, many governments offer college grants and loans specifically for low- and middle-income families.

Privately-funded college grants and loans, on the other hand, can come from a number of different sources. Some institutions that fund college grants and loans include banks, non-profit organizations or foundations, educational institutions and even philanthropic individuals. Again, there can be quite some variety in the criteria that applicants must meet to qualify for such financial assistance.

If you are searching for college grants and loans, one good place to get information is from the university or institution at which you are planning to study.

Posted in School Grants | Tagged College grants, financial aid college, how to get financial aid, loands for college education | Leave a comment

Student Tuition Fees Will Soon Undergo Drastic Restructuring in the UK

Posted on January 20, 2011 by From the Office of Administration

One of the many waves being made by the UK’s coalition government relates to student tuition fees. As part of a major university funding overhaul, there are plans to replace student tuition fees with a graduate tax, a move that has been passionately protested by students around the country. Experts, however, claim that the proposed system is actually more progressive than the incumbent system.

The student tuition fee changes would see the UK’s highest earning graduates repay more on average than they currently pay. Graduates from the poorest 30% of households would also repay more than they pay under the current system, but would be required to pay back less than under the alternative system proposed by Lord Browne.

While politicians deliberate, students around the country have been engaged in continuous protest all over the country. Concessions have already been made.

Full loan support will also be made for part-time students who work at least 25% of the time, instead of the originally proposed 33%.

Additional changes include an annual increase in the earnings threshold at which fees no longer need to be repaid, as opposed to the five-yearly increase that was originally proposed. The current earnings threshold of £15,000 will be annually up-rated in line with inflation from 2012, so as to assuage student uprisings and provide some concession to graduates.

Shadow chancellor Alan Johnson recently had a startling change of heart regarding the student tuition overhaul, which he now supports. He said: “It is in these circumstances that there is a strong case for a graduate tax, which may offer a fairer way of sharing costs between individuals and government.”

The final outcome of the vote will have a significant impact on the UK’s student tuition system. Only time will tell what far-reaching consequences this will have.

Posted in School Grants | Tagged concession to graduates, Concessions, graduate tax, Student Tuition, Student Tuition Fees, student tuition system, university funding | Leave a comment

SBIR Grants Form an Integral Part of America’s Innovation Culture

Posted on January 20, 2011 by From the Office of Administration

As part of an initiative to stimulate research and innovation, the US Government passed the Small Business Innovation Development Act in 1982. The program, which is coordinated by the Small Business Administration, includes Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants. These have been integral to enabling small companies to uphold scientific excellence and technological innovation.

SBIR grants are awarded through a three-phase program. Phase I is the startup phase, characterized by exploration and assessment of the feasibility of a certain idea or technological innovation. Phase I SBIR grants are limited to $100,000, over a six-month period.

Phase II has a $750,000 funding limit, over a maximum period of two years. This phase includes rigorous research and development in order to evaluate the new idea or product’s commercial potential.

Finally, Phase III represents the movement from the laboratory into the marketplace. SBIR grants are no longer awarded at this point; the recipient small business is required to locate funding within the private sector or non-SBIR federal funding agencies.

SBIR grants are available through a number of federal agencies, including the US Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, Department of Defense, Department of Education, Department of Energy, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Transportation, Environmental Protection Agency, National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the National Science Foundation.

The sheer size of the recipient pool for SBIR grants highlights the importance placed on independent innovation and technological development. Indeed, the US’ support of such initiatives has fostered a culture of independent development, which in turn has produced many of the world’s modern technologies. SBIR grants have been and continue to be an integral part of federally-funded innovation initiatives. This year alone, over $1 billion was allocated towards research funds in the form of SBIR grants.

Posted in School Grants | Tagged Agriculture, Department of Commerce, Department of Defense, Department of Education, Department of Energy, Department of Health, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Transportation, Environmental Protection Agency, federal funding, federal funding agencies, Human Services, National Aeronautics, National Science Foundation, SBIR Grants | Leave a comment

NIH Grants Provide Major Resources for Valuable Medicines

Posted on January 20, 2011 by From the Office of Administration

The US’ National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a Federal agency that is part of the US Department of Health and Human Services. The NIH is charged with conducting biomedical and health-related research, and is divided into intramural and extramural parts. The former is responsible for internal, NIH-conducted research, while the latter is charged with seeking out and funding biomedical research outside of the NIH.

The NIH operates in groups called centers, of which several are involved in reviewing applications for NIH grants. The Center for Scientific Review (CSR) is at the core of NIH grants processing.

The Office of the Director is charged with funding research through various institutes. The Office of Extramural Research (OER) offers NIH grants to extramural research and training programs. Administration of NIH grants is conducted by the Office of Administration.

NIH grants are one component in a body of financial support offerings. All its forms of support are intended to encourage research that is NIH requested, directed towards areas that fit with NIH priorities and takes advantage of current scientific opportunities. NIH grants are also intended to support projects of a high caliber, which are relevant to public health needs. Unsolicited and unique research projects are also highly supported by NIH grants, although the NIH is legally prohibited from funding research that has already been done or that is already receiving financial assistance.

NIH research has been credited with a high rate of return on its investments in research; the Joint Economic Committee of Congress reported in 2000 that of the $16 billion spent that year, 25-40% was returned. The same report found that the NIH funding was instrumental in the introduction of the 21 most therapeutically influential drugs between 1965 and 1992. Though its NIH grants, the agency has had significant economic impact.

Posted in School Grants | Tagged biomedical research, Center for Scientific Review, economic impact, NIH Grants, NIH research, Office of Administration, training programs | Leave a comment

Student Education Loan Industry Booming in India

Posted on January 19, 2011 by From the Office of Administration

As India’s economy booms, the number of individuals seeking out education has grown immensely. Accordingly the business of offering student education loans has also developed. Today, there are many different options for aspiring students in India to choose from.

As in many other countries, common sources of student education loans in India are the state and national banks. Among those offering financial aid to students are the Bank of Maharashtra, the Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, State Bank of Suarashtra and the Bank of Rajasthan. The private banking sector is, of course, also getting a piece of the action. Student education loans are also offered by the Oriental Ban of Commerce, the United Western Bank, the Housing Development Finance Corporation Ltd. (HDFC) Bank and many more. Specialized loan agencies are also participating. Insurance and investment corporation Apna Paisa’s ApnaLoan subsidiary also offers student education loans, advertising them as a means into schools such as Harvard.

Many of the eligibility requirements for these student education loans are similar to those in other countries. Others, however, are quite unique. The Allahabad Bank’s student education loan, for example, is offered only to Indian nationals.

The HDFC Bank’s loan is similarly only offered to students that are either currently enrolled in or recently accepted at leading Indian educational institutions.

Given India’s penchant for national protectionism, the structures of these student education loans are not altogether surprising. However, the fact remains that the loans often create opportunities where previously there were none. While the eligibility requirements may be stringent, the number of student education loan providers is certainly growing. The increasing competition, as well as the generally widening access to international loan resources, suggests that Indian students can look forward to more competitive loans and a wider variety of opportunities to study.

Posted in School Grants | Tagged Allahabad Bank’s, Bank of India, Bank of Maharashtra, Education Loan, educational institutions, HDFC Bank’s loan, Housing Development Finance Corporation, international loan, investment corporation, Loan Industry, Punjab National Bank, State Bank of Suarashtra, Student Education Loan, United Western Bank | Leave a comment

Vocational Education in Its Past and Present Forms

Posted on January 18, 2011 by From the Office of Administration

Vocational education describes a traditionally non-academic form of training that is geared towards training individuals in a specific field of practice. In the past, vocational education has been closely associated with the idea of apprenticeship, or learning a craft or trade through specific instruction from and practice with a master. In the last few decades, however, the idea of vocational training has slowly shrugged off its lower-class association, taking on a new usefulness and attractiveness as an alternative, practically-oriented form of education.

While tertiary education is undoubtedly the most valuable in today’s job market, the increasingly specialized nature of said market has created a large demand for specially skilled individuals.

Many governments and businesses are investing more and more in vocational education, in such forms as training organizations, apprenticeships or traineeships for businesses.

Vocational training as it exists today is immensely diverse. There are now specialty schools for retail, tourism, hospitality, cosmetics, information technology and many more. Such specialized training typically combines a theoretical component with a high degree of practical application. This means that individuals balance studying with work or practice for most of their educational careers, making them quite experienced graduates.

A notable vocational education institution is Australia’s technical and further education, more commonly known as TAFE, institutions. These offer a wide range of courses that largely qualify under the National Training System/Australian Qualifications Framework/Australian Quality Training Framework. In the UK, vocational education is offered in the form of publicly-funded Modern Apprenticeships. Finland’s ‘higher vocational schools’ are called ammattikorkeakoulus (AMK), and are attended by students after they have completed their secondary education. Hong Kong, on the other hand, offers The Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education.

The list goes on. The growing amount of vocational education institutions testifies to the increasing importance placed on diversification. The boom in university attendance has also produced many graduates with very little practical experience. Instead of being overshadowed by such graduates, students of vocational education institutions are more and more often filling gaps.

Posted in School Grants | Tagged apprenticeships, Australian Qualifications Framework, Australian Quality Training, graduates, Hong Kong Institute, National Training System, secondary education, traineeships, training organizations, vocational education | Leave a comment

Education Financing in the Netherlands

Posted on January 18, 2011 by From the Office of Administration

Many countries could stand to take a lesson from the Dutch. The architects of windmills and pioneers in water control have not only given the world a front row seat in progressive drug legislation, but also boast an impressive system of higher-education financing.

The Dutch Government provides free education at public and special religious schools (Catholic, Protestant, Jewish and Muslim). Education is compulsory from the age of 5-16, and partially compulsory from 16-23. In this period students are required to attend some form of education for at least two days in the week.

Students must pay tuition to continue their studies beyond the primary and secondary stages of education. Nevertheless, education financing is still heavily subsidized at the tertiary level. This includes both vocational training and university. The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science plays a significant role in ensuring that virtually every Dutch citizen—and even certain non-Dutch citizens—is able to attend tertiary education institutions.

Since 1969 the Ministry has offered students loans and grants in order to ease the burden of education financing. Today, the Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs (DUO) offers substantial financial assistance to students in the Netherlands. As a basis for study, DUO pays out grants to every student in the country. This grant money is distributed on a monthly basis, and varies in size depending on the student’s financial situation. On top of this grant, students can also apply for a low-interest loan. These loans have one of the most generous repayment schedules in the world, with repayment only beginning several years after graduation, and only once the student has achieved a certain income level. If this is not achieved within ten years, the loan is written off.

The rigorous provision of education financing in the Netherlands has resulted in over 90% of both men and women aged 15-20 enrolled in an educational institution in 2009, and over 50% of those aged 20-25 (CBS Statistics Netherlands). There are undoubtedly a host of factors that come into play, but the structure of Dutch education financing is certainly an important consideration.

Posted in School Grants | Tagged drug legislation, Education Financing, education institutions, higher education financing, tertiary education institutions, university, vocational training | Leave a comment

National Grants by Nike

Posted on January 17, 2011 by From the Office of Administration

Among the myriad national grants out there is Nike’s Back Your Block National Grant Program. The program is one of many that aim to uplift and enhance school groups around the country. The Back Your Block national grant invests in local schools, communities and organizations in order to “unlock the potential of young people through sports”. The sports conglomerate seeks out runners who would like to make a difference in their school and community. This year’s national grant is worth $650,000.

“It’s is more important than ever for corporations and individuals to help out their communities”, said Senior Manager for Nike Retail Community Relations, Kari Mitchell. The program functions with nominations for organizations to receive the national grant, which people are then able to vote on.

“We are exited to offer a program where anyone can nominate their favorite organization for a grant and vote on the applicants they feel most passionate about”, said Ms. Mitchell.

Nike is also creating excitement with its N7 Fund, which offers both products and national grants to Native American and Aboriginal communities. The goal of this financial support initiative is also to “unleash a child’s potential through the power of sport”. In order to qualify for the N7 national grant, an organization is required to serve the specified communities in either the US or Canada. The organization must also focus on high school students or younger children, and must be able to measure the success of the national grant.

Nike’s initiatives highlight the power that national grants can have in supporting worthwhile causes and organizations, especially those that benefit school-aged children. Such financial assistance initiatives are a wonderful complement to the education-focused national grants available today.

Posted in School Grants | Tagged communities, Grants by Nike, high school students, local schools, National Grant Program, National Grants, Native American, Nike Retail Community, organizations, school students grants | Leave a comment

Education Grant Programs Led by the Fulbright Program

Posted on January 17, 2011 by From the Office of Administration

In the widening sea of education grant programs, the Fulbright Awards program continues to be one of the leading choices for students in the studying in the US and the UK. Fulbright education grant programs in the UK are separated into three different categories: postgraduate student awards; scholars and fellows awards; and awards specific for summer institutes. In the US, Fulbright has five categories of programs: postgraduate student awards; scholars and fellows awards; awards for Scotland visiting professors; distinguished chairs awards; and awards specifically for special programs.

The Fulbright Program is administered by several bodies: the US Department of State; the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs; the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board; the Fulbright Commissions and Public Affairs Sections within the US Embassies; the Institute of International Education; and the Council for International Exchange of Scholars. There are participating countries in Africa, East Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Eurasia, the Middle East and North Africa, South and Central Asia and the Western Hemisphere.

The Fulbright Commission’s education grant programs are highly distinguished on an international level. They are intended to facilitate educational exchange at all levels, ranging from graduate students to established academic professionals.

The Fulbright Program was founded in 1946, and now operates in over 155 countries. In 2010, 300,000 students, scholars, artists, scientists, teachers and professionals benefited from its education grant programs.

The Fulbright education grant programs have produced a long list of distinguished people, including Sylvia Plath, Presidential advisor Austan Goolsbee, artist Robert Neffson and Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Prize winner and founder of the Grameen Bank.

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs continues to sponsor it through a yearly appropriation from the US Congress. In-kind and direct support is also provided by partner governments, institutions, foundations and corporations around the world. The program continues to play a central role in the development of international education and achievement.

Posted in School Grants | Tagged academic professionals, artists, Department of State, Education Grant, Education Grant Programs, foundations, governments, institutions, International Education, Nobel Prize winner, postgraduate student awards, scholars, scientists, students, teachers, US Embassies | Leave a comment

Government Financial Aid for College Students:Three Channels through Which to Invest in Yourself

Posted on January 14, 2011 by From the Office of Administration

Every year, the US government makes billions of dollars available in the form of government financial aid for college students. Federal and state aid programs deliver these funds to countless students, enabling them to attend tertiary education institutions.

The Federal Student Aid (FSA) program, which is administered by the US Department of Education, provides almost 70% of government financial aid for college students. This aid takes the form of loans, work-study programs and grants.

Loans for college students are low-interest sums of money that can be either subsidized or unsubsidized. In the former case, the government pays the interest on the loan while the student is enrolled in school. In some cases, the government continues to pay the interest even after the student has left school. In the case of unsubsidized student loans, the students pay the interest on the loan themselves.

Grants are a comparatively more attractive option; this is a form of funding that is essentially free. Grant money does not have to be repaid, and can be allocated towards tuition, living expenses including room and board, as well as other miscellaneous school expenses. There are more stringent eligibility requirements for grants, but there are plenty of options for a wide variety of student applicants.

Work-study programs are an excellent form of government financial aid for college students interested in balancing study with work. These programs allow students to defer tuition payment, provided they work in a specific field while they are enrolled in school. Their field of employment is typically directly related to their area of study, and thus allows students to benefit from financial aid while gaining practical experience in their field of choice.

Acquiring government financial aid for college students begins with filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is evaluated by the Department of Education. Qualifying students are granted the financial aid that they are eligible for.

Posted in School Grants | Tagged College Students, Department of Education, education institutions, Federal Student Aid, Financial Aid, Government Financial Aid, student loans, tertiary education institutions | Leave a comment

Higher Education Grant Programs Abound in the UK

Posted on January 13, 2011 by From the Office of Administration

The UK boasts a number of higher education grant schemes, which are available to both national and international applicants. The financial assistance provided by these schemes go a long way in supporting students in their academic careers, and in equipping them with the tools to successfully pursue their desired careers after university. There are many excellent programs to choose from; two examples are presented to paint a picture of the landscape of higher education grants in the UK.

One of the many higher education grant programs is the Higher Education Maintenance Grant, worth up to £2,906 per year. The grant not only covers tuition, but also extends as far as paying for the recipient’s living costs. The amount that a student is eligible for is hinged on his or her income and the income of his or her family.

Generally, a household income of less than £25,000 per year will entitle a student to the full grant amount. An income between this and £50,020 will only entitle a student to a partial grant. Students coming from households with an annual income over £50,020 are not eligible for a maintenance grant, but can opt to take out a loan instead.

Another higher education grant scheme is offered by the Irish Department of Education and Skills. Its Higher Education Grants Scheme is available to full-time undergraduate and post-graduate students enrolled in an approved course either in Ireland or in an EU member state. This particular grant is not awarded to candidates who already hold a scholarship or grant from another local authority, a Vocational Education Committee, the Department of Education and Skills or any other equivalent award from other EU member states. This higher education grant scheme is intended to facilitate the completion of under- and post-graduate education.

These are two of many options available through governments and private institutions around the UK. It can truly be said that investment in education now extends both to developing education systems, as well as ensuring that as many individuals as possible are able to attend them.

Posted in School Grants | Tagged academic careers, education, education systems, Grant Programs, Higher Education Grant, post graduate, private institutions, vocational education, Vocational Education Committee | Leave a comment

Money for High School

Posted on January 12, 2011 by From the Office of Administration

In today’s financially tight times, many high schools across the US are experiencing budgetary restrictions. In some cases these are manifested in fewer supplies, scaled back programs or cancelled trips. The effect that the economic downturn—indeed, any economic downturn—has on students is regrettable. Some of the responses, however, have been admirable.

Many students around the country have begun to take independent steps towards earning money for their high school. Doing something that generates a small income, whether it is directed towards an activity, a cause or some other fund, is actually relatively easy.

Students typically begin the process of raising money for their high school by assessing which products are in high demand. The next step involves determining the price that their target customers are willing to pay for these products. This usually takes into account the regular price of the item or items, as well as the level of demand for it. For example, if a $2 pack of mixed candy is highly valuable to other students, fundraisers could charge up to $4 for it.

Once this has been figured out, the items must be purchased and set up for sales. This can be done by walking around, setting up a stall or initiative some delivery service. Given that the recipient of the money is the high school, administrators and teachers are likely to help with such an initiative. Once the balls starts rolling, simple ideas to raise money for high schools can eventually generate quite a sum.

This can be an excellent way for students to take control of what happens in and to their high school. If yours is running short on funding and the effects are becoming difficult to ignore, try this simple sales idea. It is almost guaranteed to generate a generous amount of money for your high school.

Posted in School Grants | Tagged budgetary restrictions, earning money, economic downturn, high school, scaled back programs | Leave a comment

Financial Aid Office The Secret Source of Your Desired Funding Information

Posted on January 11, 2011 by From the Office of Administration

‘Loan’, ‘grant’, ‘deferment’, ‘repayment’, ‘interest rate’—these are all buzzwords that many college students have come into contact with at some point in their academic careers. Those who are interest in these terms but are also a little unsure of what they all mean do not have to worry; there is a group of people nearby who are ready and willing to explain the ins and outs of financial assistance.

Any institution of higher education has a financial aid office, which is responsible for administering financial aid programs to students and processing applications, requests and various other portions of the financial assistance process. The men and women working at any financial aid office are well versed in the laws, regulations and policies that govern the various funds supporting recipient students.

Most universities and colleges have large, well developed financial aid offices. In addition to offering in-person advice and assistance, these offices also have comprehensive websites that complement their services. These sites often include guides to applying for various scholarships, grants and other forms of financial assistance. Some American universities’ websites even include built-in Expected Family Contribution (EFC) calculators, for students interested in applying for federal loans.

If you are coming close to the end of high school, or perhaps simply interested in beginning a course at a college, university or vocational school, the financial aid office of your chosen institution is a good place to start exploring and understanding you financial assistance options.

In fact, the financial aid offices of most other institutions will probably prove equally helpful, as will the various financial aid office-type blogs floating around on the internet.

Do not be put off at the prospect of having to muddle through financial buzz words; you can easily inform yourself about your options with the help of a financial aid website or an office representative.

Posted in School Grants | Tagged academic careers, American universities, deferment, Financial Aid, Financial Aid Office, financial assistance, Funding Information, grant, interest rate, Loan, repayment | Leave a comment

Financial Aid in Times of Economic Hardship

Posted on January 11, 2011 by From the Office of Administration

For many years financial aid has helped countless students in the US gain access to and complete their education. Unfortunately, the economic recession of the last few years’ has made it more difficult for university students to obtain financial aid. With tertiary education establishments experiencing the financial burdens along with the rest of the economy, many have cut back on the size of their financial aid offerings. Unfortunately, this dire situation goes hand in hand with an increase in applications for financial aid; more and more students require assistance in paying for their tuition. Although the situation may be discouraging, there are several steps applicants can take to improve their chances of securing financial assistance.

First of all, applicants must thoroughly assess their individual context. What are the earnings of their parents? What do they earn themselves? Next, it is a good idea to clarify exactly which colleges or universities that they would like to apply to, and whether or not these schools have financial aid programs.

They must determine whether they are eligible for these programs, and if so, to what degree. Another important point of consideration is their planned living situation, and the costs associated.

Once these are clarified, it is much easier to determine exactly which financial aid options are viable. Despite economic hardship, there are still quite a few options available. The internet is a good source of information and platform for comparing options.

The final step is of course to apply. The extra effort put into the last two steps will make this process less draining. Applying in the dark, so to speak, is certainly more difficult than focusing effort on the fewer but more likely financial aid options. A final tip is to work especially hard at school to gain all the competitive advantage possible. If applicants can get in touch with lenders directly, negotiating a financial aid contract may also be an option.

Posted in School Grants | Tagged Economic Hardship, economic recession, Financial Aid, financial aid programs, financial assistance | Leave a comment

Cosmetology Grants for Single Mothers

Posted on January 10, 2011 by From the Office of Administration

Single mothers are among the students that have the most difficulty attending college courses. Raising a child alone presents a substantial burden on time and especially finances, and as a result single mothers are often unable to pursue (further) education.

There are a number of grants designed to address this and similar situations. Owing to the growing demand for cosmetology courses, there several foundations and organizations have developed cosmetology grants for single mothers.

For single mothers who want to attend cosmetology school, the Federal Pell Grant can help them to fund their education while balancing it with child care. The Pell Grant can be applied to any educational track, and requires filling in the government’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Applicants’ financial eligibility is assessed using the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC). The Pell Grant is attractive because, firstly, it is federally supported, and because it can be used for part-time students as well. Single mothers can apply this grant for cosmetology courses.

The American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS) offers a grant specifically for single mothers. These women can also apply for scholarships and other forms of aid in their application for cosmetology schools.

This cosmetology grant is especially attractive because it is linked directly to cosmetology schools, and because the AACS has partnerships with corporate sponsors.

Other sources of cosmetology grants for single mothers are cosmetology schools themselves. Individual institutions often offer financial assistance specifically to single mothers, in the form of various grants and scholarships. Advisers at these schools are the best source of information for these school-specific cosmetology grants.

Given the growing role of education in a successful career, as well as the financial difficulties faced by a disproportionate amount of single mothers, cosmetology grants are an excellent means for single mothers to further their professional development while raising a child.

Posted in School Grants | Tagged corporate sponsors, cosmetology courses, Cosmetology Grants, cosmetology schools, Federal Student Aid, scholarships, Single Mothers | Leave a comment

Charter School Grants: Understanding and Applying for Alternative Education

Posted on January 10, 2011 by From the Office of Administration

Charter schools are primary and secondary schools that receive public money, but are unique in that they are not required to adhere to the same rules, regulations and statutes that other public schools are. They are part of the public education system, and are locked into specific tuition fees, but represent an alternative to regular public schools. In exchange for their unique position in the education system, charter schools must commit to certain forms of accountability and produce certain results. These are outlined in each school’s charter.

Charter school grants are authorized by the Federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act, and are therefore funded by the state in which they exist. They are free to receive funding from private donors or foundations, however.

Most charter schools depend upon charter school grants in order to function, but these are not always easy to obtain. Competition is understandably fierce, given the growing attractiveness of an education system that prioritizes student motivation, academic rigor and discipline, and relationships with supportive adults. What can set one grant application apart from the rest is, firstly, an exemplary curriculum. Applications for a charter school grant must include a curriculum that features the four core areas of study—English, mathematics, science and history—but should also include extracurricular electives that provide students the balance and opportunity for autonomy that characterize the charter school system. Innovative ideas are always a seller, though too much creativity can sometimes be more harmful than helpful. An excellent middle ground is a fresh idea, which is comprehensively and exhaustively described. It is always good to include goals that are realizable, as well as an evaluation plan to highlight the applicant school’s commitment to accountability. Constructing charter school grants can be tricky, but so can many other grant applications. Clarity and precision are the characteristics that underpin any proposal, and charter school grants are no exception.

Posted in School Grants | Tagged academic rigor, Charter School Grants, charter school system, education system, private donors, public money, public schools, school grants, student motivation | Leave a comment

Financial Aid for International Students: Need-Blind and Full-Need Policies Reign Supreme

Posted on January 7, 2011 by From the Office of Administration

The US hosts the best educational institutions in the world. Unsurprisingly, thousands of students from around the world apply for positions at US colleges and universities every year. This demand for US education has produced a parallel market for facilitators. That is, individuals, organizations and institutions offering financial aid for international students.

Among the various tertiary education institutions in the US, there is a small group that offers a unique form of financial aid for international students: if you can gain admission, you are guaranteed the resources to attend. This is premised on the fact that these schools are the most difficult to qualify for in the world.

A need-blind admission policy means that students who manage to meet the qualification criteria are admitted, regardless of their ability to pay.

A full-need admissions policy is similar; those who are unable to pay the tuition fee are granted scholarships and various other forms of financial aid. For international students, this is a fantastic opportunity.

At present, there are six private American universities that offer need-blind and full-need admission to international students. These universities are the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Massachusetts, Harvard University in Massachusetts, Princeton University in New Jersey, Yale University in Connecticut, Dartmouth College in New Hampshire and Amherst College in Massachusetts.

In addition to these six stellar schools, need-blind admission is standard policy for virtually all public institutions. This, however, does not constitute financial aid for international students, as the policy is restricted to US citizens or resident aliens.

This form of financial aid for international students is exceptionally appealing because these schools are the best in the world. The need-blind and full-need policies remove many barriers to entry, offering access to the widest possible range of potential candidates.

Posted in School Grants | Tagged Amherst College, Dartmouth College, educational institutions, Financial Aid, Harvard University, International Students, private American universities, stellar schools, Yale University | Leave a comment

International Law Schools in the US: Pluralistic Competition

Posted on January 7, 2011 by From the Office of Administration

As the field of law develops and globalization spreads its talons farther and deeper into every country, international law schools become an increasingly important locus for the training and development of lawyers. Indeed, most law schools now integrate an international component in their curricula, in anticipation for the ever-widening horizons of law practice.

The USA boasts many of the best law schools in the world. Every year, thousands of national and international applicants try for a position at one of these institutions. The best international law schools in the country are led by New York University. It offers eight different centers, programs and institutes, spanning areas from global law to economic law and human rights.

Number two in the US’ international law schools is Columbia University. In addition to its nine centers, programs and institutes, Columbia’s international law school also boasts a sizeable collection of study abroad opportunities around Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Harvard University comes third in the best international law schools in the US. It also offers a long list of different programs and international exchange programs.

Following Harvard Law School are Georgetown University and Cornell University. These top five international law schools offer US and foreign students arguably the best options when it comes to preparing for a career in the international law world.

Of course, there are countless more international law schools to choose from beyond these. There are certainly more affordable options, as well.

For prospective students of international law schools, the decision can be frightfully difficult, especially given the rigorous selection procedures of these schools. Some other very good schools include Duke University, the University of Michigan, the University of Texas, Yale University and the University of Virginia. The international law schools within these universities are also highly competitive in quality and range of offerings.

Posted in School Grants | Tagged Columbia University, Cornell University, economic law, Georgetown University, human rights, International Law Schools, international law world, law schools, Pluralistic Competition, Yale University | Leave a comment

University Grants Could be Your Way into the College of Your Dreams

Posted on January 6, 2011 by From the Office of Administration

Has that fateful time arrived, when you being to fitfully scan university brochures for your ideal college? Are you leafing through the glossy pages, admiring the many courses offered and extracurricular options available? Have you turned to the last page, only to be slapped in the face with the tuition fee? Are your dreams crumbling before your very eyes? If the answers to are yes, then read on.

There’s no doubt about it: college tuition today is breathtaking. The sheer sum of money required to attend a community college—not to mention an upscale Ivy League university—is staggering, and has many people doubting whether they want to attain a tertiary education at all.

Do not succumb to the pressure. This is the point in your life when the phrase ‘university grants’ becomes commonplace.

University grants are sums of money that are intended to assist individuals in paying for their college tuition. In parallel with the vast number of colleges out there, there are also a substantial number of university grants available. Much like student loans, university grants are intended solely for your education-related expenses. The difference is—and this is quite a difference—you do not have to repay university grants.

What’s the catch, you ask? That depends on the type of grant you apply for. University grants can be broken up into two categories: public and private. The former describes government-funded grants, while the latter encompasses all of the privately-funded grants out there. These can range from institutional grants, to those offered by corporations and even individuals.

It’s a good idea to apply for government grants first, as federal backing is the most secure form. The best idea is to compare the grants available and assess which ones you qualify for. Eligibility can be based on academic performance, financial background and a number of other factors. Applying for a grant is a strict process, so above everything else you must remember to meet the deadlines.

Posted in School Grants | Tagged college tuition, student loans, Tertiary Education, tuition fee, university brochures, University Grants | Leave a comment

University Financial Aid in Canada

Posted on January 6, 2011 by From the Office of Administration

When the topic of financial assistance arises, most people think of the US. After all, it’s highly developed system of university financial aid is one of the most streamlined in the world. Many forget that just a little bit north of the US is another gold mine of tertiary education, which has developed its own selection of university funding.

Canada’s university financial aid comes in three main forms: tuition waivers; assistantships; and scholarships/fellowships. Of these, the last option is by far the most common.

Canada offers a variety of privately and publicly funded scholarships. The most well-known is arguably the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, which offers travel, living and tuition coverage for students with exceptional intellectual ability and performance. This scholarship is only valid in Commonwealth countries.

Other options for university financial aid include the Ontario Graduate Scholarship Programme, which offers financial support to students at Ontario universities. Also in Ontario, the national Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) offers grants and project research through its partner universities. The Quebec Provincial Government Scholarships, on the other hand, are restricted to their own province’s universities. Such university financial aid is made available to students at the Masters level and above, and typically increases in size with the level of study. These scholarships cover tuition and expenses, and are typically granted to higher-level students.

Tuition waivers are typically granted in conjunction with scholarships or teaching and research assistantships. The latter option involves a cash stipend in return for 20 hours of work per week. The assistantships are typically teaching and research jobs, and are usually applicable to graduate-level students.

Similarly to most other countries, scholarships in Canada are awarded based on academic performance and ability, functioning effectively as a grant. This is but one form of university financial aid, however. Loans are also an option for students whose academic performance does not qualify them for a scholarship.

Posted in School Grants | Tagged Commonwealth Scholarship, Financial Aid, Government Scholarships, Graduate Scholarship, Graduate Scholarship Programme, Tertiary Education, tuition waivers, University Financial Aid | Leave a comment

Tuition Grants in their Various Forms: A Support System for Academics and their Dependents

Posted on January 6, 2011 by From the Office of Administration

A tuition grant is a scheme that offers qualified individuals sums of money to assist them in paying for costs associated with education. What sets tuition grants apart from other grants is that they are usually geared specifically towards the dependents of employees at educational institutions. There are a wide variety of tuition grants on offer, and they are typically available to students and potential students of all ages.

An exemplary tuition grant program was established by the government of Singapore, in an attempt to address the high cost of tertiary education in the country. The Tuition Grant Scheme offers financial subsidies to students enrolled in full-time undergraduate or diploma courses.

Although the grant is only offered under specific guidelines, it is available to both Singaporean and non-Singaporean students. Grant recipients in the latter group are required to commit to working in Singapore for a minimum of three years after their graduation.

Such guidelines are common to most tuition grants. Another such example is the tuition grant provided by the University of Northern Colorado (UNC). Provided certain qualifications are met, the establishment offers its employees and their dependents grants to assist them with on-going education. The University’s employee tuition grants are restricted to tuition for UNC or Colorado State University in Fort Collins, but do cover tuition rates and general fees.

A similar program exists at Stanford University, but is restricted to employees’ dependents. The Ivy League school’s Tuition Grant Program offers its eligible employees grants for their dependent children’s undergraduate college education. This is done from Stanford directly to the accredited college or university. The university sets out clear eligibility requirements for the dependents.

Most universities offer some form of tuition grant to their employees’ students. This admirable initiative is effectively a bonus scheme for employees at educational institutions, showing the institution’s commitment to their financial comfort and their children’s futures.

Posted in School Grants | Tagged diploma courses, educational institutions, tuition grant program, Tuition Grant Scheme, Tuition Grants, undergraduate college education | Leave a comment

College Grants for Single Parents: Pumping Life Back Into Your Pre-Parenthood Dreams

Posted on January 5, 2011 by From the Office of Administration

Many single parents interested in pursuing education are put off by the prospect of balancing time and money between their own schooling and their children. Even where time is not an issue, financial concerns often come in the way of academic pursuits. Contrary to what the stereotypes would have you believe, this does not only apply to single mothers. Many single fathers are also weighed down by this trade off. But there is hope yet.

College grants for single parents offer the perfect way to balance the responsibility of caring for a child with getting a degree that will perhaps go towards improving a family’s overall financial situation. The first source of financial assistance is, of course, government grant money. Federally-backed college grants are a stress-free financial stepladder towards education and future financial security.

The first step in the process is contacting the financial aid office of the college or colleges that you would like to apply to. You can obtain knowledge regarding college grants for single parents, such as their availability and restrictions, as well as your own financial eligibility.

The next step for single parents—for anyone looking for a grant, really—is to scan the available options. The internet is an excellent place to shop around for different college grants. It also allows you to compare different offerings, such as public versus private college grants. There are hundreds of financial support offerings out there. Narrowing down the selection makes it easier to then systematically apply for the ones that match your individual situation and needs.

Parenthood, either as a single or a couple, is a wonderful experience in itself. But it should not mean having to sacrifice the bigger dreams you have for your own future. College grants for single parents may be difficult to pin down at first, but the effort you invest in seeking out, comparing and applying for grants will be well worth it in the end. After all, you don’t have to repay a grant!

Posted in School Grants | Tagged College grants, Financial Aid, financial eligibility, financial security, Parenthood Dreams, private college grants, Single Parents | Leave a comment

Federal Government Student Aid

Posted on January 5, 2011 by From the Office of Administration

One of the US Department of Education’s offices is the Federal Student Aid office. This body plays an instrumental role in the country’s post-secondary education community. One of the office’s most prominent and indispensible services is the developing, processing and distributing of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is the form used in all of federal government student aid programs to assess the needs of applicants for all federal and state government-guaranteed loans.

Federal government student aid represents financial help for students who are qualified for certain eligible programs, but who are unable to cover the costs of the programs. Student aid can come in several forms, but the most common are loans and grants. What all forms of federal government student aid have in common is that their size and terms are based on students’ eligibility and financial situations.

Subsidized loans are those wherein the government pays the interest on the loan, lessening the financial burden of loan repayment. Unsubsidized loans require students to repay the loan and the interest accrued. Some examples of federal loans are the Stafford Loans and PLUS Loans. The former are made directly to students, while the latter are made to parents. Loans made to parents are generally larger, but have more stringent repayment terms. Loans are made through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, which is funded by the federal government, and the Federal Family Education Loan Program, which is funded by private lenders but guaranteed by the government.

As far as loans go, the Pell Grant is the most prominent federal student grant, and is designed for undergraduate students coming from low-income and middle-income families. These grants can range in size; in the 2006-7 school year Pell Grants could be worth anything between $400 and $4,050.

Federal government student aid programs all rely on the Federal Student Aid office.

Posted in School Grants | Tagged Education Loan, Federal Government, Federal Loans, Government Student Aid, Student Aid, student aid programs | Leave a comment

Direct Education Loans: Your First Stop on the Way to a Secure Tertiary Education

Posted on January 4, 2011 by From the Office of Administration

Paying your son or daughter’s way through school can be difficult. While grants are a very good option, it is good to know exactly what is out there.

Federal government direct education loans are low-interest loans that are intended to go towards paying students’ tertiary educational expenses. Applicants are assessed based on certain criteria, and their eligibility determined by a federal government panel.

The direct education loan program offers several kinds of loans. Subsidized loans generally target students who can demonstrate financial need. This loan type also does not charge interest during the grace period, during deferment periods, and while a student is attending school at least part-time. Unsubsidized loans, on the other hand, charge interest at all times and are not based on financial need. The PLUS unsubsidized loan is directed at the parents of dependent students, as well as graduate or professional students. PLUS loans pay for all education-related expenses, and charge interest at all times. The last direct education loan type is the consolidation loan, which combines all the federal student loan an individual is eligible for into one direct consolidation loan.

The advantages associated with direct education loans are, firstly, that there is only a single point of contact. The Direct Loan Servicing Center represents this point of contact, and all issues regarding interest rates, loan size and repayment are handled here.

Direct education loans are also attractive because they offer an online Direct Loan account. This gives borrowers real-time access to their loan information at any time or place, making it far simpler to manage their debt.

Of course, the most significant advantage to these loans is that they are federally sponsored. Most will recommend that interested parties seek out direct education loans first, and turn to private education loans simply as supplements to the federal direct education loans.

Posted in School Grants | Tagged Direct Education Loans, Direct Loan account, education loans, online Direct Loan, private education loans, student loan, Tertiary Education | Leave a comment

Medical School Financial Aid Options: Exploring the AMA Foundation Scholars Fund

Posted on January 4, 2011 by From the Office of Administration

The American Medical Association is the largest association of medical students and physicians in America. The association’s mission is “to promote the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health”, by uniting physicians around the country to collaborate on key public health and professional issues.

The association has a volunteer arm—the American Medical Association (AMA) Alliance—that works with the AMA Foundation to raise money for medical schools to distribute to eligible and deserving students. If you are one of the many young idealists aspiring to a career in medicine, there is no better foundation from which to build you career.

The average medical student in the US graduates with a debt burden circling around $155,000. Understandably, there is a massive demand for medical school financial aid. While the options are certainly not scarce, the AMA Scholars Fund is especially attractive because it is so closely associated with the prominent association.

The Scholars Fund offers scholarships to help students pay for their tuition. Since its inception, the program has supported aspiring doctors with more than $60 million in cumulative funds. The feedback from medical school financial aid recipients themselves is testament to the significant impact that the Scholars Fund has had. Thanks to the scholarship, 84% of recipients reported that their debt levels had been reduced, while 52.1% reported reduced stress.

An important point to note is that the Scholars Fund provides more than just medical school financial aid. Among the recipients, 73.9% reported that the Scholars Fund had provided encouragement, and 43.7% reported having received recognition. Owing to its rigorous administration and close association with the AMA, this scholarship program offers much more than financial assistance. For medical students looking for the best possible financial aid option, this is certainly one that should be considered.

Posted in School Grants | Tagged career in medicine, Financial Aid, Medical School Financial Aid, medical students, Scholars Fund, school financial aid | Leave a comment

Michigan Financial Aid Destabilizes as the MGA Stops Backing Federal Loans

Posted on January 3, 2011 by From the Office of Administration

Like all US states, Michigan offers its student a number of financial aid options to assist them with their educational expenses. In cooperation with the federal government, the state of Michigan offers such programs as the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP). FFELP acts as an umbrella program, under which fall the Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan Program, the Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan Program, the Federal PLUS Loan Program and the Federal Consolidation Loan Program. What these options have in common is that they are administered by the Michigan Guaranty Agency (MGA).

The agency historically guaranteed Michigan financial aid programs by buying defaulted loans from FFELP lending bodies across the state. The agency has cooperated with FFELP for almost 45 years, guaranteeing over $14 billion in loans. Michigan financial aid services greatly benefit from the guarantees of the MGA.

The agency also offers numerous services to post-secondary school institutions, such as outreach activities for students, workshops, training and technical support. Michigan financial aid recipients are also offered information programs, training courses in financial literacy and customer assistance for all the facets of loan repayment.

Without the MGA, Michigan financial aid options would be rather limited. Its historic role has been important to the state’s ability to secure and provide federal loans. Unfortunately, the economic turmoil of the last few years in the US created significant problems for the MGA. As with many lenders, the agency began to experience a substantial increase in loan defaults. Since the middle of this year—July 1, to be precise—the MGA has not been guaranteeing any new loans under FFELP. The agency is presently tackling its $4 billion worth of outstanding loans. This process is being monitored as the agency’s loans claims are being processed and default payments collected. The hope is that economic improvements will help the MGA get back on its feet, and Michigan financial aid to resume normal functioning.

Posted in School Grants | Tagged Federal Loans, Financial Aid, financial literacy, loan repayment, Michigan Financial Aid | Leave a comment

Law School Financial Aid: Scanning Your Options through Independent Reviews

Posted on January 3, 2011 by From the Office of Administration

Law school is—and has always been—notoriously expensive. A disproportionately higher number of law students consequently have to seek out law school financial aid. This comes in three forms: loans, scholarships or grants, and federal work-study programs.

In the case of loans, the options offered by the government are substantial. Although there are also many, many private lenders, federal loans are generally safer because they are backed by the government. However, law school financial aid in the forms of grants and scholarships are usually offered by the educational institutions themselves.

If you are considering law school financial aid options, the first step should be to contact your prospective schools and inquire about the grants and scholarships that they offer. Be sure to ask about the eligibility requirements and any special conditions that may or may not apply to you.

An excellent second step in securing law school financial aid is to browse through independent sources, such as law magazines. The National Jurist magazine, for example, published a list of the fifty law schools with the most generous financial aid offerings. The list ranked law schools according to their generosity in terms of grants and scholarships, as a percentage of tuition.

Because the National Jurist rankings weigh Law School Financial Aid packages as part of the total tuition, the top US law school did not make the list. Indeed, the most highly renowned law school to even make the list was the University of Virginia’s School of Law, which scored a financial aid-tuition ratio of 23.2%. The number on school in terms of law school financial aid generosity was Thomas Cooley, which scored 93.9%. This was followed by Toledo (61.4%), Liberty (51.2%), Northern Kentucky (50.4%) and La Verne (49.9%).

Such independent publications are very useful for prospective students researching law school financial aid. Ensure that you gather as much information from as many different sources as possible, in order to inform yourself as best as you can.

Posted in School Grants | Tagged Financial Aid, Financial Aid packages, Law School Financial Aid, school financial aid | Leave a comment

Financial Aid for Preparatory School Benefits Schools as Much as Students

Posted on December 28, 2010 by From the Office of Administration

University preparatory schools are one of the best decisions a parent can make for their children. Excluding the efforts that students themselves put into preparing for a university education, preparatory school already goes a long way in giving your son or daughter a step up in terms of university admission.

Of course, common as this knowledge is, it is equally well known that preparatory schools are notoriously expensive. The good news is that there is a middle ground for parents whose salaries can’t quite cover the tuition fees of prep schools.

Financial aid for preparatory school is a resource that parents can tap into if they want to commit to their children’s academic futures. Students who are qualified, but whose families are unable to afford tuition, can apply for a variety of financial aid options.

Eligibility is assessed primarily through academic performance. Students whose intellect, motivation and achievements are of an exceptional standard are highly sought after by all schools. Financial aid for preparatory school simply opens the doors for those students who would otherwise not have access to their resources. Accordingly, outstanding students’ financial needs are assessed to determine their eligibility for financial aid.

Financial aid for preparatory school is not just beneficial to its recipients; it also greatly enhances the schools themselves. By lowering the barriers to entry, financial assistance gives preparatory schools the opportunity to diversify their student body. With a greater spread of ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, schools foster a more dynamic environment. It is within such an environment that many students can excel. Simply by broadening the horizons of its student population, preparatory schools increase the intra- and extra-curricular knowledge exchange between students.

Financial aid for preparatory school is available through a variety of institutions. Banks, finance companies and prep schools themselves all offer a host of options for parents to choose from.

Posted in School Grants | Tagged Aid for Preparatory School, eligibility for financial aid, Financial Aid, Financial Aid for Preparatory School, Preparatory School Benefits | Leave a comment

Nursing Scholarships and Grants Reach Out to Specific Social Sections

Posted on December 27, 2010 by From the Office of Administration

Nursing is one of the most pursued careers in the world. Unfortunately, it is also quite a costly commitment. Luckily there are an abundance of nursing scholarships and grants offered by both private and public funding bodies. This is true of most areas of study—there are funds to be had for almost everyone. What is interesting is the growing number of sources of financial aid specifically targeting nursing students.

The Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses Foundation offers AMSN members scholarship awards to increase ‘career mobility’. The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Foundation runs a scholarships and grant program to its members, as well as to student members enrolled in certain accredited programs. The Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps (AFROTC) also offer nursing scholarships, but restrict these to students who want to join the Air Force as nurses. Recipients of the AFROTC scholarship are required to enlist as cadets in the Air Force Reserve.

This may seem specific, but the list narrows even further. Several bodies offer nursing scholarships and grants to certain groups in society. The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium offers Alaskan and Native American Indian students scholarships for full-time education in the health care field. Adolph Van Pelt Scholarships are offered to individuals with at least 25% Native American heritage.

Field-specific nursing scholarships and grants are also numerous. The American Association of Neuroscience Nurses, the American Cancer Society, the American Nephrology Nurses’ Association, the American Nurses Association Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses all offer specific forms of financial assistance to specific nursing students.

The variety of offerings provides plenty of resources for nursing students to choose form. The highly specified scholarship and grant opportunities also help to even out the spread of the recipients of nursing scholarships and grants.

Posted in School Grants | Tagged Nursing Scholarships, Nursing Scholarships and Grants, nursing students, students scholarships | Leave a comment

Texas Financial Aid Offers a Wide Array of Options

Posted on December 23, 2010 by From the Office of Administration

If you are in the market for university financial aid in the US, your search should begin with one decision: federal or state? There are a large number of financial aid offerings from the federal government and from state governments. These options all have their unique benefits and drawbacks, so when making your decision, be sure to understand exactly what it is you need so that you can find a financial aid scheme that works.

In Texas financial aid options are plentiful. The state government offers a variety of programs, which are available at virtually all accredited public and independent colleges in the state. These programs are generally based on merit and need, and are granted to students who can demonstrate their eligibility. Texas financial aid programs are administered and controlled by the financial aid officers at each college. Whether a student is opting for a loan, a grant or a work-study program, they must apply to these officers.

One of the Texas financial aid options is the Texas B-On-Time Loan program, whose aim is to offer eligible Texan students zero-interest loans so that they may attend colleges and universities in the state. Although the program is Texas-based, applicants must still pass the eligibility requirements for federal financial aid. Further requirements include full time enrollment and residency in Texas.

On the other side of the spectrum is the Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG). This offers students with financial need a sum of education-directed money, which they are not required to repay. Given the far more generous nature of this Texas financial aid option, the requirements are more rigorous. The TPEG is, however, also available to non-Texas residents and foreign students who can demonstrate financial need.

If you are interested in exploring your Texas financial aid options further, contact the financial aid officer at the college you are applying for. He or she will provide all the necessary information to get you started on funding your academic career.

Posted in School Grants | Tagged eligibility requirements for federal financial aid, federal financial aid, Financial Aid, financial need, Texas Financial Aid, Texas financial aid programs, Texas Public Education Grant | Leave a comment

Education Loan Deferment: Getting the Most Out of Your Loan

Posted on December 23, 2010 by From the Office of Administration

Education loan deferment is a standard procedure that many students opt for. It is essentially the process of suspending repayments on student loans. The most common form is in-school deferment, in which students pause loan repayment while they are enrolled at least part-time in a school.

The process of in-school education loan deferment is done through a formal request to the lender, be it the government or a private funder. In order to qualify for an in-school deferment, a student must be attending an eligible institution. Any school’s financial aid office can help you to determine whether or not your school qualifies. Alternatively, eligible schools are listed on the website of the Department of Education.

If your school is eligible, you must be at least a part-time student to qualify for in-school education loan deferment. This effectively guarantees that you are unable to repay your debt due to commitments to your studies. The lender might request additional documents that support your claims.

The key part of the process is determining the length of you in-school deferment. Usually, education loan deferment for part- or full-time students is valid until they have graduated. Alternatively, your loan deferment will come to an end if you fall below the half-time enrollment level.

Applying for an in-school education loan deferment is really quite simple and commonplace. Provided you and your educational institution qualify, it is usually a matter of acquiring a deferment form, completing your section of the form and then having a representative from your school complete their respective section.

Many use the terms loan suspension and loan postponement interchangeably, but this is hardly accurate. In-school education loan deferment is not a form of procrastination. It is an option that allows borrowers to focus fully on their studies, so as the get the maximum returns on their education loan.

Posted in School Grants | Tagged Education Loan Deferment, Loan Deferment, school education loan, school education loan deferment, school’s financial aid | Leave a comment

Grants in Australia: Far-Reaching Financial Support for Every Individual, Community and Project

Posted on December 22, 2010 by From the Office of Administration

Australia has a highly developed system of grants. The country hosts a wide range of financial assistance options, for individuals as well as groups. Grants funnel billions of dollars every year between Federal and State Governments, philanthropic organizations and corporations.

From the Federal side, grants in Australia include specific financial assistance for many areas: education and training, business and industry, culture, history and sport, employment and workplace, environment and natural resources, family, home and community, government and parliament, health and safety, immigration settlement grants, IT and communications, science and technology, and transportation. There is a strong emphasis on community in Australia’s grants, and many of these grants are intended to facilitate social and economic development in the country.

As far as non-governmental grants in Australia go, there is a diverse selection from individuals and communities to choose from. Australia Communication Exchange (ACE) offers grants to nonprofit organizations with projects that benefit the dear, hearing- or speech-impaired members of a community. Australia’s Open Garden Scheme, on the other hand, offers funding for garden-related community projects. The Business Enterprise Centre (BEC) grants are targeted to businesses, while The Foundation for Young Australians offers grants to young Australians engaged in projects that involve indigenous youth.

Grants in Australia are comprehensive and pluralistic, meaning that virtually any motivated individual with an idea can get funding for it. They are not restricted to within the country alone, however.

The APEC Education Foundation, for example, offers grants to organizations in other countries who engage in community-building education projects, provided they participate in the APEC Forum.

The JASON postgraduate scholarship search engine does not directly offer grants, but does help international students wishing to immigrate into Australia find scholarships.

Those listed above are but a handful of the grants in Australia. The country’s diverse attention span facilitates support in countless areas, and this support extends beyond national borders. Anyone interested in pursuing, well, anything, might give the land down under a thought.

Posted in School Grants | Tagged Australia’s grants, education grants, education grants for australian students, Grants in Australia, non governmental grants in Australia | Leave a comment

Hispanic Business Scholarships: Addressing Barriers to Educational and Professional Success

Posted on December 22, 2010 by From the Office of Administration

One of the most well developed bodies of educational aid is that of the Hispanic community in the US. There exist dozens of different organizations, funds and individual awards that target Hispanic men and women.

There are a number of organizations that offer Hispanic business scholarships. These various forms of financial assistance are intended to help Hispanic students of different ages further their academic development and thus pursue professional careers.

The Hispanic College Fund is one prominent nonprofit organization, whose mission is “to develop the next generation of Hispanic professionals”. Accordingly, it offers high school and university students the resources and guidance to become community leaders and to succeed in their careers in different areas.

The organization offers four different types of scholarships: the Marriot Scholars Program; the Verizon Scholarship Program; the Google Scholarship Program; and the Ford Blue Oval Scholarship. Each of these targets a separate body of students. The Ford Blue Oval and Verizon Scholarship programs target students majoring in business. This includes business administration, finance and accounting.

Each of these Hispanic business scholarships have unique requirements, but do share several eligibility criteria: students must be applying to a college or university in either the United States or in Puerto Rico; they must also have attended a US high school for at least three years, and obtained a minimum GPA of 3.0; and must be planning to enroll as a full-time student.

Its Hispanic business scholarships are part of a larger recognition of the undesirable educational patterns that characterize the Hispanic community. As a preface to its mission statement, the nonprofit cites statistics from the Pew Hispanic Center and US Census Bureau, which show that Hispanic high school students have the highest rate of high school and college dropouts. The organization identifies the barriers to Hispanic educational success, and uses its networks and resources—of which its Hispanic business scholarships are integral—to help break them down.

Posted in School Grants | Tagged Business Scholarships, Educational and Professional Success, Hispanic Business Scholarships, Hispanic educational success, Hispanic professionals, Hispanic students | Leave a comment

University Scholarships Simplified by Independent and Government Consolidated Databases

Posted on December 21, 2010 by From the Office of Administration

Finding a university scholarship is both surprisingly easy and unnervingly difficult. The abundance of scholarship options present themselves at the click of a button. However, selecting the ones that you are eligible for, let alone applying to those, can be a fearsome task. Luckily enough for those frantically trying to compare scholarships, a new trend has developed that considerably lightens the load.

Many websites have come up that consolidate the options for university scholarships. These function more or less like university scholarship search engines, tailoring results to the specific qualifications and preferences of the applicant.

These sites typically solicit information on the applicant’s level of study, preferred institution or organization and preferred location. Additional information, such as a subject or keyword, can also be included in the search.

Even more advanced searches for university scholarships ask applicants to specify the ‘education maintenance allowance’ that they receive. Searches can also be tailored to include university scholarships and awards that are linked to academic excellence, disability or illness, sports, music and a number of other specifications.

There are other, similar websites that are not search engines in the same capacity, but nevertheless offer a single point of access for information university scholarships. Some of the more comprehensive databases include scholarships from an astounding variety of sources. These range from colleges and universities to vocational schools, bible colleges, colleges for programs for learning-disabled students, all the way to historically black colleges and universities. The variety is truly awesome.

Such databases are often independently run sources of information. There are also government-run equivalents, ranging from federal to provincial or state-based information points. Australia’s different state governments, for example, offer one-stop shops for university scholarships.

These databases are immensely helpful when it comes down to searching for and comparing different university scholarships. The trick is to narrow down your preferences, whether they are based on institution, location or some other factor, and access a search engine or database from that perspective.

Posted in School Grants | Tagged colleges and universities Scholarships, education maintenance allowance, information university scholarships, scholarships, University Scholarships | Leave a comment

Money for Education Should Come First and Foremost from Federal Sources

Posted on December 20, 2010 by From the Office of Administration

Finding money to finance your child’s education is becoming an increasingly simple process. The amount of financial assistance options available in the US is quite large, and parents now have a very wide variety of state, federal and even international choices. The most common sources of money for education are federally backed.

A direct federal educational loan is a government-guaranteed sum of money that is directed specifically towards educational expenses. The loan money is directed primarily towards tuition fees, but can also be extended to cover the cost of school materials and even living expenses. Educational loans generally accrue interest over time, though much lower than regular loans. They also have much more generous repayment schemes.

Federal money for education can be loaned either directly to the student or to the student’s parents. In the former case, repayment of the loan only begins after a six month grace period, which begins only once the student is not longer enrolled in at least half-time education. In the latter case, the loan limit is much higher, but repayment begins immediately.

An alternative source of money for education is a federal grant. The upside of receiving an educational grant is, of course, that students do not need to repay the money. In order to obtain a federal educational grant, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria. The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) is directed towards university students with great need of financial assistance. The Pell Grant is also based on financial need, as determined by a formula using criteria submitted through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

When considering where to obtain money for education, parents are recommended to first explore the federal options. In addition to being well established, federal loan and grant programs are also a far more secure source of money for education, giving your child as must stability as possible in their academic endeavors.

Posted in School Grants | Tagged educational grant, Educational loans, Educational loans for students, federal educational loan, federal loan and grant programs, Money for Education | Leave a comment

Woman Owned Business Network Gives Support to Entrepreneurial Ladies

Posted on December 20, 2010 by From the Office of Administration

With gender equity on the rise, there are an increasing number of businesses owned and operated by women. In the US, the strength of these businesses is consolidated by well developed networks of ‘Woman Owned Businesses’.

One such network is WomanOwned.com, a website founded in 1997 as an online resource for female business owners. The network allows women to share their experiences with their Woman Owned Businesses, build from each others’ knowledge and strengthen the capacity of their businesses.

Over the last 13 years, the website has developed into a nationally recognized force. There are over 3.5 million Woman Owned Business members from all over the world. The site’s popularity stems from its plentiful information and rigorous assistance with networking. The site also offers resources to assist in setting up, running and growing a Woman Owned Business.

Some of the ‘biz tools’ offered to Woman Owned Businesses include listings of recommended health, life, car and business insurance providers, tips on minimizing office needs, employee and human resources advice, and useful information on loans, federal money, printing and even travel discounts. The site’s section on growing a Woman Owned Business is impressive. It includes detailed information on everything from the business plan, management and promotion to internet legislation.

The website’s self-proclaimed “most outstanding feature” is an online search engine that identifies woman business owners in different industries in different countries. This is the hallmark of the Woman Owned Business: networking and creating a support system that allows female entrepreneurs to achieve their goals and excel at business.

Posted in School Grants | Tagged Entrepreneurial Ladies, female business owners, female entrepreneurs, information on loans, Woman Owned Business, Woman Owned Businesses | Leave a comment

Education Foundation Grant: Making Each Generation ‘Geographically Literate’

Posted on December 17, 2010 by From the Office of Administration

‘Geographic literacy’ is the goal that underpins the National Geographic Education Foundation. The foundation works in several areas in order to “motivate and enable each new generation to become geographically literate”: public engagement, policy reform and grant-making. The latter focal area is an important source of funding for many grassroots programs and organizations that share the National Geographic mission.

A National Geographic Education Foundation grant is intended to provide resources for training teachers, for outreach programs and other initiatives that promote geography education. The Education Foundation grants have the overarching goal of supporting the Geography Alliances network, which is a state-wide partnership between academic professors and K-12 teachers that promotes professional development and networking, among other things.

The Education Foundation grants address ‘big’ issues, such as the importance given to geography in the curriculum and securing federal funding for geography education programs. The grants are also intended to increase awareness of and literacy in the area of geography. The professional development covered by the grants creates benefits that accrue to children, as better trained teachers are able to innovate and improve the stature of geography.

These initiatives reflect the poor state of geography education in the US. It is the only designated ‘core’ academic subject that has not received federal funding since 2002, when the No Child Left Behind Act came into effect. The subject is not assessed by all states, and many do not even offer it as part of the required curriculum. Many teachers also lack knowledge and training in this area.

Collaboration between Congress, educators and the Education Foundation has produced the Teaching Geography is Fundamental Act (TGIF). The bill was introduced in the 111^th Congress, during which it gained strong bipartisan base support. The bill has 103 co-sponsors in the House and 23 in the Senate. The Education Foundation grant, which awards over $5 million annually, continues to fuel the fight for geographic literacy.

Posted in School Grants | Tagged Education Foundation Grant, education programs, Geography Alliances network, Grant for Education Foundation | Leave a comment

Categories