Funding your college education is hard. While many students rely on student loan, we believe that scholarship is the best way to go to cover your education fees. Today we are going to discuss four types of grant or scholarships for college sophomores.
There are many scholarship providers that take second-year students seriously because they can see the result of these students in their first year of college. It is common that students who weren’t on the top list as a scholarship receiver in their high school ended up getting one when they’ve become a college sophomore.
The scholarships or grants money is useful for various things, like buying books, funding a project, and also unexpected expenses. Just make sure that you use the money in the right way. Don’t spend them aimlessly.
Sophomores have an equal chance to get any undergraduate grant or scholarship program. These programs can be divided into four main categories, including:
- Grants from the Government a.k.a. Federal Grants
- General Grants or Scholarships
- Demographic-based Scholarships
- Scholarships based on Major
Scholarships for College Sophomores – Federal Grants
List of Federal Grants available for undergraduate students, including college sophomores are the Federal Pell Grant (for low-income undergraduate students, based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA), Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (for those with exceptional financial need, based on FAFSA and the amount is between $100 and $4,000 per year).
The Academic Competitiveness Grant also falls into this category. Students with academic merit in their first or second year of school and get the Federal Pell Grant are eligible for this grant. The National SMART Grant (Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent) is another Federal grant. But, it is for students who are currently studying science, computer, math, technology and engineering and got the Pell Grant award. Last but not least, the TEACH grant is a $4000 grant for those who promise to teach in the elementary or secondary school for low-income students.
Scholarships for College Sophomores – General and Demographic Scholarships
The general scholarships and grants include the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship (Big scholarship for transferrinscholarships-for-college-sophomoresg undergraduate from community college to a 4-year institution), and The Blogging Scholarship ($1000, awarded annually for college students with unique blogs).
In demographic-based scholarships, we found the Islamic Scholarship Fund, which is for Muslim undergraduate students with Liberal Arts, Social Sciences, Law, or Humanities major. There’s also the Jackie Robinson Foundation’s Scholarship Program. It is for minority high school students with financial needs. The Hispanic Scholarship Fund is available to help those who are from Hispanic or Latino descent. Unmarried children of the current, retired or deceased military members are eligible for the Fisher House Foundation grant.
Other Alternatives of Scholarships for College Sophomores
Niche $10,000 No Essay Scholarship
The Niche $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship presents a unique opportunity for students. The goal is to alleviate the financial burden of college expenses without the need to write an essay. With a deadline of March 31, 2024, this scholarship aims to assist one lucky recipient. The winner can use it to cover tuition, housing, books, and other associated costs through a random drawing.
This scholarship is open to all high school and college students, as well as individuals planning to attend college or graduate school within the next year. However, it’s important to note that eligibility is not available for those with US citizenship or a valid Visa/US passport, as per Niche’s scholarship rules.
The application process for this scholarship is straightforward, requiring only a single entry per person. The winner is from random drawing and Niche will announce it directly. Additionally, the announcement of the scholarship recipient will be made in Niche’s e-newsletter.
The $25,000 Be Bold Scholarship
The $25,000 “Be Bold” Scholarship is a unique opportunity for scholarships for college sophomores. Unlike traditional scholarships, this award does not require an essay submission. Instead, the winner of the scholarship demonstrates the most boldness, as defined by the qualities of earnestness, determination, and moving forward.
When we say “bold,” we’re not necessarily referring to the “best” or “most accomplished” applicant. Rather, we’re looking for individuals who exhibit sincerity, resolve, and a drive to make progress in their lives and communities.
The scholarship selection process will prioritize candidates who showcase these bold characteristics in their profiles. Additionally, similar to other easy scholarships offered on Bold.org, preference is for students who apply early and demonstrate proactive behavior in seizing opportunities without delay.
Students from all education levels, states, fields of study, and GPA ranges are encouraged to apply for this scholarship. The goal is to recognize and reward individuals who embody the spirit of boldness in pursuing their academic and personal goals.
The ScholarshipOwl $50,000 No Essay Scholarship
The ScholarshipOwl $50,000 No Essay Scholarship offers a significant opportunity for students seeking financial assistance for their educational endeavors. Verified by the scholarship providing organization and administered by ScholarshipOwl, this scholarship boasts an easy application process. Besides, it awards a total of 50 scholarships, each worth $1,000.
The deadline for application submission is March 31, 2024. Open to students at all grade levels. It covers high school, college, and graduate students. So, this scholarship is useful for a wide range of applicants.
The application process is straightforward, with no essay required. Scholarship Owl will select four winners each month to receive $1,000 each. Even there were two more winners they announced in December 2023, got $1,000 each.
To be eligible for consideration, applicants must be residents of any of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, or US Territories, excluding Rhode Island and Michigan. Additionally, applicants must be 16 years of age or older and either currently enrolled or planning to enroll within three months of registration in a qualified high school, college, or university within the United States.
Conclusion
Scholarships tailored specifically for college sophomores are more abundant than many realize. The practice of applying for scholarships throughout your college journey carries numerous advantages. Firstly, it can significantly mitigate the amount of debt accumulated upon graduation. Additionally, scholarships can pave the way for pursuing graduate studies or alleviate financial burdens on households.
image: educationusa.state.gov