Stephen Helstowski / Shutterstock.com
Besides filling out the FAFSA to apply for federal financial aid, one way to afford your higher education is by applying for private scholarships. Winning a scholarship means you receive money for college that you do not have to pay back. There are thousands of funding opportunities out there, some for students nationwide, but narrowing down your scholarship network minimizes the competition and increases the likelihood you’ll win. If you’re in the Pelican State, check out these opportunities to earn free money for college.
Scholarships for all Louisiana residents:
Award Amount: $1,000
The Louisiana Education Loan Authority is a nonprofit public trust that aims to provide financial assistance to students of Louisiana. If you are a Louisiana high school senior (graduating class of 2019), you can enter to win a $1,000 scholarship from Lela. Winners are announced on a quarterly basis: March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31. To be eligible, you must enroll in a college or university within the academic year immediately following high school graduation.
Award Amount: Up to $3,000
On a mission to support nontraditional and low-income students in need of additional financial aid, the Louisiana Go Grant offers awards ranging from $300–3,000! If you are a Louisiana resident with financial need who has filed the FAFSA, received a Pell grant, and still has remaining need, you may be eligible for an award. Part-time students may receive awards as long as they attend an eligible Louisiana institution at least half time. Apply by filing the FAFSA each year. This award is renewable.
Rockefeller State Wildlife Scholarship
Award Amount: Up to $12,000
Application Deadline: July 1, 2019
Current undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing degrees in forestry, wildlife, or marine science at a Louisiana public college or university are eligible for up to $12,000 for their education. Undergraduate students must have completed at least 60 credit hours while maintaining a 2.5 GPA; graduate students must have a 3.0 GPA in all graduate-level coursework. Students can earn up to $2,000 annually for three years (undergraduate students) or $3,000 annually for two years (graduate students) for a combined award of $12,000. Apply by filing the FAFSA and completing this application.
Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS)
Award Amount: Varies
Application Deadline: July 1, 2020
The Taylor Opportunity Program for Students is open to Louisiana residents who attend or plan to attend a college or university in Louisiana (public, community college, an approved proprietary or cosmetology school, or a member of the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities). Students must complete the TOPS core curriculum coursework while in high school and achieve minimum scores on the ACT to qualify for one of four TOPS awards (Opportunity, Performance, Honors, or Tech). Students can apply by filing the FAFSA. While the official deadline isn’t until the summer of the year after high school graduation, no payment will be made until an application is received, so it’s best to apply by July 1, 2019. TOPS awards are renewable each year.
Privately funded scholarships for Louisiana residents:
Award Amount: Varies
Thanks to the support of donors, the Baton Rouge Area Foundation is able to provide nearly two dozen scholarships to Louisiana high school and college students. Some of the scholarships prefer applicants in a specific field of study or school system while others do not. Luckily, when students fill out an application, the application system automatically determines their eligibility for each scholarship opportunity. This means that by filling out one questionnaire, you could have the chance to win multiple scholarships!
Award Amount: $3,500
Application Deadline: March 8, 2019
Letter of Recommendation: Yes
Essay: Yes
This scholarship is open to high school seniors throughout the country (Louisiana falls under Region III) who have demonstrated academic achievement and an aptitude for college-level coursework. Applicants must submit their high school transcript, their SAT or ACT score report, up to five letters of recommendation, an essay addressing future vehicle ownership and alternative transportation, and a paper application. Essays must be at least 1,200 words. One student in each of the four regions will win a scholarship to be applied to their postsecondary costs in fall 2019.
The Peter C. Bertucci Scholarship Program
Award Amount: $1,000
Application Deadline: March 1, 2019
Letter of Recommendation: Yes
Essay: Yes
Established by the Jefferson Financial Credit Union, the Peter C. Bertucci Scholarship Program offers scholarships, each worth $1,000, to 12 high school seniors who plan to enroll in an accredited two- or four-year institution after graduation. The mission of the scholarship is to enhance a student’s secular and financial education. The application requires two letters of recommendation, official high school transcripts, and a 300-word essay addressing “the biggest financial challenge facing high school students today.” The winners of these scholarships must be members of the Jefferson Financial Credit Union (you can sign up at any time), who demonstrate academic excellence and community involvement.
Good luck!
