Indiana

Indiana Scholarships and Grants

Wow! Is this an exciting year for all of you high school seniors? You’re right on the cusp of leaving childhood behind and beginning your adult lives. There is so much to do, and so many changes involved in the transition, that sometimes you just need to stop and think about what might make the leap easier – mentally, physically, and financially. That’s where scholarships, grants, and loans come into play! Check out a few of these possibilities and know that they are just the tip of the iceberg as far as monies out there to help you. After you check these out, contact your high school guidance counselor for more, and the best of luck in this next, most exciting time of your lives!!!

Young Survivor

If you have battled cancer – and are a survivor – you can apply for this very special scholarship. The $2,500 award may be used for full-time undergrad study in any 2 or 4-year institution in the United States. There is no designated major field of study. To be eligible you must be able to demonstrate financial need, reside in Indiana, have demonstrated leadership qualities, and shown depth of character and service to others. Application needs to be accompanied by letters of recommendation, an essay, transcript, FAFSA, and a letter from your physician verifying your diagnosis and outcome. For more information look up the American Cancer Society’s Great Lakes Division Foundation, Young Survivor Scholarship Program, www.cancer.org/scholarships.

American Legion Legacy

If you are a senior in high school, residing in Indiana, and a child (biological, adopted, or step) of an active duty US military or National Guard parent who perished on active duty on or after 9/11/2001, you may apply for this scholarship. Along with the application you will have to submit a transcript and proof of eligibility. This is a renewable scholarship, and the amount and number of scholarships awarded change each year. Please visit the website for details: www.legion.org.

Frank O’Bannon Grant

If you are interested in a “sure thing” this is it! If you reside in Indiana and can demonstrate your need for financial assistance after submitting the FAFSA application, according to the literature, you will automatically fulfill your application requirements, and all students will be offered an award in some amount. Although amount of awards is not provided, this commission did give out 50,500+ grants last year, and, if you meet the requirements, there is no reason why you can’t be one of the recipients this year. All applicants satisfying the eligibility requirements will receive an award. For more information contact the State Student Assistance Commission of Indiana at www.in.gov/ssaci.

Hoosier Scholar Award

Are you a high school senior, resident of Indiana, and a super student? If you are in the top 20% of your graduating class, are nominated by your high school guidance counselor, and it is determined that you are qualified for this award, you will automatically receive $500. Money may be used for full-time freshman study at a designated accredited university or college. For more information check it out on line, www.in.gov/ssaci, and then contact your high school guidance counselor.

Indiana Minority Teacher & Special Education Services

If you are a high school senior with a major interest in education, special education, occupational or physical therapy, and are of African American, Mexican American, Hispanic American or Puerto Rican decent, you may qualify for this scholarship. You must also demonstrate financial need by completing the free FAFSA found on line at www.fafsa.ed.gov. You must have a minimum grade point of 2.0, and must be black or Latino unless going into special education or occupational or physical therapy. All qualified applicants will receive an award. These range from $1,000-$4,000. For more information go to www.in.gov/ssaci.

Indiana Nursing

If you’ve wanted to be a nurse all your life – or just decided yesterday – you need to look into this scholarship. It is based on financial need (established by completing the FAFSA application on line) and a minimum GPA of 2.0. You must be admitted to an eligible Indiana 2 or 4-year institution, majoring in nursing. All qualified applicants receive an award. These vary in amounts from $50 to $5,000. You must commit to work two years as a nurse, upon graduation, in an Indiana health care setting. For further information please contact either the financial aid office of your chosen college or university, or e-mail the State Student Assistance Commission of Indiana, at www.in.gov/ssaci.

Indiana Robert C. Byrd Honors

If you have really worked to maintain excellent grades throughout your scholastic career, are a high school senior who resides in Indiana, are not in dept to the federal government, have never been sentenced for a drug offense, and plan to attend a 2 or 4-year college or university full-time, you may be the one to receive this award. Application requires proof of eligibility which includes a minimum 3.0 GPA, at least a 1300 SAT, 29 ACT, or 65 GED. All qualified applicants receive an award. This is a renewable scholarship and award cannot exceed $6,000 over four years. Please contact your high school guidance counselor for more information, and check the website www.in.gov/ssaci.