You’ve Won a Scholarship: How to Keep It

For students entering the most competitive college applicant pool of all time, securing financial aid for education is crucial. We created Red Kite to help match our students to scholarships that are specific to their own personality and interests.

Winning a scholarship is a significant achievement, and it can help pave the way to a brighter future. But receiving a scholarship is only half the battle—scholarships often come with specific requirements that you must meet to maintain your award throughout your academic journey.

Let’s explore a few ways to ensure that you’re on track to keeping your scholarship.

1. Understand the Requirements

Before anything else, be sure to thoroughly review the terms and conditions of your scholarship. This can and should be done while initially applying to the scholarship, because any extra requirements will be listed on the application page.

And if you’ve just received notice that you’ve won a scholarship, be sure to double-check the requirements. Refreshing yourself on what is expected of you is of the utmost importance.

Scholarship requirements can vary widely, but some common stipulations include:

  • Maintaining a Minimum GPA: Many scholarships require you to maintain a certain GPA (Grade Point Average) to keep your award. Know what that number is and strive to exceed it.
  • Full-Time Enrollment: Some scholarships are only available to full-time students. Dropping below full-time status could put your scholarship at risk.
  • Participation in Activities: Some scholarships require you to participate in specific extracurricular activities, community service, or internships.

Take note of these requirements and make a plan to meet them consistently.

2. Stay on Top of Your Academics

Academic performance is often the most critical factor in maintaining your scholarship. Here are a few ways to stay on top of your courses:

Attend Classes Regularly

Your presence in class is crucial, not just for understanding the material but also for your overall grade.

Missing classes can lead to lower test scores and even the risk of losing your scholarship. Make it a nonnegotiable habit to attend every class, participate actively, and stay engaged with the course content.

Seek Help

Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed to ask for help. If you find yourself struggling with a subject or falling behind, you should reach out for support immediately.

Whether it’s scheduling office hours with your professor, joining a study group, or seeking a tutor, early intervention can prevent small challenges from turning into bigger problems.

Time Management

Balancing your academic workload with extracurricular activities and social commitments can be a juggling act. Effective time management is key to maintaining high grades without burning out.

Start by organizing your schedule, setting priorities, and using tools like planners or digital apps to keep track of assignments and deadlines. Make sure to allocate enough time for studying, and don’t forget to include breaks to recharge.

Stay Organized

Keeping your notes, assignments, and study materials well-organized can significantly reduce stress and help you stay on top of your coursework.

Develop a system that works for you, whether it’s folders, binders, or notebooks (digital or physical). Regularly review and update your materials to ensure you’re always prepared for exams and assignments.

Set Realistic Goals

Setting academic goals can provide motivation and direction, but it’s important to keep them realistic.

Break down your larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks, and track your progress regularly. Celebrate small victories along the way, and adjust your strategies if you find yourself falling short.

Prioritize Self-Care

Academic success is closely tied to your overall well-being. Prioritize self-care by getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and finding time for physical activity.

Mental health is equally important, so practice stress management techniques, such as mindfulness or relaxation exercises, to stay focused and calm under pressure.

Communicate with Your Advisors

Regularly check in with your academic advisors to ensure you’re on track with both your degree requirements and scholarship obligations.

They can provide valuable guidance on course selection, academic challenges, and career planning, helping you navigate your academic journey with confidence.

 

By staying committed to your studies and implementing these strategies, you can safeguard your scholarship and achieve academic excellence. And it looks great on your resume!

3. Communicate with Your Scholarship Provider

Keep an open line of communication with your scholarship provider. If you encounter any challenges that might affect your ability to meet the scholarship requirements, let them know as soon as possible. Many providers are willing to work with you if you show initiative and responsibility.

 

4. Renew Your Scholarship

Renewable scholarships can provide ongoing financial support throughout your academic journey, but they often require you to reapply or submit additional documentation each year. Staying on top of the renewal process is crucial to ensuring continued funding.

Track Deadlines

Missing a renewal deadline could mean losing your scholarship. Keep a calendar or set reminders for all renewal-related deadlines, including when applications open, when documents need to be submitted, and when the renewal process must be completed.

Staying organized and ahead of schedule can prevent last-minute stress and possible loss of funding. (By the way, Red Kite can help you do all of that!)

Submit Required Documents

Scholarships often require you to submit updated documents, such as transcripts, proof of enrollment, financial aid forms, or letters of recommendation.

Gather these documents well in advance and double-check that they meet the scholarship’s specific requirements. Submitting everything on time and in the correct format is essential to avoid delays or disqualification.

Write Renewal Essays

If your scholarship renewal process includes an essay, approach it with the same dedication you applied to your original application.

Reflect on your achievements over the past year, both academically and personally. Highlight how the scholarship has contributed to your success and how you’ve continued to meet or exceed the expectations set by the scholarship committee. Make your essay compelling, clear, and aligned with the values of the scholarship provider.

Keep Your GPA in Check

Maintaining a strong GPA is often a key requirement for renewing your scholarship. Continuously monitor your academic performance and seek help if you notice any areas where you’re struggling.

If your GPA dips, take proactive steps to improve it before the renewal period. Showing that you’ve taken initiative to overcome challenges can also be a positive point to include in your renewal essay.

Plan Ahead for Financial Aid

Even if your scholarship is renewable, it’s wise to have a backup plan in case something changes.

You can use Red Kite to explore other scholarship opportunities, apply for grants, or consider work-study options. Having a diversified financial aid strategy can provide security and peace of mind.

Stay Informed of Changes

Scholarship programs sometimes update their criteria or processes. Keep yourself informed about any changes by regularly checking the scholarship provider’s website or communications.

Staying updated will ensure you’re not caught off guard by new requirements or procedures.

5. Engage in Extracurricular Activities

While academics are crucial, scholarship providers also value well-rounded students. Engaging in extracurricular activities, community service, or leadership roles can demonstrate your commitment and may even be a requirement for keeping your financial aid package.

6. Monitor Your Progress

Regularly check your academic progress to ensure you’re meeting the scholarship requirements. Most schools provide online portals where you can track your GPA, credit hours, and other important metrics. If you see any red flags, take immediate action to address them.

7. Plan for the Unexpected

As we touched on before, life can be unpredictable, and you may face challenges that impact your academic performance. Whether it’s a personal issue, health problem, or financial difficulty, it’s important to have a plan in place.

  • Seek Support Services: Most colleges offer support services, such as counseling, academic advising, and financial aid offices, which can help you navigate difficult times.
  • Discuss Options: If you’re facing a significant challenge, discuss your options with your academic advisor or scholarship provider. They may offer solutions like taking a temporary leave of absence without losing your scholarship.

8. Stay Motivated

Finally, staying motivated is key to maintaining your scholarship. Remember why you applied for the scholarship in the first place while keeping your long-term goals in mind. Surround yourself with supportive friends, mentors, and resources that encourage you to succeed.

Keeping a scholarship requires diligence, responsibility, and a proactive approach. By understanding the requirements, staying on top of your academics, and engaging in extracurricular activities, you can maintain your scholarship and continue on the path to achieving your educational goals.

Remember, your scholarship is not just a financial award—it’s an investment in your future. Keep striving for excellence, and you’ll not only keep your scholarship, but also set yourself up for long-term success.

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First-Generation Financial Aid

In Part 1, Red Kite took an in-depth look at Lesley Bello’s identity as a first-generation college student. We explored her undergraduate journey, the unique challenges she faced, and how her background as a Mexican-American shaped her educational experience.

Now, as a graduate student, we’re interviewing Lesley on insights into her personal background, her academic interests, and the cultural dynamics of her immigrant family.

This week, we asked her to think back on another critical aspect of her college experience: the process of applying for financial aid. She shares her experiences navigating the complexities of the FAFSA application, various obstacles she encountered, and the support systems that helped her along the way.

How did your family prepare you to go to college? Did they help you navigate the application/financial aid process?
They did not prepare me, nor did they help me at all. They had no way to guide me, so I had to figure it out on my own. And going to college was kind of just expected of me.

 

How has your experience been similar or different to other first-gen students?
Almost all of my friends or mutuals had to deal with imposter syndrome,* financial issues, identity crises, and/or the enmeshment of our families. The only difference I noticed was in the severity of them. Many people had someone to help them in their immediate family – I think I was the only one who didn’t, or was struggling a bit more with that. It just looks different for everyone.

 

As a first-gen student, were there special resources available to you?
Yes. Thankfully, our university had a free program called Summer Bridge. They hosted incoming first-generation college students for a week and did a play-by-play of what college would entail; socially, academically, and professionally.

They also offered an additional class called STEP (Students Together Empowering Peers) that was a continuation of that summer program. This entailed first-gen mentorships, resources, etc.

There was also a BLP (Book Lending Program) that helped us with getting textbooks for courses. However, not many people knew of any of these programs, and so many people fell through the cracks. They did not have the support they could have had.

 

Were there first-gen clubs, Mexican culture classes, etc available to you on campus?
Aside from STEP, there was a First-Gen Family Club, but I wasn’t involved in it, because it was just student-led and made. I know we did have events here and there for Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month and stuff like that – things that involved all cultures. But nothing to help guide us through the financial sphere specifically.

Our university had all of its first-generation students stand at graduation (I think it was something like 30% of our class). How did that make you feel? Were you proud, embarrassed, or a mix?
Honestly, at that point in my college journey, I was so over it, I didn’t care a lot. So I guess it was a mix. They profited off of us so much, and they just did that so the university looked good. But they didn’t do it because they cared for us – they did it for THEM. The school always states that they are a Hispanic-serving institution, but they didn’t financially help us or offer other financial support or resources.

 

Did you have a college counselor? How did that benefit you or frustrate you?
I had several different college counselors. It wasn’t until my senior year that I had a solid college counselor who helped me navigate the last year and now grad school. Before him, it was just frustrating because no one would be helpful at all and once again, I had to figure it out on my own.

 

What did you wish you had known before applying to college?

I wish I had known how to take care of my mental health. Resources for how to cope with the stress. So many expectations, so many goals, pressures from other people… that just drained me. That’s the one thing I wish I’d known before.

 

Now that you’re a grad student, are you living on-campus?
Yes, in graduate housing apartments.

 

Are you working?
Yes, 3 jobs.

How was applying to graduate school different than undergrad?
I was in a preliminary teaching credential and Master’s program before I went into the program that I am now in (Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling). The process was actually not that bad. Since it was the same school, I just had to change programs I was in. Definitely not as stressful as other programs, but this
was the only program I applied to, so it was a make-or-break thing.

 

How is your brother experiencing being first-gen?
My younger sibling is studying Computer Science. He is also a first-generation college student, but despite me going through the process first, he still has to deal with a lot of what I did as a first-generation student. The public school system is different than a private school, and the education/financial aid system is changing yearly.

 

Did you receive any scholarships or financial aid? If so, please tell me what that process was like, how much you received, etc.

The process of getting financial aid through the school was okay. My tuition was paid off completely – I just had to pay the difference, because it increased every year. I only attended this school because of that, especially because it is a private school.

Without the financial aid, I would not have been able to afford it. During high school and my undergrad years, I received scholarships that would then cover my tuition difference and make it more manageable. Receiving these helped so much. The only thing I had to pay for was my housing.

 

Red Kite helps connect students to scholarships so that they can avoid falling into educational debt. Do you have any debt?

No, I don’t have any debt. But I wish I had known about them before. It would’ve been so much easier.

 

What difficulties did you have with the FAFSA?
This process was so, so incredibly difficult. I almost didn’t receive any FAFSA, because I could not finish my application my first year. Because my parents did not have a social security number, I had to fill out the application differently, since they couldn’t sign it.

I had to print it out and MAIL it to them. I HAD TO DO THAT EVERY YEAR. But the first year I applied I did not know that. AND NO ONE KNEW WHAT TO DO. Not even my AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) teachers!

Thinking about it now, years later, I don’t know why they couldn’t help me. I don’t know how they never got a student with parents like mine. I remember that as a high school senior I would spend my days stressed out and worried about how I would pay for school. We couldn’t afford it. A family friend mentioned opening up a GoFundMe for me, but I was embarrassed and said no.

I was determined to figure it out, and eventually I did. But every year something was always wrong. I always had to speak to someone to help me with my application. Most people ask their parents or family members, but I couldn’t. I had to figure it out on my own. Even now as a grad student, I still struggle.

Lesley’s story exemplifies the resilience and determination that many first-gen students embody. Despite facing a multitude of challenges – from navigating the complex financial aid process without familial guidance, to dealing with the emotional toll of imposter syndrome – Lesley persevered and found the crucial support she needed.

Her experiences also sheds light on the systemic issues within higher education that can hinder the success of first-gen students. Insufficient institutional support is the biggest contributor to why some first-gen students fail to graduate college. Yet, some universities also highlight the power of community and the importance of resources specifically tailored for first-gen students.

As Lesley continues her academic journey in graduate school, resources like Red Kite are dedicated to minimizing the cost of college. But private institutions must do more than simply acknowledge the presence of first-gen students and capitalize off of that population for diversity purposes.

Colleges must actively provide comprehensive support to ensure first-gen success. As Lesley’s story shows, the triumphs of overcoming such obstacles are profound and deeply impactful.

Lesley is the most hard-working person I know, and I am honored to call her my closest friend. I only hope that this article series captured part of this first-gen powerhouse.

 

* ”Imposter syndrome” is defined as “the persistent inability to believe that one’s success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one’s own effort or skills.”

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My Experience Being a First-Generation College Student

Kite Writer Jane Cooper interviews Lesley Ann Bello, a first-generation college student who balances working three jobs with attending graduate school. This is part one of two.

A Love Letter to Lesley Ann

There’s someone out in California who knows what I ate for breakfast this morning. She’s on her way to class in her heather-gray Nissan, blasting the new Zayn album at top volume.

As a grad student working three jobs, her schedule’s pretty packed, but she still manages to find time to drive 20 miles to visit her mom in Fontana. She also bakes – blondies and brownies are her specialty.

Lesley Ann Bello and I met in a Class of 2023 group chat that was created the summer before our freshman year. And when the COVID-19 pandemic hit when we were sophomores, our online friendship was solidified.

As seniors, we roomed together in the dorms – our University requires its undergraduates to live on-campus for all 4 years – and we often talk about that year as if we spent it abroad in Paris, instead of a 200-square-foot closet.

“If only we could go back,” I texted one day.

“Going to call the University and ask them to rent the dorm out to us for 10 years,” she responded.

I wanted to sit down and interview her about what it was like to be a first-generation student at our university. Neither of Lesley’s parents attended college, and coming from a Mexican immigrant family, she faced struggles and pressures unique only to first-gens.

In Part 2 of this article, we explore her experience applying to scholarships and financial aid, including FAFSA difficulty, her transition into graduate school, and the college application process that left her with little guidance.

For now, let’s get to know Lesley Ann Bello, the hardest worker I know.

“Ann is not my middle name,” she clarifies. “I have two first names and one last name. Lesley Ann… Bello.”

 

Introduction

Where are you from?
I’m from San Bernadino, California.

 

Where are your parents from?
My parents are from Veracruz, Mexico.

 

When did they move to the US?
In 1998, so about 26 years ago.

 

How many siblings did your parents have?
My mom had four siblings, and my dad had 7.

 

Did your parents attend college?
They did not attend college. My mom has a middle school education level, and my dad has a high school education level. However, in Mexico they have their version of a vocational/trade school, and my mom received an informational secretary education. My dad graduated high school on track to be an engineer.

 

How many siblings do you have? Are they in college?
I have a younger brother (19), who is studying Computer Science at a Californian university.

 

What degree(s) did you graduate with?
I graduated with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Studio Art.

The First-Generation Experience

What does it mean to you to be a first-generation college student? How has that affected your time in college?
I realized early on that I had to stand up for myself, because no one else would; especially in the education system that sets POC (people of color) up to fail. Being first-gen means being an advocate for both myself and those coming after me. I want to set an example that we are not just a statistic – we can do this, and we will be something in life.

First-gens are not just numbers or faces on a brochure. We have something to give to this world. It means we need to work harder than others, because we don’t have things handed to us. During college, this made me question if I could really do it. But I knew my family was relying on me to set the example for my younger brother and our family friends.

 

How closely is your culture tied to your identity?
This is something that I have been thinking about a lot more as an adult. It has taken me a long time to be comfortable with who I am and where I come from. Growing up, I would say my culture was not tied to my identity. If anything, I tried to stay away from my culture. I didn’t really want to be associated with that. I hated my brown, tan skin.

I didn’t want to engage/participate in Mexican related activities. Like being in Folklorico dance classes, or wearing Mexican-related attire. I don’t know where that came from, because I grew up in a primarily Hispanic-dominant town. I didn’t have many white friends or relationships. But being Mexican-American was all I knew.

Now, as an adult, I try really hard to incorporate it into my life and my identity. I take pride in my culture. Not many people can say that their Mexican parents made a life of their own here, all by themselves. So this is a mixed-feelings response.

 

What struggles did you have because you’re a first-gen college student?
I had no support system that could help or guide me when navigating college, both as an undergraduate and now as a grad student. I relied heavily on the support system I created on campus. Without that, I would have probably dropped out.

I would not be who I am today without my mentors, who helped me tremendously – and still do. They assisted me with so much – doing professional interviews, helping me with applications, etc. I didn’t know how to do any of that. I didn’t even know what to expect, and they prepared me for that. None of my family or family friends have attended college, so I was/am on my own for the majority of this journey.

Privilege was something I did not have to witness until I attended college and was exposed to different things. As the oldest in a Mexican household, I did everything on my own. I had to become independent very early on. But to see other students with so much privilege was astonishing.

I had to remind people so often that things were different for me; that I couldn’t do everything they did. I didn’t have the financial stability many had. Having to explain that was so difficult and repetitive. It was annoying. It made me frustrated with who I was, and why this had to be my life. I wanted what other people had, and it was a feeling that stuck with me for so long.

I also still had the responsibility of my family, even if I was living on campus. I was still tied to my parents. Most of the time, I had to be the parent. Not everyone understood that. Eventually I realized this was called imposter syndrome, which is something common among many first-gen students.

Did you work during college? How difficult was it to find the balance between school,

family, and work?
Yes. I started off with one job during college, but then ended up with 2 jobs during my junior year all the way until I graduated. I definitely struggled more than I would like to say with balancing work, school, and family. No one taught me how to have a balance, so it was unhealthy.

I still am learning how to have a healthy balance. I had a lot of sleepless nights, because I didn’t prioritize and I procrastinated a lot. I definitely used work as an excuse as to why I would fall behind, when all I needed was better organizational and scheduling skills.

 

What does your family think about you going to college? How do they support you or
make things more difficult?
Oof. I think my mom is proud – she doesn’t really say that, so I will speak for her. However, she is supportive in her own ways. It has taken me a while to realize that. My brother is in school, so he knows that education is important. I hope this makes him go to graduate school as well. However, they sometimes do make this journey difficult.

Boundaries is something they struggle with, so it makes it hard to concentrate on school when I also need to be present with family. My dad views this as just me going to school so I can receive a bigger check when I start my career. He doesn’t realize that I am in this to help other people and to assist those who need it. That’s the major difference in the support I get from my parents. My mom understands the importance of what I want to do, but my dad doesn’t.

 

Do you feel that some universities capitalize off of their first-generation students for marketing/diversity purposes?
It is so frustrating. Like, yes, it’s great that we get exposure, but also… not. Half the time, it isn’t even that diverse – it’s just a lie. The funny part is that when the photographers are around, they go looking for the POC first-gen kids. It’s like they can smell you. We would always stay away from them.

 

What elements of your culture did you bring to school?
My mom’s cooking. Almost everyone would eat it or know about it. It was nice to have that aspect of my culture on campus. Especially seeing my friends eat it, or when I would bring them home. I would also teach some friends certain sayings in Spanish. Sometimes our cultures would overlap, or they would be curious and I would teach them something about my traditions. That was always fun.

 

Is there anything else you’ve learned from your experiences and/or from other
first-generation students?
Having a support system and community is so important, and I am so thankful for mine. Without this, I would not have survived college. I have learned that being first-gen can mean many different things, and that we need to come together rather than trying to be better than each other. All we really want is to belong and, to feel wanted, heard, and welcomed. We are stronger and bigger than what people think.

 

Stay tuned for Part 2, in which we explore Lesley’s perspective on the first-generation financial aid process.

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Understanding Targeted Scholarships

We explain the different types of targeted scholarships and how you can find and apply for them using Red Kite.

Financial aid awards occupy a diverse spectrum of specificity. General scholarships are open to a broad pool of applicants, and targeted scholarships are designed for students who meet certain criteria, including ethnicity, gender, field of study, location, or other unique circumstances.

Targeted scholarships limit their eligibility requirements in order to support underrepresented or disadvantaged groups.

Like all other financial aid, targeted scholarships are offered by various sources, including government agencies, corporations, non-profit organizations, universities, and private foundations.

They often cover tuition fees, books, living expenses, or other educational costs, helping students pursue higher education in order to achieve their academic and career goals.

Types of Targeted Scholarships

  1. Minority Scholarships

Minority scholarships are aimed at students from racial and ethnic minority groups. These include individuals from African American descent, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Asian American, Pacific Islander, and more.

They may also include scholarships for disabled students, LGBTQ+ POC (people of color), or other students belonging to marginalized communities.

The intention behind these scholarships is to promote on-campus diversity and inclusion. The Union University Minority Scholarship is available to students who are Black, American Indian, Asian, or Hispanic, but this is just one scholarship for one particular university.

There are many nationwide minority scholarships, such as the Hubertus W. V. Willems Scholarship by the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People).

 

  1. Gender-Based Scholarships

These scholarships focus on addressing gender imbalances in certain fields. Gender-based scholarships are financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting individuals of a particular gender, including and especially female-identifying and/or transgender students.

Such scholarships may be designed to address historical inequalities and underrepresentation, or to encourage more participation from a specific gender in certain academic disciplines and professions.

Gender-based targeted scholarships can encompass a wide range of criteria, including scholarships for women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, which is traditionally a male-dominated sphere.

One example is the Bradley University Women in Engineering Scholarship, which recognizes women who enroll in the Caterpillar College of Engineering and Technology.

We have also seen an explosion of scholarships for transgender or non-binary individuals, such as the LEAGUE Foundation Scholarship, which is a nationwide financial resource for LGBTQ+ students.

  1. Field of Study Scholarships

Designed for students pursuing specific fields, Field of Study Scholarships encourage expertise and innovation in various disciplines. Whether it’s STEM, humanities, business, or the arts, these scholarships provide a pathway for individuals to pursue their academic aspirations with financial support.

Field of study scholarships fuel innovation by providing resources and support to budding researchers, scientists, artists, and entrepreneurs. They enable students to delve deep into their chosen fields, pursue groundbreaking research, and develop solutions to complex challenges.

On the rise right now are AI-based scholarships, a new and evolving technology field. Spokeo (a search website) offers a $5,000 scholarship to a winning student who submits an essay on the topic of artificial intelligence.

 

  1. Special Circumstances Scholarships

These scholarships cater to students with unique backgrounds or experiences, such as veterans, first-generation college students, or individuals with disabilities.

Diversity does not only encompass race, ethnicity, or gender. It also includes a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and circumstances. Special circumstances scholarships promote diversity and inclusion by recognizing the unique challenges faced by students from diverse backgrounds and providing targeted support to address their needs.

The Study.com Scholarship for First Generation Students and the Children of Veterans Tuition Grant are both excellent examples of special circumstances scholarships.

 

How to Find and Apply for Targeted Scholarships

  1. Research Thoroughly: Start by exploring scholarship databases and online resources. Our website, www.myredkite.com, offers comprehensive, step-by-step assistance for connecting you to financial aid opportunities. Red Kite provides instant access to over $25 billion in financial aid.
  2. Recommendations: Reach out to school counselors, community organizations, and professional associations related to your field of interest. They often have information about scholarships that might not be widely advertised, which is also our main goal here at Red Kite.
  3. Tailor Your Application: Ensure that your application materials – including essays and recommendation letters -align with the specific criteria of the targeted scholarship. Highlight your unique qualifications and experiences that make you an ideal candidate. Our blog has an essay analysis series to help give you tips for writing your essays.
  4. Seek Feedback: Before submitting your application, ask your mentors, teachers, or peers to review your essay. Constructive feedback can help increase your chances of success.

 

Targeted scholarships are a powerful tool in creating equitable educational opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds. By helping our students understand the various types of targeted scholarships – and showing them how to find and apply for financial aid – Red Kite aims to help students unlock the support they need to pursue their academic dreams.

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The Future of Scholarships

We explore emerging trends in scholarship opportunities.

 

Technology is shaping the landscape of scholarships. Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic – along with the recent rise of AI innovation – college applicants might feel overwhelmed by the enormous amount of available online resources.

However, through platforms like Red Kite, access to financial aid has been completely streamlined. We’re here to break down just a few ways the financial aid scene has developed, and how it may look in the future.

 

Utilizing online scholarship platforms like Red Kite.

Websites and mobile apps have been revolutionizing the scholarship search process for decades. It is now easier than ever for students to discover and apply for scholarships tailored to their interests, qualifications, and unique circumstances.

 

Red Kite’s Search Engine provides access to over $25 billion in available scholarships and financial aid. Our features include personalized recommendations based on students’ profiles, notifications for new scholarship opportunities, and career connection and advice.

Through our blog, we also explore tips for writing your college essay, and are launching an essay review series, where Kite Writer Jane Cooper will be analyzing successful, scholarship-winning essays. Our blog and social media are informationally diverse – we want to cover all aspects of preparing for college, including informative articles such as this one.

 

Alternative funding models (GoFundMe).

Crowdfunding platforms allow students to create campaigns to raise funds for their education, tapping into their social networks and beyond. One of the best-known companies is GoFundMe, where users create donation pages on behalf of their own personal causes.

But it’s important to remember that GoFundMe is a for-profit company. It applies a 2.9% payment-processing fee for each donation, and an additional 30 cents per donation. For example, if a campaign raises $1,000 through ten donations of $100 each, GoFundMe would collect approximately $32.

On the other hand, we have also seen a rise of employer-sponsored scholarships, which are offered by companies to support employees and their families. These provide opportunities for career advancement while pursuing higher education.

One specific example on Red Kite is the the Dependent Children of Texas A&M Employee Scholarship, which is designed to recognize the contributions of TAMU employees by rewarding their children based on need and academic achievement.

Then we have community-based initiatives. These involve collaborations between local businesses, organizations, and educational institutions to establish scholarship funds tailored to the needs of the community. Sticking to the Texan theme, the Brian Morris College Gateway Scholarship Fund assists graduating high school seniors from San Antonio, with preference to students who demonstrate good citizenship and community involvement.

 

 

Post-COVID impact and innovation

The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly exacerbated financial stresses for students and their families. Job losses, reduced income, and unexpected remote learning expenses have strained household budgets, making scholarships and financial aid more crucial than ever. Many students who might not have considered applying for financial aid before the pandemic now find themselves seeking assistance.

In response to the immediate economic distress caused by the pandemic, many institutions and organizations established emergency funds and relief grants. The HOPE In Action Scholarship was launched to target Louisianan students who have lost a parent or parents to COVID-19.

These days, we’re seeing a rise of non-tuition-related scholarships for this very same reason. The Triangle Community Foundation offers their Student Assistance Fund, which provides one-time cash assistance to eligible students to assist with needs that would otherwise hinder them from completing their academic program, such as dormitories, food pantries, and mental health services that they are unable to access.

Virtual scholarship fairs, online application portals, and remote interview processes have also become more common, allowing students to access scholarship opportunities from anywhere with an internet connection.

 

 

Continued focus on diversity and inclusion.

Scholarship programs are increasingly emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a growing number of awards targeting underrepresented minority groups. These include LGBTQ+ students, students with disabilities, first-generation college students, and much more.

These scholarships aim to address systemic barriers and provide equal access to education and opportunities for all students. The Minority Teaching Fellows Program, intended to encourage talented students to enter the teaching field in Tennessee, awards $5,000 per year for POC (people of color) who pursue a teacher certification at an eligible Tennessee college or university.

Regardless of what adversity or discrimination you may be facing, you can be a part of the most diverse college class of all time.

 

 

Future skills and career pathways

Red Kite now offers a comprehensive Career section, where our aim is to continue to assist students beyond college. We help you explore your dream career, discover employment opportunities, and even manage your deadlines.

 

Scholarships are also increasingly focused on preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow. Fields such as STEM, healthcare, sustainability, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity are experiencing high demand for skilled professionals.

By embracing these future trends, the financial aid sphere is adapting to the evolving needs of students and the workforce, ensuring that education remains accessible and relevant in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

Your future is bright, and Red Kite is here to help you navigate this complicated, ever-changing world. Students are the most invaluable resource for the world’s future. You don’t have to grow alone.

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Debunking Scholarship Myths: What You Really Need to Know

We break down common misconceptions about scholarships and financial aid.

Applying to college can feel complicated and overwhelming. Here at Red Kite, our goal is to simplify the process and streamline your access to financial aid.

Both students and parents alike have many understandable questions and concerns about scholarships. Here are just a few examples of widespread financial aid myths, and why your chances at college are much higher than you may realize.

Myth #1: You can’t afford college.

Many students don’t even apply to the university of their dreams because they know they won’t be able to afford the tuition. Additional fees also add up: living in the dorms, textbooks, meal plans… The average cost of college has more than doubled in the 21st century, with in-state tuition averaging at $9,678; out-of-state tuition averages $27,091.

Scholarships and financial aid help to alleviate this financial burden in a variety of ways. By offsetting college expenses, resources like Red Kite help students graduate with less or no debt. High levels of student loan debt can have long-term financial consequences, but small loans combined with scholarships mitigate these risks and help students start their post-graduation lives on stronger financial footing. Over 83% of full-time, first-time undergraduate students receive at least some form of financial aid to help make college more affordable.

Our Red Kite Search Engine provides instant access to the Red Kite Database, which complies over $25 billion in financial aid. These include no-essay scholarships, fun scholarships (like the Taylor Swift Fan Scholarship), and much more. Through financial aid, any college becomes more affordable, even if you don’t have the best GPA.

Myth #2: Scholarships are only for straight-A students.

While academic achievement can certainly help with your chances of receiving scholarships, many programs consider various factors beyond your grades. Extracurricular activities, community service, leadership roles, and unique talents or skills are all excellent advantages.

Scholarships are also intended to diversify the educational sphere and grant access to marginalized groups. There are plenty of targeted scholarships for underprivileged individuals, such as the Single Parent Household Scholarship, which targets exceptional students raised in a single-parent household, or students who are single parents themselves and pursuing a degree in education.

Kite Writer Jane Cooper had a 2.7 GPA at the beginning of her junior year of high school. By the end of her senior year, she had been offered a cumulative $406,000 in scholarships. A high GPA is far from the only route to scholarships and financial aid.

Myth #3: Scholarships are only for incoming freshmen.

While there are indeed many financial aid opportunities aimed at incoming freshmen, there are also scholarships available for current college students, graduate students, and even adult learners returning to school. It’s never too late to search for and apply to scholarships.

Myth #4: You have to be a U.S. citizen to receive financial aid.

While some federal financial aid programs require U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen status, many scholarships and state-funded financial aid programs are available to eligible noncitizen students, including DACA recipients and certain categories of undocumented immigrants. Additionally, some colleges offer institutional aid to international students.

Myth #5: Once you get a scholarship, you’re set for all four years of college.

Many scholarships are renewable, meaning you can receive them for multiple years, but they often come with conditions – such as maintaining a certain GPA or participating in specific activities. Additionally, some scholarships are one-time awards, so it’s essential to plan for funding for all four years of college.

Now that you have a more clear understanding of the financial aid process, be sure to check out myredkite.com to continue your college pursuit. We are here to help – and to debunk!

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The Essay that Won Me $406,000

Jane introduces us to her multi-scholarship-winning essay.

Jane Cooper: Red Kite writer, YouTuber, and mom to a belligerent silver tabby.

Sitting pretty with a 2.7 GPA in your junior year of high school doesn’t exactly scream “scholarship.” The year before, my older sister – who aspired to be a rocket scientist (no, literally) – had gotten rejected from 3 of the colleges she’d applied to. And she had a 4.0. No pressure, right?

And yet, in December of my senior year, I found myself gut sobbing on my mother’s kitchen floor, clutching a book-sized envelope to my chest. The highest one of them all – a $112,000/year scholarship offer. I suppose that you’re now wondering the exact same thing as I was in that moment: how in the world did this happen?

I won’t keep you hanging, but it’s important for me to note that we live in an ever-evolving, ever-competitive world, and it took a dedicated support system to pull me up by my whiny bootstraps.

Of course, I give full credit to my college counselor and my lovely parents (with their saintlike patience) for connecting me to where I needed to go. They also used resources like Red Kite (heyyyyy) to narrow down the application pool to schools with reputations for being generous with scholarships.

Before applying, I had never heard of any of the three schools that extended scholarship offers to me, but their writing programs were reputable, and my amazing counselor correctly guessed that they’d be a good fit for me.

But there’s only so much anyone can do to help you out, especially when you’re a moody teenage girl convinced that her prospects of getting into college at all are pretty much nonexistent. You have to want it, and want it bad. And the best way you can show colleges just how much you want to be there is through your essay.

Christmas diploma – BA in English Literature and Creative Writing (with Emphases in Fiction and Nonfiction) and a minor in Women’s studies.

I lucked out by having so many supportive people around me, and although I recognize that privilege, I also know that these days, there are so many resources available for kids who are navigating this process all on their own. Red Kite – our free, personalized scholarship-finding platform – is one of them.

Another foolproof strategy is the ole learn-by-example, which is a recurring theme we want to offer on this blog. Watch people who succeed, learn how they did it, and incorporate their strategy into your own. No gatekeeping around here!

I don’t pretend to be the greatest writer in the world, nor that my college essay is perfect. Honestly, the first thing that comes to mind when I read back on this – along with a whole wave of cringe – is somewhere along the “bruh… you’re kidding” spectrum. But, facts are facts: this essay won me a cumulative $406,000 in scholarships.

We’ll dissect this essay more in-depth next week, where we’ll get our experts’ opinions on what exactly went right here – and what could’ve been better. We’ll update this page with a link to our analysis then.

For now, here’s my $406,000 college application essay.

Jane Cooper

College Essay for CommonApp

While I was creating each of my novels, I had to think to myself, “how do I make people who don’t know me care about my work, even if they have no reason to?” The same goes for personal essays like this. Anyone can talk up and down about all the things they had to overcome and their accomplishments in their life, but the difference is how it is told. The answer has unequivocally always been to embellish, exaggerate, and create sympathy. This is not what I plan to do here.

Instead, I would like to introduce the truth of my own story, as raw and unbiased as I can manage. I hope to symbolize the confidence I have that the truth alone is enough to set me apart from other essay writers, applicants, and authors.

I was born in Austin, Texas to a mother who earned a Bachelor’s in Journalism at the University of Texas and self-published a book of autobiographical columns. My father also dabbled in poetry, and we like to joke that I took their flairs for writing and multiplied them exponentially.

I wanted to be a writer before I could write. When I was two, I would scribble nonsense in notebooks, then read them out loud as if they were actual books. It has always been a deep passion ingrained within me to the point where it feels as natural as breathing or eating. During my childhood, I had so many ideas that I never ended up completing anything I wrote, because I would too quickly move on to the next one. Eventually, I had thousands of unfinished books, ranging from 2 to 250 pages.

After my family moved to New York when I was in elementary school, I faced abuse at the hands of teachers and family members, suicidal tendencies, and crippling anxiety that would go on to take almost a decade to overcome. I began to slow down, and I finished a 45 thousand word book when I was 12, my first ever novel. It allowed for the confidence that I was actually able to complete my ideas, but more than that, it set the tone for the next five books that I would go on to write.

I joined a website for writers in 2013. It took another 2 years, but eventually, my work began to take off on the site, and in 2018, I had over 100,000 followers, and I’d racked up above 70 million views across my various books. Because I was still a minor, the site placed advertisements on my work, and never paid me for them. Eventually, they deleted my profile and all of my writing over this money dispute, and I was back to square one. I had spent 4 years of my life creating on this site, and now had nothing to show for it except for screenshots and memories.

After moving back to Texas and going through 3 high schools in 3 years, I finally found God and began meditating, effectively curing the anxiety that had crippled me since my childhood. Now, I am a straight-A student about to publish a second novel to Amazon, and my comedy-based YouTube channel has almost 1,500 subscribers. I also volunteer at a local organization teaching creative writing to underprivileged 2nd graders once a week. It’s small compared to what I achieved on the writing site, but I’m proud of it, and most importantly, I’m happy.

Only a year ago I had lost so much, and although I’m still suffering from certain aftereffects of that loss, I now firmly know I am strong enough to face anything. Nobody and nothing can take away my potential, my determination, and my talent.

My name is Jane Cooper. It took some time for me to see it, but I know my future is full of greatness.

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Scholarships for Black Americans

Photo by William Stitt on Unsplash

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” -Nelson Mandela

In celebration of Black History Month, we are highlighting eight scholarships specifically for Black Americans! We’ve included scholarships for students with a variety of backgrounds and interests. Your ethnicity, race, and heritage is part of what makes you unique, celebrate your individuality with with a scholarship! 

Continue reading Scholarships for Black Americans →

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