Category: Scholarships

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.

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).

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

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.

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!