How to get a piece of the $28 billion scholarship pie - includes partial listing of scholarships

Ebony, May, 1991 by Marchel'le Renise Barber

If you're thinking about going to college but are discouraged by reports that student grants, loans and scholarships have been cut back or may not be available at all - think again.

Because of the sluggish economy, the federal deficit and the dismantling of many affirmative action programs, many financial aid programs for college students have been reduced. But high school students who are determined to get a higher education can still locate funds by applying early and to as many organizations as possible. In other words, the "early bird" gets the worm and the "squeakiest wheel" gets the grease.

Despite the availability of financial aid for college, many who are eligible for such aid don't know where to begin or apply. Donald M. Stewart, president of the College Entrance Examination Board, which helps colleges, agencies and the federal government coordinate the distribution of funds, says students should start by completing the Financial Aid Form (FAF) which can be obtained at colleges or high schools. By filling out this government-approved form, a student can get thousands of government and private dollars to help pay tuition. "There are billions in college aid available, but students can't get the money if they don't fill out the forms," insists Stewart, a former Spelman College president. "If students pursue all possible avenues, they will be able to locate some kind of aid."

Many hesitate to apply for scholarships because they assume that only the best and brightest students will be considered. But Betty Adams, president and chief executive officer of the Jackie Robinson Foundation, says if students are so afraid that they won't be awarded a scholarship that they refuse to look for this support, they will be the biggest losers in the scholarship game. "Many students, especially the younger ones, tend to underestimate their self-worth and capabilities," says Adams, who adds that her organization looks for leadership potential when selecting students it will assist. "By having this attitude, many very capable and qualified applicants eliminate themselves from consideration and don't get the awards that they deserve."

Students who don't have outstanding high school academic records are the ones least likely to know about, or pursue, financial aid opportunities. But by highlighting their strongest points (extracurricular activities, leadership and communication skills), these so-called "average students" can often tilt the scholarship scales in their favor and win generous awards. It's essential for students with average academic records to demonstrate desire and determination when applying for scholarships. This can be accomplished by using imagination in the application's essay section or through personal interviews with the people who are distributing the awards.

"When applying for a scholarship, the average student has to show that he or she has something special, something far above and beyond what their transcript indicates," advises Adams. "If these students put their best foot forward and prove that they are worth the investment, there are many organizations that will consider granting a scholarship."

When applying for aid, following the rules of the scholarship game is important, especially to financial aid administrators - the people who will ultimately select the winners. Gaynell Guice, who helps administer the NAACP's scholarship programs, says students can improve their chances of winning awards by carefully following the instructions on the applications and returning them on time. But, says Guice, almost half of the people who apply for the NAACP scholarships disregard these rules. "We have on our application forms, |MUST TYPE.' You wouldn't believe the [number of] applications that we receive which have been written by hand," says Guice, who adds that, no matter how qualified or needy, people who don't follow the rules are not considered for scholarships.

Some choose not to apply for financial aid because they feel that completing numerous applications and following up with telephone calls is too much work. But if you are unwilling to invest time in this potentially profitable endeavor, consider your three alternatives: First, you may not be able to enroll in college if you can't show how your tuition will be paid. Second, you may be dismissed from college when you run out of money. And third, if you rely completely on student loans to finance your education, you will have to repay thousands of dollars even if you don't graduate.

The college-bound can avoid this post-graduation nightmare by visiting high school counselors, college financial aid officers and local libraries for leads on organizations that offer financial assistance. But don't stop there. Check with your parents' employers, your church and local civic groups. You will be surprised to discover how many of these places offer small awards ($100-$500) that may not cover your entire tuition, but will at least help you get your foot into the college door. For more leads, ask a college student or graduate - someone who has been there. [TABULAR DATA OMITTED]