Scholarships for Vermonters

Scholarships are forms of gift aid, meaning there is no obligation (under most circumstances) to repay the funds. While grants are generally awarded according to financial need, scholarships are typically based on factors unique to each scholarship. These may include residency, degree program, leadership, academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and in some cases, financial need. Scholarships, unlike grants, are competitive, meaning that eligible applicants compete for a limited number of awards.

WHERE TO LOOK

• Locally – your high school, area businesses, clubs, or town officials

• Your college or university

• Scholarships booklet (PDF) - Visit the Web site in October for an updated booklet that will provide information on more than 155 scholarships available to Vermont residents for the 2009-2010 academic year. Please note that ALL VSAC-assisted scholarships will have a postmark deadline of March 1 beginning with the next edition of VSAC’s scholarships booklet (for the academic year 2009-2010).

• VSAC Resource Center – computers, books, and advisors to help you locate information about scholarships. Borrow VSAC's materials at the center or through your local library via interlibrary loan. View the VSAC library's online catalog at www.vsac.org.

• VSAC's counseling staff – in person or by phone, 888-253-4819.

• Web sites

  www.vsac.org

  www.collegeboard.com

  www.finaid.org

  www.studentservices.com/fastweb

  www.scholarships.com

  
  

• Vermont Commissioner for Children and Families – VSAC administers two scholarship programs created specifically for individuals who, at age 16 or beyond, were in foster care under the custody of the Vermont Commissioner for Children and Families under specified conditions. The Emily Lester Vermont Opportunity Scholarship and Vermont Chafee Education and Training Scholarship information sheet (PDF) describes the eligibility criteria and the application process for these scholarships.

TIPS

• Request a copy of the VSAC Scholarships booklet to identify scholarships for which you meet all eligibility requirements.

• Before applying for scholarships, contact the schools to which you are applying; find out how receiving a scholarship might affect your overall financial aid.

• After December 1, begin submitting required documents for scholarships for which you are applying.

• Beware of scholarship scams. Call the Federal Trade Commission at 877-382-4357 or go to Project Scholarscam for more information.