Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students

Finding Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students
Multiple types of scholarships for disadvantaged students are available that can be used for nursing school.  These scholarships are intended to help underrepresented individuals receive a college education.  Many are open to all college majors, making them ideal sources of funding for students pursuing a nursing degree.

Following below are examples of scholarship programs that disadvantaged students can apply to for financial assistance.

Federal Programs for Disadvantaged Students

The federal government funds scholarship programs designed for disadvantaged students. Each program will have individual guidelines including eligibility and application requirements.  Most funds are administered through states to participating nursing schools. The following is an example of a scholarship program for disadvantaged students.

Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students

This program is for economically disadvantaged students with demonstrated financial need.  Only full-time students enrolled in nursing or other healthcare professions can apply for financial assistance.  Funds are distributed through participating nursing schools. Scholarships are awarded by nursing schools.  Award amounts vary depending upon individual school guidelines. The scholarship can be used to pay for tuition, books, fees, and living expenses. Students interested in this opportunity can contact their nursing school’s financial aid office to learn if the school receives program funds.

Educational Institute Scholarships for Disadvantages Students

It is not uncommon for colleges and universities to offer scholarships specifically for disadvantaged students.  Eligibility requirements for these scholarships will vary depending upon the program.  Interested students should contact their school’s financial aid office for information about these types of scholarships. Unless a scholarship is designated for nursing students, the nursing department may not know about additional scholarship opportunities.

Daytona Beach Community College (Florida)

Students enrolled in the College’s nursing program who are economically disadvantaged may be eligible for the William H. Murray Memorial Scholarship. Scholarships are awarded based on academic scores and financial need.  Nursing faculty members at the College are responsible for selecting scholarship recipient.  Award amounts vary.  Interested students can obtain applications and guidelines from the school’s financial aid office.

Corporate Scholarship Programs for Disadvantaged Students

Many corporate scholarship programs require applicants to be disadvantaged at the time of application.  The purpose of these programs is often to encourage disadvantaged individuals to enter college and become a skilled member of the workforce.  Following is an example of a scholarship offered by a corporation.

Fairmount Tire Charitable Foundation, Inc.

Undergraduate nursing students who live or attend nursing schools in the Greater Los Angeles area may be eligible for a scholarship from the Foundation.  Students must be economically disadvantaged to be considered. Scholarships are awarded based on academic scores and documented financial need.  Award amounts vary. For applications, contact your nursing school’s office of financial aid.  Applications must be submitted by your school to the Foundation at 56816 Aspen Drive, Springville, CA 93265.

Community-Based Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students

Community organizations are known to offer scholarships to individuals with disadvantaged backgrounds.  The most common are scholarships administered by family and community foundations.  Foundations typically offer more than one scholarship opportunity for disadvantaged students.  Following are examples of community-based scholarships for students determined to be disadvantaged.

Atchison Community Educational Foundation

This Foundation offers scholarships to at-risk high school students to attend college.  Students who plan to pursue a nursing degree at an accredited college are eligible to apply.  Scholarships are awarded based on academic scores, documented financial need, and personal essay. Completed applications must include at least four letters of reference.  Only students who have already been accepted into a nursing program will be considered.  Award amounts vary.  There is no deadline for submission.  Applicants should be prepared to be interviewed during the selection process.  For applications and guidelines, contact the Foundation at 626 Commercial Street, Atchison, KS 66002.

Sailfish Point Foundation, Inc.

Economically disadvantaged nursing students who live in Martin County in Florida are eligible to apply for financial assistance.  Employees of Martin Memorial Medical Center who are disadvantaged are also eligible to apply. Scholarships are awarded based on academic scores, documented financial need, letters of recommendation, and personal essay.  Award amounts range from $750 to $10,000.  There is no specific deadline for submissions.  Interested students can request an application by contacting the Foundation at P.O. Box 1107, Stuart, FL 34996.  Completed applications are to be submitted to the Foundation, c/o Martin Memorial Medical Center, 300 S.E. Hospital Avenue, Stuart, FL 34994.

Scholarships for disadvantaged students are available from myriad sources.  Students can take advantage of all opportunities to help get their nursing education expenses paid for.  The more scholarships received, the fewer out-of-pocket expenses they will be responsible for in the long run.