SCHOLARSHIPS

BUSINESS SCHOLARSHIPS

Pursuing a degree in business can be financially demanding, but there are numerous scholarships available to support aspiring business professionals. These scholarships, offered by corporations, foundations, and educational institutions, aim to alleviate financial burdens and encourage academic excellence. Below is an overview of various business-related scholarships that college students can consider:

 

1. Corporate-Sponsored Scholarships

 

Many corporations offer scholarships to students pursuing business degrees, often to foster talent in specific fields or support underrepresented groups. Notable examples include:

  • Black at Microsoft (BAM) Scholarship: This scholarship supports Black high school seniors planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, computer information systems, or business fields. Five recipients receive $5,000 renewable for up to three years, and 55 others receive a one-time $2,500 scholarship.
  • Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship: While not exclusively for business majors, this program awards $20,000 scholarships to 150 high-achieving high school seniors annually, recognizing leadership and service.

 

2. Foundation and Association Scholarships

 

Various foundations and professional associations offer scholarships to support business students:

  • Horatio Alger Association Scholarships: These scholarships assist students who have overcome adversity and demonstrate financial need. The association offers both national and state scholarships, with awards up to $25,000.
  • PMI Educational Foundation Scholarships: For students pursuing degrees in project management or related business fields, the PMI Educational Foundation offers scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $7,500.

 

3. Scholarships for Women and Underrepresented Groups

 

To promote diversity in business, several scholarships target women and underrepresented minorities:

  • Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award: Supports women pursuing undergraduate or master’s degrees in business management, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $7,000, aimed at empowering future female business leaders.
  • ALPFA Scholarships: The Association of Latino Professionals For America provides scholarships to Latino students pursuing business-related degrees. Applicants must be rising college sophomores, juniors, seniors, or graduate students with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

 

4. Scholarships for Entrepreneurs

 

Aspiring entrepreneurs can benefit from scholarships designed to support innovative business ideas:

  • The Dreamer Scholarship: Hosted by RentDeals.com, this $1,000 scholarship is for students majoring in business or science-related fields with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants must submit a resume and one letter of recommendation.

 

5. University-Specific Scholarships

 

Many universities offer scholarships specifically for business students. For instance, the Siebel Scholars program provides $35,000 awards to exceptional students at select institutions pursuing graduate studies in business or computer science.

6. Utilizing Scholarship Search Platforms

To discover a broader range of opportunities, students can utilize scholarship search platforms:

  • Scholly: Founded by Christopher Gray, Scholly is a scholarship search platform that matches students to scholarships they qualify for based on various parameters.
  • Scholarships.com: This platform offers a comprehensive database of scholarships, including those specifically for business majors.

 

Tips for Applying:

 

  • Get An Early Start: Begin researching and applying for scholarships well before deadlines to ensure ample time for preparation.
  • Tailor Applications: Customize your application materials to align with the specific criteria and goals of each scholarship.
  • Seek Local Opportunities: Local organizations and businesses often offer scholarships with less competition than national programs.
  • Maintain Strong Academics: Many scholarships require a minimum GPA; keeping your grades up can open more opportunities.

By exploring these scholarship options and adhering to application best practices, you can significantly reduce your educational expenses and focus on achieving your academic and professional goals.