Scholarship Resources

SCS has compiled the following information to help you seek out funding to pursue your SCS degree.

Before being considered for nearly all scholarships, you first need to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Do this by visiting the Chicago Financial Aid Office website at http://chicagofinancialaid.northwestern.edu/scs/, or the Financial Aid Office in Abbott Hall. The website has information on deadlines, our school code, the SCS Student Aid Form, as well as other necessary forms.

SCS Scholarships

Applicants for any of the first three SCS scholarships listed below must complete the SCS Scholarship Application (PDF Format). Students applying for the Continuing Student Scholarship and Transfer Student Scholarship must use the SCS Recommendation Form (PDF Format). Freeform recommendations are not permissible. Applicants for the Osher Reentry Scholarship must use specific application and recommendations forms, indicated in the Osher Reentry Scholarship description below.

Continuing Student Scholarship

The Continuing Student Scholarship was developed to reward outstanding continuing SCS students who demonstrate both academic achievement and financial need. Scholarship recipients will receive a onetime tuition grant for up to three courses at SCS, based on available funds. Admitted undergraduate, degree-seeking students are eligible to apply. Applicants must have completed at least four SCS courses to be eligible. Applicants must also have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 from SCS. Other selection criteria include academic achievement, financial need, demonstrated leadership, and commitment to interests outside of academia. Please read the scholarship guidelines (PDF Format) for additional information.

Unemployed Student Scholarship

The Unemployed Student Scholarship was created for admitted undergraduate students who have recently involuntarily lost their employment. Scholarship recipients will receive a onetime tuition grant for up to three courses at SCS, based on available funds. Admitted undergraduate, degree-seeking students who have become recently unemployed are eligible to apply. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 from SCS. Please read the scholarship guidelines (PDF Format) for additional information.

Transfer Student Scholarship

The Transfer Student Scholarship was developed to reward outstanding transfer applicants for success in previous academic study. Scholarship recipients will receive a onetime tuition grant for up to three courses at SCS, based on available funds. Transfer student applicants who were recently admitted through transfer admission are eligible to apply. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 from all previously attended institutions. Other selection criteria include demonstrated leadership and commitment to interests outside of academia. Please read the scholarship guidelines (PDF Format) for additional information.

Osher Reentry Scholarship

The Osher Reentry Scholarship and Program is made possible by The Bernard Osher Foundation. Both new and continuing students, between the ages of 25 and 50, who have reentered higher education after five or more years since their last enrollment at an institution of higher education, who meet the described criteria, and who demonstrate both strong academic achievement and financial need, are eligible to apply for an annual award of up to $3960. Osher Reentry Scholars will participate in a mentor program with experienced SCS students. Please read the Osher Reentry Scholarship Guidelines (PDF format) for more details and complete the Osher Reentry Scholarship Application Form (PDF format), as well as the Osher Reentry Scholarship Recommendation Form (PDF format).

Other Scholarship Opportunities

Women in Management Scholarship

The Near West Cook chapter of Women in Management is offering a $500 scholarship. Women in Management is a diverse organization dedicated to expanding the horizons of professional women in their chosen field. Applicants must be female students aged 20 or older who are working towards a degree or certificate. You must reside in Cook County. An interview will follow a successful application review.

The application can be found here.

Additional information about the organization can be found at the WIM homepage, which may be found here.

REACh Scholarship

Every year, REACh (Resources for the Education of Adults in the Chicago Area) awards up to four $1,500 scholarships for the following academic year. The scholarships are open to both graduate and undergraduate students. REACh assists adult learners returning to college, like you, so to be eligible you must be at least 25 years old, be enrolled in a degree-seeking or certificate seeking program, and meet financial aid requirements. SCS is an active member of REACh, and our students have been awarded scholarships in the past. Visit the REACh website at www.reach-chicago.org/scholarships/ for further details and an application.

Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society Scholarship

The ASL Scholarship deadline for the upcoming year is April 25, 2008.

The Alpha Sigma Lambda Adult Education Foundation is pleased to grant a total of seven $1000 scholarships for classes in the 2008-2009 academic year. Eligible students will be currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at SCS, will have completed at least 11 units taken at SCS, and will have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.4 on a 4.0 scale. All student awards granted for the 2008-2009 academic year are to assist with undergraduate expenses for students enrolled during that time period. APPLICANTS NEED NOT ALREADY BE INDUCTED MEMBERS OF THE CHAPTER. Visit the ASL Honor Society web site at http://www.alphasigmalambda.org/foundation/scholarship-studentinfo.php to review a complete list of scholarship guidelines. Contact Timothy Gordon for application materials at tgordon@northwestern.edu.

University Circle Scholarship

The University Circle, a campus organization for women, is offering up to a $1,000 scholarship to women employed at the university who are enrolled in classes at the School of Continuing Studies. Deadline: March 1st. Click here for the application and guidelines: http://www.northwestern.edu/university-circle/scholarship/index.html

Talbots Scholarship for Women

Talbots is offering scholarship awards for women. Students must be enrolled part time-or full-time as undergraduates for 2008-2009; students can receive a degree no earlier than May 2009; students must have at least two semesters or three quarters remaining to complete an undergraduate degree as of the beginning of the 2008 fall academic term. Additionally, women applicants must have earned a high school diploma or GED on or before September 1998. Criteria for selected applicants includes a strong academic record, an essay, honors, work experience, leadership, the potential to succeed and a statement of education and career goals. An “applicant appraisal form” is also required. Click here for the website link and application materials.

Applications must be postmarked no later than January 2, 2008 or until the first 1,000 eligible applications have been received.

HENAAC Scholarship

This organization began as a conference and has grown into a not-for-profit organization designed to promote Hispanic college students majoring in certain math and science areas. Graduate and undergraduate students may apply for this private scholarship. Qualifications include students who are of Hispanic origin or students who participate in or promote organizations within the Hispanic community, have a proven leadership track record, are enrolled full-time and have a cumulative gpa of 3.0 or higher. Students must be enrolled in a program for fall 2008 and be majoring in math, engineering, material science or the computer fields. Other corporate sponsored scholarships are available. Scholarship applications and further information may be found at www.henaac.org.

Stadium Managers Scholarship

The Stadium Managers Scholarship provides tuition assistance to a graduate or undergraduate student majoring in subjects that prepare them for a career in the Stadium Management Industry or related fields. Applicants must be members of the Stadium Managers Association. The application deadline is April 15th. Please click here for complete information.

The Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans

The Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans provide opportunities for continuing generations of able and accomplished New Americans to achieve leadership in their chosen field of study. The awards (two years of $20,000, plus half tuition) are targeted towards individuals who 1) are resident aliens; i.e., hold a Green Card, 2) have been naturalized as a U.S. citizen, or 3) are a child of two parents who are both naturalized citizens. Applicants must either have a bachelor's degree or be in her/his final year of undergraduate study. Master’s degree students in their first or second year of study, in any type of graduate program, are also eligible. Please visit the website for further information on eligibility and an application process.

Scholarship Information on the Web

Web sites like fastweb.com and scholarships.com are search sites that list over 600,000 scholarships. Be aware that you must give personal information and fill out surveys in order to access these sites. Avoid sites that charge; you should not typically pay a fee for these services, as most scholarship sites are free.

Key Loans

A Key CareerLoan® is designed for students either in noncredit continuing education programs like an SCS non-credit PDP, or students in degree programs who are enrolled at less than half-time status. You must meet the bank's standards regarding credit history, current income, income stability, residence, and employment. Cosigners may be used. You may apply for the low-cost loan at www.keybank.com or by calling 800/539-5363. Additional information is available at the Financial Aid Office in Chicago, 312/503-8722.

Destiny OneCE Scholarship

The Destiny OneCE Scholarship has been established to recognize the efforts of an extraordinary individual who strives to improve their life through continuing education, exhibits an enthusiasm and verve for learning, is highly dedicated, and is in need of financial assistance. Any non-traditional learner currently enrolled in a course or program through the continuing education division of a Canadian or American accredited college or university may apply for the Destiny OneCE Scholarship. Applications must be completed by both the student and their sponsoring institution. Submissions to the selection committee must be made by the institution on behalf of the student. One $2,500.00 award for the 2008-2009 academic year and applications must be received no later than 5:00 pm, July 31, 2008. For additional criteria and application, please visit the link below.

www.DestinySolutions.com/DestinyScholarship.pdf

New Scholarship Information

If you find information in your scholarship search that you think would benefit other SCS students, please write to Carolyn Feller at cfeller@northwestern.edu, and we will post it on this webpage for all to share.