Unlocking College Funding: How to Access Scholarships and Grants from Employers, Volunteer Organizations, and More

Explore a range of scholarship and grant opportunities for college students from employers, volunteer organizations, churches, labor unions, and Fortune 500 companies. Learn how to tap into these resources to significantly reduce your education costs.

Securing free funding for college might seem daunting, but it's more achievable than you might expect. Here's how to access college funds that don't require repayment. Grants and scholarships are particularly appealing because they don't need to be repaid. According to the College Board, over $135.6 billion in grant money was distributed to college students in the 2018-2019 academic year, highlighting the abundance of financial aid available—you just need to know where to look.

Government Grants for College

A significant portion of college grants come from various government programs. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available:

Federal Grants

In the 2018-19 academic year, federal grants provided $41.3 billion to students. Your first step in finding grants should be to explore federal options:

Pell Grant Program: These need-based grants are a cornerstone of federal aid for U.S. students since 1972. Qualifying is straightforward; simply complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG): This grant is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to undergraduates with exceptional financial needs. Applications are processed through your selected college.
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants: These are available to students who commit to teaching in high-need fields upon graduation. It’s crucial to meet all the requirements, as failing to do so can convert the grant into a loan.
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants: These are available to family members of U.S. military service members who died in service.

State Grants

State grants typically support students from low-income backgrounds. Between the academic years 2016-17 and 2017-18, state grants increased by 7%. Twelve states provide more than $1,000 per full-time student in grant aid. The amount available varies by state, dependent on tax revenues. For instance, qualifiers for the New York Excelsior Scholarship Program can receive over $5,500 annually for tuition. For state-specific grant information, contact your state’s education department via the U.S. Department of Education.

Local Community Grants

Beyond state and federal opportunities, local scholarships can be a rich source of funding. Explore local businesses, civic groups, and charitable organizations for additional educational grants. These local sources often provide scholarships that may be less competitive and more accessible to community members.

By tapping into these resources, you can significantly reduce your college expenses without the burden of repayment, opening up more opportunities for your educational and career aspirations.

Employers and Private Grants

According to a College Board report, 7% of the grant aid in 2018-2019 was sourced from employers and private grants, yet many students overlook the opportunity to apply for employer-based scholarships. Many companies offer scholarship programs; you simply need to inquire within your workplace. World at Work reports that 85% of employers provide educational benefits like tuition reimbursement—indicating a robust potential for obtaining scholarships directly through your employer.

Volunteer Organizations

For those involved in volunteer organizations, it's worth inquiring about available scholarship opportunities. For example, Americorps provides the Segal Americorps Education Award to members who have completed their service within the last year, offering at least $6,195 for the 2019-2020 academic year, with many higher education institutions matching this award. Similarly, the Peace Corps offers tuition assistance to graduate students at over 90 colleges and universities.

Churches

Many churches and faith-based organizations provide scholarships to help their members pursue higher education. Notable examples include:

The United Church of Christ, which offers numerous scholarships and grants.
The Methodist Church, which supports U.S. students through over 40 scholarship programs.
The Episcopal Church, providing scholarships and grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 for junior students.

Labor Unions and Professional Associations

Since 1991, labor unions and professional associations have disbursed over $4.5 million in scholarships and grants. If you are a child or spouse of a union member, you might be eligible for these financial aids and can reapply annually.

Fortune 500 Companies

Major corporations such as Coca-Cola, Google, and Walmart provide substantial scholarships. Coca-Cola, for instance, selects 150 high-achieving high school graduates annually in the U.S. to receive up to $20,000 each through its competitive scholarship programs.

Banks and Credit Unions

Financial institutions like Citigroup, Bank of America, and SunTrust also offer scholarships. SunTrust, for instance, awarded a $500 scholarship to 27 students in the 2018-19 academic year through a sweepstakes program.

Next Steps

The key to leveraging these opportunities is to apply early and apply often. By actively seeking out and applying for as many scholarships and grants as possible, you can significantly reduce your educational expenses.