Education Grants for Students
Grants provide funding for students in college. Grants do not need to be paid back and are available for undergraduate and graduate students. Student grants are provided primarily by the federal government, state government, individual colleges and private organizations. Education grants for students can be general, targeted for a specific area of study, designated for a minority group or for disabled students. All grants have requirements that must be met to qualify for the grant.
Federal Education Grants
According to the U.S. Department of Education, there are five primary federal student grants. The Federal Pell Grant and Academic Competitiveness Grant is for undergraduate students. The National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant requires that the student major in physical science, life science, computer sciences, engineering, technology, mathematics or a critical-need foreign language. The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is for students with a strong financial need, and the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education requires a four-year teaching commitment in a school serving low-income students.
State Education Grants
State grants are usually based on financial need and are intended for minority students, women, low-income students or disadvantaged students, and students who are planning to major in a program where there is a high need, such as teaching or nursing. State grants are primarily for undergraduate study, although some graduate study grants are awarded. States also offer grants to adults who are already in the work force. Delaware's Governor's Workforce Development Grant helps adults who are employed part-time attend college part time in the state and whose employers contribute funds as well.
Private Organization Grants
Private organizations provide grants to students majoring in specific fields. Private grants are often for graduate study and the student must be a member of the organization to qualify. The Geological Society of America provides research grants to members of its organization to aid them in pursuit of education at the master's or doctoral level. The Geological Society of America stipulates that the area of study must be in the geological sciences. The Morris Udall Foundation awards two grants (one for undergraduate study and one for graduate study) in the area of environmental science. The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation provides grants in a wide variety of areas for students to pursue research projects.
Education Grants from Colleges
Colleges and universities award grants to individual students. Many of these grants are for graduate study, but some colleges award grants to undergraduates who write proposals outlining specific projects. Columbia College of Columbia University in New York City has a grant called the Evolving Earth Student Grant Program to promote study specifically in the area of earth sciences.
Writing a Successful Grant Proposal
A successful grant proposal discusses why the project is important and necessary. The proposal must include costs of activities and how these activities would aid you in achieving your project's goal. Feedback from others who have succeeded in receiving a grant will help improve your proposal.
Tags: Education Grants, graduate study, area study, award grants, financial need, Geological Society, Geological Society America
