Scholarships
ACT’s Scholarship and Recognition Services helps develop and manage several national scholarship and award programs for companies and organizations across the country. In this space, we will feature select programs that may be of interest to activity readers.
Nordstrom Scholarship Program Fulfills College Dream
Mirna Ponce received a scholarship from Nordstrom in 1994. She earned a BA in comparative literature from the University of California, Berkeley, and an MPH in epidemiology and a MA in Latin American Studies, both from UCLA. She is an epidemiology analyst with the county of Los Angeles. Ponce plans to pursue a PhD in epidemiology and to contribute research that influences policies for healthier communities. “My family couldn’t afford to send me to college. The Nordstrom scholarship helped me realize my lifelong dream of attending college. It greatly alleviated the stress of paying for college and made it possible for me to go to graduate school.”
Amount of scholarship: $10,000 over four years; $2,500 per year
Application period: January 30, 2013 to May 1, 2013 (applications); May 16, 2013 to May 31, 2013 (recommendations)
Basic eligibility requirements:
High school junior who:
- Lives and attends school in one of the participating 31 states where Nordstrom has a full-line store.
- Has at least a 2.7 grade point average throughout high school.
- Volunteers or participates in community services or extracurricular activities.
www.act.org/nordstrom http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/nordstrom-cares-scholarship
MassMutual Scholars Program Opens Doors
Paloma Pena received a scholarship from the MassMutual Scholars Program in 2011 and again in 2012. A senior at Kennesaw State University in Georgia, Pena is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communication with a management minor. Her future plans include attending graduate school and obtaining a job in business or financial services. “The MassMutual scholarship has opened many doors for me throughout my college career. It allowed me to achieve my goal of studying abroad this past summer in Spain and exposed me to careers in financial services. It will continue to help fund my education until I graduate in May 2013.”
Amount of Scholarship: $2,500/$5,000
Application period: January 3, 2013 to May 3, 2013
Basic eligibility requirements:
- US citizen or legal permanent residency; of African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, or Hispanic descent.
- Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate program at an accredited two- or four-year college or university and have an interest in pursuing a career in the insurance and financial services industry.
Dell Scholars Program Opens Doors to a Better Life
Angelica Tello was named a Dell Scholar in 2005. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a major in psychology. She plans to earn a master’s degree or PhD in counseling or psychology and help children and families who are going through difficult situations to achieve their goals. “The Dell Scholars Program scholarship impacted my life in many ways. It allowed me to pursue my dreams for my career and also broadened my educational experience with a study abroad program in Mexico, which provided the basis for my senior year research project. Plus, it reduced the financial pressures on my mother and influenced my younger siblings to go after their dreams as well.”
Amount of scholarship: $20,000
Application period: November 1, 2013 to January 15, 2014
Basic eligibility requirements:
- US citizen or permanent resident graduating from an accredited high school this year, earning a minimum of a 2.4 grade point average, and participating in a Michael & Susan Dell Foundation approved college readiness program for a minimum of two of the last three years.
- Scholars are chosen based on demonstrated desire and ability to overcome barriers and to achieve goals, as well as demonstrated need for financial assistance.