I'm from New Jersey and trying to figure out what scholarships are out there for college students from my state. Does anyone have experience with NJ-specific scholarships and what criteria do they often require? Any advice on where to start looking?
There are quite a few scholarships specifically for students from the Garden State. They often range from merit-based ones that require a certain GPA to those awarded based on financial need, to those for students pursuing certain fields of study.
One place to start is the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA). This statewide body administers a range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs including the New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant (TAG), which is one of the most generous state-level financial aid initiatives in the country. If you're a high-achieving student, the NJ STARS program may also be worth looking into. It provides free tuition at New Jersey's community colleges for students who finish in the top 15% of their high school class.
The Community Foundation of New Jersey is another great resource. They administer multiple scholarships in response to donors' interests, so you might find scholarships specific to your major, career aspirations, community service involvement, or other interests.
Similarly, many local and county-level organizations, such as the Rotary or Kiwanis Club, often offer scholarships to local students. If you're involved in any community organizations, inquire if they have scholarship programs.
New Jersey also offers a variety of scholarships for students who intend to pursue specific careers. For instance, the Governor’s Industry Vocations Scholarship provides scholarships for women and minorities pursuing a vocational degree. The Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Scholarship is for children of New Jersey law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.
Don't forget to check with the financial aid office of the college you intend to apply or have been accepted. Many universities maintain a list of available scholarships, some of which might be specific to New Jersey students.
Just remember, every scholarship has different requirements – while some might ask for an essay or letters of recommendation, others may want to see proof of community involvement or leadership roles. So be sure to understand the requirements and deadlines, and apply as early as you can. Best of luck in your search!
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