Top 10 Scholarships for Students in U.S. Outlying Islands
U.S. Outlying Islands, such as Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands, offer unique opportunities for students to pursue higher education. To support their academic aspirations, several scholarships are available to provide financial assistance and recognition. Here are the top 10 scholarships specifically designed for students from these territories:
1. Pacific Island Scholarship Fund (PISF)
- Eligibility: Students of Pacific Islander ancestry attending accredited colleges or universities in the U.S. or its territories
- Application: Online application through the PISF website
- Benefits: Up to $5,000 per year
2. Bernice Pauahi Bishop Scholarship (BPBS)
- Eligibility: Native Hawaiian students who are graduating high school seniors or continuing college students
- Application: Online application through the BPBS website
- Benefits: Full tuition, room, board, and other expenses for undergraduate study
3. Guam Department of Education (GDOE) Scholarship
- Eligibility: Guam high school graduates with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Application: Application form available at GDOE offices
- Benefits: Varies depending on program and funding availability
4. American Samoa Department of Education (ASDOE) Scholarship
- Eligibility: American Samoa high school graduates with a minimum GPA of 3.5
- Application: Application form available at ASDOE offices
- Benefits: Varies depending on program and funding availability
5. Northern Mariana Islands Scholarship Fund (NMISF)
- Eligibility: Northern Mariana Islands students attending accredited colleges or universities in the U.S. or its territories
- Application: Online application through the NMISF website
- Benefits: Up to $5,000 per year
6. SMART Scholarship for Service
- Eligibility: Students pursuing STEM degrees who are willing to serve in the U.S. military
- Application: Online application through the SMART website
- Benefits: Full tuition, room, board, and a monthly stipend
7. Gates Millennium Scholars Program
- Eligibility: Outstanding minority students with demonstrated financial need
- Application: Online application through the Gates Millennium Scholars website
- Benefits: Full tuition, room, board, and other expenses for undergraduate and graduate study
8. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program
- Eligibility: High-achieving low-income students
- Application: Online application through the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation website
- Benefits: Up to $50,000 per year for undergraduate study
9. NCAA Ethnic Minority and Women’s Enhancement Scholarship
- Eligibility: Student-athletes from underrepresented groups
- Application: Contact the NCAA Eligibility Center for application information
- Benefits: Up to $30,000 over four years
10. Udall Scholarship
- Eligibility: Students who are committed to environmental issues
- Application: Online application through the Udall Foundation website
- Benefits: Up to $5,000 per year for undergraduate study
These scholarships provide valuable support to students from U.S. Outlying Islands, enabling them to pursue their educational goals and make a positive impact on their communities. By carefully researching and applying for these opportunities, students can secure the financial assistance they need to succeed in college and beyond.