Scholarships Named After Famous People: Funding Your Education
Finding legitimate scholarships can be challenging, but numerous reputable organizations and individuals offer substantial financial aid to deserving students. These scholarships, often named after famous figures, can provide not only financial assistance but also additional support, education, and valuable experiences. This article explores a range of scholarships, from those offered by major companies and foundations to those established by celebrities, highlighting the diverse opportunities available to students seeking to fund their education.
Corporate and Foundation Scholarships
Many large corporations and foundations offer scholarships as part of their commitment to education and community development. These scholarships often have specific eligibility criteria and focus on particular fields of study or demographics.
State Farm Companies Foundation Scholarship Program
The State Farm Companies Foundation Scholarship Program recognizes academically talented legal dependents of eligible State Farm associates (employee, agent, or retiree). Each spring, 100 scholarships are awarded to high school seniors. The scholarship provides $5,000 per year for up to four years of undergraduate study or until baccalaureate degree requirements are completed, whichever occurs first. Students attending junior colleges are also eligible if they are pursuing a baccalaureate degree and are enrolled as full-time undergraduates.
Generation Google Scholarship
The Generation Google Scholarship aims to support aspiring computer scientists, helping them excel in technology and become leaders in the field. Selected students receive $10,000 (for those studying in the US) or $5,000 CAD (for those studying in Canada) for the 2020-2021 school year. Scholarships are awarded based on the strength of each candidate’s impact on diversity, demonstrated leadership, and academic background. The program encourages applications from individuals who identify as part of historically underrepresented groups, including Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, American Indian, or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander.
Google SVA Scholarship
As part of its commitment to military veterans, Google established the Google SVA Scholarship in partnership with Student Veterans of America. This scholarship supports veterans pursuing higher education in technology-related fields.
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Google Lime Scholarship
Google has partnered with Lime Connect, a nonprofit organization that supports students with disabilities, to help university students with disabilities work toward their academic goals in the field of computer science. This scholarship aims to break down barriers that prevent students with disabilities from entering computing and technology fields.
Ayn Rand Institute Essay Contests
The Ayn Rand Institute (ARI) holds worldwide essay contests for students on Ayn Rand’s fiction. These contests offer thousands of dollars in scholarship prize money. Students in grades K-12 are invited to participate in the Doodle 4 Google contest, creating a doodle that tells the world "What I see for the future." The national winner receives a $30,000 college scholarship.
Foot Locker Scholar Athletes Program
The Foot Locker Scholar Athletes program honors student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and strong leadership skills in sports, in their schools, and within their communities. This scholarship recognizes well-rounded individuals who excel both academically and athletically.
James W. McLamore WHOPPER Scholarship
The McLamore Family Foundation created the James W. McLamore WHOPPER Scholarship, which awards students who have graduated from high school within the last three years or full-time students who are seniors at a high school or home school. Applicants must have a minimum 3.3 GPA, a minimum 25 ACT score or 1220 SAT score, demonstrated leadership in community service, athletics, and/or similar co-curricular activities, and substantial work experience.
Burger King Foundation Scholarship
Created in memory of Burger King Co-founder James “Jim” W. McLamore, this scholarship requires students to have a strong academic record with a minimum 2.5 GPA, be passionate about serving the community, and be a high school senior, Burger King employee, spouse/domestic partner, or child of an employee.
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Live Más Scholarship
The Live Más Scholarship is not based on grades or athletic ability. Instead, it seeks the next generation of innovators, creators, and dreamers. Applicants submit a video (2 minutes or less) that tells the story of their life’s passion.
Toyota TeenDrive365 Video Challenge
The Toyota TeenDrive365 Video Challenge encourages teens to create videos promoting safe driving habits. Entries are screened based on creativity, content, and presentation. The top 10 finalists are added to an online poll for the public to determine the People’s Choice Award.
GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program
The GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program rewards college-bound students who demonstrate exemplary leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship. Each year, the program selects numerous recipients to receive a $10,000 scholarship renewable for up to an additional three years - up to $40,000 total per recipient. Awards are for undergraduate study and may be used for education-related expenses.
Shell Incentive Fund Scholarship Program
Shell Oil Company offers $5,000 annual scholarships through the Shell Incentive Fund Scholarship program to underrepresented students pursuing an undergraduate degree in a specific technical field of study at certain universities. The scholarship can be used to pay for tuition and/or school expenses. If the necessary criteria are met, at Shell’s discretion, a student’s scholarship may be renewed up to four years or until Bachelor degree requirements are complete, whichever occurs first.
Wells Fargo & Company Scholarship Program
Wells Fargo & Company has committed $1 million to Scholarship America to implement a special scholarship program to help people with disabilities obtain the education or training necessary to succeed in their chosen career path.
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Big Tex Scholarship Program
The Big Tex Scholarship Program has awarded college scholarships to more than 2,500 students for a total of more than $12.5 million.
Gucci Changemakers Scholarship Award Program
The Gucci Changemakers Scholarship Award Program aims to create more opportunities for young people from diverse backgrounds to gain access to the fashion industry. The scholarships are based on unmet financial need. Special consideration is given to students who live or study in one of the 12 Gucci Changemakers cities or plan to attend or are currently attending a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). The award is up to $20,000 per year, and students can reapply each year they are eligible.
DECA Scholarship Program
DECA’s scholarship program provides over $300,000 in scholarships to high school and college DECA members at the International Career Development Conference (ICDC) each year. Many corporate partners, such as Marriott International and NAPA, provide scholarships through the DECA scholarship program.
Raytheon-FIRST Robotics Scholarship Program
The Raytheon-FIRST Robotics Scholarship program awards 40 individual scholarships of $1,000 each to FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) alumni pursuing undergraduate education as math, science, engineering, or technology majors.
UAA Janice K. Barden Aviation Scholarship
Through the UAA Janice K. Barden Aviation Scholarship, NBAA Charities annually awards a minimum of $1,000 to each of five undergraduates studying aviation-related curricula at NBAA and University Aviation Association (UAA) member institutions.
Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship
The Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship awards $10,000 to female undergraduate and graduate students pursuing computer science or computer engineering. Scholarships are awarded based on the strength of each candidate’s academic background and demonstrated leadership. All scholarship recipients and finalists are invited to attend the Annual Google Scholars’ Retreat in Mountain View, California.
Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship
The Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) Scholarship is for high-school seniors of African descent who plan to attend a four-year college or university and pursue a bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, computer information systems, or select business programs. A minimum 3.3 GPA and financial need are required.
RMHC/HACER National Scholarships
RMHC/HACER National Scholarships are $100,000 ($25,000 per year paid over four years) for five students who verify enrollment at any accredited institution that provides post-secondary education each year. Applicants must be a high school senior under 21 years of age with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
TheDream.US Scholarship
TheDream.US offers two scholarships: The National Scholarship for high school or community college graduates and The Opportunity Scholarship for students who live in targeted, locked-out states where they cannot get in-state tuition.
Signet Classics Student Scholarship Essay Contest
The Signet Classics Student Scholarship Essay Contest awards five high school juniors or seniors (or home-schooled students aged 16-18) a $1,000 scholarship award to be used toward their higher education plus a Signet Classics library for their school or public library.
Ford Motor Company Fund
Ford Motor Company Fund works with Ford dealers and nonprofit partners to provide access to opportunities and resources that help people reach their full potential.
Nordson BUILDS Scholarship
The mission of Nordson BUILDS is to attract and develop a diverse, highly-skilled talent pool for careers in the manufacturing industry. It is designed to help bright and motivated students access and complete postsecondary education by lessening the financial barriers of enrolling in college for many and decreasing the loan burden for individuals that apply for financial aid. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible.
Harry Applegate Scholarship Program
The Harry Applegate Scholarship Program is a scholarship fund that corporate supporters contribute to, but the scholarship is actually in the company’s name.
Griswold Home Care Scholarship
In honor of Jean Griswold's vision, Griswold Home Care offers a scholarship to students pursuing studies related to healthcare or aging.
Celebrity Scholarships
Celebrities, often recognizing the importance of education, have established scholarships to support students in various fields. These scholarships reflect the celebrities' passions and values, providing opportunities for students to pursue their dreams.
Alec Baldwin Drama Scholarship Fund
Renowned actor Alec Baldwin donated $1 million to his alma mater, the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, to create the Alec Baldwin Scholarship Fund. This fund benefits low-income students who wish to become Alec Baldwin Drama Scholars. Eligible candidates must have good academic standing and demonstrate a need for financial assistance. The Alec Baldwin Drama Scholarship Fund provides financial support for students who exhibit an unwavering work ethic, leadership skills, a willingness to collaborate, and an ability to tolerate risk and work with constructive criticism, along with plenty of talent.
Stephen Colbert Scholarship (College Arts Scholars program)
Stephen Colbert and his wife, Evelyn McGee Colbert, have made a gift to McGee Colbert’s alma mater, the University of Virginia. Sixteen incoming first-year students will be beneficiaries of the new College Arts Scholars program made possible with the Colberts’ donation.
David Letterman Telecommunications Scholarship
Late-night TV talk show host David Letterman has sponsored a scholarship for students at his alma mater, Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, since 1985. Full-time Ball State students who are first-quarter juniors through first-quarter seniors majoring or minoring in telecommunications may qualify for Letterman’s generous financial award. Unlike most other scholarships, grades are not a condition for eligibility. Candidates must submit a creative project, list of telecommunications courses already taken between 30 and 102 semester hours, and a personal statement describing the concept of the creative project. Dave himself must be sent a copy of the project.
Jerry Seinfeld Scholarship Program
Since 2000, over 175 public school students from New York City have received college scholarships courtesy of comedian Jerry Seinfeld. Seinfeld and his family established the Seinfeld Scholarship Program in 2000 to “give back to the city they love.” Seinfeld Scholars receive a four-year scholarship to the college or university of the student’s choice. The program covers up to $10,000 of any unmet educational financial needs-tuition, room and board, books, and incidentals. Preference is given to those in the Bronx.
Kid Rock/Made in Detroit Scholarship
Robert Ritchie, better known by his stage name Kid Rock, is using profits from his “Made in Detroit” clothing line to help area college students. Proceeds from the sale of a T-shirt featuring the company’s trademark logo embedded in the Wayne State University logo are funding a Kid Rock/Made in Detroit scholarship at Wayne State to help students in the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts pay for their education. Wayne State University has partnered with Kid Rock’s Made in Detroit clothing company to grant a $25,000 scholarship to undergraduate or graduate students majoring in music.
Will.i.am “I am” Scholarship
The Grammy-winning Black Eyed Peas star will.i.am has created a college scholarship which covers tuition, books and fees for four years. The Black Eyed Peas flashy prodigy has teamed up with College Track to create the Will.i.am “I am” scholarship to make four students’ postsecondary education dreams a reality yearly and offer an inside track to job prospects at BEP-endorsed Dipdrive.
Paul Newman Scholarship
University of California Berkeley Haas School of Business students may be eligible for a scholarship established in honor of the late Paul Newman. Give Something Back Business Products created the scholarship to recognize Paul’s commitment to creating positive change in the world. All profits after taxes from Paul’s “Newman’s Own Organics” products are donated to charity.
John Lennon Scholarship for Songwriters and Composers
Established in 1997 by Yoko Ono, the John Lennon Scholarship for Songwriters and Composers honors the memory of Ono’s husband, iconic singer-songwriter John Lennon. The program recognizes young songwriters aged 15 through 24, working in any genre.
Taylor Michaels Scholarship Program (Magic Johnson Foundation)
NBA superstar Earvin “Magic” Johnson started the Magic Johnson Foundation in 1991 to raise money for and raise awareness of HIV/AIDS. The Foundation’s Taylor Michaels Scholarship Program was founded in 1998 and named after Taylor Michaels, the Chief Operating Officer for Magic Johnson Enterprises who passed away that year. Each Taylor Michaels Scholar receives a scholarship ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, and scholarships are renewable up until the student’s fifth year of undergraduate studies.
Alicia Keys Scholarship
Through the Open Doors Scholars Program as part of Frum Tha Ground Up, a Jacksonville-based non-profit organization started by road manager D.J. Walton, Grammy-award winner Alicia Keys offers four scholarships for $5,000 each to students from Jacksonville, New Orleans, Atlanta, and New York City’s Harlem neighborhood.
Camille and Bill Cosby Scholarship in Science
Each year at Temple University, the Camille and Bill Cosby Scholarship in Science is awarded to rising junior and senior students who graduated from Simon Gratz, Germantown, Central, or Girls High School in Philadelphia.
Christopher Reeve Award
Each year, the Heart of America Foundation Heroes of the Heat grants the Christopher Reeve Award to extraordinary youth who have demonstrated tremendous compassion and caring through service to his or her community. Eligible candidates for postsecondary education tuition costs must be high school seniors or younger.
Dizzy Feet Foundation Scholarships
The Dizzy Feet Foundation grants annual scholarships to talented individuals studying at nationally recognized or accredited dance schools, studios, universities, and institutions for award amounts up to $10,000 per student. Eligible candidates for the funding must be at least 15 years old, American citizens, and be currently studying at an institution within the United States.
Earl Woods Scholarship Program
Sponsored by the Tiger Woods Foundation, the Earl Woods Scholarship Program (EWSP) provides an incredible support network that includes admissions counseling, dedicated mentors, specialized internships, financial tuition assistance, and workshops specifically for those who are first-generation college students.
Flip Wilson Memorial Scholarships
In honor of the popular comedian of the 1970s, the Flip Wilson Memorial Scholarships are offered to full-time communications or journalism majors within the School of Communication and Information at Rutgers University. With preference given to students of African American descent, the scholarships are intended to cover all tuition costs and living expenses one time for one year.
Gates Millennium Scholars Program
Funded by a grant from the Bill and Melina Gates Foundation, the Gates Millennium Scholars Program provides 1,000 outstanding students of African American, American Indian, Asian Pacific Islander American, and Hispanic American students with significant financial need an opportunity to complete an undergraduate college education annually.
Jimi Hendrix Scholarship Fund
Sponsored by the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), the Jimi Hendrix Scholarship Fund is utilized to provide academic funding for talented guitar players who are in financial need for attending an accredited undergraduate program to study music.
Michael and Juanita Jordan Scholarship
Michael Jordan has partnered with the United College Negro Fund (UNCF) to grant the Michael and Juanita Jordan Scholarship for $5,000 annually to help financially needy students attend a UNCF-member college or university.
Michael Jackson Scholarship
Created by an endowment fund from Michael Jackson and his Rhythm Nation world tour, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) grants scholarships for undergraduate or graduate students who are majoring in Art, Communications, Drama, English, Fine Arts, Mass Communications, Music, Performing Arts, Theater, Vocal Performance, or Visual Arts.
Mister Rogers Memorial Scholarships
Four Mister Rogers Memorial Scholarships are provided by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Foundation for $10,000 each to graduate students who are pursuing a career in children’s media and are interested in furthering the values of Fred Rogers’ work. In addition to the monetary award used for research, successful applicants will be mentored by a children’s programming professional.
Eli Manning Scholarship
Founded on a donation from NFL player Eli Manning, the Ole Miss Opportunity program is committed to providing access to quality education for students from all backgrounds at the University of Mississippi. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, entering freshmen, enrolled full-time, and have a family adjusted gross income at or below the $30,000 mark.
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