Wilkes University Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide

Wilkes University provides various scholarship opportunities to help students finance their education. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, and financial needs. This article provides a detailed overview of the different types of scholarships available at Wilkes University and how to apply for them.

Understanding Financial Aid at Wilkes University

Wilkes University is committed to helping students manage the costs of a college education. Financial aid comes in various forms, including grants and scholarships, which do not have to be repaid, and work-study programs, which allow students to earn money while attending school.

Wilkes University Grant

Grant funding is based on financial need and does not have to be repaid. These funds are offered to students who demonstrate financial need, as determined by the Department of Education and Wilkes University. The amount a student may receive depends on their financial need and the availability of Wilkes funds.

Work-Study Programs

Wilkes University offers work-study programs to help students cover education costs.

University Work-Study

This program, funded solely by the University, lets you earn money by working on campus. You’re not required to demonstrate financial need, but you must be enrolled full-time at Wilkes pursuing an undergraduate degree at the same time.

Read also: Preserve Your Wilkes Diploma

External Scholarship Opportunities

Wilkes University encourages students to search for additional outside scholarships from sources such as major publications, student government, and parents' places of employment.

Internal Endowed Scholarship Opportunities

Internal endowed scholarships are made possible by the generous support of Wilkes alumni and friends. These scholarships are not guaranteed, and the criteria are established by donors.

How to Find and Apply for Internal Scholarships

Students can find and apply for internal endowed scholarship opportunities through their Wilkes student portal.

Access the Scholarship Portal: Log in to your Wilkes student portal.
Navigate to Scholarships: Select "Scholarships" from the navigation menu.
Answer Questions: The more questions you answer, the more scholarship opportunities may be available. The system will update with the number of potential matches.
Review Available Scholarships: Review the list of scholarships that may match your college and personal attributes. Note whether the scholarship is currently open or closed to applications.

Endowed/Named scholarships will not be available in your matching list to apply for or view.

Donor Scholarships

Donor scholarships are awarded based on academic performance and are not guaranteed. These scholarships are also available through criteria set by the donor.

Read also: Your Potential at Wilkes

Scholarships for Specific Student Groups

Wilkes University offers scholarships tailored to specific student groups, including first-year students, transfer students, and residents.

First-Year and Transfer Student Scholarships

As a first-year or transfer student, you may also be eligible for other financial aid.

Scholarships for Veterans

Wilkes University supports veterans through various scholarships and programs, often in conjunction with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Air Force.

Leadership Scholarships

Scholarships are available for students who hold qualifying leadership positions on campus or in the community.

Diversity and Inclusion Scholarships

Wilkes University values diversity and offers scholarships that support students from various backgrounds, irrespective of their campus, or ethnic background.

Read also: Alumni of Wilkes

Study Abroad Scholarships and Grants

Wilkes University encourages students to participate in study abroad programs to broaden their educational experiences. However, these programs often come with additional costs, such as transportation, visas, and personal expenses. Several scholarships and grants are available to help students finance their study abroad experiences.

Dr. Panos and Debi (Stephens) Kalaritis Study Abroad Scholarship

Established by Panos and Debi (Stephens) Kalaritis, the Dr. Panos and Debi (Stephens) Kalaritis Study Abroad Scholarship supports three Wilkes University students.

Gilman Scholarship Program

The Gilman Scholarship Program, established by the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000, provides grants to students who are recipients of federal financial aid (Pell Grant) to study abroad.

Freeman Awards for Study in Asia (Freeman-ASIA)

Freeman-ASIA provides funding for U.S. undergraduate students with financial need to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia.

Bridging Scholarships for Study in Japan

Bridging Scholarships are available for undergraduate degree-seeking students studying abroad in Japan. These scholarships are for students currently registered at an institution in the USA or Canada to study abroad in Japan for a semester or an academic year. The deadlines are typically twice a year for Bridging Scholarships, fall and spring.

BUTEX Scholarship

The BUTEX Scholarship is available to students at a UK university which is a member of BUTEX for at least one semester.

Saint Andrews Society of Washington D.C. Scholarship

The St. Andrew Society of Washington D.C. offers a scholarship of $2,500 to an American student studying in Scotland. Preference is given to students of Scottish birth or descent. There are multiple chapters of the St. Andrew Society.

SIT Study Abroad Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to students who take part in a SIT program. Awards generally range from $500 to $5,000.

GO! Study Abroad Scholarship

GO! GO! Study Abroad Scholarship awards scholarships to students participating in study abroad programs.

Diversity Abroad Scholarships

Diversity Abroad provides grants and scholarships to students interning abroad on programs offered by a Diversity Abroad member organization.

The Turkish Coalition of America (TCA) Scholarship

TCA provides up to 100 scholarships per year for minority students who are undergraduate or graduate students in good standing to study abroad in Turkey, Cyprus, or Bosnia and Herzegovina. They are interested in students studying less commonly taught languages. Note that students studying in Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are not eligible to apply.

Fund for Education Abroad (FEA)

The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) provides scholarships and resources to students wishing to study abroad. FEA is committed to increasing the opportunities for dedicated American students to participate in high-quality, rigorous education abroad programs by reducing financial restrictions through the provision of grants and scholarships.

Welsh-American Cultural Exchange Scholarship

This fund assists students in undertaking studies related to Welsh American history and culture.

American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) Grants and Fellowships

Master's and Ph.D students can apply for grants from the American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF).

General Scholarship Application Tips

Meet Deadlines: Pay close attention to application deadlines. For example, applications for endowed scholarships must be completed by Dec. 1.
Complete All Requirements: Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria and provide all required documentation, such as essays and transcripts.
Monitor Your Wilkes Student Portal: Regularly check your Wilkes student portal for updates on available scholarships and application statuses.
Seek Assistance: The Center for Career Development and Internships can help you search for prospective employers in the Wilkes-Barre area.
Understand Refund Policies: If you are expecting a refund check before you depart, ensure that address arrangements have been made.

Maintaining Scholarship Eligibility

Maintain Full-Time Status: Ensure you maintain your full-time status to remain eligible for financial aid.
Update Information: Keep your contact information current with the university to receive important updates regarding your financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

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