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| Religious and Fraternal Scholarships |
 Beyond the information this office will offer, a student should contact local organizations because the more limited number of local residents may help the student’s chances in getting the scholarship. For instance, one fraternal organization provides several hundred dollars in scholarships every year to children of members who live in a particular city. Three are $1000 scholarships and two are $500 scholarships. Applicants must be average or above average academically and must be of sound moral character, according to the group’s guidelines. Those who are selected to receive a scholarship will have a personal interview with an organization member.
One of the myths concerning scholarships is that the money goes only to the perfect students. While this may be true of many academic scholarships, most counselors, college admissions personnel and others who help future students accent that financial aid may be available to a far larger number of students. Actually a lot of religious organizations specifically target students who fit the average or above average category and who are members of that particular church or group.
A prior search for religious scholarships will show dozens of church-related organizations that have financial aid available. A few good questions at local churches and fraternal organizations can open dollars that may not be used otherwise. For instance, one church organization provides up to $1,000 to students who are active members of the church. Financial need is an important factor though the grade point average is not. As the group notes, the number of awards is different each year. It depends on the number of applicants and the amount of money available.
Another scholarship with church ties proposes help for church members who attend a specific church-related university. While this may seem to set very strict limits on the number of students who may benefit, remember that the number of scholarships and the amount of each scholarship range, again depending on how much money is in the fund and how many students apply each year.
A third type of church-related scholarship does not confine the student to a specific university, though this student must be a member of the denomination. The scholarship may be used at any two-year or four-year school and grade point average is frequently a rather minor consideration. Nevertheless, even these types of scholarships can be competitive if a number of students apply. Better grades and a resume that includes community activity and service will certainly help a student’s opportunities. As with most scholarships and grants, religious and fraternal organization scholarships have an early deadline. This is normally in February or March of the year, with the scholarships to be used in the following semester.
The bottom line with fraternal and religious based scholarships is – don’t confine yourself to just one or two sources that you are most comfortable with. Extend the limits a bit by asking a local pastor, a high school counselor or an admissions staff member at a nearby university. These individuals sincerely want people both young and old to further both education and the mission of the church or organization.
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