Scholarships

Through the generosity of donors in the community, the SOWELA Foundation is able to provide scholarship funds to qualified students. Awards are made on a competitive basis and the funds are limited. For first time students, the scholarship selection committee will review high school grade point average, and/or standardized test scores. For continuing students, cumulative collegiate grade point average is the primary basis for the award. Other factors for selection include community involvement, leadership positions held, honors/awards received, as well as extenuating circumstances that may warrant a need for this funding. We encourage all students with a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average to submit a scholarship application by the priority date of April 1^st prior to the start of the Fall semester. Students must reapply each year after January 1^st to be considered.

Fill out the online SOWELA scholarship application.

Apply for Scholarships (opens new window)

Outside Scholarships Opportunities

Outside scholarships (i.e., scholarships awarded from non-governmental sources outside of SOWELA) are a resource that some students use to pay for their education at SOWELA. The scholarships are awarded by third-party individuals or companies. Students apply directly to those awarding the scholarship. Please read all of the eligibility requirements for each scholarship before applying. We have made every effort to verify the authenticity of these scholarships; however, it is important that you do not pay any fees nor give out any personal or financial information when making an application.

Completing the Dream Scholarship

Students can apply now for the Completing the Dream Scholarship (opens new window).

To help students from underserved communities' access and complete their higher education, the Sallie Mae Fund, the charitable arm of Sallie Mae, is again providing at least 260 Completing the Dream scholarships worth up to $650,000 in partnership with Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

Applications for the scholarship will be accepted until all funds are awarded or by June 28, 2024. Eligible students must be on track to complete their program during the academic year 2023-2024 at a two-or four-year college, career training, and other post-secondary education programs and maintain good academic standing.