Walmart Scholarships for College Students

The Walmart Foundation donated more than $53 million in 2010 with another $9 million in scholarships to educational programs in the U.S. The foundation sponsors three scholarship programs and administers the Walton Family Foundation Scholarship. All require that applicants be U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents and that they provide either GED documentation, a high school transcript or home school report. You also must plan to enroll in an accredited two- or four-year college. Applicants also cannot have other financial aid that pays entirely for tuition, books, fees and on-campus room and board.

Sam Walton Community Scholarship

Only the Sam Walton Community Scholarship applies to students unaffiliated with the company. Recipients of these one-time, $3,000 awards can use the funds for tuition, fees, on-campus room and board or books while pursuing an undergraduate degree. The Walmart Foundation gives more than 2,600 of these scholarships annually. You must have a 2.5 GPA or higher to apply. Semi-finalists will need to prove financial need as well as academic achievement.

Dependent Scholarship

Dependents of Walmart or Sam's Club employees with at least six consecutive months of tenure can apply for a one-time, $3,000 Walmart Dependent Scholarship. Documents required along with your application include page one of the applicant's most recent federal income tax return and either a high school transcript, GED or home school report. You also must have at least a 2.5 GPA.

Walton Family Foundation

If you have an ACT score of at least 22 or SAT score of at least 1030, can demonstrate financial need and are the dependent of an employee who has worked at least 12 months, you are eligible for this scholarship. The award, worth $13,000, is paid directly to your school in $1,625 increments per semester for four years. An independent review committee chooses 175 winners annually. Funds can be used for approved study abroad programs, tuition, books, on-campus room and board and fees. The scholarship also can be renewed for up to eight semesters. However, you must provide transcripts and documents proving full-time status, continued registration and a 3.0 GPA.

Associate Scholarship

This scholarship helps U.S.-based employees pursue a certificate or postsecondary degree at an accredited university or college as well as those participating in the company's Lifelong Learning Program through American Public University. You must have six consecutive months of employment, be involved in your community and have a financial need to qualify. Ten percent of employees meeting all of the qualifications receive funding. There are four award periods per fiscal year, with funding from $1,000 for a certificate program to $3,000 for a bachelor's degree program. Continued support depends on your GPA, credit hours taken and ongoing registration.

References

• Walmart Stores: Walmart Education Fact Sheet; June 2010
• Walmart Stores: Community Giving; Walmart Foundation; Walmart Foundation Scholarship Programs
• Walmart Stores: 2011 Sam Walton Community Scholarship Frequently Asked Questions
• Walmart Stores: Community Giving; Sam Walton Community Scholarship
• Walmart Stores: Community Giving; Walmart Dependent Scholarship
• Walmart Stores: Walton Family Foundation Scholarship

Resources

• Walmart Stores: Scholarship Programs