Scholarships for Community Colleges

Attending a community college can save you money.

Students may choose to study at a community college for a variety of reasons. A certificate or associate's degree usually requires significantly less financial and time investment than pursuing higher education at a four-year university, for example. Moreover, some career fields also don't require bachelor's degrees. Other students may decide to start their degree studies at a two-year college to save money or build academic skills, then transfer to a bachelor's program at another educational institution. Whatever your reasons for pursuing a community college education, numerous scholarships exist that can help cover your expenses.

Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation

Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation programs include educational grant opportunities for two-year college students. Applicants must receive a nomination from an official at their community college.

The judging process includes a review of each applicant's community service record, academic performance and financial need. Part-time students may apply, but winners must take at least two courses each semester for the award period.
Other factors include financial need and work history. The number and dollar amount of scholarships granted varies each year.

Please note that you cannot apply for this program if you plan to transfer to a four-year university in the upcoming fall semester.

Peggy Dixon Two-Year Scholarship

The Peggy Dixon Two-Year Scholarship targets community college students planning to pursue a bachelor's degree in physics. The Society of Physics Students manages the scholarship program---which offers $2,000 in educational funding to selected recipients---and issues the award in two equal installments.

Judging centers on each student's academic achievement and financial need. The judges pay special attention to the number and type of physics courses completed at the two-year college level.

Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the honor society for community colleges, offers numerous scholarship programs. Some four-year universities offer institutional awards to Phi Theta Kappa members transferring from a community college.

One PTK program, the Frank Lanza Memorial Scholarship, offers $1,000 awards to up to 25 students who plan to complete their associate's degree. Applicants must be enrolled in a registered nursing, respiratory care or emergency medical services associate's degree program.

Another PTK opportunity, the Guistwhite Scholarship, enables honor society members to further their education through completing bachelor's degrees, awarding up to 20 $5,000 scholarships each year. Students planning to transfer to a four-year university may also apply for the Hites Transfer Scholarship, which offers five PTK members $7,500 scholarships for use at a four-year university.

References

• The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation: FAQ
• Society of Physics Students: Peggy Dixon Two-Year Scholarship
• Phi Theta Kappa: Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship Opportunities