The Children's Scholarship Fund (CFS) is the only national scholarship program for grades K-8. Applications are open to children and families of any income level. The organization believes that all children should have access to tuition assistance to attend the school in of their choice, whether it is public, private or parochial. Parents share in tuition costs, with the CSF providing approximately 50 percent.
A Better Chance provides scholarship opportunities through its College Preparatory Schools Program (CPSP). Students must demonstrate academic excellence, with a minimum grade point average of B+. The program focuses on the needs of children who are members of racial minority groups for placement in outstanding middle and high schools that offer a college preparatory curriculum. High school student applicants are encouraged to get involved in activities that demonstrate leadership skills, sports and participation in extracurricular activities to improve their chances of receiving a scholarship. A Better Chance accepts applications from students in every state.
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is nationally known and provides scholarships to approximately 75 percent of applicants. Students must demonstrate that they have maintained a grade point average of 3.5 or above. Family income must be less than $25,000. Scholarships are awarded through the foundation's Young Scholars Program. Students typically apply during the 7th grade and begin to receive scholarship monies in the 8th grade through high school. Many students also continue to receive scholarships for college.
There are great scholarship resources for every state and county. For example, students in Pennsylvania can apply for the Children's Educational Opportunity Fund (CEO) scholarship for tuition assistance to transfer from a public school to a private school.
The Catholic Education Foundation awards approximately $2,000 to approximately 1,500 individual high school students in the Greater Los Angeles area, including Santa Barbara, San Fernando, San Gabriel and San Pedro.
Parents and students should meet with guidance counselors to let them know about your interest and to learn about scholarship programs that are available. Also, be sure to check with your State Board of Education for a list of available scholarships.