Scholarships

The Penn State Office of Student Aid Web site lists numerous resources for finding scholarships. On that page you can find information on specific Penn State scholarships and on finding a scholarship. There are also numerous scholarship search Web sites that can help you find scholarship opportunities you might be eligible for.

Scholarships for Pennsylvania Residents
Scholarships for Women

General Adult Learner Scholarships

AFCEA Scholarship for Working Professionals 
This scholarship provides $1,500 to students pursuing an undergraduate degree while employed in science and technology disciplines directly related to the mission of AFCEA. Candidates must be at least second-year students attending an accredited college or university in the United States. The scholarship is intended for students attending school on a part-time basis, whether at a two-year community college or a four-year institution. Part-time status is defined as enrollment in at least two courses per semester, with a declared major in a science or technology degree program.     

Golden Key’s GEICO Life Scholarship 
This scholarship recognizes outstanding members of the Golden Key International Honour Society who achieve academic excellence while balancing additional commitments, such as family and career. Ten $1,000 scholarships are awarded annually.  

Scholarships for Pennsylvania Residents

Aid for Veterans and National Guard Members
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) have always considered service to any of the U.S. armed forces as service directly to the Commonwealth. Service to our country may qualify you for financial assistance in pursuing higher education through any of the programs that apply to your situation.

New Economy Technology Scholarship
The SciTech Scholarship and the Technology Scholarship are both awarded through the New Economy Technology Scholarship (NETS) program. These scholarships make financial aid available to undergraduates studying in approved science or technology fields. These scholarships are not based on financial need. First priority for awarding funds under this program is given to renewal applicants. Thereafter, funds under this program are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. It is recommended that you submit your application as soon as possible.

Partnership for Access to Higher Education (PATH) 
PHEAA is committed to providing as many sources of money for higher education as possible. Equally dedicated partners throughout the Commonwealth have joined PHEAA’s efforts. The PHEAA PATH program offers qualified students additional financial aid via educational grants. To be eligible for a PATH grant, you must first be awarded a scholarship or grant by a participating PHEAA PATH partner.

Pennsylvania Loan Forgiveness
Loan forgiveness programs encourage students to pursue education that will lead to employment in specific occupations, by forgiving part or all their educational loans provided they fulfill certain work-related requirements. Loan “forgiveness” does not magically erase debt. It is a program through which an organization or company makes a payment on your loan (if you meet certain requirements).

Scholarships for Women

Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) Program 
This program provides financial support and guidance to adults in a variety of transitional situations. To be eligible for the program, candidates must be able to identify their career objectives, along with meeting the necessary educational and financial requirements.

Career Advancement Scholarship
The BPW (Business and Professional Women) Foundation created the Career Advancement Scholarship program for disadvantaged women who want to further their education. Scholarships are provided to women who wish to advance in their careers or will soon enter or re-enter the workforce.

Jeannette Rankin Foundation Grants
The Jeannette Rankin Foundation awards grants to low-income women over the age of 35 who have a vision of how their education will benefit themselves, their families, and their communities. These $2,000 grants are awarded in the fall. The funds are not limited to assistance with tuition, but can also be used for books, supplies, transportation, child care, or any other living expenses.

Linda Lael Miller Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded to women who are 25 years or older, to nontraditional students who have a difficult time finding scholarships for which they qualify. The scholarship funds may be used not only for tuition and books, but also for child care, transportation, and other expenses not covered by traditional scholarships.

Raise The Nation Scholarship for Continuing Education
This scholarship is available to single-parent women who would like to begin or continue with a college education but have been denied sufficient resources.

Soroptimist’s Women’s Opportunity Awards
These cash awards assist women entering or returning to the workforce to obtain the education and skills training they need to improve their employment status. The awards are for women who are attending, or have been accepted into, a vocational/skills training or undergraduate degree program. Recipients may use the funds for any expenses related to their educational pursuits, including tuition and books, housing, child care, and transportation. Awards vary up to $10,000.

Talbots Women’s Scholarship Fund 
Annually, five women are each awarded a $10,000 scholarship, and fifty women are each awarded a $1,000 scholarship. All applicants must be seeking an undergraduate degree from an accredited two- or four-year college or university, or vocational-technical school. Only applicants seeking a bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university are eligible to receive a $10,000 award. The scholarship awards, based primarily on financial need and previous achievements, are given to women who earned their high school diploma or GED at least ten years ago.