Scholarships
Scholarship Overview
While many students dream of obtaining a college degree, life sometimes gets in the way—particularly for those dealing with personal responsibilities at home or in their communities. The Beverly Divers White Foundation recognizes students who have overcome significant obstacles to pursue their educations. In turn, these scholars serve as positive role models and change the trajectories for their families, friends and their communities.
We award scholarships annually and place greater emphasis on a student’s determination to succeed, rather than merely academic records and test scores. We reward low-income, highly motivated students who demonstrate the drive to succeed despite personal obstacles.
We know how tough it can be to succeed in college, so we provide our scholars with support through mentoring. We believe this approach helps to address challenges that could potentially prevent our scholars from completing their educational goals.
Criteria for Application
To be eligible to apply for the Beverly Divers White Scholars Program scholarship, you must meet the below listed criteria:
- Areas of focus: schools in the Delta region
- Graduating from an accredited high school this academic year
- Enrolling as a full-time freshman in a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited higher education institution
- Two letters of recommendations from teachers or school administrators
- College acceptance letters to an accredited college or university
- Submit 750 word essay on, “Pursuing your dream and aspiring to your their full potential”
- Demonstrated need for financial assistance
- Eligible to receive a federal Pell grant in first year of college
Beverly Divers White Foundation Scholars are students who demonstrate their desire and ability to overcome barriers and to achieve their goals. Your application will be evaluated on your:
- Individual determination to succeed
- Future goals and plans to achieve them
- Ability to communicate the hardships you have overcome or currently face
- Self-motivation in completing challenging coursework
- Demonstrated need for financial assistance
How to Apply
Completing the online application is the first step to becoming a Beverly Divers White Foundation Scholar. Once submitted, all applications will be assessed, and a group of semifinalists will be selected.
What to Expect on the Application
- We would like to know about responsibilities you have in addition to school both at work, and at home.
- You will be asked to describe your life at home, tell us about your family, your greatest challenges and adversities, how you overcame them, and why you have the determination to succeed.
- Information about your classes, your college readiness experience, and future plans for college will be requested.
- We will need to determine your level of financial need.
- Your grades and test scores are not the sole focus of our evaluation; our primary interest is in how well you have prepared yourself for college.
Additional Scholarship References
- For additional information on financial aid, please visit www.finaid.org.
- For information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), visit www.fafsa.ed.gov, where you can complete the application online.
- To search scholarships you may be eligible for, visit www.scholarships.com, www.fastweb.com, and www.zinch.com.
- To learn more about college access programs and how they help more students attend college, visit www.collegeaccess.org.