As a major hub for the tech industry, Oregon is well known as one of the most innovative, best-educated, and most entrepreneurial states in the US. And for students who want a piece of that action – like those from disadvantaged backgrounds, first-generation college students, and working adults – scholarships are a critical part of getting the education and training needed for the 21st-century economy. From the state education board to private foundations, there is a wealth of scholarship opportunity to the Pacific Northwest.
College Consensus is doing its part to help college students in Oregon find scholarships that fit their needs. The programs presented here are just a start, but students can search for more. Scholarships are listed in alphabetical order.
See Also: Best Scholarships for Online Students
1
Bend Branch of AAUW Charles and Helen Weil Memorial Scholarship
When browsing scholarships in Oregon, prospective college students can look at the requirements for the Charles and Helen Weil Memorial Scholarship. Sponsored by the Bend Branch of the American Academy of University Women (AAUW), the award provides scholarship money to help further the education of Oregon women. Since the fund’s inception in 1992, over $307,000 in scholarships have been presented to eligible state residents. Award amounts vary yearly with applications due by March 1. Merit scholarship awards require that students have a GPA of 3.5 or above.
The Bend Branch of AAUW advocates for women who wish to further their careers by receiving a higher education. The organization sponsors educational seminars to bring attention to the diverse needs of Oregon women in the workforce. In addition to scholarships for Oregon women, the organization holds an annual camp for 8th grade girls who are interested in future STEM careers. Every year, the Bend Branch of AAUW also participates in Equal Pay Day by passing out materials in the downtown section of Bend.
2
Cancer for College Pacific Northwest Scholarship
As one of the highlighted Oregon scholarships, the Cancer for College-Pacific Northwest Scholarship offers students the chance to receive $5,000 toward their tuition costs. This Oregon scholarship is unique since it awards the money to cancer survivors. As part of the student’s application, a letter confirming his or her diagnosis must be submitted. Additional application materials required include most recent tax returns, two years of past transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. Applications must be received by January 1 for consideration. The Pacific Northwest Scholarship is intended for students residing in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska, or Montana.
Cancer for College was created to help cancer survivors look to the future and further their education without accruing a large financial burden. Since the organization’s launch, the non-profit has provided more than $3.5 million in scholarship money to cancer survivors. The organization has made a marked difference with 98 percent of scholarship recipients graduating with a college degree. In 2019 alone, $500,000 was awarded to 100 cancer survivors.
3
NSHSS Andeavor Youth Leadership Awards
The NSHSS Andeavor Youth Leadership Awards is one of the top scholarships in Oregon for future business leaders. The scholarship provides 20 scholarships valued at $2,500 each to outstanding youth leaders. To apply for the program, the student must be graduating high school with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The student must also demonstrate a financial need for the scholarship. To apply, students must send in transcripts, a 500-word essay, a resume that includes past honors and awards, and a letter of recommendation. Applications are due annually by March 15.
The NSHSS Foundation aims to encourage more youth to enter into STEM and business professions. The foundation looks to add more diversity into STEM and financial industries by providing better representation of those from African-American, Asian, Hispanic, and Native American backgrounds. The foundation provides scholarship money and special programs to set up youth for success in their future careers.
4
Oregon Chafee Education and Training Grant
Oregon scholarships for those interested in pursuing a college degree are made available through the Oregon Chafee Education and Training Grant. To be eligible for the program, the student must be a former or current foster care youth. Oregon students must have been in the foster care system for at least six months after the age of 13. Students can receive the grant for up to five years of post-secondary schooling. The maximum award amount per year is $2,500 with grant applications required by March 1.
The Higher Education Coordinating Commission is responsible for distributing funds through scholarship programs like the Oregon Chafee Education and Training Grant. The Office of Student Access and Completion within the commission assists students with paying for college and was created as part of Oregon legislature in 1959. All scholarships, grant programs, and outreach services are designed to assist Oregon students and their families.
5
Oregon Jewish Community Scholarship
The Oregon Jewish Community Foundation sponsors a scholarship that helps students pay for both college and Jewish overnight camp experiences. To be considered for the award, the student must reside in an Oregon county and be of Jewish descent. Financial need is also taken into consideration with a maximum household income of $125,000 annually. Scholarship amounts range between $1,000 and $3,000 depending on student need and fund availability. Each year, the program gives out more than 10 awards to eligible students. Completed applications must be received by March 1 for consideration.
The Oregon Jewish Community Foundation was established in 1989 to assist in better representing Jewish families in the Pacific Northwest. The organization aims to keep Jewish traditions alive by promoting cultural beliefs throughout communities in Oregon. Besides funding scholarship and grant programs, the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation offers members access to programs that help teach Jewish values and create unique opportunities for social activism.
Does the State of Oregon Offer Grants and Scholarships?
The State of Oregon offers a range of Oregon grants and scholarships for its residents. The Oregon resident scholarships can differ in monetary value just as they differ based on the requirements.
Of the Oregon scholarships and grants, the Oregon Opportunity Grant is the largest financial aid program that is based on financial need. The OOG is for undergraduate students who attend an Oregon college or university at least half-time.
The Chaffee Education and Training Grant is for those kids who have been part of the state’s foster care system and who demonstrate a financial need. The award can vary depending on need as well as full-time versus part-time status.
The Oregon Deceased or Disabled Public Safety Officer Grant provides support to the dependents of firefighters, corrections officers, or law enforcement professionals who were disabled or killed in the line of duty. The grant is for students who are enrolled in an Oregon state college or university. It takes into account any other Oregon scholarships and grants the student has received as well as the cost of tuition.
The Oregon Barber and Hairdresser Grant supports Oregon residents who enroll in a licensed school of cosmetology, barbering, or hair design. With demonstrated financial need, the student must enroll in a full-time program to be eligible.
Oregon scholarships for college students can offer assistance to special interest groups, based on the location, GPA, preferred degree pursuit, academic merit, essay submission, financial need, etc.
Are there Scholarships for Minority Students in Oregon?
The Oregon diversity scholarship options are designed to encourage diversity and inclusion in admissions and, by extension, campus life. The Black United Fund of Oregon Scholarship requires a comprehensive application packet, including recommendations, an essay, a resume, etc. The goal of the Black United Fund of Oregon is to support the social and economic development of underserved communities in Oregon. So, the Oregon diversity scholarships available from the Black United Fund provides assistance to underserved community members who can benefit from financial assistance to attend college in Oregon.
The Oregon Jewish Community Foundation provides scholarships to Jewish residents of Oregon, based on need. Applicants submit one application to be considered for the Rebecca and Sada Tarshis Memorial Scholarship, the Lester & Annette Goldschmidt Hillel Scholarship Fund, Arthur P. Krichevsky Memorial Scholarship, as well as additional scholarship programs for local Portland residents: Sussman College Scholarship.
The Oregon Hispanic scholarships include support from the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber, which requires that the student have Hispanic ancestry, a permanent resident of Oregon or Clark County, WA, have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, and be enrolled in an accredited college. The application process takes into account community service, an essay, recommendations, academics, and extracurricular activities.
The Southern Oregon Latino Scholarship Fund is another of the Oregon Hispanic scholarships, but this one is for Latino/Hispanic students who live in Southern Oregon (specifically Jackson, Josephine or Klamath counties). The Southern Oregon Latino Scholarship Fund requires that the student be enrolled full-time in a college or university, with a 3.0 GPA in high school and a continuing 3.0 GPA in college. The scholarship can be renewed if all requirements are met, with the approved community service activity.
Are There Scholarships for Nurses in Oregon?
There is a range of nursing scholarships in Oregon. NPO Nanette Clapper Memorial Scholarship supports a nurse who is pursuing her education with the goal of becoming a Nurse Practitioner (NP). It supports an NP who is furthering his or her education.
The ONF Huggins and Haggland Continuing Education Scholarship is available as a stipend to members of the Oregon Nurses Foundation. The purpose of this nursing scholarship in Oregon is to support continuing education via traditional or online coursework.
The ONF Centennial Education Scholarship supports students who are enrolled in an Oregon-based Nursing Program, with selection by the Oregon Nurses Foundation Board.
The ONF Smith Education Scholarship was established via Milton F. Smith of Roseburg to support applicants in pursuing an undergraduate baccalaureate or graduate degree in an Oregon Nursing Program. This scholarship bases its selection on leadership skills, dedication to Nursing in Oregon, explanation of need, and experience with other cultures, etc.
The ONF Randall L. Williams Memorial Scholarship for Nursing Education offers nursing scholarships in Oregon for those applicants in Jackson, Josephine, Coos or Klamath counties. The selection committee considers the student’s GPA, proof of enrollment, and (3) letters of recommendation.
Can Single Mothers in Oregon Get Scholarships to Go Back to School?
The prospect of going back to school as a single mother is particularly daunting. That’s why Oregon scholarships for single mothers are so important. Grants and scholarships in Oregon range from assistance with tuition, childcare, and other need-based financial aid. The Oregon Child Care Grant is designed to offer dependable care while the parent is completing their academic program.
There is a range of scholarship opportunities from the Ford Family Foundation, but the Ford Opportunity Program, in particular, is designed for single parents who are working toward an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, with at least one year left before completion. The Ford Opportunity Program covers a significant amount of unmet need for students who have a high-school diploma or GED, with a minimum of 3.0 GPA and at least one child under 18 years old. The program does require an interview.
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