You have probably heard of merit scholarships and financial aid, but you have probably not heard of company-funded scholarships. Company scholarships are a financial award provided by a company to support students’ education while helping them develop skills and knowledge that are useful for future careers or the industry. We connected with experts at Nova Scholar, who work closely with students on scholarship applications, to learn more. They highlighted the importance of starting early, tailoring applications to company values, and demonstrating real-world skills. Their guidance shows that preparation and clarity can make a big difference in landing scholarships like the Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship, Dell Scholars Program, and the Coca-Cola Scholars Program.
Key Facts:
- Many companies provide financial help for tuition or school expenses. They may also offer mentorship programs, workshops, or internships. This gives students a chance to gain real-world experience while studying.
- Eligibility can depend on grades, involvement in school activities, leadership roles, or career goals. Some scholarships also look at personal projects, volunteering, or community service to see students who take initiative and solve problems.
- Some scholarships are designed to support underrepresented groups. For example, programs may focus on women in technology or students from low-income families. These scholarships aim to promote diversity and give more students a chance to succeed.
Company-funded scholarships are specifically about the next generation of innovators, public-service leaders, and entrepreneurs. Demonstrating these qualities in your application means making the case that you will be part of that next generation.
Researching Opportunities and Competitors
Finding the right scholarships starts with careful research. Students should explore multiple sources to find opportunities that match their skills, interests, and career goals.
Ways to research scholarships:
- Company websites: Use trusted sources like College Board Scholarship Search to find verified information on scholarship opportunities.
- Scholarship databases: Use online platforms that collect scholarships from many companies in one place. Filter by field, grade level, or location to find the best matches.
- Mentors and past recipients: Seek advice from past recipients of scholarships you’re considering and reach out through social media or your high-school alumni network
We strongly recommend keeping a spreadsheet to track each application’s requirements, documents, and deadlines. Comparing scholarships side by side can also help students prioritize the ones they have the best chance of winning.
Crafting a Strong Application
Once you have a list of scholarships, the next step is creating a standout application. A strong application highlights your achievements, skills, and alignment with the company’s values.
Writing The Essay
The application essay is undoubtedly the most important part of your application. Crafting a great one is more of an art than it is a science. While a full breakdown on what makes an essay stand out is outside the scope of this article, there are some fundamentals that you should keep in mind from the outset.
- Focus on clear and concise storytelling about your achievements or experiences.
- Demonstrate (do not simply describe) how those achievements embody the values of the scholarship.
- Showcase through specific examples what you have done, what you are doing, and where you want to go.
Other important parts of the application:
- Recommendation letters: Ask teachers, mentors, or supervisors who know you well. Provide them with your resume and key points to highlight.
- Resume: Tailor your resume to include relevant projects, volunteering, and awards.
Interview Strategies and Helpful Tips
Many company-funded scholarships may include interviews as part of the selection process.
Interview preparation tips:
- Practice common questions, such as “Why do you deserve this scholarship?” or “How do your goals align with our company?”, and even “Tell me about yourself.”
- Practice delivering your answers in a conversational but polished tone. Both overly rigid and overly relaxed answers will compromise your credibility as an applicant.
- Maintain good eye contact to showcase professionalism and confidence.
Building a Story Worth Telling
Despite the countless questions asked and multitude of requirements of scholarship applications, there is one foundational question that each of them is interested in asking:
“Why you and not someone else?”
It is a deceptively simple question. It requires not only an adequate level of experience but a clear understanding of what those experiences mean for you and your future. The scholarship committee wants to see that you have the ability to visualize goals and that their support can play a part in helping you achieve them.
Ways to showcase uniqueness:
- Personal projects: Share projects like coding apps, science experiments, or community initiatives.
- Creative portfolios: Include art, writing, or media projects if relevant to the scholarship.
- Leadership roles: Mention positions in clubs, sports teams, or volunteer organizations. Even small projects or volunteer efforts can make a big difference when presented clearly and with enthusiasm.
Early Bird Gets the Worm
The scholarship applications may feel like an academic lottery. By the time you are competing with individuals with similar grades, schooling, and activities, it is not unfair to assume that committee members will be splitting hairs. Whether that is true or not, no one can say for certain.
What is much more certain is that early preparation, organization, and data-driven research on scholarships will maximize your chances of submitting quality applications to as many scholarships as possible. The more you apply, the more you are likely to succeed. If you want to secure one of these incredible scholarships, the best time to begin preparation is now.
