Federal Grants

Federal Grants Are a Major Source of Educational Aid

Grants, like scholarships, are a form of financial aid that do not have to be repaid. They are available through the federal government and some state governments.

There are two major Federal Grant Programs:

Pell Grants

This is the largest federal grant program. It is based on financial need, not academic performance. You don't need to attain any minimum grade point average. For the current school year, awards range from $400 to $4000.

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

This is the other big federal grant program. It is designed for those who have exceptional financial needs. Pell recipients receive priority, but there are no guarantees.

Awards range from $100 to $4000 depending on the level of need and the amount of funds the school has to distribute.

Eligibility for these grants is determined from the information you supply on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that you have to submit at the beginning of each year you need financial aid.

By law, you can't submit this form before January 1st. You should have it ready to go by the January 2nd, since this is one case where first come-first served applies. Because of the limited amount of federal grant funds available, you want to make sure you're one of the first on line.

Merit Based Grant Programs

There are other grant programs that you might be eligible for. They are based on merit, not need. Your high school's guidance counselors know about these programs and direct promising students to them.

Some of these programs are not available in all states.

• Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP)
  This program is funded by the individual states and the federal government.
• Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program
  This is a grant that recognizes and promotes student excellence and achievement.
• National Science Scholars Program (NSSP)
  Awards for high school students who have excelled in the sciences.
• Paul Douglas Teacher Scholarship Program
  A program designed to help outstanding high school students pursue teaching careers.