How the Courage to Grow scholarship is Helping Students Realise Their Potential

Education opens doors. It allows us to learn, explore new ideas, gain knowledge and skills, and ultimately shape our futures. However, access to higher education is not equally available to all. Financial barriers still prevent many talented students from furthering their education. This is where scholarships make a difference – by helping to remove those barriers and giving deserving students the opportunity to learn, grow, and achieve their dreams.

One scholarship in particular, the Courage to Grow Scholarship, does just that. Founded in 2010 by the non-profit Courage to Grow Foundation, this unique scholarship program recognises the inherent potential in all students and seeks to help awaken that potential through supported access to college or vocational training.

Understanding the Scholarship’s Mission

The Courage to Grow Scholarship was created on the principle that every student deserves the chance to cultivate their abilities, talents, and ambitions through higher education. Financial need should never be the determining factor that prevents a motivated student from developing their full potential.

As the name suggests, the scholarship aims to give students the “courage to grow” by supporting them as they work to transform their lives through learning. It recognizes that courage does not mean being fearless but rather having the strength and resolve to face our fears head-on in service of our goals and dreams. By lessening the financial burden of college, the Courage to Grow Scholarship empowers students to take that courageous first step toward personal and academic growth.

Defining Financial Need

To qualify for the Courage to Grow Scholarship, applicants must demonstrate significant financial need, which the program defines as a lack of sufficient funds to cover the basic costs of higher education after accounting for existing financial aid, family contributions, student loans, and earned income from employment. This need is determined through a review of tax documents, financial aid forms, family income, and assets. The scholarship aims to fill the gaps that remain for ambitious students from low-income backgrounds.

Supporting Academic Potential

In addition to financial need, candidates must also show strong academic achievement and promise. The scholarship selection committee looks for students who have excelled in their secondary studies and extracurricular activities despite facing economic hardship. A minimum high school GPA of 3.0 is required to demonstrate a proven track record of academic success and intellectual ability. Non-vocational programs are prioritised.

The Scholarship Application Process

Thanks to the generous support of donors, the Courage to Grow Foundation is able to award multiple scholarships each year to deserving students across the nation. The application process is competitive but straightforward, designed to be accessible while still selecting the best candidates. Here are the key steps:

Completing the Online Application

Interested students can find the application on the Courage to Grow website. It requests basic biographical information as well as details about academic history, family income, financial needs, career goals, and future aspirations. Two letters of recommendation from educators or mentors are also part of the initial submission.

Submitting Required Documentation

Applicants must provide official transcripts, financial aid forms such as the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), tax documents from parents/guardians to verify income status, and any additional materials requested by the selection committee. All information is kept confidential.

Scholarship Interviews

Once preliminary screening is complete, top candidates will be invited to participate in virtual interviews to further discuss their background and ambitions. Interviews allow the selection committee to get to know applicants on a more personal level.

Award Decisions and Notifications

Final scholarship decisions are made after the interview process is finished. All applicants, whether selected or not, are informed of the committee’s decision via email by mid-May each year. Award amounts can range from $2,000 to $10,000 annually based on demonstrated financial need.

Maintaining Eligibility

To retain the scholarship for up to 4 years of undergraduate study, recipients must submit documentation of ongoing enrolment, academic progress reports, and FAFSA renewal each spring. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required, along with engagement in extracurricular or community activities.

The Impact of Courage to Grow Scholarships

Since its inception over a decade ago, the Courage to Grow Scholarship has had tremendous success in empowering students and helping them fulfill their higher education goals. Here are just a few measures of the program’s meaningful impact so far:

• Nearly 200 scholarships totalling over $1 million have been awarded to date
• Over 85% of recipients are first-generation college students
• The average awarded family income is $40,000 or less per year
• Recipients represent 35 U.S. states, diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds
• Typical annual award ranges from $5,000 to fully cover the estimated need
• 95% retention and graduation rates among scholarship recipients

Perhaps most of the stories are told by past scholars themselves. Time and again, they report that this aid has been transformative – opening doors, easing immense stress, and fuelling their drive to succeed academically. Many say they simply could not have attended college without the courage and belief shown in them through this scholarship.

Success Story Spotlight: Jessica Chen

A past Courage to Grow recipient offers her own perspective on the program’s impact: “Growing up in a low-income household, I never imagined I would have the opportunity to go to a 4-year university. Thanks to this scholarship, my dreams have become a reality. I’m now halfway through nursing school and feel so encouraged knowing supporters believe in my potential to help others. Their investment in my future is giving me the courage to achieve my goals and make a positive difference.” Stories like Jessica’s underscore why the Courage to Grow Scholarship continues its vital mission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Having provided an in-depth overview of the Courage to Grow Scholarship, we now turn to answering five of the most common inquiries from interested students:

Who is eligible to apply?

The scholarship is open to any graduating high school senior or current undergraduate student in the United States, demonstrating significant financial need and strong academic achievement. Applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll full-time in an accredited non-profit public or private college, university, or vocational-technical school.

What costs does the scholarship cover?

Funds can be used towards any education-related expenses, including tuition, fees, books, supplies, and room and board. The scholarship is intended to help fill demonstrated financial need gaps after accounting for existing grants and aid.

How competitive is the selection process?

On average, the Courage to Grow Foundation receives over 500 qualified applications each year but is only able to award 120-150 scholarships. The selection rate is typically around 25-30%. Strong candidates demonstrate high academic achievement, leadership qualities, and clear aspirations for their future.

If I don’t win, can I reapply?

Absolutely. While previous applicants are not guaranteed to be selected, they are absolutely able to reapply in future years. Many scholars who are not initially selected go on to receive the scholarship with improved applications drawing on lessons learned.

How can I increase my chances of being selected?

Thoroughly complete all application requirements by stated deadlines, have recommendations highlighting your strengths, excel academically your senior year, and conduct solid scholarship interviews showcasing your character, goals, and why you deserve this support. Edit applications carefully and be authentic when sharing your experiences and dreams.