Deadline: January 15, 2015
The Dell Scholars program, an initiative of the Michael & Susan Dell 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 siblings, friends and their communities. The Dell Scholars Program places greater emphasis on a student’s determination to succeed than just academic record and test scores. It empowers students to gain the knowledge; skill-sets and attitude needed to cope with their changing world and the circumstances in which they live.
The Dell Scholars Program is more than a check. Rather, the program aims to provide students with everything they need to begin and complete college. Dell Scholars receive $20,000 each to complete their higher education over the course of six years.
In addition, the Dell Scholars Program provides its students with technology, a private scholar networking community, resources, and mentoring to ensure they have the support they need to achieve their college degrees. Scholars become part of a support network for each other that is made up of themselves, their schools, families, peers and a dedicated Dell Scholar team at the Michael & Susan Dell foundation.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for the Dell Scholars Program scholarship, you must meet the below listed criteria:
- Be a United States citizen or have an immigration residency status that allows you to qualify for federal financial aid after completing the FAFSA.
- Participating in a Michael & Susan Dell Foundation approved college readiness program in grades 11 and 12
- Graduating from an accredited high school this academic year
- Earning a minimum of a 2.4 GPA
- Demonstrated need for financial assistance
- Eligible to receive a federal Pell grant in first year of college
- Planning to enroll full-time in a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited higher education institution in the fall directly after your graduation from high school
Dell 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
For more information, see the FAQs and visit The Dell Scholars Program.
