“Should I apply for scholarships?”

“Does Harvard provide scholarships?”

I love answering these questions from students because these are questions I had. Three years into my college experience, I am reflecting on this question differently than when I was a senior in high school. In high school, I was anxious and worried about affording my college education and was looking towards an institution and scholarships to help fund my experience. Now I appreciate my scholarships not just for financial support but the community, support, and professional development. These are insights I have, and I hope that you can benefit from the knowledge I have gained.  

Before I delve into my insights, let's address a common question: 'Does Harvard provide scholarships?' While Harvard doesn't offer merit or athletic scholarships, it does offer need-based financial aid, covering 100% of demonstrated need. For instance, families earning less than $85,000 annually have no expected parental contribution, while those earning between $85,000 and $150,000 contribute between 0% and 10% of their income on a sliding scale. It's an incredible program! 

Now, you might wonder, 'Should I still apply for scholarships?' Personally, I believe the answer is yes!

Outside awards, like scholarships, will cover your term-time work expectations. If your scholarship does exceed this term-time work expectation, it can cover expenses like a new computer, or first-year cost associated with going to a new place. Yet my love for the scholarships I have applied for does not stem from monetary support but the career and community-building opportunities. I am fortunate that the programming hosted by my scholarships allows me to get to engage with other students with similar backgrounds from other universities. One example is the Cooke Connections event the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship provided me.  

I'm passionate about connecting with students throughout the Boston area, learning about their interests, and engaging with alumni from our organization to hear about their remarkable achievements. From success stories to valuable advice, and sharing laughs over common experiences, scholarships play a crucial role in fostering community and enhancing your college journey.

Another aspect beyond monetary support is the support and planned events that help you facilitate your skill sets. For example, I recently went on an Elks Service Trip. The Elks National Foundation helps to facilitate trips in states across the US, which is dedicated for students to learn about the community of the local area and to learn how established community-based organizations assist in prevalent issues. What is great about these trips is that I’m surrounded by peers who all love to serve their community and are eager to learn firsthand the needs and lived experiences of other community-based organizations. While I recently participated in the Philadelphia service trip, I'd like to shine a spotlight on my service trip in Arizona, my home state. It was incredibly rewarding to connect with fellow community-based organizers and learn about the diverse ways they contribute to their communities. During our time there, we volunteered at The Welcome to America Project, aiding immigrants in their adjustment to the US, supported veterans at The Catholic Relief MANA House, and assisted community-based organizations by lending equipment at The Phoenix Toolbank. The overarching sentiment was clear: there's a vast and dedicated community committed to serving others. 

Beyond the community building, skill training, and monetary support, there is also logistical help that a scholarship can provide. One thing I struggle with, even after having filled out the FAFSA, is remembering how to do it again. This is where my Dell Scholarship comes in, with free help and support to ask questions. I don't have to navigate through confusing Reddit posts or unhelpful tips on the website itself. The dedicated support that Dell Scholars has to offer me helps ensure that I can easily navigate through this process.

Overall, I love and enjoy all the community support, skill building, and professional support I have gotten on top of the financial support. I encourage you all to apply for scholarships that can support you on your college journey!