Private Scholarships | Financial Aid | BYU-Idaho

# Private Scholarships

BYU-Idaho encourages all students to apply for scholarships from private agencies unrelated to BYU-Idaho.

Application, deadlines, and requirements vary, so be aware of the specific requirements for each scholarship. Apply for scholarships as soon as possible. Many deadlines are early in the year.

## How do I Apply a Scholarship to my Student Charges?

Once you are offered a scholarship:

- Have your offering agency send a check made out to "BYU-Idaho" to the address below.

 ****Scholarship mailing address:**** 
 BYU-Idaho Cashier's Office 
 Outside Scholarships 
 525 Center St. KIM 130, Rexburg, ID 83460-1625
- Be sure to include your name, I-number, and a letter specifying the term(s) the scholarship is intended for and any eligibility requirements (such as minimum credit enrollment or minimum GPA).
- Once BYU-Idaho receives your scholarship, it generally takes between 10-14 to be processed and added to your student portal.

## Scholarship Tips and Tricks

- Scholarship searching is all about YOU. The more effort you put into your scholarship search, the more reward you will receive.
- Don't wait until the last minute! You may miss important deadlines and opportunities.
- Local scholarships give the best opportunities to win because fewer students qualify, and most qualifiers do not apply!
- Tap into organizations and businesses where you already have connections: parent's employers, booster clubs, sports teams, and alumni.
- AI tools can help you in your scholarship search. Ask your favorite AI tool to help you find scholarships related to topics that interest you.
- Ask your guidance counselors and teachers at your high school what is available. 
 - Ask for the senior awards night program from last year and study it.
 - Who won last year's awards? Ask them for advice. Why did they win, and who decides? Was it one of your counselors? The business owner? Reach out to that decision-maker!
- Your employer may provide tuition assistance programs and scholarships! Check with HR to see how to qualify and be sure to follow up with all documentation!
- If your parents are serving or have served in the military, scholarships may be available for you through their military branch. Check out our Veteran's Benefits page for more info!
- Use legitimate and vetted resources. ****You should never pay**** to apply for a scholarship.
- ****Follow the instructions!**** Answer every question. Watch the word count on essays and be creative. Check your grammar. ****Submit early!****
- Market yourself! ****Make yourself stand out.**** 
 - Take the time to self-evaluate. What can you do that no one else can? Then be specific about your experience, passion, skills, and qualifications for each specific application.
- Provide the correct amount of recommendation letters. Ask those who write one for you to be specific about your qualifications for that scholarship.
- Save your essay(s) in a word document to edit and use for the next application.

Avoiding Scams

- Be wise about the information you share on a scholarship application!
- Never pay to apply for a scholarship!
- The Federal Trade Commission and Federal Student Aid both offer suggestions on avoiding scams.

## Resources and Ideas for Where to Start

- U.S. Department of Labor's scholarship search tool
- Scholarship America
- Scholarship Owl
- Scholarships.com
- Sallie Mae Fund
- Next Steps Idaho for Idaho grads

- Professors/Department Chair
- Student Societies and Clubs (like FCCLA or FCS Society)
- State / National organizations in your field of study
- Hobbies or outside interests can lead to scholarship opportunities

- High school counselors
- Local Banks and Credit Unions
- Local organizations and businesses 
 - Utility company
 - Your parent's employer
- Local Clubs 
 - Kiwanis Club Rotary
 - Club Elks Club
- The Chamber of Commerce
- Corporate Sponsors

- Idaho Opportunity Scholarship
- Idaho Launch Grant

- The Segal AmeriCorps Education Award is money given to AmeriCorps members after completing their service.
- It can be used for college, graduate school, vocational training, or to repay student loans

- Helps people with qualifying disabilities prepare for and find jobs through career counseling and training.
- BYU-Idaho works with state VR programs so eligible students can use these funds for their education and career goals.

Hemming Foundation - Medical School Application Support Funds

The Hemming Foundation has provided funds to assist students applying to allopathic (MD) medical schools.

- Funds are intended to help offset expenses associated with application fees and travel to and from medical school interviews.
- Funding amount varies and is determined after considering both the strength of an application and financial need.
- Click the link for additional information and application instructions.

Hemming Foundation Application (PDF)