Information Technology and related disciplines are highly sought-after fields of study for aspiring young professionals, offering a wide range of career opportunities in both the public and private sectors. IT careers often offer perks such as a flexible schedule when working remotely that make them desirable for individuals with busy schedules.
The first step of this career path is to establish a solid base of knowledge. Scholarships for IT students can help fund traditional education costs and, in some cases, provide opportunities for additional hands-on learning.
To begin your scholarship search, seek professional organizations like the Foundation for IT Education, whose mission is to address the changing educational needs of IT professionals throughout their careers. The foundation offers three national scholarships for full-time students with GPAs of 3.0 or higher: the Betty Stevens-Frecknall Scholarship, the Kevin Jetton Service Scholarship, and the William R. Reaugh Scholarship.
[Get tips on using professional organizations to find college scholarships.]
Selection is based on a variety of factors, including scholastic ability, leadership potential and financial need. Apply for all of these scholarships between Jan. 1 and May 31 by using just one online application.
In addition to national scholarships, the Foundation for IT Education also offers funding opportunities through three chapter-based scholarships for active Association of Information Technology Professionals members. In Colorado, the Dave Sanders Columbine Information Technology Scholarship offers rewards up to $1,000 for high school seniors from Columbine High School. Applications are accepted from Jan. 1 to April 1.
The Harold M. Pool Recognition Award is another opportunity for national AITP student members, with nominations due in the spring. In Wisconsin, the Sherry Anklam Memorial Award offers a $1,000 scholarship for full-time students and a $500 scholarship for part-time students. Application materials for this merit-based award must be postmarked no later than March 31.
If you are interested in using your IT skills to make the world a better place, consider opportunities from service-oriented and nonprofit organizations. DoSomething.org, a social action non-profit organization for young people, teamed up with The Flatiron School to offer the Code for Good Fellows program.
[Learn about scholarship competitions for technology enthusiasts.]
Beginning this summer, a $2,000 scholarship is offered for high school students to attend a two-week coding boot camp at the Flatiron School in New York, Boston, Miami, Chicago or Austin. Students who are able to attend the boot camp should apply online no later than April 1.
Another unique opportunity exists with Cyber Corps, part of the Scholarship for Service program aimed at protecting the federal government’s information infrastructure. Scholarships can fully fund IT educational expenses and provide stipends for undergraduates, master’s and doctoral students.
Opportunities are merit-based and students must be enrolled full-time at participating universities. Contact the principal investigator at your institution for details.
Graduate students can find additional funding for research from the Science, Technology and Society Program from the National Science Foundation. The STS program is designed to support interdisciplinary studies related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines. The award size varies based on the project, but the deadline does not. A full proposal is due by Aug. 3.
[Check out STEM scholarships for aspiring scientists.]
With IT being a predominantely male profession in the past, female students should look for scholarships designed to correct this imbalance. Visionary Integration Professionals, a technology company, offers the Women in Technology Scholarship with awards up to $2,500. Women who are enrolled in two- or four-year colleges in computer science, information technology, management information systems, computer engineering or related fields are considered.
Scholarship recipients are chosen based on academic performance, a written essay and community service. This year’s deadline has passed, but this is a great resource for next spring.
Keep an eye out for local opportunities as well, such as The ITWomen Charitable Foundation in Florida. They offer renewable scholarships totaling up to $8,000 over four years for high school seniors in Miami-Dade, Broward or Palm Beach counties. If you live in this area and are pursuing a career in the field of IT or engineering, apply between Nov. 1 and Feb. 1 for future funding.
Like all students, try to diversify your funding opportunities to pay for college. Some colleges offer IT course work through study abroad programs, which may have their own set of applicable scholarships and grants available to you. Don’t allow the cost of education to deter you from your dream of a career in the IT field.
More from U.S. News
Save Money With These Scholarships for Graduate School Students
Where to Net Scholarships for Women at All Levels of Higher Education
Cash In With These College Scholarships for Business Majors
Plug In to Scholarships for Aspiring IT Professionals originally appeared on usnews.com
