Many organizations are keen to inspire in students a sense of giving without expecting anything in return. Towards this end, they have instituted several generous scholarships to support students who demonstrate a strong commitment to working towards the welfare of others within and outside of their own communities.
Several hours spent volunteering and helping others can actually win you a “good deed” scholarship, which can help lighten the financial burden of college. Check out these good deed scholarships, which you may be able to apply for if you meet the criteria.
The Seth Okin Good Deeds Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: November 30, 2020
Seth Okin, a criminal lawyer, funds the Seth Okin Good Deeds Scholarship. This scholarship targets students pursuing post-secondary education who have a minimum 3.0 GPA and who passionate about serving their community. To apply for this scholarship, you must submit an updated transcript, an academic transcript and a 500-word essay that answers a specific question.
Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: April 15, 2020
Established in 2001, the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes honors and awards students who have made a large impact on other people, their community, or the environment. In other words, the perfect scholarship for students who do commit a good deed every day.
To qualify, you must have led a service project in the past 12 months and be 18 years old or younger. Additionally, prize winners get the opportunity to connect with past winners!
Equitable ExcellenceSM Scholarship
Amount: $2,500; $10,000; $25,000
Deadline: TBD for 2021 (Opens Fall 2021)
The Equitable Excellence Scholarship has awarded more than $1.4 million in scholarships over the years. The organization awards one scholarship each to students from 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington DC each year. There are scholarships for $2,500, $10,000 or $25,000. Additionally, the winner’s school receives a grant of $1000.
Scholarship winners must show dedication and drive towards excellence along with ambition. They need to show the ability to succeed in college, while simultaneously respecting community and family values. Special consideration is given to those students who have achievements in the field of risk mitigation through action or education in areas like environment, safety, health, and emergency preparedness.
The Bonner Program
Amount: $4,000
Deadline: Varies
The Bonner Program is administered by the Corella and Bertram F. Bonner Foundation for students who are willing to commit time towards social causes. There are up to 1500 scholarships, each worth about $4,000 each year.
The foundation has multiple college partners who have their own independent selection process. If you wish to apply, you will need to contact the Admissions office and the Bonner Program office at that particular school.
There are 2 variants of the Bonner Program—The Bonner Scholars Program and the Bonner Leader Program.
The Bonner Scholar Program aims to support socially aware students who cannot afford to get through college on their own and have a great need for financial aid. In return for meeting the entire documented financial needs, students are required to dedicate 10 hours a week during the semester towards social work or community service, which equals about 140 hours per semester and about 280 hours of community service during the summer.
The Bonner Leader Program is for those who wish to serve the community throughout their college experience. They receive aid directly in the form of scholarships or work-study from their institution.
Use College Raptor’s free Student Loan Finder to compare lenders and interest rates side by side!
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.50%-16.12%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
5.54% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.63% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
5.66% - 14.72% Variable
3.69% - 14.56% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
|
|
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.69% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
