While the prospect of applying for scholarships may seem like a given, as it is a free way to save money, students do not always take advantage of this opportunity.
Whether applying for scholarships is seemingly too daunting, tedious, or competitive, many students see the process as dismissable or even forget to apply. However, while the application process may not be the most stimulating, the results can be extremely rewarding.
Every school year, Parkland awards its students over $500,000 in scholarships, and as many of the application deadlines are approaching, now is the time to apply.
In this article, we will cover the different types of scholarships Parkland offers, alongside the general process of applying for scholarships.
Board of Trustees
For those planning to attend Parkland this fall straight out of high school, the Board of Trustees scholarship is a phenomenal opportunity to potentially cover one’s entire tuition for two years.
Available to District 505 graduating seniors in the top 10% of their class, students in contention for this scholarship do not even have to apply as it is recommendation-based through one’s high school principals and guidance counselors. Since this is the case, those earning this scholarship should still follow the standard admissions procedures of applying to Parkland and, in time, will be notified if chosen.
If awarded, the requirements to maintain this scholarship are as follows:
- Maintaining a 3.0 GPA
- Completing a minimum of 24 credit hours yearly
- Registering as a full-time student for both spring and fall
For more information about the Board of Trustees scholarship, check out Parkland’s website.
Parkland College Foundation Scholarships
For new and returning students, Parkland offers a comprehensive database to explore various scholarships pertaining to various interests and backgrounds. From athletics to the fine arts to student leadership, there is something there for everyone.
To apply for any of the scholarships, one must fill out the Parkland College Scholarship Application. This application gives any Parkland student access to apply to as many scholarships as they would like, ultimately increasing the odds of being awarded a scholarship.
Many of the scholarships offered at Parkland require an essay, and luckily, Parkland also provides help through the writing lab to anyone who wants to polish their scholarship essays before submission. This is an excellent tool for getting feedback when enhancing one’s writing.
Submissions to qualify for the Fall 2025 year are due March 30, 2025, so while coming to a close soon, there is still plenty of time to check out what scholarships you may be eligible for and actually apply.
Outside Scholarships
Beyond the scholarships offered by the Parkland College Foundation, it is worthwhile to check out outside sources to get an even broader selection of scholarship opportunities.
One of the most common ways to do so is to research scholarships on websites like College Board and Fast Web; however, another great method is to explore the opportunities in your local community.
For students in the local area, Parkland has highlighted a list of credible outside scholarships to apply for. These are worth checking out to apply as outside scholarships can offer opportunities specific to niche interests and backgrounds that are rarer to come by.
Just Apply!
As mentioned, the scholarship application process is not always fun. However, the short-term discomfort of writing essays and filling out forms can be an incredible long-term gain when receiving financial support to help you get through college.
While applying for scholarships is not the same as guaranteeing you will receive them, there is no harm in trying, and who knows, you may even surprise yourself.
To learn more about the scholarship opportunities Parkland provides, check out Parkland’s scholarship page or reach out to Parkland’s Financial Aid department.
