As my older cousin approaches his 39th birthday in three months, he’s contemplating a return to college to further his education. However, he’s uncertain about his eligibility for scholarships due to his advanced age.
Your cousin’s age shouldn’t deter him from pursuing further education or seeking scholarships. While some scholarships may have age restrictions, many are open to students of all ages. Additionally, there are specific scholarships and grants available for adult learners or individuals returning to college later in life. Encourage your cousin to research scholarships targeted towards non-traditional students, adult learners, or individuals pursuing specific fields or career changes. He can also explore financial aid options such as grants, loans, and work-study programs. Advising him to reach out to the financial aid office at the colleges he’s considering can provide valuable guidance on available funding opportunities and eligibility criteria. With determination and thorough research, your cousin can pursue his educational goals and potentially find financial support to aid his journey.
Also, your cousin can explore scholarships offered by professional organizations, community foundations, employers, and other institutions that may not have age restrictions. Emphasize the importance of highlighting his unique life experiences, career goals, and commitment to further education in scholarship applications. Additionally, encourage him to consider alternative forms of financial assistance, such as employer tuition reimbursement programs or federal student aid options like the Pell Grant. By actively seeking out scholarship opportunities and leveraging his life experience, your cousin can increase his chances of securing financial support for his educational pursuits.
Age is often less of a hurdle for scholarships than he might think! Many scholarships, like the federal Pell Grant and the Jeannette Rankin National Scholar Grant, focus on financial need, not age. Even awards with specific age requirements often have categories for “non-traditional” students, recognizing the growing trend of adults going back to school. It’s definitely worth researching scholarships targeted towards returning adults and exploring financial aid options – after all, knowledge is an investment worth making at any stage of life!
Your cousin’s age shouldn’t necessarily be a barrier to applying for scholarships. While some scholarships have age restrictions, many are open to students of all ages, including adult learners returning to college. In fact, there are scholarships specifically designed for non-traditional students, which your cousin would likely qualify for. These scholarships often consider factors such as financial need, academic achievements, career goals, and personal circumstances rather than solely focusing on age. Encourage your cousin to research scholarships targeted towards adult learners and non-traditional students, as well as general scholarships offered by colleges, universities, private organizations, and government agencies. Additionally, he can reach out to the financial aid office of the colleges he’s considering attending for guidance and assistance in finding relevant scholarship opportunities. With determination and perseverance, your cousin can certainly explore scholarship options to support his return to college and further his education.
Also, it’s important to reassure your cousin that his age should not deter him from exploring scholarship opportunities. While some scholarships may have age restrictions, many are inclusive of individuals of all ages, including adult learners like him. In fact, there are scholarships specifically tailored to support non-traditional students who are returning to college to further their education. These scholarships often take into account various factors such as financial need, academic achievements, career goals, and personal circumstances, making eligibility criteria more diverse and inclusive. Encourage your cousin to research scholarships targeted towards adult learners and non-traditional students, as well as general scholarships offered by colleges, universities, private organizations, and government agencies. Additionally, he can seek guidance from the financial aid office of the colleges he’s considering attending, as they can provide valuable assistance in identifying relevant scholarship opportunities and navigating the application process. With determination and proactive effort, your cousin can confidently pursue scholarship opportunities to support his educational goals despite his age.