In this article, you will learn about job-based scholarships and how they can help you financially while pursuing your education. Job-based scholarships are a unique type of financial aid that is awarded to students who are willing to work in a specific job or industry while studying. By taking advantage of these scholarships, you can gain valuable work experience, earn money to support yourself, and offset the cost of your education at the same time.
Job-based scholarships are an excellent option for students who are looking for financial assistance and are also interested in gaining practical skills and experience in a particular field. These scholarships not only provide you with the opportunity to earn money, but they also give you the chance to develop important connections within your chosen industry. By combining work and study, you can enhance your professional development and increase your chances of finding a job in your desired field after graduation. With job-based scholarships, you can pave your way to a successful career while managing your finances effectively.
What are job-based scholarships?
Job-based scholarships refer to scholarships that are awarded to students based on their involvement in certain job experiences or positions. These scholarships aim to support students financially while also providing them with practical work experience. By combining education and work, job-based scholarships offer students a unique opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Definition
Job-based scholarships are a form of financial assistance that are specifically tailored to students who have demonstrated a commitment to work experience. Unlike traditional scholarships that primarily focus on academic achievements and extracurricular activities, job-based scholarships place a strong emphasis on practical job-related skills and experiences.
Purpose
The primary purpose of job-based scholarships is to bridge the gap between education and employment. These scholarships enable students to gain hands-on experience while pursuing their academic goals. By providing financial support and practical training, job-based scholarships serve as a stepping stone for students to enter the workforce with confidence and a competitive edge.
Types of job-based scholarships
Pursuing higher education can be an expensive endeavor. But for those already in the workforce, job-based scholarships offer a great opportunity to earn a degree with financial assistance from your employer. There are many types of job-based scholarships available based on your career field, company, union membership, military service, and more.
Industry and Career Scholarships
Many professional organizations and industry groups offer scholarships as a benefit of membership or career path.
Healthcare Scholarships
Nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals have numerous options:
- Johnson & Johnson Nursing Scholarship – Up to $13,000 per year for graduate nursing students
- National Medical Fellowships – For underrepresented minority students pursuing healthcare degrees
- Physician Assistant Foundation Scholarship – Over $500,000 awarded annually
- Tylenol Future Care Scholarship – For undergraduate and graduate students pursuing healthcare degrees
- National Hispanic Nurses Association – $2,000 scholarships for nursing students
- Oncology Nursing Society Foundation – Up to $7,500 for oncology nurses
- American Holistic Nurses Association – Over $25,000 awarded annually to holistic nursing students
Teaching Scholarships
Educators can take advantage of specialized scholarships such as:
- TEACH Grant – Up to $4,000 a year for students who commit to teaching in certain schools
- AFT Robert G. Porter Scholars Program – Up to $8,000 for BA students planning to teach
- NEA Student Program Scholarships – Up to $5,000 for teaching degree students
Technology Scholarships
Students pursuing tech degrees have options like:
- Palantir Scholarship for Women in Technology – $7,000 scholarship for women studying computer science
- Adobe Research Women-in-Technology Scholarship – $10,000 for undergraduate women studying computer science
- GitHub Education Scholarships – Up to $2,500 for students interested in software development
- Nutanix .heart Women in Technology Scholarship – $2,500 for women studying computer science or related fields
- Distinguished Fellow Scholarship from AnitaB.org – Up to $10,000 for women in tech graduate programs
- Girls Who Code Scholarship – Need-based funding for college or coding bootcamps
Employer Tuition Assistance Programs
Many employers offer tuition reimbursement or assistance to help employees pay for continuing education. Companies like Starbucks, UPS, Chipotle, and more offer programs that repay some or all tuition costs. Employees should check with their HR department to learn about program details and eligibility. Here are a few listed below from top companies. There are many others to choose from as well:
- Home Depot Orange Scholars Program – Up to $25,000 available for Home Depot employee dependents
- UPS Earn and Learn Program – Up to $25,000 in assistance for UPS part-time employees
- Starbucks College Achievement Plan – Full tuition coverage for eligible employees
Union-Sponsored Scholarships
Labor unions aim to improve lives of workers, including by providing access to education. Scholarships are often available for union members, their spouses, and dependents. For example:
- AFSCME Family Scholarship – Up to $2,000 for AFSCME members and families pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees
- AFT Robert G. Porter Scholars Program – Up to $8,000 for union member dependents getting a BA in education
- CWA Joe Beirne Foundation Scholarship – Up to $4,000 for CWA members and their families
- APRI Scholarships – For UFCW members, their spouses and dependents
- IAM Scholarship Fund – Merit-based awards for IAM members, families
- TWU Scholarships – Over $100,000 awarded annually for TWU members and dependents
Military & Veteran Scholarships
Current and former military members have many education benefits available:
- GI Bill – Pays for 36 months of education benefits like tuition, housing, books, and more
- Pat Tillman Foundation Scholarship – Up to $20,000 for veterans, active duty military, and spouses
- AMVETS Scholarships – Multiple scholarship up to $4,000 for veterans pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees
- ThanksUSA Scholarship – Need-based awards up to $3,000 for military families pursuing college or vocational training
- Tillman Scholar Program – Supports veterans, active duty military and spouses
- VA Yellow Ribbon Program – Enhances GI Bill benefits at participating schools
- Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation – Need-based awards for children of Marines pursuing undergraduate degrees
Company/Industry Specific Scholarships
Some companies and industries offer scholarships as a benefit to employees, customer families, or to promote their field:
- McDonald’s HACER Scholarship – Up to $100,000 for Hispanic students including employees and their families
- MetLife Foundation FFA Scholarship – $2,000 for high school FFA members pursuing agriculture degrees
- Automotive Hall of Fame Scholarships – Up to $2,500 a year for students interested in automotive careers
- PMI Educational Foundation Scholarships – For students interested in project management degree programs
Employee Family Scholarships
Some companies provide scholarships for employees’ children and dependents:
- Burger King Scholars Program – Up to $50,000 for Burger King employees, spouses or domestic partners, and their children
- Home Depot Orange Scholars Program – Up to $25,000 available for Home Depot employee dependents
- UPS Educational Endowment Program – Covers up to $20,000 in tuition for dependent children of eligible UPS employees
FAQs about Job-based Scholarships
What are job-based scholarships?
Job-based scholarships are financial awards given to help employees, labor union members, industry professionals, or employee dependents pay for college or vocational education. They are tied to your career field, company, union, or military service.
Who offers job-based scholarships?
They may be offered by your employer, labor union, professional associations for your industry, veterans groups, or companies looking to advance certain fields. Some are for employees only while others include their spouses and dependents.
What can the awards be used to pay for?
Most job-based scholarships cover tuition, fees, books, supplies, and sometimes housing or living expenses. Award amounts and usage rules depend on the specific scholarship.
How do I find and apply for job-based scholarships?
Check with your employer’s HR department, union, or professional organizations you belong to. Look for awards tailored to your field and situation. Follow application instructions carefully and submit all required documents.
Are job-based scholarships taxable?
Scholarships used for tuition, fees, books and supplies are typically tax-free. Awards covering living expenses may be taxable. Check with a tax professional to determine your specific situation.
