Private Scholarships

BYU-Idaho encourages all students to apply for non-BYUI scholarships offered through private, outside agencies that are not related to BYU-Idaho. There are many non-BYUI scholarships you can search for online. Application, deadlines, and requirements vary, so be aware of the specific requirements for each scholarship. You will want to apply for these scholarships as soon as possible as many deadlines are early in the year.

Search and apply for non-BYUI scholarships as soon as possible -- many deadlines are early in the year. Each agency has their own application, requirements, and deadlines, and individual agencies should be contacted for more information. 

Some additional resources to look into for outside scholarships may include the following:

• Scholarship Databases
  
  • U.S. Department of Labor’s scholarship search tool
  • Scholarship America
  • Scholarship Owl
• Minority Scholarships
  
  • Black Student Scholarships
  • Hispanic Scholarship Fund
  • American Indian Scholarships
  • Scholarships.com Scholarships by Race
• State of Idaho Scholarships

• Community Resources
  
  • High school counselors
  • Community or high school clubs
  • Local organizations and businesses (utility company, student/parent's employer, banks, etc.)
  • Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, and the Elks Club
  • The Chamber of Commerce
  • Corporate Sponsors
• Unique to You
  
  • Professors/Department Chair
  • Student Societies and Clubs (like FCCLA or FCS Society)
  • State/National organizations in your field of study

The Department of Education has provided some basic guidelines and tips for students who are applying for scholarships, as well as information on how to avoid scams.

• Scholarship searching is all about YOU. The more effort you put into your scholarship search, the more reward you will receive. Waiting until the last minute means missed deadlines and missed opportunities.
• The more local the scholarship, the higher the percentage to win because fewer students qualify, and most qualifiers do not apply! Tap into organizations and businesses where you already have connections: parent’s employers, Booster clubs, sports teams, and alumni.
• Ask your guidance counselors and teachers at your high school what is available. Ask for the senior awards night program from last year and study it. Who won last year’s awards? Ask them for advice. Why did they win, and who decides? Was it one of your counselors? The business owner? Reach out to that decision-maker!
• Your employer may provide TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS and SCHOLARSHIPS! Check with HR to see how to qualify, and then be sure to follow up with all documentation!
• If your parents are serving or have served in the military, scholarships may be available for you through their military branch.
• Use legitimate and vetted resources. You should never pay to apply for a scholarship!
• Many scholarships are geared around hobbies and interests. Find unique things about yourself and search for scholarships.
• Follow the instructions! Answer every question. Watch the word count on essays and be creative. Check your grammar. Submit early!
• Market yourself! Make yourself stand out. Take the time to self-evaluate. What can you do that no one else can? Then be specific about your experience, passion, skills, and qualifications for each specific application.
• Provide the correct amount of recommendation letters. Ask those who write one for you to be specific about your qualifications for that scholarship.
• Save your essay(s) in a word document to edit and use for the next application.

The Hemming Foundation has provided funds to assist those students who are applying to allopathic (MD) medical schools. Funds are intended to help offset expenses associated with application fees and travel to and from medical school interviews. Funding amount varies and is determined after considering both the strength of an application and financial need. Click the link for additional information and application instructions.

Hemming Foundation Application (PDF)