Proton OnSite College Scholarship and Innovation Program
It’s no secret that college tuition rates are on the rise. In the last decade, the average published price of tuition rose by $2,670 at public four-year schools, and by $7,390 at private institutions. These increases represent part of a longer upward trend, and in light of these changes, it’s only logical that students and parents are increasingly turning to private scholarships to help subsidize college costs. One of the larger awards available in the states, the Proton OnSite College Scholarship and Innovation Program offers a prize of $100,000 to be split among three talented individuals interested in pursuing an education and longer career in the sciences.
Applying for the Proton Scholarship
Funded by Tom Sullivan, owner of Proton OnSite, a Connecticut-based company committed to developing hydrogen gas solutions, the Proton OnSite Scholarship seeks to support young individuals seeking careers in science and technology. Three students share the $100,000 annual fund, which is designed to help them pay for an undergraduate degree at their chosen school.
To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must be U.S. citizens and be high school seniors planning to enroll in a four-year degree program. Students should have a strong record of academic achievement, boasting impressive SAT scores and GPAs. Additionally, each candidate must submit a hydrogen-related business idea. Proton OnSite chooses winners based on the strength of their application, as well as their leadership abilities, work ethic, community service endeavors, and letters of recommendation. The committee will evaluate the quality of a student’s idea, as well as how thoroughly they present it in their application materials.
An independent panel of judges assesses all Proton scholarship applications to select the three winners. Submissions are due annually by mid-February. For winning students, the scholarship is renewable for four years provided that they maintain the requisite GPA and stays in school full time.
Tips on Applying for Scholarships
Students looking to secure scholarship funding tend to avoid contests involving essays or other substantial work. While it’s natural to feel overwhelmed during senior year, students should consider applying for those awards requiring a bit more time and effort. After all, essays offer a great opportunity for candidates to showcase their unique strengths to application committees. Additionally, the steeper requirements for these contests yield smaller applicant pools, meaning that those who apply have a better shot at winning. For best results, strive to complete your application materials a week or two before the actual deadline, so you have plenty of time to revise and proofread. The last thing you want to do is send in a submission rife with spelling errors and typos.
Additionally, students can boost their odds of winning scholarships by applying for the right awards. If you know what subject you want to major in, consider searching for scholarship opportunities in that field. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your search! While you can and should apply for the larger, better known scholarship programs for which you qualify, you can often find a variety of major-related awards at your school of choice, as well as specialized awards funded through private companies and community organizations.
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