Up to half of awards designated to assist minority or physically disabled students in financial need
USA Funds, USA Education, Inc., to Award $1.5 Million in Scholarship Funds
INDIANAPOLIS—USA Funds®, the nation's largest student-loan guarantor, and USA Education, Inc., the nation's leading provider of education funding, today announced that they will jointly fund up to 1,000 renewable scholarships of $1,500 each for deserving students nationwide during the 2001–02 academic year. The USA Education, Inc./USA Funds Scholarship Program, formerly the USA Group Scholarship Program, seeks to assist students in financial need—particularly those who are either members of ethnic minority groups or are physically disabled—as they finance their higher education.
The program assists students with an annual adjusted gross family income of $35,000 or less. Students who are planning to enroll or are currently enrolled in a full-time undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational/technical school, can get program details and download an application. Applications must be postmarked by April 16, 2001. Up to half of the scholarships will be awarded to applicants who, in addition to demonstrating financial need, are members of ethnic minority groups or are physically disabled. The scholarships may be renewed for up to three years, or until the student receives his or her degree, whichever comes first.
Last year, the program awarded more than 700 renewable scholarships nationwide, helping students meet the cost of higher education.
"These scholarships will help students surmount financial barriers to higher education," said Carl C. Dalstrom, president & CEO, USA Funds. "USA Funds is pleased to join USA Education in support of this program to make education affordable and accessible."
"We are pleased to partner with USA Funds to provide deserving students with increased access to education," said Thomas J. Fitzpatrick, president & chief marketing and administrative officer, USA Education, Inc. "This program is an extension of our commitment to helping America's students realize their higher education goals."