The Hunt for Guam College Grants Made Easy
Getting started with the daunting task of finding grant funding can be intimidating; however, the following information will assist you in your search. The American Island or Territory of the United States may not be eligible for all of the financial aid opportunities afforded U.S. citizens but many opportunities still exist. Everyone begins with the free application for student aid, or the fafsa. This form as well as information on its completion is located at www.fafsa.ed.gov. This financial application allows you to determine your financial need and to access low income and disadvantage student aid and minority grant opportunities.
“Needs based” grants help minorities, persons with disabilities and women obtain additional funding for their education. Some examples of eligible groups may include African American, Hispanic, Asian, Native American and Pacific Island students. The Guam Community College, The University of Guam and the Pacific Island Bible College, located in Mangilao, Guam will have information available regarding these types of grants. If you are applying to a school outside of Guam contact your school of interest. If you are a high school student, check with your school guidance program for listings of available grant programs. Low income and disadvantaged students can contact The Office of Public Assistance to determine their eligibility for low income grant funding. In addition, students would be wise to contact their local social and religious community organizations for grant opportunities.
Students pursuing a high need field of study like teaching, nursing; social services may apply for “merit based” grants. State governments offer grants or scholarships for service agreements: you agree to work for the state in the under served facility or community and they pay your tuition. These grants can be accessed through the institution you plan to attend. These maybe government scholarships so local governmental organizations in Guam will have information on their existence such as The Chamber of Commerce, The Office of Education or the local governmental branch of Health Organizations. The Bank of Guam offers several scholarships to students every year. You can contact them at suite 204, gcic building, 414 west Soledad avenue, Hagatna, Guam, 96910, Phone: (671) 477-0047,Fax: (671) 477-0067. Applications must be received before October 31. The Pacific Island Development Bank also awards merit grants. To see the eligibility requirements contact these lenders. They offer students amounts from $500.00 to $5,000.00 for tuition.
Many community based organizations offer merit grants to students based on grade point average or contribution to a specific organization such as political, environmental, civic, or religious. The chamber of commerce may have this information as well as the schools, churches and civic organizations. Guam Community College offers Pell Grants, privately funded scholarships and VA Education Benefits. Applications for these types of financial assistance can be found by visiting the Financial Aid Office in Room 2116, Student Services & Administration Building or by calling 735-5543/4. The University of Guam or UOG can be contacted at www.uog.edu/, for page listing and requirements for grants or scholarships.
Most grant application need to be completed at least one year prior to enrollment, and others will provide grants to current students, graduating students and returning students. Many grants begin at $500.00 and reach as high as $5,000.00, and some grants pay your entire college tuition as in the field of study grants.
In order to be eligible for most grants a student needs to be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, declared a student at a specific institution, be in financial need, maintaining satisfactory progress toward degree completion, and not in default of any governmental loans. Other eligibility requirements include specific grade point averages, curriculum prerequisites, participation in civic activities and future employment commitments.
Whatever the case, research your needs and grant requirements at least one to two years in advance to gain the greatest advantage in your college future. The process of college enrollment takes time as the paperwork trails pass through state and institutional administrations. If you prepare in advance you will have greater control over your college attendance and your future.
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College Grant Information By State