Table of Contents
To give back to society and increase access to education, each of these US governor’s scholarships is awarded to those who are entitled. On the other hand, it also aims to enable more high-achieving students to go to tertiary institutions.
The states recognize the importance of education for the creation of a quality workforce. With good skills and intelligence, the country will have a reliable workforce. Automatically, this certainly supports the creation of a strong state economy.
And, here is a list of some of the states that award US governor’s scholarships. You can take notes of anything you need to prepare in advance if you are interested in applying to one of them.
1. Arkansas Governor’s Scholarship
Arkansas Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship is the most academically rigorous scholarship program offered for those graduating seniors scoring either 32 on the ACT or 1410 on the SAT and a 3.50 academic grade point average.
Additionally, those named National Merit Finalists or National Achievement Scholars may qualify without meeting the GPA requirement but must still meet the ACT/SAT requirement.
In particular, the scholarship pays tuition, mandatory fees, and room and board up to $10,000 per year. Moreover, if funding allows, up to 375 Governor’s Distinguished Scholars may be named.
Nevertheless, if a county in Arkansas does not have a Distinguished Scholar, the highest-ranking applicant from that county will be awarded a Governor’s Scholarship at $5,000 per year.
Specifically, in order to be eligible for the award, applicants must:
- Be a bona fide resident of Arkansas and you must be a U. S. citizen or a permanent resident alien, or other eligible non-citizens; and
- Attend an eligible institution of higher education in Arkansas, beginning with the fall term immediately following high school graduation.
Ultimately, please refer to the information sheet of one of the most generous US governor’s scholarships here. There, you can read further terms and conditions regarding the Arkansas governor’s scholarship.
2. Idaho Governor’s Scholarship
As established by Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter, the purpose of the Idaho Governor’s Cup Scholarship is to provide scholarships that recognize outstanding Idaho students and encourage them to pursue their secondary education in an Idaho institution.
Furthermore, awards will be available for students pursuing either an academic or professional/technical education program.
Recipients of the Idaho Governor’s Cup Scholarship are selected by a scholarship committee appointed by the Governor in conjunction with the Office of the State Board of Education. Also, the state will give high consideration to the applicant’s demonstrated commitment to public service.
Hence, to qualify for this award, applicants must:
- Be a resident of Idaho and a graduating senior of an Idaho high school or home school;
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or above;
- Provide ACT or SAT Scores;
- Have a demonstrated commitment to public service;
- Enroll as a full-time student in an eligible post-secondary educational institution in Idaho;
- Attend the first semester of college following high school graduation; and
- Pursue a course of study leading to a first degree, certificate, or other approved award requiring at least six months of consecutive attendance.
All in all, more information regarding the application procedures and deadlines for the Idaho Governor’s Cup Scholarship can be found here.
3. Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI)
The Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI) seeks to couple tuition assistance and student supports to ensure that every Colorado student has affordable access to postsecondary opportunities, and can complete a degree or certificate necessary to enter their desired position in Colorado’s workforce.
In fact, you can benefit from this program, too. Then, how can you be eligible for it?
Generally, COSI Scholarship recipients must be U.S. residents, qualify for in-state tuition, maintain a 2.0-grade point average and meet specific Pell eligibility requirements.
Besides, scholarship awardees must engage in PPCC’s rigorous student support success program including orientation, career and academic advising, and financial aid advising.
More information on one of these US governor’s scholarships is available here.
4. Florida Governor’s Internship Program
Although this program does not literally provide financial assistance like other US governor’s scholarships, short-listed candidates can still enjoy other beneficial outcomes by joining the Florida Governor’s Internship Program.
The Governor’s Internship Program provides a unique opportunity for Florida’s brightest students to gain valuable professional experience while helping make Florida the greatest state in the nation to live, work, and play.
Furthermore, this program is designed to provide both undergraduate and graduate students with a rare, hands-on experience in state government that will better prepare them for future careers.
Later on, interns will gain an understanding of the inner workings of state government and have one-of-a-kind opportunities to interact with elected and appointed officials, government agencies, and the media.
To be considered for this internship opportunity, applicants must submit two letters of recommendation and their official college transcript to the recruitment team. In fact, you can find more information regarding the internship’s application procedure and closing date here.
5. Nebraska Workforce Retraining Initiative Scholarships
Through the Workforce Retraining Initiative, individuals who are un- or underemployed as a result of COVID-19 can receive a scholarship to a Nebraska community college, where they’ll learn new and improved skills to find a rewarding, high-demand career.
In fact, the initiative is made possible through a grant partnership between DED and the community college system.
Approved training programs will be different for each participating community college. All programs will provide a recognizable credential (e.g., certification) at the completion of the program that is known to frequently lead to a high-demand job.
Individuals who are currently unemployed or underemployed as a result of COVID-19 are eligible. Specifically, if you meet any of the following employment situations you may be eligible:
- Unemployed on or after March 13, 2020, as a result of COVID-19
- Unemployed starting between January 1, 2020, and March 13, 2020, and now unable to find employment as a result of COVID-19
- Employed for less than 40 hours a week at a job that provides the majority of your income (Primary Job) because of COVID-19, and wish to be employed full-time
- Employed temporarily at a Primary Job because of COVID-19 but wish to be employed permanently
- Furloughed or laid-off from a Primary Job on or after March 13, 2020, because of COVID-19 (or had to close your own business which provided the majority of your income because of COVID-19) and are now employed at a new Primary Job with lower wages than your previous employment
Nevertheless, note that each participating Nebraska community college will clarify additional eligibility requirements.
In short, you can check this webpage for application deadlines for the Nebraska Workforce Retraining Initiative Scholarships.
6. Nevada Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship Program
In 1999, Governor Kenny Guinn’s Millennium Scholarship initiative was enacted into law by the Nevada Legislature. Section 396.911 of the Nevada Revised Statutes created the Millennium Scholarship Trust Fund to be administered by the State Treasurer.
Later that year, the Nevada System of Higher Education’s Board of Regents adopted policy and procedure guidelines for the administration of the scholarship.
Through the successful completion of a rigorous program of study at Nevada high schools, Nevada has seen a significant, positive impact – more than double the number of students are attending our colleges and universities since the program began.
If you have met all of the requirements to receive a Millennium Scholarship, information will be mailed to you in early August. There is no application process. You can read its Fact Sheet or speak to your school’s guidance counselor to see if you qualify.
7. Washington State Governors’ Scholarship for Foster Youth
The Washington State Governors’ Scholarship for Foster Youth is a scholarship program that helps young men and women from foster care continue their education and earn a college degree.
In fact, the program is supported by Gov. Jay Inslee, The Honorable Chris Gregoire (former governor), The Honorable Gary Locke (former governor), and other former governors in Washington State.
Proceeds from the Governors’ Cup – an annual golf tournament – provide funding for approximately 30-40 new scholars each year who are planning to enroll in a Washington state college or university. Specifically, scholarship award amounts range from $2,000 to $4,000 depending on the college of attendance.
Furthermore, selected students can access the annual scholarship for up to five years to complete undergraduate studies. Thus, students must be enrolled full-time and maintain satisfactory academic progress in order to renew the scholarship each year.
To be considered for the Washington State Governors’ Scholarship, students must:
- Be a high school senior on track to graduate from a Washington state high school or be on track to obtain a GED from a Washington state institution by June 2021;
- Have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 2.0 through the fall 2020 term;
- Plan to enroll full-time by fall 2021 at an eligible college or university in the state of Washington;
- Have resided in Washington state for at least three academic years prior to graduating from high school or obtaining a GED;
- Have applied for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the free Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA); and
- Meet one of the following criteria (either currently or until age 18): a) Placed by a Washington state court order, or b) Placed in federally-recognized care (a private nonprofit agency in Washington state), classified as an unaccompanied minor and rendered legal permanent residency in the United States, or c) Placed under a dependency tribal court order outside of your home.
Applications for the scholarship can be made online here. Nevertheless, required materials, forms, and online applications are available on this webpage.
8. Kentucky Governor’s Scholars Program
Kentucky Governor’s Scholars Program strives to enhance Kentucky’s next generation of civic and economic leaders. Established in 1983, the program provides academic and personal growth through the balance of a strong liberal arts program with a full co-curricular and residential life experience.
Thus, to be eligible to apply and be selected as a Governor’s Scholar, a student must:
- Be in the 11th grade at the time of selection and intend to return to a Kentucky school district for the next school term and a current resident of Kentucky; and
- Have taken the ACT, PSAT, or SAT in the 9th, 10th, or 11th grades.
After completion of their own Governor’s Scholars application, students must be selected and sent by their school districts or private schools to be considered for the statewide selection process.
If selected, scholars attend the program free of charge, needing only “pocket” money for personal and incidental expenses.
Ultimately, please refer to the information sheet of one of the most generous US governor’s scholarships here. There, you can read further terms and conditions regarding the Arkansas governor’s scholarship.
9. New York Tuition-Free Degree Program: The Excelsior Scholarship
Under this groundbreaking program, more than 940,000 middle-class families and individuals making up to $125,000 per year will qualify to attend college tuition-free at all CUNY and SUNY two- and four-year colleges in New York State. The new program begins in the fall of 2017 and will be phased in over three years.
In order to apply, students must:
- Be residents of New York State;
- Attend a SUNY or CUNY two- or four-year degree program;
- Take 30 credits per calendar year (including January and Summer sessions); and
- Plan to live and work in New York following graduation for the length of time they participate in the scholarship program.
Lastly, you can learn more about eligibility and the next application period of these US governor’s scholarships here.
