Published November 2012. Financial aid and student loan rules change often, so some details may be out of date. Ask us about your situation.
Back in 1999, The New York Times Company started a relatively modest scholarship program for five exemplary students who faced the challenge of financing their college education. After publishing the student's stories in the newspaper, The Times received a flood of donations allowing them to expand the scholarships to 20 deserving students that year.
Since the inaugural year of the program, 234 Times Scholars have been given funding for degrees from 68 different colleges and universities across the country. The semi-finalists for this year's scholarship program are set to be announced on December 7 before eight new Times Scholars are given their prizes in March 2013.
The program is aimed at students who live in New York City metropolitan area who have proven themselves to be exemplary college candidates. The Times considers submissions from high school seniors who are currently on track to be in their graduating class' top 10 percentile in terms of grade performance.
The paper will provide financial aid to students who show that without help, their success in the classroom may end after high school as financing for college may be unattainable.
Historically, The Times has placed emphasis on children of immigrants when choosing semi-finalists, especially those whose parents themselves weren't able to receive a college education.
Although the deadline for submission for the 2013 scholarship was this October, now may be the perfect time for students who will be seniors next year to start crafting an application. Because the field is so competitive and the standards so high, students will need ample time to prepare.
As well, speaking with a financial aid coach from College Financing Group can help students and their families understand if this scholarship program or a different means of paying for college is right for them.