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BigFuture Scholarships Expanding for Class of 2027

The College Board has recently announced an exciting expansion of its BigFuture® Scholarships program to include students graduating in 2027. This initiative signifies a commitment to support the educational aspirations of younger students across the United States. Since its inception in 2019, the BigFuture Scholarships have provided over $20 million in funds to more than 24,000 students who took essential steps in their college and career planning via bigfuture.org.

Academically inclined but unsure about future pathways? This program serves as a beacon of hope, guiding students toward their post-high school endeavors, whether they plan to transition to four-year universities, community colleges, or even enter the workforce directly. As a free resource, BigFuture empowers students to visualize and map out their future.

Reflecting on Success Stories

One of the standout aspects of the BigFuture program is its emphasis on recognizing and celebrating students’ achievements. For instance, Yadhira A., a $40,000 scholarship recipient from Georgia, shared how the scholarship transformed her outlook on education. Yadhira cited the financial relief it provided her family, who often juggled multiple jobs. Her story echoes a broader sentiment shared by other winners: the scholarship not only aids in tuition costs but also connects students with invaluable resources that facilitate their educational journey.

According to Amy Reitz, Senior Vice President of BigFuture, the scholarships are designed to motivate students to take proactive steps toward their future. “BigFuture Scholarships celebrate the actions of students who are taking the necessary steps to own their futures,” Reitz remarked, providing insight into the program's intention to empower and assist students.

Monthly Scholarships and Simple Requirements

Now, students currently in 10th grade who will be part of the graduating class of 2027 are eligible for two $40,000 scholarships every month, along with hundreds of $500 scholarships. The criteria for these awards are refreshingly simple; students only need to engage with the six college and career planning actions available through their BigFuture profiles.

These actions include:

• - Start Your Career List: Helps students explore careers that appeal to them.
• - Build Your College List: Assists in identifying colleges of interest.
• - Start Your Scholarship List: Encourages finding additional scholarships.
• - Strengthen Your College List: Ensures a balanced range of colleges to apply to.
• - Complete the FAFSA®: Guides students in filling out financial aid forms.
• - Apply to Colleges: Directs the application process to chosen institutions.

The program is uniquely positioned to aid students from various backgrounds. For example, approximately half of all past scholarship awards have benefited Black, Latino, or first-generation college students. Additional opportunities are given to students from families earning below $60,000 annually, granting them more chances in the scholarship drawing. This focus on inclusivity reflects a broader goal of the College Board to foster accessible educational pathways.

The Impact on Students and Families

The impact of the BigFuture Scholarships is profound. Christian S., another past $40,000 winner from Maryland, expressed how the financial assistance has secured a pathway for him as a first-generation college student. He shared that winning the scholarship not only eased concerns about affording college but also provided a crucial sense of security for his entire family as they prepare for his transition into higher education.

His statement illustrates the genuine appreciation students hold for this opportunity, as it alleviates the emotional and financial burdens that often accompany educational pursuits. “With this scholarship, we now have more security and peace of mind for the journey ahead,” said Christian.

Conclusion

The College Board's BigFuture Scholarships program is more than just financial aid; it's a comprehensive approach to fostering an informed, proactive student body ready to tackle college and career challenges. By expanding its scope to students in the class of 2027, the program sets out to create an even more supportive and inclusive environment for future scholars across the nation. Get started today by visiting bigfuture.org/scholarships and explore the path to your future.