#USA #New York #College Board #BigFuture Scholarships #National Education

Major Expansion of BigFuture Scholarships

In a significant development for students nationwide, the College Board has announced an expansion of its BigFuture® Scholarships program. With an additional investment of $6.5 million, the total funding for these scholarships has now surpassed $32 million, providing vital financial support to students planning their post-high school futures through the class of 2030.

Since the launch of the BigFuture initiative in 2019, over 24,000 students across all 50 states have benefitted from more than $23 million in scholarship funds, which showcases the program’s reach and commitment to opening pathways to higher education. As Amy Reitz, Senior Vice President of BigFuture at College Board, noted, “Each and every student deserves the opportunity to own their future after high school.” This program not only provides monetary aid but also empowers students to make substantive plans for their educational journeys.

BigFuture Scholarships stand out in the realm of financial aid as they eliminate traditional barriers usually associated with scholarship eligibility, such as essays or minimum GPA requirements. The program allows any student to qualify merely by completing essential planning steps, like researching potential careers, creating a college list, and learning about financial aid options. Monthly, the program awards two scholarships of $40,000 and numerous smaller grants of $500. Importantly, students from families earning less than $60,000 a year gain double the chances to win by receiving two entries for every step they complete.

As family stories illustrate the program’s impact, Dinora Ramirez shared how the scholarship positively affected her family. “I only have a GED. This scholarship will break the cycle in our family; my kids can go to college now,” she stated, highlighting the transformative potential of educational funding. Similarly, Allison Ramirez expressed, “My mom and dad don't have to worry anymore. They can put more money toward my sister's education, and I can go to a four-year college to become a chemist or a lawyer.”

Beginning this month, the College Board is extending eligibility to students currently in the 10th grade (class of 2028), who can start earning BigFuture Scholarships by completing required steps until their senior year. The BigFuture platform is a free, online resource that guides students through every step of their college journey—from planning and financing to career exploration. This comprehensive approach is aligned with the College Board's mission, having served more than 7 million students annually for over 120 years, expanding opportunities through initiatives like the SAT® and AP® programs.

Why BigFuture Matters
In a landscape where educational opportunities can often feel out of reach, the BigFuture program exemplifies a commitment to democratizing access to education. By focusing on tangible planning activities instead of traditional metrics, the initiative not only rewards students for their efforts but also heightens awareness about the importance of career and college preparations.

The success thus far underscores that when students are presented with genuine opportunities, they rise to meet them. This new funding represents a promise to countless students who aspire to shape their futures—one step at a time—through the effective support of the BigFuture Scholarships program.