Support a Student Scholarship Program
Many students are balancing school while working part-time or more to support themselves and their families. Even with employment, rising education costs can force students into an impossible choice — reduce work hours to stay enrolled, or leave school in order to earn enough to get by.
The Support a Student Scholarship exists to help working students continue their education without having to choose between earning an income and completing their degree. By providing targeted financial support, this scholarship helps students remain enrolled, manage essential expenses, and stay on track academically while maintaining employment.
Education should not require students to choose between financial stability and academic progress.
Why This Matters
Many students pursuing higher education are also working part-time or more to support themselves and their families. For many, employment is not optional—it is essential.
According to national data, approximately 70% of undergraduate students work while enrolled, and nearly 40% work at least 30 hours per week.
Source: National Center for Education StatisticsFinancial pressure remains one of the leading reasons students delay graduation or stop out altogether. Students who work significant hours while enrolled are more likely to reduce course loads or leave school due to financial strain.
Source: U.S. Department of EducationEven with employment, rising education costs—combined with housing, transportation, and academic expenses—can force students into difficult tradeoffs between earning income and staying enrolled.
Scholarship support plays a critical role in helping working students remain enrolled, focused, and progressing toward degree completion—so they do not have to choose between financial stability and academic success.
Our Solution
Education Aid’s Support a Student Scholarship is designed to support students who are balancing work and education.
Recipients must be employed at least part-time at the time of application, demonstrating both commitment and financial need. Scholarship support is intended to reduce education-related financial pressure so students can remain enrolled and academically successful.
Scholarship funds may be used for:
Tuition gaps and required academic fees
Books, course materials, and learning resources
Education-related expenses that support continued enrollment
Other costs that help students balance academic progress and financial stability
If scholarship support allows a student to reduce work hours or temporarily step away from employment in order to remain enrolled or progress academically, funding is not withdrawn. The goal is to support persistence and completion—not to penalize students whose circumstances improve.
Scholarship funds are paid directly to educational institutions or approved providers, ensuring responsible stewardship and measurable impact.
Eligibility
Typical requirements may include:
Enrollment – Currently enrolled (or accepted) at an accredited U.S. institution (2-year, 4-year, or vocational).
Need – Demonstrated financial need for non-tuition expenses not covered by aid.
Standing – Good academic standing under your school’s policies.
Documentation – Ability to provide cost estimates or receipts for requested support items.
Details may vary each cycle. Always review the application for current requirements.
INTERESTED IN FUNDING A SCHOLARSHIP?
Many students balance academic commitments with part-time or full-time employment to afford tuition and basic living expenses. Education Aid’s Student Scholarship Program helps reduce the financial strain so students can stay enrolled and focused on their education.
Scholarships provide direct financial support for tuition and education-related expenses and may be structured to support working students at different stages of their academic journey.
If you are interested in supporting this scholarship or learning more about creating a student-focused program, please contact Karyn Balfour at kbalfour@educationaid.org.