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Scholarships and Web Resources

SEARK offers scholarships, grants, and work-study to eligible students. We encourage you to do your research and apply for all scholarships and grants that you may be eligible for – receiving multiple awards is the best way to cover all of your college expenses. Of course, the sum of your financial aid awards cannot exceed the cost of attendance for the academic year.

Federal Aid 

Complete your FAFSA application each year to determine eligibility for ALL federal aid programs listed below.

1.  FEDERAL AID for Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025 classes - use the 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  You may begin submitting this application December, 2023 using 2022 income. Submitting your application by April 15 will ensure your file is reviewed for maximum consideration of campus-based aid and eligibility is determined prior to August. Application is available online at www.fafsa.gov. The school code for SEARK is 014893.

To be considered for financial aid, students must meet the following eligibility requirements:
1) enroll in an associate degree or technical certificate program,
2) a U.S. citizen or permanent resident,
3) make satisfactory academic progress toward completion of the academic program (minimum 67% completion rate of all attempted hours and a 2.00 overall GPA),
4) register for Selective Service (if applicable),
5) may not be in default on a student loan or owe a refund to any of the federal programs. Transfer students must also submit all transcripts for review.

Federal financial aid is awarded with the assumption that the student is regularly admitted and will enroll full-time (12 or more hours). Federal financial aid funds are disbursed to the student each semester based on the final number of hours enrolled as of the financial aid registration deadline. Part-time students are eligible for some types of aid. The dollar amount awarded and paid to the students will depend upon the number of hours enrolled. Most Title IV financial aid programs require a minimum of half-time enrollment. Some programs require full-time enrollment. Hours taken for Audit, College Level Examinations Programs (CLEP), Department Credit, Proficiency Examination Program, or Advanced Placement are not counted when determining enrollment for financial aid purposes.

Federal Pell Grant - This is the basic grant available to undergraduate students who have demonstrated an exceptional financial need on the FAFSA and have not earned a bachelor or professional degree. The award amount is reduced for students enrolled less than full-time. The 2023-2024 award amounts, based on Expected Family Contribution (EFC), range from $0 – $7,396. Certificate of Proficiency programs are not eligible programs under the Federal Pell Grant program.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) - Funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and are awarded with preference given to Pell Grant recipients demonstrating exceptional need.  Students must be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible to receive FSEOG. The SEARK priority deadline for this grant is April 15 – as funds are available.

Federal Work-Study (FWS) - enables students to earn money toward college expenses by working on campus. Students may work up to twenty hours a week while classes are in session. Students are paid bi-weekly and the rate of pay is based on the federal or state minimum wage, whichever is more. Eligible students must have financial need as determined by your FAFSA results. A separate FWS request must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office to determine eligibility.

Federal Direct Stafford Loans - Student loans, unlike grants and work-study, are borrowed money that must be repaid, with interest. The Federal Direct Stafford Loan is the most common student loan program for funding undergraduate education. There are two types of Stafford loans, Subsidized and Unsubsidized. The subsidized loan is only available to students with financial need.  A federal subsidy pays the interest that accrues on the loan while the student is enrolled at least half-time. Additional student loan options are available through the unsubsidized Stafford loan program. Regardless of financial need, a student may qualify for an unsubsidized loan.  

State Aid

STATE AID, Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE)

Complete one application to determine eligibility for ALL ADHE scholarships listed below. Test scores, high school transcripts, and/or college transcripts are necessary and must be submitted by the deadline date. Application deadline is June 1 unless noted otherwise. Application is available online at https://sams.adhe.edu/. Click Start.

  • ADHE Academic Challenge Scholarship (Non-traditional) - This scholarship is open to non-traditional students who are Arkansas residents. Students must have a 2.5 GPA and/or certain test scores to be eligible. This scholarship provides funds to full-time and part-time students enrolled in at least six (6) hours.
  • ADHE Academic Challenge Scholarship (Traditional) - This scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors demonstrating academic achievement (ACT score of 19). It provides funds for full-time students and has specific enrollment requirement for full-time students.
  • ADHE Arkansas Future Grant - This scholarship is a last-dollar scholarship for students enrolled in approved STEM and High demand programs. Students may qualify for tuition and fees not covered by any other grants or scholarships. The approved list of programs may be found at scholarships.adhe.edu. Applications are accepted for both Fall and Spring terms.
  • ADHE Governor's Distinguished Scholarship - This scholarship is awarded to graduating high school seniors for outstanding academic achievement and leadership. The 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, or those who are named National Merit Finalists or National Achievement Scholar with the ACT/SAT score. It pays tuition, mandatory fees, room and board up to $10,000 per year.  Applications must be submitted to ADHE by February 1.
  • ADHE Law Enforcement Officers’ Dependents Scholarship (LEO) - This scholarship is a waiver of tuition, fees, and room/board at any public college, university, or technical institute in Arkansas for dependents and spouses of Arkansas law enforcement officers, some Highway and Transportation Department employees, and other public employees, who were killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty.
  • ADHE Military Dependents Scholarship (MDS) - This scholarship is a waiver of tuition, fees, room and board at any public college, university, or technical institute in Arkansas for dependents and spouses of Arkansans who were killed, were missing in action, were prisoners of war, or who are totally and permanently disabled.
  • ADHE State Teacher Education Program (STEP) - This scholarship provides assistance for eligible teachers with repayment of outstanding federal student loans. The program is available to Arkansas educators who graduated after April 1, 2004, have unpaid federal student loan balances, and teach in a geographic and/or subject shortage area or are minorities. Assistance may be granted for up to three years. 
  • ADHE Teacher Opportunity Program (TOP) - This award offers tuition reimbursement grants to Arkansas teachers and administrators. Teachers and administrators may apply for reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses paid for up to six (6) college credit hours completed for each academic year, not to exceed $3,000. 
  • ADHE Workforce Challenge - This scholarship is for students enrolled in approved STEM and High demand programs. The approved list of programs may be found at https://sams.adhe.edu/. May apply for renewal if not graduated from program.
High School

SEARK College High School Concurrent Scholarship

Concurrent Credit allows the college-ready high school student to attend class at a partner high school and earn BOTH COLLEGE and HIGH SCHOOL credit, while still in high school. Concurrent courses are offered at Dollarway, Watson Chapel, and White Hall high schools. Any Arkansas high school student who meets the regular admission standards for Southeast Arkansas College is eligible. SEARK offers a full scholarship for all tuition and fees. Visit the concurrent credit page AND speak to your high school counselor for further information.

Scholarships for Entering Students

* We recommend you access IE or Google Chrome to complete the fillable applications.*

  • Kiwanis Club of Pine Bluff – $1,000 - Available to a high school graduate and resident of Jefferson County to attend SEARK or UAPB.  Must demonstrate high academic standings, strong leadership skills, volunteer service, involvement in extracurricular school activities as well as participate in religious, civic and/or social organizations.  Application and all supporting documents must be delivered to your high school counselor by April 19, 2021.  Complete information and application are available from your local guidance or high school counselor.  
Scholarships for Continuing SEARK Students

We recommend you access IE or Google Chrome to complete the fillable applications

.

  • Academic All-Star Scholarship - Students may apply if you meet the minimum criteria:
  1. will complete a minimum of 24 hours towards an associate degree by June 1, 2021,
  2. currently enrolled and expect to be enrolled through Spring 2022, 
  3. a cumulative 3.25 GPA,
  4. will graduate with associate degree by Summer 2022,
  5.  plan to transfer to a four year university within the state of Arkansas, and
  6. submit two letters of recommendations from college officials (professor, club sponsor, etc.) are required with the application.

    If chosen, you will receive $500 at SEARK for 2021/2022. This scholarship is recognized by most four-year Arkansas universities and will enable you to receive transfer scholarships of varying amounts. Application deadline is April 30.  Submit application and recommendations to the SEARK Financial Aid Office, Student Services Bldg., Room 152 or by email,  financialaid@seark.edu.

Application(pdf)
Leadership Recommendation(pdf)
Service Recommendation(pdf) 

Tuition Waivers

SEARK TUITION WAIVERS - Information and applications are available on the following link: https://www.seark.edu/tuition-waiver

Other Financial Aid Sources

Additional scholarship opportunities may be located by checking local newspapers, contacting your employer or your parent’s employer, businesses, industries, libraries, and public agencies.  The Southeast Arkansas College Financial Aid Office will process any scholarship you receive once funds are received from the ­­sponsoring organization. Listed below are some scholarships that are available: 

  • AASFAA Scholarship - the Arkansas Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (AASFAA) will award at least two non-renewable $500 scholarships to Arkansas students planning to attend member institutions. Scholarship winners must be enrolled at least half time in the upcoming fall semester in a program that leads to a college degree or certificate at an AASFAA member institution. Winners will be selected during the spring AASFAA Conference. All applications will be submitted on-line by April 1. Limit one entry per person. Applications are available on-line: https://www.aasfaa.net/Members/Forms/Scholarship-Application-Form 
     
  • American Cancer Society’s Mid-South Division Scholarship - awarding college scholarships to young cancer survivors pursuing an undergraduate degree from an accredited university, community college or vocational/technical school. The application deadline is February 1, and packets are mailed to students upon request. For more information, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
  • ARK-LSAMP Grant - administered through the National Science Foundation (NSF). This grant is for minority students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) areas. The program consists of a summer academy, mentoring, and research internships for students. The Arkansas Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (ARK-LSAMP) is a collaborative alliance of eight Arkansas institutions, with the goal of increasing the pool of graduates in STEM disciplines. For more information, contact the Office of Technical Studies, Tech Building, room 1049. 
  • Arkansas Career Pathways - program designed to assist students with transportation, childcare, and/or tuition and fees. Students must have custody of a child under the age of 21, be a former/current recipient of TEA cash assistance: or a current recipient of Food Stamps, ARKids, or Medicaid: or earnings are at the 250% Federal Poverty Level or less. For more information, view call (870) 543-5999, https://www.seark.edu/career-pathways or call (870) 850-4823. The office is located at 1900 Hazel Street, Pine Bluff, AR  71603, Student Services Bldg, Room 157.   
  • Single Parent Scholarship - awarded to eligible single parents who have primary custodial care of at least one minor child, live in Arkansas, and are current or future undergraduate students. Other criteria may apply and varies by county. More information can be found online at www.aspsf.org.  
     
  • Transfer Student Scholarships - Most four-year Arkansas institutions offer a transfer scholarship to students who complete an associate degree AND meet certain academic eligibility requirements. At the beginning of your sophomore year, start reviewing transfer scholarship qualifications and the deadline date to apply. You should also make plans to attend the SEARK Transfer Day for more information. This event is held during the spring semester by the Registrar’s Office. 
  • Miss Arkansas Pageant Scholarship - available to the winner and first and second runners-up in the Miss Arkansas Pageant. The winner’s scholarship is $750 per semester for two years.  The first and second runners-up to the crown will receive $750 for two semesters. Visit http://www.missarkansas.org/ for more information.
  • National Merit Scholarship - In October of the 11th grade, students must take the PSAT/NMSQT test to determine eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship program and other programs that use PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) scores.  If your school does not participate in giving the test, the student has to request to take the PSAT at a participating school. Awards are for tuition and fee expenses, and possibly room/board. For more information, visit https://www.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt.  
  • Trinity Foundation Community Scholarship Program - available for students in Dollarway, Pine Bluff, Watson Chapel and White Hall High schools. Must rank in the top1/3 of class, have strong moral character, demonstrate leadership qualities in high school, and have financial need. Application is available at www.aim.applyists.net/trin2. Deadline is March 15. 
  • Scholarship Program - available for students in Dollarway, Pine Bluff, Watson Chapel and White Hall High schools. Must rank in the top1/3 of class, have strong moral character, demonstrate leadership qualities in high school, and have financial need. Application is available at www.aim.applyists.net/trin2. Deadline is March 15. 
     
  • Arkansas Community Foundation - Arkansas Community Foundation manages more than 100 private scholarship funds created by individuals, families and companies. You may search for scholarships by region, major and/or level of study at  https://www.arcf.org/apply/scholarships/ . Application Deadlines vary - February 1 through April 1. 
     
  • Arkansas Geographical Critical Needs Minority Teacher Scholarship Program - provides scholarships to Black-American, Hispanic-American, Asian-American and Native-American students attending ANY two-year or four-year college or university in the state of Arkansas. Recipients:
    1)  may enroll as a full-time or part-time student;
    2) agree to teach in the Delta or an area of the State where there is a critical shortage of teachers as defined by the Arkansas State Board of Education,
    3) score 19 or above on the ACT composite, and
    4) earn a 2.50 grade point average.
    The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) administers this program for the state. Applications are accepted each semester. Deadline dates are July 31 for the fall semester and October 10 for the spring semester. For more information and application, please call the School of Education at UAPB at (870) 575-8110 or (870) 575-7011.
  • Arkansas Governor's Commission on People with Disabilities - This scholarship is offered to outstanding disabled Arkansans. Visit dws.arkansas.gov/ar-rehabilitation-services/access-accommodations/arkansas-governors-commission-on-people-with-disabilities/scholarship/ for more information and application.
  • Arkansas Rehabilitation Services - offers tuition and/or book assistance for students with disabilities in Jefferson County. Apply early due to limited funding. For more information, view https://dws.arkansas.gov/ar-rehabilitation-services/ or call (870) 534-2404. The office is located at 2703 W. 28th Ave, Pine Bluff, AR  71603.
  • Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) - provides assistance for retraining for degree programs that are in demand. For more information, view https://dws.arkansas.gov/workforce-innovation/  or call (870) 534-1920. The office is located at 1001 South Tennessee Street, Pine Bluff, AR 71601.
  • Dislocated Workers Program - provides training funds for tuition, fees, supplies and books to workers who have been laid-off. For more information, view https://dws.arkansas.gov/workforce-services/employers/dislocated-worker-services/ or call (870) 534-1920. The office is located at 1001 South Tennessee Street, Pine Bluff, AR 71601.
  • Trade Adjustment Act (TAA) - provides assistance for workers who lost a job or whose hours of work and/or wages are reduced as a result of increased imports. For more information, view https://dws.arkansas.gov/trade-adjustment-assistance/ or call (870) 534-1920. The office is located at 1001 South Tennessee Street, Pine Bluff, AR 71601.
Scholarship Searches

www.collegeboard.org – Scholarship database of more than 2,300 sources of college funding

www.collegenet.com – Database that uses keywords or personal profiles to search for scholarships

www.fastweb.com – Scholarship database that matches users to various scholarships based their profiles

www.fundmyfuture.info – Arkansas scholarship database sponsored by the Arkansas Student Loan Authority

www.scholarshiphunter.com – Free scholarship searches and sweepstakes

www.scholarships.com – Scholarship searches and financial aid information

http://www.studentscholarshipsearch.com – Free searchable database of college scholarships and grants

*Please be aware that some of the scholarship searches may request your name and other personal data.  This information may be used by that company or other companies for advertising purposes.  Be sure to read each website’s privacy policy carefully.

Financial Aid Websites

http://www.ed.gov – U.S. Department of Education’s site on financial aid

www.finaid.org – Comprehensive information on financial aid

http://www.knowhow2go.org – Advice on the college planning process and financial aid

https://mappingyourfuture.org – Information to help plan a career, select a school, or pay for college

www.studentaid.ed.gov – U.S. Department of Education’s student financial aid guide

 

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