College is more important than ever before. Compare the rates of joblessness by degree level the next time you're concerned (or just curious) about America's unemployment crisis. You'll see that each level of educational achievement represents a quantum leap in economic security. Those who have already achieved success are aware of this. Even celebrities who have amassed riches and celebrities in less traditional means are increasingly focusing their philanthropic efforts on college scholarships. They can decrease the ladder of opportunity for children in this way. Scholarships are also fantastic since they allow you to travel. They can be found in a variety of fields such as public relations, counseling, nursing, graphic design, real estate, and many others. Here are ten superstars who are also super-kind to pupils who want to attain their goals:
Ball State University's Letterman Telecommunications Scholarship
In 1970, David Letterman of the Late Show graduated from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. After achieving fame, he founded this fellowship in 1985 to benefit students pursuing telecommunications degrees. It is given for an individual's original creative endeavor, which can be video, audio, or written content as long as it is related to a profession in telecommunications. Another need is that a copy is sent to Dave himself. The first-place prize is $10,000, second place is $5,000, and third place is $3,333.
The University of Texas at Austin offers the Will Rogers Memorial Scholarship
Beginning in 1939, a comedian from a previous generation, cowboy raconteur Will Rogers, had this award named after him. It is awarded to UT students who are disabled or plan to work with the disabled, rather than on the basis of professional affinity, as Letterman's is.
Scholarship from the Bruce Lee Foundation
This $1,000 award is presented to students who "exemplify Bruce Lee's love for education as well as his values of honest expression, forward thought, self-exploration, and assertiveness," according to the endowment. Although applicants must write an essay on one of four principles expressed by Lee, namely: "Using no route as way; having no restriction as a limitation," applicants must also demonstrate a genuine interest in the award's namesake. "To change with change is to be changeless," "All knowledge is ultimately self-knowledge," and "Knowing is not enough; willing is not enough; you must do."
Fred Rogers Memorial Scholarship Program
The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences not only gives out the Emmy Awards, but it also runs a scholarship in honour of TV's Mister Rogers. Each year, four $10,000 awards are granted to undergraduate or graduate students interested in working in children's media. Despite the fact that three of the scholarships are nationwide, one of the four beneficiaries must always come from Mr. Rogers' hometown of Pittsburgh.
Will.i.am's i.am scholarship
Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas founded the i.am.angel Foundation to provide new chances for young people growing up in communities that may use more money, access, and encouragement. It has created a STEM-focused community learning center in Los Angeles' Boyle Heights neighborhood, as well as a home foreclosure prevention initiative that offers financial literacy training and grants to homeowners. Since 2009, it has awarded over half a million dollars in scholarships in collaboration with Scholarship America, Oprah Winfrey's Angel Network, and College Track.
Scholarship Program for Seinfeld Fans
This isn't a scholarship that's "about nothing." Jerry Seinfeld, who, according to Forbes, made $267 million per season at the height of his show (and it continues to do well in syndication), decided to give back to the city he embodied with a scholarship program that awards up to $10,000 to at least a dozen New York City public school students each year based on academic achievement, community service, and financial need.
The John Lennon Scholarship
This scholarship, established by Yoko Ono in 1997, is given to songwriters and composers between the ages of 17 and 24 who are currently enrolled at a college in the United States. Every year, three awards totaling $20,000 are given out based on the quality of original compositions submitted to the competition, which is run by the BMI Foundation.
The Christopher Reeve Award
The Heart of America Foundation® and Merriam-Webster, Inc. collaborate to award a $1,000 college scholarship to one high school student each year "who has displayed extraordinary compassion and kindness in supporting his or her community." This is a fitting memorial to the Superman actor, who spent the rest of his life advocating for stem-cell research and disability rights after being crippled.
New York University's Alec Baldwin Scholarship Fund
30 Alec Baldwin, like many other Hollywood greats, is an alumnus of NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, and he decided to pay it forward by endowing a scholarship at his alma institution to help other aspiring actors succeed. Financial necessity is taken into account, and students should "display an unbreakable work ethic, leadership qualities, a willingness to collaborate, and the ability to bear risk and work with constructive criticism" in addition to talent.
The Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation
Shawn Carter, better known as Jay-Z, established his own educational foundation to provide impoverished youngsters with the opportunities he missed when he was younger. "In spite of many personal, socio-economic difficulties, such as teen pregnancy, past incarceration, interrupted schooling, and homelessness," the scholarship is granted to students from all walks of life across the country. The rewards range from $1500 to $2500, and recipients must "give back" by performing community service and serving as mentors to younger, aspiring Shawn Carter Scholars.
