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On Friday June 20, the Senate approved the Higher Education Access Act of 2007 by a vote of 78-18. The bill, if approved by the House, would increase Pell Grant eligibility and lower government subsidies to outside lenders. The House passed a similar proposal—the College Reduction Act of 2007—in June, making a compromise on both versions likely. The overarching theme of the bill was an increase in government aid to students and, at the same time, a decrease in aid provided to student lenders.
Lowered subsidies would likely result in increased interest rates for students who take out loans from lenders outside of the government. Government loans offer students the best interest rates, but such loans also have smaller borrowing limits. Many students end up looking to lenders subsidized by the government for additional aid. While interest rates on subsidized loans are not as favorable as those offered by the government, they are still more favorable than those offered by private, unsubsidized lenders.
According to MarketWatch, the new bill could save the government up to $15.4 billion by 2012. The bill’s sponsor, Senator Edward Kennedy, D-Mass, was enthusiastic about the approval stating, "The passage of the Higher Education Access Act tonight was a victory not only for students and their families, but for the American people. With this new congress we made education a national priority again, and we’ve given the next generation the tools they need to compete in the global economy."
Fortunately for student borrowers, the bill did address worries about lender rate increases. Cuts on outside lender subsidies were also accompanied by increased caps on government loans as well as by increased laxity on government loan eligibility requirements. These changes are likely to benefit students who don’t borrow much. For those that do, effects will depend on just how much more the government is willing to lend and on how much outside lenders will choose to charge after cuts.
Award Amount: $10,000
Deadline: March 1
Scholarship Description:
The American Legion provides a variety of scholarships to support higher education for youth. Dedicated to the well-being and prosperity of veterans, their descendants, and The American Legion Family, The Auxiliary takes pride in its multifaceted support for scholarship programs. Aspiring individuals seeking educational opportunities can explore the diverse range of scholarships facilitated by The Auxiliary, each designed to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those connected to the military community.
Scholarship Opportunities:
1. Veterans and Descendants:
The Auxiliary extends its support to veterans and their descendants, recognizing the importance of empowering those who have served our nation. Scholarships tailored to this demographic offer financial assistance and encouragement to pursue academic endeavors.
2. The American Legion Family:
Embracing the spirit of unity within The American Legion Family, The Auxiliary extends its scholarship programs to encompass the broader Legion community. This inclusive approach ensures that the entire Legion Family benefits from educational support.
Explore Your Opportunities: If you are intrigued by the prospect of securing a scholarship, The Auxiliary invites you to explore the provided scholarship links. These valuable resources offer detailed insights into eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and the necessary forms to initiate the application process.
How to Apply: Embarking on your educational journey with the support of The Auxiliary's scholarships is a straightforward process. By visiting the scholarship links, you gain access to comprehensive information, empowering you to navigate through the application process seamlessly.
Why Scholarships Matter:
• Financial Assistance: The scholarships provided by The Auxiliary alleviate the financial burden associated with education, ensuring that deserving individuals have the resources to pursue their academic goals.
• Investing in Futures: By investing in scholarships, The Auxiliary is investing in the future of veterans, their descendants, and The American Legion Family. Education is a powerful tool that opens doors to new opportunities and advancements.
• Fostering Community Growth: The scholarship programs foster a sense of community growth and support within The American Legion Family. They serve as a testament to The Auxiliary's commitment to the holistic well-being of those connected to the military community.
In conclusion, The Auxiliary's dedication to scholarship programs is a testament to its commitment to the educational aspirations of veterans and The American Legion Family. Through these initiatives, The Auxiliary continues to shape a future where education is a pathway to empowerment and growth. Explore the myriad scholarship opportunities today and pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.
Award Amount: $5,000
Deadline: December 31
Scholarship Description:
L. Ron Hubbard’s Illustrators of the Future Contest is an opportunity for new science fiction and fantasy artists worldwide to have their work judged by some of the masters in the field and discovered by a wide audience.
The Contest is open to entrants from all nations. (However, entrants should provide themselves with some means for written communication in English.) All themes of science fiction and fantasy illustrations are welcome: every entry is judged on its own merits only. The Contest is open to new and amateur artists who have not been professionally published and paid for more than three black-and-white story illustrations, or more than one process-color painting, in media distributed broadly to the general public. Winners in each quarter will be individually notified of the results by mail or e-mail. Deadlines are in March, June, September and December.
Students still have a lot to cheer about. The biggest perk of the Higher Education Access Act is its proposal to increase government grant offers. Free money is the best kind. Like scholarships, grants provide students with aid that need not be repaid. If the bill is enacted, the government would increase the amounts of Pell Grants a student may receive to a maximum $5,100. It would also alter the formula used to determine grant eligibility in a way that would lessen restrictions on financial circumstances required for grant reception.
Additional bill provisions include loan forgiveness options for borrowers who work in areas of public service for ten years, a cap on monthly loan payments required of students, and the establishment of a program that would increase competition between lenders. If the bill passes, the enactment may be expected within the next few months.
Posted By Scholarships.com to Scholarships.com Blog at 7/20/2007 09:57:00 AM