Buick Achievers Scholarship Program Expands Eligibility

May 30
05:13

2024

Jessica Harmon

Jessica Harmon

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The Buick Achievers Scholarship Program, a significant initiative by Buick and the General Motors Foundation, is broadening its reach to help more students afford higher education. Previously limited to high school seniors, the program will now include college undergraduates for the 2012-2013 academic year. This expansion aims to support a wider range of students in their pursuit of degrees in fields such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), design, marketing, and business administration.

A Broader Reach for Greater Impact

The Buick Achievers Scholarship Program,Buick Achievers Scholarship Program Expands Eligibility Articles initially launched in 2011, has already made a substantial impact by providing financial assistance to students across the United States. In its second year, the program is set to expand its eligibility criteria to include current college undergraduates. This change was announced at the North American International Auto Show, where Buick also unveiled their new Encore Luxury Crossover.

Financial Support for Undergraduates

The expansion of the scholarship program is a response to the financial challenges faced by many college students. According to Scholarship America Senior Vice President Donald Lassere, nearly half of college students drop out before completing their education, often citing financial constraints as the primary reason. By extending eligibility to undergraduates, the Buick Achievers program aims to help more students complete their degrees.

Commitment to Community Service

The scholarship program not only considers academic achievement but also places significant emphasis on community service. This focus provides an additional advantage to undergraduate students who have had more opportunities to engage in community service activities. The program's directors hope that this emphasis will inspire students to continue contributing to their communities while pursuing their education.

Scholarship Details and Awards

The Buick Achievers Scholarship Program is one of the largest scholarship programs in the United States, with an annual budget of $4.5 million. Each year, the program awards scholarships to 1,100 students who demonstrate both academic excellence and a commitment to community service. The scholarships are divided into two categories:

  1. Top Achievers: 100 students receive up to $25,000 per year, renewable for up to four years. For students enrolled in five-year engineering programs, the scholarship is renewable for an additional year.
  2. General Awards: 1,000 students receive a one-time award of $2,000 each.

Special Considerations

The program gives special consideration to students who are military personnel, veterans, or their dependents, as well as women and minority groups. This focus aims to build a diverse and robust workforce, ultimately enhancing the nation's global competitiveness.

Impact and Future Prospects

Since its inception, the Buick Achievers Scholarship Program has awarded scholarships to students in all 50 states. Half of these scholarships have gone to students who are the first in their families to attend college, providing them with opportunities they might not have had otherwise.

Application Process

Students interested in applying for the Buick Achievers Scholarship can find more information and submit their applications at www.buickachievers.com. The application deadline for the 2012 scholarship is February 29th.

Interesting Statistics

  • College Dropout Rates: Nearly 40% of college students in the U.S. drop out before completing their degrees, with financial issues being a significant factor (National Center for Education Statistics).
  • STEM Workforce: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that STEM occupations will grow by 8% from 2019 to 2029, compared to 3.7% for all occupations.
  • Scholarship Impact: According to a study by the National Scholarship Providers Association, students who receive scholarships are more likely to graduate and have lower student loan debt.

By expanding the Buick Achievers Scholarship Program, Buick and the General Motors Foundation are making a substantial investment in the future of America's students, helping them overcome financial barriers and achieve their educational and career goals.

For more information on the importance of scholarships and their impact on higher education, you can visit Scholarship America's official website. Additionally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides valuable insights into the job market and the growing demand for STEM professionals.