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There are a number of aid programs that are available to students with specific life situations or histories. While these programs apply to only a small number of students, they can be an important part of your financial aid package if you are eligible.
Through the Federal Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act Grant, the Niagara County Employment & Training Department offers multiple scholarships – up to $4,000 per student for the final year of a degree program or for short-term certificate training. Please visit Niagara’s WorkSourceOne website for more details.
Grants don’t have to be paid back. A grant is “free money” for college.
Scholarships are “free money” awarded based on various factors. Some may require certain conditions be met.
Scholarships may be made to full-time students who are members of tribes served by the bureau, have financial need, and are enrolled in an approved program. The student must file the FAFSA and a NYS TAP application. More information is available from your tribe’s education office or the BIE Scholarship Opportunity Website
Native American Community Services of Erie and Niagara Counties, Inc., provides direct and supportive services based on a student’s needs and eligibility for the program. Services include classroom training, transportation, child care, books, and supplies and tuition payment (only for specialized curricula). There are no eligibility requirements for services related to education assessments, information/referral, financial aid, or academic follow-up. More information is available from:
Native American Community Services561 Portage RoadP.O. Box 2161—New Market StationNiagara Falls, NY 14301-2161716- 282-5441
Apply for an ROTC scholarship through the ROTC Office at Niagara University.
Students must meet certain academic and medical standards, be interviewed by military officials, and be willing to serve up to four years of active duty as an officer after graduation. Entry into active duty after graduation may be deferred to obtain an advanced degree at the student’s own expense.
The award may be for two or three years for a sophomore or a freshman, respectively. Recipients receive 80 percent of expenses, or $7,500, whichever is greater, for tuition and all required university fees; a flat-rate fee of $450 annually for textbooks and supplies; plus $100 per month for up to ten months of the academic year.
Students who are eligible for survivor’s benefits from Social Security may be entitled to maintain those benefits after age 18 by remaining enrolled in an accredited institution of higher education. Check with your local Social Security Office for information on eligibility and benefits.
Reserve Forces scholarships are available to qualified sophomores. The benefits are the same as the regular ROTC scholarship; however, the obligation is changed to serve eight years with the Army Reserve or National Guard.
Contact the Department of Military Science at Niagara University, 716-285-1212, ext. 360, for further information.
The NYS Office for Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID) provides financial and other services to assist people with disabilities to achieve a higher education. For more information, including a list of local VESID offices, visit the NYS Education Department website.
Veterans of the Armed Services are generally eligible for educational benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA pays some benefits directly to the veteran/student, and some to the school, depending upon which program the veteran/student participates in. The veteran/student must apply for benefits directly with the VA, and SUNY Niagara will certify the student’s enrollment and academic progress to the VA. The VA makes monthly payments to the student or school as appropriate based upon that certification. Veterans with a service-connected disability and children/dependents of veterans who were disabled or killed in the line of duty may be eligible for even more generous benefits. For more information about VA educational benefits, please contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-844-698-2311, visit their website at: VA.gov or visit SUNY Niagara’s Veterans’ and Military Educational Benefits page.