FINANCIAL AID
In general, the best way to fund your journey, whether domestically or internationally, is to work a bit and contribute. And while working may not be the most exciting thing to do, it certainly is a good way to save some cash for your experience. In every case, however, we do recommend contributing financially to your experience: truest to the nature of a Gap Year, the aspect of taking ownership for it yourself is in no better way manifested than by working to contribute.
Then, thinking outside of the box, because Gap Years are still so new, some of the best ways to get funding are to go grass roots rather than major donors. So, getting creative and reaching out to your own community is one of the most time-honored and easy ways to raise several thousand dollars. This can include a letter writing campaign to family, your church, or local businesses. In the past people have gotten insanely creative, like reaching out to a local radio station or newspaper to do an "interest piece," or by seeking funding through some more media-savvy methods like these two guys from the UK who created a youtube channel about their Gap Year that earns them revenue through advertising. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/9544479/YouTube-videos-funded-our-gap-year-travels.html
Scholarships and Grants
All scholarships have certain requirements, or must be used at specific schools/programs by specifically qualified people ... so be careful to read the requirements section of each scholarship carefully. The deadlines for submitting scholarship applications are usually far in advance of the time you'll be going abroad so it's good you're looking early. As well, some scholarships are connected to your cultural/racial heritage: i.e., Italian American, Native American, Hispanic American, African American, etc. Try and google words such as ---- (your heritage) America scholarships ---- and see what happens. There are many cultural organizations supporting students of a particular background.
Then, thinking outside of the box, because Gap Years are still so new, some of the best ways to get funding are to go grass roots rather than major donors. So, getting creative and reaching out to your own community is one of the most time-honored and easy ways to raise several thousand dollars. This can include a letter writing campaign to family, your church, or local businesses. In the past people have gotten insanely creative, like reaching out to a local radio station or newspaper to do an "interest piece," or by seeking funding through some more media-savvy methods like these two guys from the UK who created a youtube channel about their Gap Year that earns them revenue through advertising. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/9544479/YouTube-videos-funded-our-gap-year-travels.html
College Credit and Financial Aid for your Gap Year:
Please also be aware that some scholarships and grants require that you get college credit in order to be eligible. Because some Gap Year programs also offer college credit, this is something you should look into as well. This means using an AmeriCorps award from previous service, or even simply using FAFSA funds including a Pell grant, or Federally subsidized college loans. While earning college credit should't be the primary purpose of your Gap Year, adding it to the equation can certainly save money both in reducing the overall cost of your Gap Year and in reducing the overall time of your schooling.
Actual Scholarships:
Most individual programs also offer either scholarships (some quite substantial), or at least tuition reductions to bring this type of program within reach. Contact the program you're going through (if you're not doing an independent Gap Year) and ask. The worst they can say is "no."
http://testdriveyourfuture.com/gap-year-scholarships/
This is a great organization that has scholarships specifically designed for Gap Year students.
LIVFund was established in 2011 in order to recognize and proudly support study, internship and volunteer opportunities in Latin America. LIVFund has been designed for anyone who wants to learn, intern or volunteer [LIV] in Latin America and is seeking financial assistance in order to offset program or living abroad expenses. Their goal is to help others get the most out of their experience abroad... Maximum Award: $500.00 Eligibility: Anyone the age of 18 or older. Deadline: On going, you can apply up to six months prior to going abroad.
www.fundforeducationabroad.org
Requires university credit. Fund for Education Abroad. The newly established Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) was created in order to open doors for deserving education abroad students. Starting with the 2011-2012 academic year, FEA will award funds for students planning to study abroad on any academically rigorous programs. Designed by the FEA Advisory Board, FEA scholarships are intended to meet the financial needs of students who might not be eligible for government grants or existing funds limited to specific programs or groups of students.
http://unofficialambassadors.com
Requires university credit. Competitive scholarship for students who are primarily going to Muslim countries.
http://foundationforglobalscholars.org/ApplicationForm.php
The Foundation for Global Scholars is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Denver, Colorado whose mission is to create global citizens and leaders by assisting students in achieving their personal and professional goals of obtaining cultural and academic experiences abroad. The Foundation will support this mission by awarding scholarships to help enable students to obtain an international experience. Students who are from underrepresented populations in international education are a priority.
Requires university credit. Schepp Foundation (if in good GPA standing)
http://www.aatj.org/studyabroad/scholarships.html
Requires university credit. The Bridging Scholarships Program is designed for undergraduates going to Japan not on a summer program. Semester awards are for $2,500.
http://www.britishcouncil.org/911scholarships.htm
Requires university credit. This is a scholarship to study in the UK only and works with students who have been affected by the September 11, 2001 World Trade Center terrorist attacks.
http://scholarships.goabroad.com/index.cfm
Goabroad.com is a leading provider of information for study abroad and have compiled their own study abroad scholarship database.
http://studyabroad.msu.edu/people/studentsofcolor/scholarships.html
Requires university credit. Scholarships for Multicultural Students - a database hosted by Michigan State University.
Rotary Scholarships for undergraduate, graduate & vocational study.
Requires university credit. Marion Wright Edelman Scholarship (for students of minority background)
Requires university credit. Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This is the main clearing house you'll need for the biggest Federal financial aid pieces including the Pell Grant, and the Stafford and Perkins college loans.
Earth Island Institute Brower Youth Awards for 13 - 22 year olds living in North America who show outstanding leadership on a project or campaign with social impact of environmental impact
Starbucks Shared Planet Youth Action Grants for service and activism
www.wheresthemap.com/wt./students/scholarships.aspx
Gap Year Scholarships
Requires university credit and Pell grant eligibility (ie, a high need). The Benjamin A. Gilman scholarship.
http://www.iie.org/en/programs/freeman-asia
Requires university credit. This is for students primarily going to Asia and offers scholarships up to $7,000.
Search Engines:
www.internationalscholarships.com
www.studyabroad.com/forum/financial_aid.html
www.charityguide.org/volunteer/fifteen/community-service-scholarships.htm