Are You of Polish Descent?
College Student Scholarships Based on Your Nationality
Sometimes, it is not who you know but what you are. If you have a Polish heritage, there are a number of options available to you in regards to scholarships. Polish civic clubs and heritage societies will award scholarship funds based on criteria such as family background, grades and leadership in the community. Some are location specific and others only require the eligible student to attend an accredited American college or university.
Polish Heritage Society
Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan awards several $500 scholarships to students in the western Michigan area. Full-time students attending Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids Community College or Aquinas College are primary recipients. Students must maintain at least a 2.75 grade point average, demonstrate some financial need and must write a brief essay detailing their Polish heritage.
Polish American Arts Association of Washington D.C.
Awards a $2,000 scholarship to a full-time student who is a resident of Maryland, Virginia or District of Columbia. They must be enrolled in an accredited college and display financial need as well as academic merit. Art studies, whether visual, performance or musical, are given greater weight even though students studying other subjects are also welcome. Students have to provide grade transcripts and letters of recommendation in the application process.
Polanki, The Polish Women's Cultural Club of Milwaukee
Sponsors a competition for junior, senior or graduate students who have a Polish heritage or to those involved in Polish studies. Students must be residents of or attending a college in Wisconsin. Winners of the competition could receive scholarships anywhere from $500 to $1000. Students vying for a scholarship must have a 3.0 grade point average or above and be able to exhibit in-depth knowledge of the Polish culture. Visit the official website.
The Polish National Alliance
Offers its members a chance at a college scholarship. Students must be a member of the Polish National Alliance for at least three years and be enrolled full-time at an accredited college or university. Freshmen are not eligible. Grades, community service, membership activities and future goals are all components judged in the scholarship process.
The American Council for Polish Culture
Serves as administrator for several scholarship funds for Polish students.
- Pulaski Scholarship for Advanced Studies applies to students who are in a Master's or Doctoral program in an accredited college or university. They must have completed at least one year of advanced studies to qualify for this $5,000 scholarship. Students must submit their transcripts, a description of their current field of study and letters of recommendation that can attest to participation in certain extracurricular activities like those involving the Polish culture.
- Louis & Nellie Skalny Scholarships, totaling three each year, are $1,000 each. Students must have finished two years of college and be involved in Polish studies. A letter of recommendation is needed by a faculty member or professor who can attest to the student's involvement in Polish studies. In addition, a personal narrative of the student's participation in the Polish culture is also required.
The Kosciuszko Foundation
Private foundations supporting the Polish culture also exist and award scholarships to deserving students. The Kosciuszko Foundation offers tuition scholarships to graduate students who are Polish descendants. Most majors are considered; those non-Polish students who are majoring in Polish studies are also eligible. Scholarships range from $1,000 to $7,000. The Kosciuszko Foundation also selects scholarship recipients on behalf of organizations:
- Dr. Marie E. Zakrewski Medical Scholarship was launched by the Massachusetts Federation of Polish Women's Clubs. A female student with a Polish heritage enrolled in her first, second or third year at an accredited medical school is eligible for this $3,500 scholarship. She must also display academic accomplishments and community ties to her Polish heritage.
- Qualified Polish students could qualify for scholarships of $1,000 from the Polish American Club of North Jersey. Only full-time students, either Bachelor or Graduate degree bound from accredited colleges are eligible. Students must be children or even grandchildren of a Polish American Club member. They must maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average and display interest and active participation in the Polish community.
