5 Organizations Supporting Scholars as they Pursue Higher Education
Getting to go to a university is a dream for many Americans, but after you're accepted, that's when the real challenge begins. These organizations offer scholarships, mentoring, and other forms of support to ensure students are able to make the most of their time in college and continue to achieve after they graduate. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
5 Organizations for Students and Academics
| Name | Headquarters | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Astronaut Scholarship Foundation | Orlando, FL | Offers scholarships, mentoring, and professional development to exceptional undergraduates as they pursue careers in STEM-related fields |
| Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans | Alexandria, VA | Awards financial aid to students from low-income communities, and provides counseling, networking opportunities, and housing assistance |
| Alpha Lambda Delta | Fairport, NY | Honor society that celebrates and supports high-achieving first-year university students, takes part in volunteer efforts, and funds scholarships for study abroad and graduate programs |
| IES Abroad | Chicago, IL | Connects students to study abroad and internship programs around the world for once-in-a-lifetime experiential learning experiences |
| Theta Chi | Carmel, IN | National fraternity offering guidance and brotherhood to members, as well as leadership roles, scholarship opportunities, and participation in community service |
Astronaut Scholar Christina Koch
The Most Educated Countries Around the World
| Rank | Country | Population in 2019 | Adults 25-64 who have Received a Tertiary Education (2 or 4-year degree or vocational program) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Canada | 37,411,047 | 56.71% |
| 2 | Japan | 126,860,301 | 51.44% |
| 3 | Israel | 8,519,377 | 50.92% |
| 4 | South Korea | 51,225,308 | 47.74% |
| 5 | United States | 329,064,917 | 46.36% |
| 6 | United Kingdom | 67,530,172 | 45.74% |
| 7 | Ireland | 4,882,495 | 45.66% |
| 8 | Australia | 25,203,198 | 45.36% |
| 9 | Finland | 5,532,156 | 44.30% |
| 10 | Norway | 5,378,857 | 43.21% |
Seeing the World with IES Abroad
In Depth
Higher education prepares students for lifelong success, allowing them to learn new skills and new ways of thinking and to form lifelong relationships with mentors and friends. However, many young people face significant challenges on their academic journey, from financial hardship to uncertainty about how to realize their goals. The 5 organizations below, presented in no particular order, are committed to helping dedicated scholars thrive in pursuit of their educational dreams.
#1 on our list is the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. Created in 1984 by a partnership including the six surviving astronauts from the Project Mercury spaceflight mission, the ASF aims to ensure the United States remains a global leader in science and technology. The Foundation awards fifty scholarships per year to exceptional undergraduates intending to work towards research and innovation. These astronaut scholars receive one-on-one mentoring from industry leaders to help them plan their career. The organization celebrates outstanding achievements by Astronaut Scholars with its Scholar Spotlights program and the Neil Armstrong Award of Excellence.
The ASF continues to assist its award recipients throughout their professional lives. Astronaut scholars can train in leadership development and business skills through the Michael Collins Family Professional Development Program, and those with research proposals or entrepreneurial ventures can connect with investors and supporters through the American Dream Makers program. Program members have the chance to meet astronauts, scientists, and business innovators at ASF-sponsored conferences like the Space Rendezvous. The Foundation welcomes support for their mission, and those interested can donate online or volunteer their time in a variety of ways.
Astronaut scholars can train in leadership development and business skills through the Michael Collins Family Professional Development Program, and those with research proposals or entrepreneurial ventures can connect with investors and supporters through the American Dream Makers program.
Next up is #2, The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, named for an American author whose novels emphasized the values of drive and determination. Since its founding in 1984, the Association has awarded over one hundred eighty million dollars in financial aid to students from low-income communities who have persevered in pursuit of higher education. The organization's National Scholarships are open to any qualifying US high-schooler, and there are also awards for students in particular states, schools, or educational tracks.
In addition to monetary support, the Horatio Alger Association offers award recipients services like financial aid counseling, networking resources, and housing assistance for scholars in foster care. The Association welcomes contributions at any level, from anyone wishing to support the educational aims of hardworking students.
At #3 we have Alpha Lambda Delta. Created in 1924 by Maria Leonard, the Dean of Women at the University of Illinois, this nationally certified honor society celebrates and supports high-achieving first-year students. Members in ALD are eligible for scholarships to fund tuition and studies abroad as well as benefiting from discounts on a variety of education-related products. Scholars accepted into the Society enjoy the prestige of recognition and the advantages of belonging to a nationwide network of over one million talented alumni.
Created in 1924 by Maria Leonard, the Dean of Women at the University of Illinois, this nationally certified honor society celebrates and supports high-achieving first-year students.
Alpha Lambda Delta continues to look for new ways to promote excellence, expanding its activities by adding graduate fellowships, awards highlighting exceptional academic advisors, and services like leadership development seminars. Organizations looking to help ALD foster academic success can partner with the organization to offer member benefits, and individuals can help fund the Society's programs through online donations.
Organization #4 is the International Education of Students, or IES. Passionate believers in the personal and professional benefits of international learning, they offer customized study abroad, internship, and service learning programs in over thirty different locations around the world. This not-for-profit organization offers over five million dollars in scholarships and grants to interested students, so that financial difficulties don't get in the way of education through travel.
IES strives to promote recognition of the positive impacts of global education. Each year their Study Abroad Film Festival showcases short films produced by students in their programs, and their annual Global Citizen Award recognizes an international student or intern who's making a positive impact on the world. The organization also sponsors research on the long-term benefits of studying abroad. IES scholarships rely on donations to make international studies possible for students in need; interested parties can give at IESabroad.org.
The organization also sponsors research on the long-term benefits of studying abroad.
#5 is Theta Chi, a male collegiate fraternity dating back to 1856 which aims to help undergraduate men grow into models of fellowship, service, and honor. Members who embody these ideals earn the honorary title of Resolute Man. This organization places a heavy emphasis on benefiting others. Chapters nationwide compete to raise money in support of military servicemembers and their families, as part of Operation Military Red, and sponsor numerous fundraising events for groups like the Children's Miracle Network and the Alzheimer's Association.
The Theta Chi Foundation provides a variety of grants and scholarships to offset the cost of schooling for brothers with financial need. Members also receive invaluable counseling about their professional futures through the fraternity's Alumni Mentor Network, and the Sacred Purpose initiative provides training on health and safety issues relevant to college students. Alumni can give back through the Helping Hand initiative, donating to the Foundation or volunteering as Alumni Ambassadors for everything from social media engagement to charitable outreach.
