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    $100 million in scholarship money unclaimed in 2023

    By Aleeya Fitzgerald,

    2 days ago

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2whadT_0uyyg1WV00

    BAKERSFIELD, CA. (KGET)– It is the first week of school for many little ones across Kern, and college kids are soon to follow.

    Experts say that it’s never too late to apply for some grants and scholarships.

    With rising tuition, lots of students are looking for ways to afford college. Similar to previous years, delays in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid system has sparked fear.

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    “With this year the FAFSA rolled out very late, it had a bunch of technical problems and so a lot of students have had a huge delay in getting their financial aid package so imagine you’re spending thousands and thousands of dollars on a purchase– your education but you don’t know how much it is until two weeks before,” founder and CEO of Last Mile Education Fund , Ruthe Farmer, said.

    Some students don’t have to imagine, as this is their reality. Though the semester might be approaching fast, it’s not too late to apply for scholarships and grants.

    Some nonprofit companies cater to specific majors and fields. Nonprofits like the Last Mile Education Fund, which caters to those majoring in STEM-based fields, offer their services year-round for those who qualify.

    Some grants and scholarships have no deadline, and some don’t ask for your GPA, and Last Mile Education Fund is one of them.

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    “We really operate as a safety net fund. Let’s say a student is going along and their car breaks down and they can’t get to the two jobs that they’re juggling to afford college- they need that car repair. We are here to bridge the gap to get through potentially financially-catastrophic obstacles that might come into their way,” Farmer said.

    Experts encourage students to keep applying.

    The National Scholarship Providers Association estimates that roughly $100 million in scholarship money remains unawarded annually. Money that could’ve been claimed after a quick application.

    According to the National College Attainment Network, more than $4 billion in Pell Grants went unclaimed by not completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

    Even if you think you won’t receive much financial aid, it’s still highly recommended to apply.

    Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

    For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.

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