Navigating the STL Scholarship Foundation Eligibility: A Comprehensive Guide

Securing financial aid is a crucial step in making higher education accessible. The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis (STL) and Saint Louis University (SLU) offer various scholarships, each with specific eligibility criteria and application processes. This article provides a detailed overview of these opportunities, helping prospective students understand the requirements and maximize their chances of receiving financial assistance.

Understanding Foundation Scholarships

Foundation Scholarships often require a separate application. These scholarships can significantly impact a student's ability to afford college, making a big difference in their financial situation. Funds for these scholarships are made possible by donors to the St. Louis Community College Foundation, including retired employees, board members, corporations, and foundations.

Application Process for Foundation Scholarships

To apply for Foundation scholarships, students must log in to the system using their MySTLCC username and password. However, it's essential to register for classes before logging in to apply for scholarships. Applicants must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to demonstrate financial need. The application deadlines are typically September 1 for the Fall semester and February 1 for the Spring semester.

Saint Louis University Scholarships: A Detailed Look

Saint Louis University is committed to making a world-class education accessible and offers a range of scholarships to support students. These scholarships recognize various achievements and qualities, including academic accomplishment, service involvement, and leadership capability.

Merit-Based Scholarships

Presidential Scholarship

The Presidential Scholarship is a prestigious award recognizing outstanding academic achievement. To be considered, prospective students must complete and submit SLU’s online application for freshman admission and all required materials by December 1. SLU invites a select group of students to its St. Louis campus in March to interview for this scholarship. The selection process considers the student's transcript at the end of their junior year, and those selected demonstrate strong leadership and interpersonal skills.

Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship

The Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship honors students who embody the ideals of Dr. King through service, leadership, and a commitment to social justice. Applicants must complete and submit SLU’s online application for freshman admission and all required materials by February 1. Additionally, a separate Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship application, including a scholarship essay and resume, must be submitted by the same deadline. Selected students are invited to interview in March. King Scholars champion the ideals of Dr. King on campus and beyond. The selection process considers the student's transcript at the end of their junior year.

National Merit Scholarship

Saint Louis University collaborates with the National Merit Scholarship Corp. to fund a limited number of scholarships to freshmen each year. To be eligible, students must complete and submit SLU’s online application for freshman admission and all required materials by December 1. The National Merit Scholarship Corp. begins offering awards to students chosen by SLU in March.

Scholarships for Specific Programs and Affiliations

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to incoming students from verified PLTW schools who have completed a PLTW course in high school with a B or higher. The scholarship amount is determined at the time of admission and is reflected as part of their overall merit award.

Stay.Teach.Lead. Scholarship Program

Saint Louis University’s Stay.Teach.Lead. Scholarship Program partners with St. Louis area schools and districts to strengthen the St. Louis teacher pipeline. This scholarship provides more than $28,000 per year toward a degree in SLU’s School of Education. To remain eligible, students must maintain at least 24 credit hours per year with a 2.75 cumulative GPA or higher. Demonstrated interest in serving as a teacher in the St. Louis area is a key requirement.

Advance HER Leadership Program

This program supports students who want to pursue higher education as part of the Advance HER Leadership program. Students must be first-time, full-time freshmen entering SLU's St. Louis campus to qualify.

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Criminal Justice Scholarship

This scholarship supports students interested in becoming public safety and criminal justice leaders dedicated to serving the St. Louis region. Recipients typically pursue a Bachelor of Science in Public Safety or a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice.

SLU Difference Award

The SLU Difference Award is part of the University’s Billiken Promise, which aims to make education accessible to students with financial need. To be eligible, students must complete and submit the online application for freshman admission and all required materials by December 1, and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 1.

Jesuit High School Award and Catholic High School Award

These awards are available to students from select Jesuit and Catholic high schools, including St. Louis University High School, De Smet Jesuit High School, Chaminade College Preparatory School, St. Dominic High School, St. John Vianney High School, St. Joseph's Academy, Cor Jesu Academy, Nerinx Hall High School, Rosati-Kain High School, St. Mary's High School, and St. Pius X High School. Applicants must complete and submit SLU’s online application for freshman admission and all required materials by December 1. Note that the Jesuit High School Award and Catholic High School Award are mutually exclusive.

Boys Hope Girls Hope Scholarship

This scholarship supports scholars who demonstrate financial need. Applicants must complete and submit the Boys Hope Girls Hope application and transcripts by February 1, along with one letter of recommendation.

ACCESS Academies Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a student with financial need who has graduated from an ACCESS Academies School. Applicants must complete and submit the Access Academies application and transcripts by February 1, along with one letter of recommendation. ACCESS Academies serves approximately 500 students across the St. Louis area.

North St. Louis Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to community service. The recipient must complete 40 hours of community service per academic year in North St. Louis. Applicants must complete and submit the online application for freshman admission and all required materials by December 1, and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 1.

Additional Considerations

Availability of Funds: Many scholarships are awarded based on the availability of funds.
Renewal Requirements: Some scholarships are renewable as long as the student continues to meet scholarship requirements.
Full-Time Enrollment: Many scholarships require students to pursue a bachelor's degree on a full-time basis.
GPA Requirements: Maintaining a certain cumulative GPA is often necessary for scholarship renewal. For instance, the Stay.Teach.Lead. Scholarship Program requires a 2.75 cumulative GPA or higher.
Living on Campus: Some scholarships, like the one associated with the Advance HER Leadership program, require students to live on campus while enrolled at SLU's St. Louis campus.
Specific Majors or Campuses: Some scholarships may be designated for specific majors or campuses.

Board of Trustee Scholarships

Board of Trustee Scholarships do not require a separate application. These scholarships are typically awarded on a first-served basis.

General Eligibility Criteria

While specific requirements vary, some general eligibility criteria apply to most scholarships:

Application Completion: Complete and submit all required application materials by the specified deadlines.
Financial Need: Demonstrate financial need through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Academic Performance: Maintain a strong academic record, often including a minimum GPA.
Full-Time Enrollment: Enroll as a full-time student.

Contact Information

For further inquiries, students can contact Saint Louis University’s Office of Student Financial Services:

Saint Louis UniversityOffice of Student Financial ServicesAttn: Scholarship AreaRoom 2, DuBourg Hall1 N. Grand Blvd.St. Louis, MO 63103

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