2025 Dell Scholars Program: Scholarships, Benefits, and Opportunities for College Students

Explore the Dell Scholars Program: Opportunities and Benefits for 2025.

Amount:  $20,000     

Deadline : December 1st, 2024     

Awards Available: 500

Dell Scholars Program 2024: Scholarship, Eligibility, Benefits, and Application Guide

The Dell Scholars program is a college scholarship and completion initiative designed to support and empower low-income students throughout their college journey. Since its inception in 2004, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation has supported over 5,000 scholars, with more than 2,000 successfully graduating from college. This scholarship program offers flexibility, allowing recipients to use the award funds for a wide range of college-related expenses.

Scholarship Details

Awardees of the Dell Scholars program will receive a $20,000 scholarship, versatile enough to cover various academic and college-related expenses such as tuition, fees, loan repayments, study abroad opportunities, and internship stipends. The program also provides numerous services aimed at addressing academic challenges, financial support, and personal growth.

• Laptop: Every scholar will receive a state-of-the-art laptop, along with a generous four-year warranty to support their coursework.
• Chegg Credits: Each recipient will receive $500 annually for four years to help purchase textbooks and other educational materials.
• Scholars Resource Network: A support network connecting scholars and their families to resources that help manage stress, debt, and other life challenges.
• Mental Health Support: To foster a healthy academic environment, the program offers access to teletherapy and other resources for personal difficulties.

Eligibility Criteria

• The Dell Scholars Program values pre-college preparation and requires students to be part of an approved college readiness initiative during their 11th and 12th grades.
• Applicants must be poised to enter college directly after graduating from an accredited high school.
• The program is specifically designed for low-income students who need financial assistance and qualify for a federal Pell Grant during their first year of college.
• Dell Scholars must enroll full-time in a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited university immediately after high school graduation.
• A minimum GPA of 2.4 is required, though students outside this range are encouraged to apply if they show determination, ambition, and potential for success in higher education.

Application Process

• To apply for the Dell Scholars Program, complete the online application. Be thorough and sincere in your responses. If your application is successful, you will be notified as a semifinalist by mid-December.
• Semifinalists must submit the following:

1. High school transcripts
2. Student Aid Report (SAR) from FAFSA
3. An online recommendation

The deadline for submitting the required materials is in January. Additionally, FAFSA must be filed every year the student receives program funds.

• After submission, an independent committee will review all applications for the final selection.
• Award recipients will be notified of their initial financial aid package in March.

Key Requirements for the Dell Scholarship

To be eligible for the prestigious Dell Scholarship, applicants must meet specific criteria. While these requirements may undergo slight modifications, there are certain key factors that applicants should carefully consider. The Dell Scholarship is a highly competitive award, and meeting these requirements is essential to be considered for this esteemed scholarship.

1. Demonstrated Financial Need

The Dell Scholarship is specifically designed for students who exhibit significant financial need. Applicants are typically required to provide detailed documentation of their family’s financial situation to establish eligibility. This may include, but is not limited to:

– Submission of tax returns and financial statements

– Disclosure of family income, expenses, and assets

– Explanation of any extenuating financial circumstances

By providing this information, applicants can demonstrate their genuine financial need and increase their chances of being considered for the scholarship.

1. Academic Achievements

While academic merit is not the sole focus of the Dell Scholarship, applicants are generally expected to have a competitive academic record. This may include:

– A strong Grade Point Average (GPA)

– High scores on standardized tests, such as the SAT or ACT

– A rigorous course load, including Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses

– Participation in academic extracurricular activities, such as debate teams or science fairs

By showcasing their academic achievements, applicants can demonstrate their potential for success in higher education and increase their chances of being awarded the Dell Scholarship.

Additional Requirements

In addition to these key requirements, applicants may also need to:

– Submit letters of recommendation from academic or professional mentors

– Provide a personal statement or essay outlining their academic and career goals

– Participate in an interview or assessment process

By carefully reviewing these requirements and ensuring they meet the necessary criteria, applicants can increase their chances of being awarded the prestigious Dell Scholarship.

Who Should Apply?

The ideal candidate for the Dell Scholars Program is a high school student dedicated to pursuing a college education, demonstrates financial need, and participates in an approved college readiness program during grades 11 and 12. Applicants should show perseverance, ambition, and potential as they work toward achieving a college degree.

Scholarship Committee
The Michael and Susan Dell Foundation
4417 Westlake Dr
Austin, TX 78746
[email protected]
800-294-2039