Tips for finding the right boot camp scholarship
As you get closer to deciding if a tech boot camp is right for you, you might be wondering if there are scholarships that can help you cover the cost. Many boot camps offer scholarships, but there are also scholarships available based on need, merit, demographic, or location of residence.
Are you wondering if taking the time to apply to various scholarships is worth it? Since it’s easy to reuse submission materials for different applications and repurpose essays to fit different opportunities, spending the time and extra effort to potentially fund your boot camp education could pay off.
Eight types of boot camp scholarships
To cast the widest net possible when searching for scholarships, it might help to make a list of your interests, traits, accomplishments, financial information, and other characteristics unique to you. Once you have collected that information, you can make a better decision about which scholarships may work best for you.
Here are eight different types of scholarships based on a variety of factors:
1. Need-based boot camp scholarships
There are many scholarships available to pay for boot camps based on financial need, so have your financial information on hand as you conduct your research.
2. Merit-based scholarships
This doesn't just apply to athletics and academics. Your hobbies and interests can also help you find scholarship opportunities.
3. Local scholarships
You might find scholarships aimed at helping your local community gain access to technology education. Since this limits the pool of applicants, it might improve your chances of receiving the award.
4. Scholarships for underrepresented groups
If you are part of an underrepresented group, you may be eligible for scholarships to pay for all, or part, of your boot camp cost.
5. Scholarships for women
There are many foundations that offer scholarships for women in STEM in addition to scholarships for parents and adopted students.
6. Scholarships for LGBTQ+ learners
As an LGBTQ+ individual, you may be eligible for scholarships from foundations like the Edie Windsor Coding Scholarship.
7. Scholarships for people with disabilities
There are coding boot camp scholarships available for disabled students who are looking for careers in tech.
8. Scholarships for veterans
Veterans may also be eligible for boot camp scholarships.
If you are currently employed, you should also find out whether an employer scholarship is available through your place of work.
Six tips for applying for a boot camp scholarship
Once you have narrowed your search and short-listed the top scholarships you’re interested in, it’s time to apply. Here are six tips to help make your scholarship application stand out.
1. Search for scholarships based on what makes you unique.
There are scholarships available for a variety of learners and backgrounds, so be sure to search based on any characteristic that makes you unique, including hobbies and other areas of interest outside of academics and athletics.
2. Organize your submission materials.
Most scholarships will require the same information in order to consider your application. Be sure to organize your financial information and personal documents to make the application process as easy as possible.
3. Apply for a variety of scholarship amounts.
To maximize your chances of receiving some scholarship money, be sure to apply for scholarships that range from small amounts to the total cost of the boot camp. This way, if you don’t receive one large scholarship, a combination of smaller scholarships may still provide significant assistance.
4. Write compelling essays that make you stand out.
Most scholarships have an essay requirement that is used to determine who receives funding. Spending time making sure your essay is both impactful and convincing is important.
5. Create a calendar to keep track of deadlines.
Keep track of scholarship deadlines by creating a calendar. This will also help you prioritize the scholarships.
6. Follow submission guidelines and directions.
Even with the most compelling essay, you will fail to earn a scholarship if you don’t follow their submission guidelines.
Whichever scholarship you choose to apply for, the time invested applying can be worth it when you consider that, unlike loans or other boot camp payment options, scholarships do not have to be paid back. Invest in yourself — your future career awaits.
Last updated November 2023