Becoming a United States citizen is a wondrous milestone in itself, but it can also help immigrants unlock numerous scholarships for newly naturalized American citizens to attend higher education.<\/p>\n
Our nation has historically been a “land for opportunity” and welcomed immigrants from all parts of the world. Over just the last decade, more than 6.6 million foreign-born lawful permanent residents have achieved naturalization by taking the Oath of Allegiance.<\/p>\n
Many of these new U.S. citizens may be held back from truly reaching their American dream though due to a lack of financial resources to cover tuition costs. Luckily, the following are 25 excellent scholarships available for newly naturalized citizens from various ethnicities and backgrounds to remove any financial barriers to their education goals.<\/p>\n
Deadline: March 31st<\/p>\n
Funded by Larry and Sue Yarger, the Achievement Scholarship for Refugees and Immigrants is granted for $1,000 to $4,000 annually by the Triangle Community Foundation for first-generation U.S. citizens, newly naturalized citizens, refugees, and immigrants residing in Wake County of North Carolina. Eligible candidates must be graduating high school, plan to attend an accredited in-state institution, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, exhibit family financial need, and be committed to being a contributory member of American society.<\/p>\n
Achievement Scholarship for Refugees and Immigrants
\n324 Blackwell Street Suite 1220
\nDurham, NC 27701
\n(919) 474-8370
\nruth@trianglecf.org<\/p>\n
Deadline: March 15th<\/p>\n
Through the Arab American Institute, the Ameen Rihani Scholarship Program is available to provide $1,500 to naturalized U.S. citizens or permanent residents of Arab descent who are intending to study literature, philosophy, or political science in American higher education. To qualify, applicants must be enrolling full-time in a degree-granting program, carry a minimum overall GPA of 3.25, and demonstrate leadership abilities through participation in community service or extra-curricular activities.<\/p>\n
Ameen Rihani Scholarship Program
\n1600 K Street NW Suite 601
\nWashington, DC 20006
\n(202) 429-9210
\ncommunications@aaiusa.org<\/p>\n
Deadline: March 1st<\/p>\n
Administered by the Seattle Foundation, the Atsuhiko Tateuchi Memorial Scholarship is granted annually for $5,000 to students from the Pacific Rim states of Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington who are of Asian heritage. Qualified candidates must be U.S. citizens or naturalized citizens, be accepted at an accredited two or four-year college full-time, possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, demonstrate financial need, and write a 500-word essay explaining the most interesting book they’ve read.<\/p>\n
Atsuhiko Tateuchi Memorial Scholarship Deadline: April 15th<\/p>\n In the Institute of International Education, the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is open to all U.S. citizens and naturalized citizens of limited financial means who are enrolled at accredited higher learning institutions in good academic standing. To receive up to $8,000 in funding, candidates must be accepted in a study abroad program for at least four weeks. Preference is given to students who speak Arabic, Chinese, Bahasa Indonesia, Japanese, Turkic, Persian, Indic, Korean, Russian, and Swahili fluently.<\/p>\n Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Deadline: March 31st<\/p>\n For female newly naturalized U.S. citizens of Hispanic heritage, the Chicana\/Latina Foundation offers up to 31 scholarships of $1,500 apiece annually to lower the tuition costs of attending an accredited college, university, or community college. Eligible applicants must be enrolled full-time, have completed 12 college units, have lived at least two years in Northern California, carry a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, agree to attend the CLF Leadership Institute, and commit to volunteering at least 10 hours after being selected.<\/p>\n Chicana\/Latina Foundation Scholarships Deadline: April 5th<\/p>\n Ranging in value from $1,000 to $3,000, the Denny’s Hungry for Education Scholarships are given annually to citizens, naturalized citizens, or permanent residents of the United States and Puerto Rico who are enrolling full-time in an accredited post-secondary institution. Eligible candidates must be at least 18 years old, meet low income requirements, achieve a minimum overall GPA of 2.5, and provide a 500-word essay on how Denny’s can impact childhood hunger in their community.<\/p>\n Denny’s Hungry for Education Scholarships Deadline: February 13th<\/p>\n Sponsored by the Eagan Foundation and the Paradigm Foundation, the D.H. Gustafson Family Scholarships are presented each year for $1,000 to one male and one female first-generation American, newly naturalized citizen, or immigrant who is furthering their education to the post-secondary level. Qualified applicants must live or attend school in Eagan, Minnesota, carry a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, exhibit financial need, write a personal essay, and be actively involved in extra-curricular or volunteer activities.<\/p>\n D.H. Gustafson Family Scholarships Deadline: February 1st<\/p>\n At the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), the Edna M. and Maurice Gedance Scholarship was founded to deliver up to $2,000 to currently enrolled full-time undergraduate or graduate students who carry a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75. Priority is given to students who are naturalized citizens of the United States and can provide a certified copy of their Certificate of Naturalization attesting to their status as a foreign-born immigrant.<\/p>\n Edna M. and Maurice Gedance Scholarship Deadline: May 15th<\/p>\n In the maximum amount of $10,000, the Foroutan Foundation awards several scholarships each year to first-generation immigrants and foreign-born citizens of Iranian descent who have been naturalized in the United States. Eligible recipients must be pursuing a four-year undergraduate degree at an accredited American college, maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, carry a full-time academic courseload, demonstrate financial need, exhibit strong personal character, and be committed to completing their education.<\/p>\n Foroutan Foundation Scholarships Deadline: February 20th<\/p>\n Through the Asian Pacific Fund, the Frederick and Demi Seguritan Scholarship is distributed annually for up to $5,000 to first-generation immigrants or naturalized citizens of Asian and Pacific Islander descent who clearly showcase a passion for business. Qualified students must be incoming freshmen enrolled full-time at an accredited four-year U.S. college, reside in an approved county of California, earn a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, demonstrate financial need, and be actively involved in community service.<\/p>\n Frederick and Demi Seguritan Scholarship Deadline: March 18th<\/p>\n Newly naturalized U.S. citizens of Greek descent who are between the ages of 17 and 25 can apply for financial support through the Hellenic Times Scholarship Fund to lower the cost of tuition for undergraduate or graduate studies at an accredited U.S. university. In order to be considered for $1,000 to $5,000 in funding, students must register, submit an online application, attach academic transcripts, provide proof of full-time enrollment, and send in tax forms.<\/p>\n Hellenic Times Scholarship Fund Deadline: February 28th<\/p>\n Sponsored by the Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA), the Henry Salvatori General Scholarship is available for $5,000 for U.S. citizens or naturalized citizens of Italian descent who are enrolling full-time within a four-year undergraduate or a graduate program at an accredited American institution. Along with an application, candidates must submit official transcripts, test scores, a current resume, two letters of recommendation, and a 750-word personal essay showing pride in their Italian heritage.<\/p>\n Henry Salvatori General Scholarship Deadline: April 15th<\/p>\n In honor of an American immigrant, entrepreneur, and dreamer originally born in the mountain village of Serra d’Aiello, the John R. Mott Foundation has created a $10,000 scholarship that’s available for naturalized citizens or permanent residents of the United States who are native to the region of Calabria in Italy. Eligible recipients must be accepted to attend an accredited U.S. university and work towards a degree or professional certification starting this upcoming fall.<\/p>\n John R. Mott Foundation Scholarship Deadline: May 1st<\/p>\n Funded by the Catholic Community Foundation, the Jose Robles Dream Scholarship Fund will give $1,000 to $2,000 each year to Hispanic students who have immigrated to the United States as children and become naturalized citizens or permanent residents. Qualified applicants must currently live in Arizona, have graduated from high school, be accepted at an accredited post-secondary institution, maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.0, not qualify for in-state tuition, and demonstrate unmet financial need.<\/p>\n Jose Robles Dream Scholarship Fund Deadline: January 15th<\/p>\n Ranging in value from $1,000 to $7,000 each, the Kosciuszko Foundation Tuition Scholarships are available for naturalized U.S. citizens of Polish descent who are pursuing graduate studies in select states and major fields. Qualified candidates must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, attend an accredited American graduate school, maintain full-time enrollment, exhibit financial need, show involvement in the Polish American community, and be motivated for success inside and outside the classroom.<\/p>\n Kosciuszko Foundation Tuition Scholarships Deadline: April 6th<\/p>\n Through the Lebanese American Heritage Club (LAHC), scholarships are awarded for $1,000 to $10,000 apiece annually for U.S. citizens of Lebanese or Arab descent who reside in Michigan and are enrolled full-time in an accredited post-secondary institution with a minimum overall GPA of 3.5. Special preference will be given to candidates who are majoring in political science, mass communications, journalism, and related fields as well as those who have not received a scholarship previously.<\/p>\n Lebanese American Heritage Club Scholarships Deadline: January 31st<\/p>\n In partnership with the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) of Chicago, the Ludmila Smolyansky Empowerment Scholarship is delivered annually for $2,000 to empower a young woman to find passion in her career by exploring fields of study where women are typically underrepresented. Eligible recipients must be female U.S. naturalized citizens or permanent residents who immigrated from Russia, the Former Soviet Union, or Ukraine and are enrolling in a four-year undergraduate degree program.<\/p>\n Ludmila Smolyansky Empowerment Scholarship Deadline: October 17th<\/p>\n Newly naturalized citizens who immigrated from Mexico can receive the Mexican American Dream Scholarship to provide $500 for community college courses or $1,000 for attending a four-year university each year. Qualified applicants must be enrolled full-time in an accredited post-secondary institution, carry a minimum overall GPA of 2.8, demonstrate financial need, reside in select California counties, show pride in their Mexican heritage, and agree to volunteer at least 25 hours with the Council on Mexican American Federations (COFEM).<\/p>\n Mexican American Dream Scholarship Deadline: January 10th<\/p>\n Since 1993, the Organization of Chinese Americans (OCA) has partnered with AXA to deliver the Achievement Scholarship for $2,000 each year to ten Asian Pacific Americans who are entering their freshmen year of college in the upcoming fall. Eligible candidates must be U.S. naturalized citizens or permanent residents, carry a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, be dedicated to academic achievement, showcase leadership ability, apply for federal aid, and volunteer their service in the Chinese American community.<\/p>\n
\n1200 5th Avenue Suite 1300
\nSeattle, WA 98101
\n(206) 515-2115
\nscholarships@seattlefoundation.org
\nScholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n4. Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
\n1800 West Loop South Suite 250
\nHouston, TX 77027
\n(832) 369-3487
\ngilmanadvisors@iie.org<\/p>\n5. Chicana\/Latina Foundation Scholarships<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
\n1419 Burlingame Avenue Suite W2
\nBurlingame, CA 94010
\n(650) 548-1040
\nalicia@chicanalatina.org<\/p>\n6. Denny’s Hungry for Education Scholarships<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
\n761 Main Avenue
\nNorwalk, CT 06851
\n(646) 277-1226
\nhungryforeducation@dennys.com<\/p>\n7. D.H. Gustafson Family Scholarships<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
\nP.O. Box 211192
\nEagan, MN 55121
\n(651) 243-1198
\nadmin@eaganfoundation.org<\/p>\n8. Edna M. and Maurice Gedance Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
\n4505 South Maryland Parkway
\nLas Vegas, NV 89154
\n(702) 895-3424
\nunlvscholarships@unlv.edu
\nScholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n9. Foroutan Foundation Scholarships<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
\n18101 Von Karman Avenue Suite 750
\nIrvine, CA 92612
\n(877) 968-6328
\ngrants@foroutanfoundation.org<\/p>\n10. Frederick and Demi Seguritan Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
\n465 California Street Suite 809
\nSan Francisco, CA 94104
\n(415) 395-9985
\nscholarship@asianpacificfund.org<\/p>\n11. Hellenic Times Scholarship Fund<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
\n823 Eleventh Avenue 5th Floor
\nNew York, NY 10019
\n(212) 986-6881
\nHTSFUND@aol.com<\/p>\n12. Henry Salvatori General Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
\n219 E Street NE
\nWashington, DC 20002
\n(202) 547-2900
\nabeach@osia.org<\/p>\n13. John R. Mott Foundation Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
\n1860 19th Street NW
\nWashington, DC 20009
\n(703) 490-9930
\ninfo@mottscholarship.org
\nScholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n14. Jose Robles Dream Scholarship Fund<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
\n1404 East Ninth Street
\nCleveland, OH 44114
\n(216) 696-6525
\ninfo@catholiccommunity.org<\/p>\n15. Kosciuszko Foundation Tuition Scholarships<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
\n15 East 65th Street
\nNew York, NY 10065
\n(212) 734-2130 ext. 210
\nAddy@thekf.org<\/p>\n16. Lebanese American Heritage Club Scholarships<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
\n4337 Maple Street
\nDearborn, MI 48126
\n(313) 846-8480
\nscholarship@lahc.org<\/p>\n17. Ludmila Smolyansky Empowerment Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
\n216 West Jackson Street Suite 700
\nChicago, IL 60606
\n(312) 357-4666
\nhiaschicago@jcfs.org<\/p>\n18. Mexican American Dream Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
\n125 Paseo de La Plaza Suite 101
\nLos Angeles, CA 90012
\n(213) 417-8380
\ninfo@cofem.org<\/p>\n19. OCA-AXA Achievement Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n