Scholarships for Adult Students

Tuition assistance and college scholarships for students enrolling at career oriented programs are now available through the American Research Collaborative on Postsecondary Education (ARCOPE)! Non-traditional students choosing to pursue a career education may receive a $1,000 tuition grant to attend an accredited school of their choice through our adult college grants.

All adult students must complete a student application form for the Scholarship review process to start. Once the application is completed, all information will be forwarded to the Appointment Committee for review and determination of an award. [See ARCOPE Scholarship Criteria].

ARCOPE, founded in 2015, is an organization whose mission is to promote and advance student success and scholarship and institutional progress across postsecondary education through:

education and training,
research and evaluation,
direct funding through scholarships and other means, and
other appropriate activities and efforts that foster and enhance the higher education system in the United States and its allied nations.

The ARCOPE Scholarship is provided through the Appointment Committee to qualified adult students planning to attend an accredited career college. Funds are awarded on a first to apply basis, against need and availability of funds available for distribution in an award year.

Scholarship Program Student Qualifications & Criteria

Prospective enrolling ARCOPE Scholarship students who are applicants must meet the following guidelines:

Be enrolling in an accredited college career oriented program
Meet eligibility requirements of the college
Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma, GED or pass an Ability to Benefit (ATB) test
Not be a previous recipient of any other ARCOPE scholarships/awards
Demonstrate a financial need
Submit a 500 word essay and the ARCOPE Scholarship Application

Scholarship Application Process

When applying, you must first choose an accredited college and a career oriented discipline. For example, areas from cosmetology to engineering to zoology may be eligible.
Review your completed application form carefully before submitting to ensure all of the information is complete and correct.
Demonstrate a financial need.
Complete the required 500 word essay.
To submit your application and essay, click the “Send Your Application” button at the bottom of the page. Once the application is completed, the assessment will be scored and all information will be forwarded to the ARCOPE Appointment Committee for review.
You will receive an e-mail confirmation that ARCOPE has received your Scholarship Application and supporting materials. You will be later notified via e-mail if an award is available. If there is, you will be prompted to confirm your acceptance. Note: At this time, your college is also e-mailed information about your award. Acceptance is always conditionally based on your ability to meet the college’s admissions requirements.
If your application is approved by the college, an email with instructions on how to download your award letter and certificate will be sent to you. Funds are made payable jointly to you and the College that you are attending.
After you receive your notification of becoming a ARCOPE Scholarship recipient, it is important that you contact your college and complete any pre-admissions testing and applications, if needed.

Application PDF FAQ