Scholarships may help students at online universities cope with loss

Scholarships may help students at online universities cope with loss

Students who wish to pursue higher education at campus-based or online colleges and require financial aid due to the loss of a parent or spouse may receive assistance from the Vantagepoint Public Employee Memorial Scholarship Fund.

The program, which benefits the children and spouses of public service employees who died in the line of duty, has announced plans to increase funding for its financial assistance packages over the next year.

Foundation officials have made a goal to raise $1 million by 2011 in order to reach more students who have suffered similar losses.

The awards, which are worth as much as $10,000 each, have already helped more than 200 individuals enroll in accredited colleges, universities or vocational schools. Some recipients have used the awards to honor fallen relatives by pursuing community-related degrees programs in fields such as criminal justice, education, social work, medicine and nursing.

Beneficiaries are selected based on their academic record, leadership qualities, participation in volunteer activities, honors, work experience and demonstrated financial need.

Prospective college students who require financial assistance may use similar scholarships to pay for online degree programs, which could allow them to hold a job while they pursue higher education.