School is not the only option for preparing for your life's work, but many people feel it is the right option for them. If you're deciding where to apply, or are already on a campus and want to explore more ways to maximize your time there, check out the pages below.
There is no reason that you have to pursue a program specifically tailored to non-profit work, or any specific job path, for that matter. Almost any degree can have social good applications, especially when you start to think creatively. Here are some resources to help you find a degree program that works for you.
Programs Listed on Idealist.org
Try a search and you might find a professor, program or university that inspires you. We typed in "anthropology," for example, and here are some of the results:
More Academic Programs and Search Tools
More are listed on this page in Idealist's Career Center. Here are just a few examples of programs we found that are targeted toward people who want careers working for social change:
Global University Network for Innovation
This group of universities, research centers, UNESCO chairs of higher education, and institution networks promotes itself as a collaborative effort with a goal of continual innovation in higher education. At GUNI you can read up on all the latest trends in global higher education, especially pertaining to university best practices and education with a social conscience.
The Good University Guide
University profiles, international student information, parent guides, and information on how to choose a program that is right for you.
QS Top Universities
Although this university guide is based in London, the rankings and articles have a global focus. Use them to find international study abroad information and global rankings of universities, scholarships, and undergraduate and graduate programs.
Scholarships
It can be daunting to search for funding sources that are aligned with your values and priorities. Here are some ideas that might make your search easier.
Guidance Counselors and Career Centers
Your first stop in the scholarship process should be your very own guidance counselor (for high school students) or career center advisor (for undergrads thinking about graduate school). In addition to lists of national or international scholarships, they should have information on scholarships that are unique to your interests or are only offered to people in your town. These scholarships may be smaller in award amount, but may have smaller applicant pools, which means less competition for you!
Financial Aid Centers
The Financial Aid Center at your university or college, or the one you are hoping to attend, offers many opportunities for scholarships and financial help. Find them online through the school website or call the main admissions number for more information.
More Links
FastWeb.com
FastWeb, the Internet's leading scholarship search service, helps students make the decisions that shape their lives: choosing a college, paying for college, and finding jobs and internships.
The Foundation Center
This online resource library is most commonly referred to for finding grants and fellowships for organizations, but it also has a large amount of information directed at individuals. Visit their website for application information for grants and scholarships from private funders. This type of resource is best for clearly outlined projects (possibly a thesis or a specific study program) and not as helpful for general scholarship aid. However, if you think foundation funding is for you, the center offers an E-learning tutorial on how to find private education funding, several full print e-books on individual funding opportunities, as well as an extensive list of internet and print resources that could be helpful to your search.
In the United States: Term of Service Educational Benefits
There are many programs that offer education aid in return for a year or two of volunteer or stipended service. The Peace Corps, Americorps, Teach for America, the Teaching Fellows, and many more offer student loan deferral in addition to university connections, school credit, and monies towards a graduate degree. Many of these programs are only available to US citizens or residents. For an extensive list of Year of Service or Term of Service opportunities and their associated benefits, check out this page in Idealist's Volunteer Center: http://www.idealist.org/en/career/oneyearservice.html.
Beyond the United States: For Students Around the World
Here are some scholarships and fellowships, many targeted toward students who are not from the United States.
International Institute for Education
The IIE is the organization that is best well known for the administration of the Fulbright grants. In addition to various Fulbright programs and other scholarships, this list also offers advising services and college fair information.
International Education Financial Aid
Both for students in and outside the United States who are looking to study abroad, this site lists scholarships and international financial aid information. The blogs and resource center are also great, with everything from budgeting tips to insurance information to work-study regulations.
InternationalScholarships.com
A very extensive database of scholarships, grants, fellowships, and international loans for any student looking to study abroad.
