In an effort to cultivate an educated citizenry, The Scholarship Foundation provides access to post-secondary education to members of our community who otherwise would not have the financial means to fulfill their educational goals. Through funding made available by loan repayments, ScholarShop sale and private contributions, The Scholarship Foundation provides $2.5 million annually in the form of interest-free student loans to local students to attend any accredited U.S. college or university.

The Scholarship Foundation operates the following programs :

The Interest-Free Loan Program

Applications for interest-free student loans are accepted by deadlines of April 15 for fall and spring funding and November 15 for spring funding only, and are renewable annually. The November deadline is available to new students only. (No application materials are accepted late.) Awards are made on a non-discriminatory basis to applicants of all ages who demonstrate financial need, satisfactory academic progress, and strong character. Residents of St. Louis, St. Louis County, Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, St. Charles and Warren counties in Missouri and the Illinois counties of Clinton, Jersey, Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair are eligible to apply. Undergraduate, graduate, professional and vocational/technical degree-seeking students may borrow up to an annual maximum of $6,000. Students enjoy a 12-month grace period after graduation before beginning a scheduled five-year repayment plan.

Emergency Loan Program

The Foundation provides emergency loans to students experiencing unforeseen and unplanned circumstances such as a family crisis, illness, death of a parent, or major change in sources of support during a current academic term. Recipients of emergency funding are eligible to renew their loans during the spring application cycle.

Deedee Becker Loan Fund

Established as a memorial to Deedee Becker, who died suddenly in 1982, this fund has provided interest-free loans to high-need students of nursing. Supported by the Becker family, this program offers assistance year-round, without a deadline, to students pursuing a degree or certificate in nursing at the undergraduate level.

Grant Programs

The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis provides $2.5 million in the form of interest-free loans to approximately 650 students each year for higher education expenses. Grant funds totaling about $200,000 are provided to students who meet additional highly selective eligibility criteria. Students may NOT apply for grant funding but rather are nominated from applications for the loan by the board of directors. There is no separate application for grant funding.

Who can apply?

To be considered for funding through the interest-free student loan program a student must be a resident of the greater metropolitan St. Louis area for a minimum of 2 years prior to application. Students must have earned a high school diploma or the equivalent. Approximately 600 students are funded annually. Loans are renewable; however, nearly 30% of all students awarded each year are new applicants applying for funding for the first time. Students must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Progress toward degree completion and a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
Strong Character
Financial Need

To apply for the programs offered by The Scholarship Foundation, please call the office at (314)725-7990 Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. for instructions.

For more information please e-mail us at info@sfstl.org