Scholarships Plus Program

Geographic Scope: Clark County, Nevada (Las Vegas area)
Program Type: Post-secondary education scholarships

The Scholarships Plus program is a comprehensive scholarship clearinghouse that provides financial support to high school seniors and college-enrolled students pursuing two-year and four-year college or vocational school programs. The program offers over 900 scholarships from numerous community and corporate donors.

Key Statistics:

• Since 1995, PEF has awarded approximately $22 million in scholarships to over 7,100 students
• Over 9,400 scholarships awarded through the program
• Record year (2021): $3,066,250 awarded to 621 students (822 scholarships)
• 2022 projection: $4 million in scholarship funds
• Award range: $250 to $20,000 per year
• Many scholarships are renewable for the length of the student's program

Eligibility

• Current high school seniors
• Current college-enrolled students
• Students pursuing post-secondary education at two-year or four-year institutions
• Students pursuing vocational/technical school programs
• Local students (Clark County area) have stronger chances of receiving funds

Award Criteria

Eligibility extends beyond traditional metrics. Students can be awarded scholarships based on:

• Academic performance (grades)
• Financial need
• Participation in school clubs and after-school activities
• Chosen major or career field
• Life experiences and overcome challenges
• Diversity (first-generation college students represented at 53% vs. 34% nationally)
• Extra-curricular achievements

What They Fund

• Costs associated with two-year college programs
• Costs associated with four-year college programs
• Vocational and technical school programs
• Post-secondary educational expenses

Specific Scholarship Programs Within Scholarships Plus

1. Diversity Scholarship Program - For dependents of Penn National Gaming, Inc. team members; $2,500-$10,000 annual awards 2. Vegas Strong Compassion Scholarship - For children of the 58 victims of the October 1, 2017 tragedy; approximately $1.5 million directed to this fund 3. Children of the 58 Scholarship - Created in honor of Neysa Tonks, who lost her life on October 1, 2017 4. Vegas Strong Helping Hands Scholarship - For students affected by 1 October tragedy with financial hardship or pursuing high-need fields (Accounting, Education, Health Care/Medical Services, Information Technology, STEM) 5. Vegas Strong First Responders' Dependent Scholarship - For Clark County seniors who are dependents of first responders (police, fire, healthcare, nonprofit, government disaster relief) 6. Vegas Strong Future First Responders Scholarship - For Clark County seniors pursuing post-secondary education to become first responders

Contact Information

PEF Teacher Superstore
Address: 6001 S. Decatur Boulevard, Suite D, Las Vegas, NV 89118

How to Apply

1. Visit the online platform at thepef.org/apply-for-scholarships or thepef.org/scholarships

2. Explore scholarship opportunities - The online platform helps students determine which scholarships they are eligible for

3. Complete the online application form - Students can apply for multiple scholarship opportunities through the platform

4. Submit application - Submit through the online portal by the deadline

Application Timeline

• Application Window: Annual
• Deadline: January 31 (of each year)
• Award Period: Following academic year

What Students Submit

• Online application form
• Eligibility information
• Academic performance details
• Financial need documentation (if applicable)
• Information about school clubs/activities and extra-curricular achievements
• Major or career field information
• Personal statement/life experiences essay

Platform Features

• Helps students identify which scholarships they qualify for
• Streamlines the application process for multiple scholarships
• Over 300 scholarship opportunities available on platform
• Easy-to-use online system

Application Statistics

• 2020-2021 cycle: Over 18,000 scholarship applications submitted (45% increase from prior year)
• Students encouraged to apply for multiple scholarships as many opportunities are available