A scholarship is defined as a grant or payment made to support a student's education, awarded on the basis of academic or other distinction.
In the U.S., a grant is given on the basis of economic need, determined by the amount to which the college's Cost of Attendance (COA)[6][7] exceeds the Expected Family Contribution (EFC),[8] calculated by the U.S. Department of Education from information submitted on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) following formulas set by the United States Congress.
The federal Pell grant program[9] is an entitlement: if the applicant meets the requirements - has economic Need (COA exceeds EFC), is studying at least half time towards a first undergraduate degree, is a U.S. citizen or eligible alien - the award of the money is automatic.
[11] The English Access Microscholarship Program is an international project that was created by the U.S Department of State aimed at helping teens (13–20 years-old) from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to have better opportunities in employment, education, and life in general.
[12] Access promotes skills and knowledge in the English language, as well as giving students the ability to compete and participate in future exchanges and study in the United States.
The purpose is to provide underprivileged young students opportunities to learn English and promote leadership skills by educating them regarding American culture.