Textbook Grants

It's no secret – college is expensive. But it’s not just the tuition; textbooks are expensive, too. Students need help paying for college books. Textbook costs have risen at more than double the rate of inflation over the past 25 years and the average student spends about $1,000 on textbooks each year. Luckily, there are grants in the form of book scholarships available to help with the rising cost of textbooks.

Helping Hands Book Scholarships Program

The Helping Hands Book Scholarship Program awards up to 50 textbook scholarships each year. Scholarships range from $100 to $1,000. Qualified students must be 16 or older and attending or planning to attend a two or four-year college, university, or technical or vocational school. Awards are given twice a year; current deadlines are July 15 and Dec. 15. Applicants must submit an application form, resume, grade transcripts from high school or college, and a $5 application fee.

"Hit The Books Scholarship"

Coffee Serv's CoffeeForLess "Hit the Books Scholarship" is founders Jack and Lynn Kirshner's latest philanthropic effort in textbook funding. The semi-annual, one-time per student scholarship is for eligible students aged 18-25 enrolled in an accredited college or university. The scholarship awards the chosen student up to $500 for educational materials and books. Qualifications include writing an up to 500 word essay on the important of education and how they will use to scholarship to meet their goals. Creative, yet relevant references to coffee in the essay adds bonus points to the application scoring. Scholarship recipients showcase a successful essay and student need with the winning essay published at the site. Winners do have to submit related purchase receipts.

Carl A. Scott Book Memorial Fund

Each year, the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) offers two $500 Carl A. Scott Book Memorial Fund awards. Textbook scholarships awards are given to “students who have demonstrated a commitment to work for equity and social justice in social work.” Qualified applicants must be students in their final year of a bachelor of arts or a masters in social work program that is CSWE accredited. Students must be African American, Native American, Asian American, Mexican American or Puerto Rican; have at least a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale; and be enrolled for at least 12 credit hours in the semester in which the funds are used. Applicants must include two letters of recommendation, proof of enrollment, academic transcripts, and an essay containing information such as future plans, honors, achievements as well as an explanation of the student’s commitment to social justice and equity.