She won 30 scholarships and graduated from college debt-free—the 3 biggest mistakes she says to avoid to earn money for school – CNBC

Report on Strategic Scholarship Acquisition and its Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

The rising cost of tertiary education presents a significant challenge to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education). With outstanding U.S. student loan debt exceeding $1.8 trillion, financial barriers are impeding equitable access to higher learning, which in turn affects SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). This report analyzes strategic approaches to securing scholarships, as outlined by Carlynn Greene, founder of Scholarship Guru, and frames them within the context of advancing these global goals.

The Role of Scholarships in Advancing SDG 4: Quality Education

Scholarships serve as a critical mechanism for promoting Target 4.3 of SDG 4, which aims to ensure equal access for all to affordable and quality tertiary education. By mitigating the financial burden on students, scholarships directly address the economic barriers that contribute to educational inequality. The work of specialists like Carlynn Greene, who secured 30 scholarships to graduate debt-free and now assists others in obtaining millions in funding, provides a practical framework for individuals to overcome these systemic challenges and access the quality education necessary for personal and societal advancement.

Key Strategic Recommendations for Scholarship Applicants

An analysis of common application errors reveals several strategic imperatives for prospective students. These strategies not only increase an individual’s success rate but also align with the principles of equity and targeted development inherent in the SDGs.

1. Strategic Targeting to Promote Equity (SDG 10)

   A prevalent mistake is focusing exclusively on large, national scholarships with vast applicant pools. A more effective strategy involves targeting scholarships that align with the principles of SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by narrowing the competitive field and providing opportunities for specific demographics.

   • Local and State-Level Scholarships: These awards have a geographically limited applicant pool, increasing the probability of success.
   • Intersectionality Scholarships: These awards target applicants based on a combination of specific criteria, such as race, gender, geographic location, and area of study, thereby promoting more equitable access for underrepresented groups.

2. Effective Self-Marketing for Educational Investment

   Applicants must effectively market themselves by demonstrating how an investment in their education will yield a broader societal return, a concept that aligns with the impact-oriented nature of the SDGs. By highlighting unique qualifications and the urgency of their academic or career goals, applicants can make a more compelling case. For instance, a student planning to specialize in a field that directly addresses an SDG, such as a medical student focused on treating a rare disease (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being), can leverage this to communicate the wider value of their education to scholarship committees.

3. The Importance of Application Volume and Persistence

   Securing scholarships is often a matter of volume and persistence. This approach is a necessary tactic to navigate the competitive landscape and overcome the systemic financial barriers that hinder progress toward universal access to education as envisioned in SDG 4.

   • It is recommended that an average student apply for 100 to 200 scholarships.
   • Ms. Greene’s experience exemplifies this, having applied for over 100 scholarships to win 30.
   • Online tools can facilitate a high-volume application strategy. Recommended platforms include:
     • Bold.org
     • Going Merry

Conclusion: Linking Individual Strategy to Global Goals

The strategies for successfully obtaining scholarships are intrinsically linked to the broader objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals. By targeting scholarships that promote equity, applicants contribute to SDG 10. By framing their education as an investment in solving societal challenges, they align with the entire 2030 Agenda. Ultimately, the successful acquisition of scholarships enables greater access to higher education (SDG 4), which reduces the long-term debt burden on graduates, allowing for greater economic participation (SDG 8) and helping to break cycles of poverty (SDG 1). Therefore, these individual application strategies collectively function as a grassroots effort toward building a more sustainable and equitable future.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 4: Quality Education

  The article’s primary focus is on the accessibility and affordability of tertiary education. It directly addresses the challenge of high tuition costs and student debt, which are significant barriers to quality education for many. The entire narrative revolves around strategies, specifically winning scholarships, to enable students to attend and complete higher education.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  The article connects to the goal of reducing inequalities by discussing how financial barriers disproportionately affect access to higher education. It highlights a specific strategy to counteract this: applying for “intersectionality scholarships.” These scholarships are designed for applicants with “multiple criteria that may describe you, including race, gender, geographic location and area of study,” which is a direct mechanism to promote equal opportunity for students from various backgrounds.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The issue of student debt, which the article states has “topped $1.8 trillion,” is a major impediment to economic growth for young adults. Graduating with significant debt can delay major life events, limit career choices, and hinder personal economic progress. By providing a path to graduate “with no undergraduate debt,” the article’s advice supports the transition of educated youth into the workforce without the burden of crippling debt, thereby contributing to their ability to secure decent work and contribute to economic growth.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 4.3: Ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.

   The article directly addresses this target by focusing on the problem that “Top schools continue to increase tuition,” making college unaffordable. The solution presented—winning scholarships—is a means to achieve more affordable and equal access to university education.

2. Target 4.b: Substantially expand globally the number of scholarships available… for enrolment in higher education.

   While the article is U.S.-centric, its core subject is the utilization of scholarships to fund education. It details the success of individuals who have won numerous scholarships (“I won 30 scholarships”) and encourages others to apply for hundreds, implicitly supporting the expansion and use of scholarship programs as a key tool for financing higher education.

3. Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome…

   This target is addressed through the advice to seek out “intersectionality scholarships.” By encouraging students to apply for awards based on criteria like race and gender, the article promotes a practice aimed at leveling the playing field and ensuring that students from diverse and potentially disadvantaged backgrounds have an equal opportunity to secure funding for their education.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for Target 4.3 (Affordability): The level of student loan debt.

  The article provides a stark, quantifiable indicator of the lack of affordable education: “outstanding U.S. student loan debt topped $1.8 trillion.” A reduction in this national figure would indicate progress towards making tertiary education more affordable.

• Indicator for Target 4.b (Scholarship Volume): The number and value of scholarships awarded.

  The article implies this indicator through specific examples. Carlynn Greene “won 30 scholarships,” and her company has “helped clients secure millions of dollars in scholarship awards.” These figures, while anecdotal, point to the volume and financial value of scholarships as a measure of the support available to students.

• Indicator for Target 10.3 (Equal Opportunity): Availability and distribution of targeted financial aid.

  The article implies an indicator by mentioning “intersectionality scholarships” that consider “race, gender, geographic location and area of study.” Progress could be measured by tracking the number of such scholarships available and the proportion of total financial aid awarded to students from these specific demographic groups.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: cnbc.com