Barry Griswell Scholarship: A Complete Guide for Students Seeking Life-Changing Support
The Barry Griswell Scholarship helps students overcome life obstacles through education
The Barry Griswell Scholarship is more than just financial aid—it’s a transformative opportunity that provides comprehensive support to students who have overcome significant adversity in their lives. With awards of up to $25,000 per year (renewable for up to five years), this prestigious scholarship can be life-changing for eligible students pursuing higher education.
About J. Barry Griswell and His Legacy
People also ask: Who was Barry Griswell?
J. Barry Griswell was the former Chairman and CEO of Principal Financial Group and a passionate advocate for students facing adversity. He grew up in challenging circumstances yet rose to become a successful business leader who dedicated his life to helping students overcome difficult circumstances.
As a young man growing up in Atlanta, Barry Griswell faced tremendous odds. Raised in the shadow of physical and mental abuse, his resources were scarce. His mother worked multiple jobs, but it wasn’t always enough, and his community lacked guidance and support.
Developing resilience and overcoming adversity – key values of the Barry Griswell Scholarship
Despite these challenges, Barry was determined to rise above his circumstances. He understood that education could help him find a path forward. He expanded his network through involvement in community organizations, athletics, and mentorships. By focusing on academics and developing his basketball talents, Barry secured a full scholarship to Georgia’s Berry College, followed by an MBA from Stetson University.
In 1988, he and his wife Michele (his high-school sweetheart) relocated to Des Moines, Iowa, where he joined Principal Financial. Twenty years later, Barry retired as Principal’s CEO. Following his retirement, he co-authored “The Adversity Paradox,” a bestselling book illustrating how overcoming adversity creates successful, compassionate leaders.
Barry spent several years leading the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation and served as a dedicated member of Scholarship America’s Board of Trustees. Throughout his life, he remained committed to helping students overcome difficult circumstances—a passion inspired by his own experiences.
The Birth of the Barry Griswell Scholarship
When Barry Griswell passed away unexpectedly in 2020, Scholarship America established the Barry Griswell Scholarship Initiative to Raise the Bar for Students as a tribute to his unyielding commitment to education and student success. This scholarship embodies more than just financial support—it’s a comprehensive pathway to achievement and success that includes mentoring, career exploration, financial literacy, and networking opportunities.
“The successful recipients of this scholarship are going to receive $25,000 per year. It’ll be renewable up to five years and is also flexible in the sense that it can go not only to tuition as many scholarships go to but also to room and board and living expenses, things such as emergency grants. It will also come along with supports: mentoring, internships, and a network of other Barry Griswell scholars through which they could interact and learn from.”
Eligibility Requirements
People also ask: Who qualifies for the Barry Griswell Scholarship?
The Barry Griswell Scholarship is designed for students who have experienced significant adversity in their lives but have found ways to rise above their circumstances. It targets students with financial need who might not be reached by traditional scholarships.
The Barry Griswell Scholarship has specific eligibility criteria designed to identify students who, like Barry himself, are working to overcome significant challenges. To qualify for this opportunity, you must meet the following requirements:
Basic Eligibility Criteria
- Be a high school senior, a high school/GED graduate, or a current college undergraduate student
- Be a United States citizen, permanent resident, or individual granted deferred action status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program (DACA)
- Plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school in the United States for the entire upcoming academic year
- Current students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)
- Demonstrate financial need
- Be able to articulate obstacles you’ve overcome in pursuit of education
Important Note
This scholarship specifically targets students who have faced significant adversity and have the highest level of need. The selection committee looks for students who may not be reached by traditional scholarships. If you’ve overcome substantial obstacles and need financial support to pursue your education, you are strongly encouraged to apply.
The scholarship includes mentorship support to help students navigate their educational journey
Selection Criteria and Process
The primary selection criteria for the Barry Griswell Scholarship include:
- Challenging life circumstances: Evidence of significant hardship or adversity
- Financial need: Demonstrated through FAFSA or other financial documentation
- Resilience and determination: The “spark” that motivates you to work hard for a better future
- Academic potential: While perfect grades aren’t required, you should show the potential to succeed in college
Applications are reviewed by a selection committee that includes representatives from Scholarship America and other educational professionals. The committee evaluates each application holistically, considering all aspects of the student’s background, challenges, and potential.
Application Process
People also ask: How do I apply for the Barry Griswell Scholarship?
The Barry Griswell Scholarship application typically opens in April each year, with a deadline in late May. Applications must be submitted through the Scholarship America platform, where you’ll need to provide personal information, academic records, financial details, and essays about your experiences overcoming adversity.
Applying for the Barry Griswell Scholarship involves several steps. The application period typically opens in April each year, with a deadline in late May. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the process:
Preparing a strong application is crucial for competitive scholarships like the Barry Griswell award
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Visit the official website: Go to https://learnmore.scholarsapply.org/barrygriswellscholarship/ when applications open in April.
- Create an account: If you don’t already have one, create an account on the Scholarship America Hub.
- Complete the application form: Fill out all required personal information, academic history, and activities sections.
- Financial information: Provide details about your financial situation, which may include uploading FAFSA information or other financial documentation.
- Write your essays: Prepare thoughtful responses to the essay questions, which typically focus on:
- Obstacles you’ve overcome in pursuit of education
- How these challenges have shaped your perspective and goals
- Your educational and career aspirations
- How this scholarship would impact your future
- Upload supporting documents: These may include:
- Academic transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Financial aid documents
- Other requested materials
- Review and submit: Carefully review all information before submitting your application by the deadline (typically in late May).
Application Deadline Warning
The Barry Griswell Scholarship has a firm deadline, typically around May 23rd at 3:00 PM Central Time. Late applications are not accepted under any circumstances. It’s recommended to submit your application at least a few days before the deadline to allow time for addressing any technical issues that might arise.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Start early: Give yourself plenty of time to gather documents and craft thoughtful essays.
- Be authentic: Share your genuine story of overcoming adversity—the committee values honesty and resilience.
- Provide specific examples: When describing challenges you’ve faced, include concrete examples and how you responded to them.
- Proofread carefully: Review your application for spelling and grammatical errors before submitting.
- Connect your past to your future: Explain how your experiences have shaped your educational goals and career aspirations.
- Show, don’t just tell: Demonstrate your determination through examples of how you’ve overcome obstacles.
- Ask for feedback: Have a teacher, counselor, or mentor review your essays before submission.
Award Details
People also ask: How much is the Barry Griswell Scholarship worth?
The Barry Griswell Scholarship provides up to $25,000 per year, renewable for up to five years (maximum total of $125,000). The award is designed to cover a significant portion of educational expenses, helping students graduate with little to no debt.
The Barry Griswell Scholarship stands out for its generous funding and comprehensive support system. Here’s what recipients can expect:
Financial Support
- Award amount: Up to $25,000 per year
- Renewable: For up to five years
- Maximum potential total: $125,000 over the course of your education
- Number of recipients: Typically up to 10 students per year
- Flexible usage: Can be applied to tuition, housing, educational supplies, travel expenses, and emergency needs
The scholarship is designed to provide flexible funding that meets diverse student needs
Beyond Financial Aid: Holistic Support
What makes the Barry Griswell Scholarship truly unique is the comprehensive support system that goes beyond just financial assistance:
- One-on-one mentoring: Personalized guidance from experienced mentors
- Career exploration: Opportunities to explore potential career paths
- Financial literacy: Education on managing finances effectively
- Networking: Connection with other Barry Griswell Scholars and professionals
- Internship opportunities: Potential access to career-building internships
- Transition support: Assistance with the transition to college and eventually to career
Comparing the Barry Griswell Scholarship to Other Opportunities
| Feature | Barry Griswell Scholarship | Typical Merit Scholarships | Most Need-Based Scholarships |
|---|---|---|---|
| Award Amount | Up to $25,000/year | $1,000-$10,000/year | Varies widely |
| Renewable | Yes, up to 5 years | Often 4 years max | Usually yearly reapplication |
| Flexibility of Funds | High (tuition, housing, supplies, emergencies) | Low (typically tuition only) | Medium |
| Mentoring Support | Comprehensive | Minimal or none | Varies |
| Focus on Adversity | Primary criterion | Not typically considered | Sometimes considered |
| GPA Requirement | Minimum 2.0 | Typically 3.5+ | Varies |
| Network of Peers | Active community | Minimal | Varies |
Key Advantage
The Barry Griswell Scholarship’s goal is for students to graduate with little to no debt. The combination of generous funding and comprehensive support creates a truly transformative opportunity for recipients.
Success Stories: Meet the Barry Griswell Scholars
The Barry Griswell Scholarship has already begun to change lives. Here are stories of some of the inaugural scholars who demonstrate how this opportunity has created pathways to success for students who have overcome significant challenges:
Leila Tamale: “Community Empowerment is My Heartwork”
Leila Tamale, a Stanford University student pursuing a degree in Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity, was among the first cohort of Barry Griswell Scholars selected.
Born to a Tongan father and French mother, Leila faced significant challenges early in life. When she was about 6 years old, her father was incarcerated and then deported to Tonga. Despite efforts to keep the family together by living part-time in Tonga, the marriage did not survive.
After returning to San Mateo, California, Leila experienced discrimination as a dark-skinned student in a mostly white school. “Parents, teachers and students would taunt me, referring to me as ‘savage’ and intimidating to other kids,” she shared. “While this early discrimination hurt, they could call me ‘savage’, but they could never call me stupid. I pushed myself to excel in academics and extracurriculars with advanced placement classes and learning Mandarin.”
Despite struggling with depression and anxiety, Leila found her way forward through service and community engagement. She worked on causes including gun reform and collecting hygiene products for women experiencing homelessness.
“Receiving the Griswell Scholarship has made an enormous impact on my academic career. The biggest one is financial freedom. I have been working since I was 13, saving as much as possible for school. Now I worry less about needing loans or having to reach out to family for financial support.”
Like many Barry Griswell Scholars, Leila found ways to turn adversity into opportunity
Danielle Sotelo: Growing Through Adversity
The scholarship provides ongoing support throughout students’ academic journeys
Danielle Sotelo, a neuroscience major at the University of Texas in Austin, was also among the first three Barry Griswell Scholarship recipients. She faced significant personal tragedy before her senior year of high school when she lost her father.
“A couple of months before my senior year of high school, I lost my father,” Danielle shared. “I was devastated. My father was my number one supporter and my lifetime best friend.” Despite this tremendous loss, she persevered in her education. “My dad always wanted me to be valedictorian of my class. When he died it took so much out of me to go to school and keep up, keep getting good grades. Throughout my life, school was a mechanism that allowed me to healthily refocus my energy and cope with the burdens of a troubled home life. Ultimately, I fulfilled our goal of becoming valedictorian.”
Danielle now commutes to the University of Texas from San Antonio, where she helps her mother raise her younger brother, who is 12 years younger than she is. She spends 25-30 hours per week providing care for her brother while also working 10 hours a week as a restaurant cashier.
“I had to put myself through college by working, but work can affect academic performance. Receiving this scholarship has really improved my mental health, relieving some of that pressure. I was very surprised to get it. It was just a shock. I had to double check and make sure I read the email correctly!”
Like Barry Griswell himself, Danielle believes that overcoming adversity has helped her grow: “Whatever your circumstances, it isn’t always going to be that way. You can make a good life for yourself, if you take it one step at a time, and focus on the future.”
The Impact
These success stories demonstrate how the Barry Griswell Scholarship is not just providing financial support but also creating a community of scholars who, like Barry himself, are using education to transform their lives despite significant challenges. The scholarship’s emphasis on both financial aid and comprehensive support helps ensure that recipients have the resources and guidance they need to succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
People also ask: When does the Barry Griswell Scholarship application open?
The Barry Griswell Scholarship application typically opens in April each year. The exact date may vary, so it’s recommended to check the official website at https://learnmore.scholarsapply.org/barrygriswellscholarship/ regularly starting in late March.
What is the deadline for the Barry Griswell Scholarship?
The application deadline is typically around May 23rd at 3:00 PM Central Time. However, this date may vary slightly from year to year, so be sure to check the official website for the most current deadline information.
Can I apply if I’m already in college?
Yes, current undergraduate college students are eligible to apply. The scholarship is open to high school seniors, high school/GED graduates, and current college undergraduates.
Do I need a perfect GPA to qualify?
No, the Barry Griswell Scholarship requires only a minimum 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale for current students. The selection committee places greater emphasis on your personal story of overcoming adversity and your potential for future success than on perfect grades.
People also ask: What should I include in my Barry Griswell Scholarship essay?
Your essay should honestly and vividly describe the challenges you’ve faced, how you’ve worked to overcome them, and how these experiences have shaped your educational goals and life perspective. Include specific examples that demonstrate your resilience, determination, and growth. Also explain how the scholarship would help you achieve your educational and career aspirations.
Is this scholarship only for students with financial need?
Yes, demonstrating financial need is one of the eligibility requirements. The scholarship specifically targets students with the highest level of need who might not be reached by traditional scholarships.
Can the scholarship be used for any college or university?
The scholarship can be used at any accredited two-year or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school in the United States. Recipients must be enrolled full-time for the entire academic year.
How many students receive the scholarship each year?
Typically, up to 10 students are selected each year to receive the Barry Griswell Scholarship. The exact number may vary depending on available funding and the strength of the applicant pool.
What kind of mentoring and support do recipients receive?
Recipients benefit from one-on-one mentoring, networking opportunities with other scholars, financial literacy education, career exploration assistance, and potential internship opportunities. The support is tailored to each student’s individual needs and circumstances.
People also ask: Is the Barry Griswell Scholarship related to the Scholarship America Dream Award?
While both are administered by Scholarship America, they are separate programs. The Barry Griswell Scholarship was inspired in part by the Scholarship America Dream Award, which Barry Griswell helped develop during his time as Chair of Scholarship America’s Board. Both focus on supporting students who have overcome significant obstacles, but they have different eligibility criteria and application processes.
Application Tips and Warnings
Careful planning and preparation can improve your chances of scholarship success
Expert Tips for a Successful Application
- Start the application early: Don’t wait until the last minute. Give yourself plenty of time to gather all required documents and craft thoughtful responses.
- Tell your authentic story: The selection committee wants to understand your unique journey and the obstacles you’ve overcome. Be honest and specific about your experiences.
- Focus on resilience and growth: While it’s important to describe the challenges you’ve faced, also emphasize how you’ve responded to adversity and what you’ve learned from these experiences.
- Clearly articulate your goals: Explain how this scholarship will help you achieve your educational and career aspirations, and how you plan to make a difference in your community.
- Get feedback: Have teachers, counselors, or mentors review your application materials before submission. They may offer valuable insights or catch errors you’ve missed.
- Provide comprehensive documentation: Make sure to include all requested financial information and supporting documents to demonstrate your eligibility and need.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Warning: Application Pitfalls
- Missing the deadline: Late applications are not accepted under any circumstances. Submit several days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
- Incomplete information: Failing to provide all required information or documentation will result in your application being rejected.
- Generic essays: Cookie-cutter responses that could apply to any scholarship are unlikely to make a strong impression. Tailor your essays specifically to the Barry Griswell Scholarship’s focus on overcoming adversity.
- Overlooking instructions: Read all application instructions carefully and follow them precisely. Pay attention to word counts, formatting requirements, and specific questions.
- Grammatical errors: Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors can create a negative impression. Proofread carefully or ask someone else to review your application.
- Exaggerating or fabricating: Be truthful about your experiences and circumstances. The selection committee values authenticity, and misrepresentations could lead to disqualification.
Remember
The Barry Griswell Scholarship is not just about academic achievement—it’s about recognizing students who have demonstrated resilience in the face of significant challenges. Your ability to articulate how you’ve overcome adversity and your vision for your future are key components of a successful application.
Additional Resources and Support
As you prepare your application for the Barry Griswell Scholarship, these resources may provide additional assistance and information:
Official Resources
- Barry Griswell Scholarship Official Website – The primary source for application details and updates
- Scholarship America – The managing organization for the Barry Griswell Scholarship
- Scholarship America’s Browse Scholarships Page – Find additional scholarship opportunities
- Introducing the Barry Griswell Scholarship Video – An informative overview of the scholarship’s mission and impact
General Scholarship Resources
- Federal Student Aid Office – Information on various types of financial aid
- Fastweb – Scholarship search platform
- Going Merry – Scholarship application platform
- MGR Education Scholarship Resources – Additional scholarship guidance and opportunities
Essay Writing and Application Help
- Scholarship Essay Writing Tips – Guidance on crafting compelling scholarship essays
- Financial Aid Resources – Additional information about financial aid options
- Your school’s guidance or career counseling office – Local, personalized support
- College financial aid offices – Information specific to your prospective schools
Pro Tip
Don’t hesitate to reach out to Scholarship America directly if you have specific questions about the Barry Griswell Scholarship that aren’t answered on their website. Contact information is typically provided on the scholarship’s official page.
Scholarship America administers the Barry Griswell Scholarship
Conclusion: Your Pathway to Transformation
The Barry Griswell Scholarship represents more than just financial assistance—it’s a comprehensive support system designed to help students who have faced significant adversity transform their lives through education. Like Barry Griswell himself, who rose from challenging circumstances to become a successful business leader and philanthropist, scholarship recipients receive the tools and support they need to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential.
With awards of up to $25,000 per year renewable for up to five years, mentoring, networking opportunities, and a community of fellow scholars, this scholarship can truly be life-changing. For students who have already demonstrated resilience in the face of significant challenges, the Barry Griswell Scholarship offers the chance to pursue higher education with financial freedom and comprehensive support.
As Danielle Sotelo, one of the inaugural Barry Griswell Scholars, wisely noted: “Whatever your circumstances, it isn’t always going to be that way. You can make a good life for yourself, if you take it one step at a time, and focus on the future.”
If you’ve overcome significant adversity and need financial support to pursue your educational dreams, the Barry Griswell Scholarship could be your opportunity to write the next chapter of your success story. Begin preparing your application today for when the next application cycle opens in April.
Final Thought
Barry Griswell’s legacy lives on through the students who receive this scholarship. By providing both financial support and comprehensive assistance, the Barry Griswell Scholarship embodies his belief that with the right support, anyone can overcome obstacles and achieve success. As you consider applying, remember that your story of resilience and determination is exactly what this scholarship was created to recognize and support.
