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The program is currently closed. Please return to the site in August 2020 to view the updated Eligibility and Awards! If you are an applicant who would like to discover more scholarship opportunities for which you may qualify, please continue to the Scholarship America Hub and sign up!

ADVANCE Scholarship Program
Application status: Closed

The ADVANCE Scholarship Program focuses on diversity and inclusion to support our country’s future leaders in reaching their educational and career goals. Our comprehensive program combines financial support, mentoring and on-site programming to pave the path for the next generation. By offering expanded opportunities to diverse candidates and their allies, we live out our values and our vision of building a future where every ambition is within reach.

This program is administered by Scholarship America®, the nation’s largest designer and manager of scholarship, tuition assistance and other education support programs for corporations, foundations, associations, and individuals. Awards are granted without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender, age, disability, or national origin.

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria

  • Diverse candidates which include students who identify as African American, Asian, Hispanic, LGBT, Native American, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, and their allies – those who demonstrate support for diversity and inclusion practices
  • Current postsecondary undergraduate sophomores (i.e., 24-59 credits earned OR anticipated graduation of an undergraduate bachelor’s program by May 2022 – July 2022) majoring in business, technology, liberal arts, or a related field of study
  • Interest in exploring a career in financial services or business, finance, marketing, or a related field
  • Enrolled in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited four-year college or university for the entire 2019-20 academic year
  • Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent
  • Have relevant leadership roles in school or community organizations
  • Demonstration of commitment to diversity and inclusion or demonstration of Synchrony Values – Honest, Passionate, Caring, Responsible, Bold, Driven

Synchrony is an equal opportunity employer. Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required.  Synchrony will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for ADVANCE or any job opening.

This program is open to the general public, as well as children of full-time Synchrony employees (level 14 and below).

Award Amounts

Up to eight (8) awards of $5,000 each will be granted.

Awards are one-time only. Past recipients may not reapply.

Awards are for undergraduate study only. Scholarship funds may be used for tuition, books, lab fees, or other related educational expenses.

Additional offerings include:

  • Mentorship program facilitated by Synchrony Diversity and Inclusion Leadership
  • Opportunity to attend Global Diversity Symposium, an annual gathering celebrating Diversity and Inclusion, held in Washington, D.C. in July
  • Opportunity, though not guaranteed, to interview for a Synchrony BLP Internship

Selection Criteria

Scholarship finalists will be selected based upon the following criteria:

  • Consideration of academic performance
  • Demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities, including volunteer experience
  • Work experience
  • Unusual personal or family circumstances
  • Outside appraisal
  • One written statement on: Demonstration of commitment to diversity and inclusion or demonstration of Synchrony Values: Honest, Passionate, Caring, Responsible, Bold, Driven

Financial need will be considered. Recipients must demonstrate need, as calculated by Scholarship America.

Selection of finalists will be made by Scholarship America based on the program criteria. From the group of finalists, recipients will be selected by a committee of community members organized by Synchrony.  All applicants agree to accept the decision as final.

Notification

Applicants will be notified in December.

Payment of Scholarships

Scholarship America processes scholarship payments on behalf of Synchrony. Payment is made in one installment in December.

As part of your application, you must upload the following document(s):

  • A current, complete transcript of grades. Grade reports are not accepted. Transcripts must display student name, school name, grade and credit hours, and term in which the course was taken.
  • Copy of the first two pages of the most recently filed IRS Form 1040 used for the Financial Information page.  Black out any sensitive data including Social Security Numbers prior to uploading.

Also as part of your application, one online recommendation form must be submitted on your behalf.

Your application is not considered complete unless all required documents are submitted electronically.

Synchrony Financial has partnered with Scholarship America. Selecting the button below will redirect you the Scholarship America Student Hub!