In this world, there are very rare people who do a valuable contribution for the poor and underprivileged people. One such person is Bill Gates who does not need any kind of introduction. He has carved a niche for himself with his knowledge and is the world’s richest person. He runs a financial aid program called Gates Millennium Scholarship Program with his wife Melinda Gates. The Bill Gates Millennium Scholarship 2010 would give an opportunity for the poor underprivileged bright students to complete their undergraduate degree course in the following discipline: engineering, education, mathematics, life sciences, public health etc.

The scholarship for the year 2010 is specifically meant for the students who are African American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Hispanic American, Pacific and Asian Islander etc. Gates has made it clear that this year the scholarships would not be made available for the white kids out in United States. The scholarship covers the total cost of attendance and students are given the chance to participate in the leadership program as well. The main motive behind the Bill Gates Scholarship is to encourage the academic excellence and to allow financial support to the students who hail from mediocre families and are unable to get the required aid to complete their higher studies. The students who would qualify for the program would be known as Gates Scholars.

Some of the accomplishments of Bill Gates Millennium Scholarship Program are:

• Retention rate of 87.7% for 5 years
• Graduation rate of 79.9% in 5 years
• The scholarship represents 50 states of USA
• Funded money to more than 13,000 students
• Offers financial aid to over 1500 colleges and universities

There are certain Bill Gates Scholarship requirements that a student must fulfill before the financial aid is made available to them:

• High GPA score of minimum 3.3 in high school
• Must have earned a GED or General Education Diploma
• Should have participated in community service programs
• Must be possessing leadership skills
• Met the eligibility criteria for Federal Pells Grant

The 2011 Gates Scholarship is now available online and interested students can fill the application form by logging to the authorized website. The last date to submit the application form is 10th January, 2011 and students should submit 3 important forms:

• Nominee Personal Information Form which is the application form
• Nominator Form which contains the marks and academic records
• Recommender Form which shows the community service

In addition to the funds received under the Bill Gates Scholarships 2010, students can also opt for other financial aid programs like federal loans, student loans without cosigner etc to manage other expenses pertaining to their education.