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Fraudulent scholarship operations often use official-sounding names containing words such as federal, national, administration, division, federation and foundation. Their names often a slight variation of the name of a legitimate government or private organization. Do not be fooled by a name that seems reputable of official, an official-looking seal, or a Washington, D.C., address

If you win a scholarship, you will receive official written notification by mail, not over the telephone. If the sponsor calls to inform you, it will follow up with a letter in the mail. If a request for money is made over the phone, the operation is probably fraudulent

Be wary if an organization's address is a post office box number or a residential address. if a bona fide scholarship program uses a post office box number, it usually will include a street address and telephone number on its stationary.

Beware of telephone numbers with a 900 area code. These may charge you a fee of several dollars a minute for a call that cound be a long recording that provides only a list of addresses or names.

A dishonest operation may put pressure on an applicant by claiming that awards are on a first-come, first-served basis. Some scholarship programs give preference to early applicants. However, if you are told, especially over the telephone, that you must respond quickly, but you will not hear about the results for several months, there may be a problem.

Be wary of endorsements. Fraudulent operations claim endorsements by groups with names similar to well-known private or government organizations. The Better Business Bureau and other government agencies do not endorse businesses.

If an organization requires that you pay something for a scholarship and you have never heard of it before and cannot verify that it is a legitimate operation, the best advice is to pay nothing. If you have already paid money to such an organization and find reason to doubt its legitimacy, call your bank to stop payment on your check, if possible, or call your credit card company and tell it that you think you were the victim of consumer fraud.

To find out how to recognize, report, and stop a scholarship scam, contact:

The Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20580
Web site: www.ftc.gov

The National Fraud Information Center can be contacted by phone at 800-876-7060 or online at www.fraud.org. The Better Business Bureau maintains files of businesses about which it has received complaints. You should call both you local BBB office and the BBB office where the organization in question is located; each local BBB has different records. Call 703-276-0100 to get the telephone number of your local BBB or log on to www.bbb.org for a directory of local BBBs and downloadable BBB complaint forms. The national address is:

The Council of Better Business Bureaus
4200 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203-1838

There are many wonderful scholarships available to qualified students who spend the time and effort to located and apply for them. However, it is advised that you exercise caution in using scholarship search services and when you must pay money, always use careful judgement when considering a scholarship program's sponsor.


MDC Announces Articulation Agreement with Alabama-based Tuskegee University

Miami, Monday, January 12, 2009 - In an effort to open up new opportunities for its students, Miami Dade College (MDC) and Tuskegee University in Alabama have announced an articulation agreement. Tuskegee joins more than 70 universities nationwide and internationally that have established agreements with MDC to provide a seamless path for transferring students. 

This includes agreements with the University of Maryland University College, Smith College, the University of Wisconsin, Mount Holyoke College, Fisk University and all the public and many of the private colleges and universities in Florida.

'MDC is a critical step for many students whose educational futures are often uncertain and the opportunities these agreements present are abundant,' said MDC President Dr. Eduardo J. Padron. 'From an academic level, it exemplifies the strong alliance MDC has with institutions worldwide. This partnership also widens the path to higher education for many students. With 90 percent of all jobs demanding a college degree, these agreements are vital to building a highly qualified workforce.'  

The agreement with Tuskegee provides assurance that MDC Associate degrees will be accepted in full transfer. Additionally, Tuskegee University will provide scholarships every year to three students transferring from MDC with a 3.5 cumulative GPA. The scholarships will cover full cost of attendance for two years – tuition, room and board, and textbooks.

Tuition, room and board for students living on campus for the Fall 2008 semester is approximately $11,045. Students who wish to be considered for the Tuskegee University scholarships must apply for financial assistance.

With its open-door admissions policy, MDC provides accessible, affordable and high-quality education by keeping students' needs at the center of decision-making and creating partnerships within its dynamic, multicultural community. The college's Associate in Arts degree program includes more than 80 areas of concentration and is designed to prepare students for further study at four-year institutions.

The Associate in Science program and numerous short-term career certificate programs prepare students for direct entry into the workforce. MDC is also accredited to offer baccalaureate degree programs in education, public safety management and nursing.

Tuskegee University is a historically black university in Tuskegee, Alabama with a rich academic tradition. It was established in 1881 and its first president was Dr. Booker T. Washington. The University is known for strong programs in the sciences, architecture, business, engineering, and the health areas among others.

'We at Tuskegee University are proud to partner with Miami Dade College to shape the minds of students who are sure to make a beneficial impact on a global society,' said Dr. Benjamin F. Payton, president of Tuskegee University. 'Our administration will work closely with officials at this institution to ensure this initiative is a collaborative, great success.'

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Did You Know?
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