According to the Associated Press, a growing number of e-cigarette and vaporizer sellers have started offering college scholarships, ranging from $250 to $5,000, as a way to get their brands listed on university websites and to get students to write essays about the potential benefits of vaping.
A quick Google search revealed scholarships offered by more than a dozen brands, including High Class Vape, Vape Craft and MigVapor.
Opponents say the scholarships could test federal rules prohibiting tobacco and e-cigarette companies from marketing to minors. Some of the scholarships are limited to students 18 and older while others are open without an age limit.
The American Vaping Association trade group defended the practice, saying it allows companies to boost their brand while offering college students a helping hand.
The head of the association, Gregory Conley, compared it with scholarship programs that have long been offered by alcohol makers like Anheuser-Busch, which distributes tens of thousands of dollars each year for minority students.
