1. Matthew J. Miranda M.Ed. Guadalupe County Extension Agent: 4-H Youth Development 2014-2015 Texas 4-H Scholarship and Guadalupe County 4-H Scholarship Training

2. Useful Tools O Resources to help prepare you for scholarship opportunities: O Scholarship Applications & Instructions O 4-H Records (recordbook, MAP, Etc) O Scholastic Records (grades, test scores, etc.) O Family’s Financial Records O Time - DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE

3. Internet Resources O Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) - http://www.fafsa.ed.gov (this is your key to most college financing) http://www.fafsa.ed.gov O College for Texans - http://www.collegefortexans.com http://www.collegefortexans.com O Fastweb - http://www.fastweb.comhttp://www.fastweb.com

4. Completing Applications O Brainstorm and gather information before you start the application O Tough to go back while you are filling it out O Read and follow instructions/directions CAREFULLY! O Proof-read and have others review and critique O Complete all sections – Not Applicable means NO SCORE! O Emphasize quality – as well quantity! O Think about your application from a judge’s point of view

5. Completing Applications O High school counselors need time to collect official transcripts for submission O So ask early and often! O Make sure high school academic proficiency has been met, and college entrance exams have been taken early O Narratives that have only been written once are rarely effective O Printer problems and computer crashes are a fact- of-life, plan ahead and manage your time O Start early, and edit often

6. Letters of Recommendation O Show that people respect your skills and accomplishments, and are willing to say so in writing and sign their names O Consider teachers in classes where you did well, also: O athletic coaches O club advisors O volunteer work supervisors O Employers O religious leaders O friends of the family who are familiar with you and hold a position that lends credibility to the recommendation such as the family’s attorney, your doctor or a local businessman

7. Letters of Recommendation O Review scholarship directions for specifics about letters (example: 2 letters, 1 from teacher and 1 from community member) O May be able to use the same letter of recommendation for multiple applications O Each letter should be addressed to a specific individual or scholarship fund O Have writer use official letterhead, if possible O After you receive the letter, write a thank you note

8. Requesting Letters of Recommendation O Recognize that writing a letter of recommendation is not a simple task O ASK!! It’s not anyone’s “job” to write these letters, so ask and appreciate! O Provide the writer with details on the scholarship and what they donor is looking for in a letter O Give your letter writers plenty of time to write O Ask Early! O Respect and appreciate letter writers because they provide letters to support you and your effort to continue your education

9. Preparing for Interviews O Dress for success O Learn about the organization you are interviewing with O Review suggested questions O Be aware of current events O Practice and record yourself

10. Available Scholarships Variety of applications available from the Extension office, many of which can be provided to you or downloaded from our websites: –http://guadalupe.agrilife.org See school counselors for additional scholarship opportunities Following is some information about scholarship application packets available from our office...You must be enrolled in 4-H to obtain!

11. 4 Texas 4-H Foundation Scholarships

12. O The program is overseen by the Texas 4-H Youth Development Foundation O Over two million dollars in scholarships will be distributed at the scholarship assembly in at State Roundup; that’s about 225 scholarships O They range from $1,000 to $20,000 Introduction

13. O November – January Scholarship Trainings O November – December Applicant complete FAFSA O 1 st Draft Due December 15 to County Office O Final Draft Due to County Office January 26, 2015 O February 6, 2015 Applications due to District Office O February 20, 2015 Applications due to State 4-H Office O April 10, 2015 Interview selection notification O May 1-3, 2015 Interviews in Austin, Texas O June 9, 10, & 11, 2015 Awards Assembly in College Station Deadlines

14. O A 4-H member can apply for a Texas 4-H, Texas FFA, and Texas FCCLA scholarship. O Scholarships will be presented over three nights at Texas 4-H Roundup in 2015. Applicants, if receiving a scholarship(s) will be told what group of scholarship they will be receiving and what night(s) to be present. With the pre-notification of scholarship group 4-H members will be able to be recognized at end-of-school assemblies and ceremonies. Program Changes for 2014

17. O HLSR accepts home and private school applicants as scholars O All applicants that are invited to participate in interviews are NOT guaranteed a scholarship O Applicants will NOT be excused from either the interview OR the scholarship assembly in Other Reminders

18. O These scholarships are Academic Scholarships: That is, they are awarded based on your academic record in school, 4- H experience and financial need O Financial Need requirement are for certain ones only O Approximately 225 scholarships will be awarded O Amount of scholarships will be from $1,000 to $20,000 Scholarship Program Overview

19. O Baccalaureate O For students who wish to pursue a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree O Technical Certification O For students who wish to pursue technical certification O Collegiate O Designed for former Texas 4-H members who have completed at least 30 hours of college credit and maintained a 2.7 GPA O Courageous Heart O Awarded to Texas 4-H members that have overcome extreme obstacles related to medical, family and/or education, and remained an active member of both 4-H and school Scholarships Available

20. O Be an active member of the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program O Be a United States Citizen and Texas resident O Be scheduled to graduate from a Texas High School (public, private, or home) during the 2014-15 school year O Have made formal application to enroll in a Texas college/ university/technical school O Meet the entrance requirements for the college/ university for which formal application has been made O Not apply for both 4-H & FFA scholarships, One or the other! O Submit a current Texas 4-H Scholarship application O All pages must be included, it must be typed, no extra pages will be allowed and your transcript, FAFSA and college papers must be included O All applications MUST meet the minimum requirements/criteria to even be considered for judging (see guidelines for complete details). Those applications not meeting the requirements should not be submitted to the county Extension Office and/or Agent. General Eligibility Requirements

21. O Score at least 1350 on your SAT or 19 on the ACT O Scores must be from the same test date O No Updated test scores will be accepted after the application date…so take your SAT/ACT NOW! O Be in the upper half of your class based on scholastic rank for the first 3.5 years O Houston and Wallrath scholarships will require applicants to be in the upper quarter of their class Baccalaureate Eligibility

22. O You must not have plans to continue your formal education at a Texas College or University after the completion of a Technical Program Technical Eligibility

23. O Complete the additional pages in the scholarship application O You do not need to have the minimum SAT/ACT scores O Courageous Heart applicants cannot be considered for other Texas 4-H Opportunity Scholarships O Have documentation of obstacles O Scholarship value is $5,000 Courageous Heart Eligibility

24. O United States citizenship and a Texas Resident O Been an active member of 4-H O Attending a Texas College/University O Graduated from HS no later than May 2014 O Have completed 30 hours of undergraduate work O 2.7 cumulative GPA O MUST BE PRESENT at the 2015 Scholarship Assembly Collegiate Scholarship Eligibility

25. O Available in MS Word O Samples are on the website, will show you how to format your application O http://guadalupe.agrilife.org/scholarships/ O Submit the most current application O http://guadalupe.agrilife.org/texas-4-h-foundation- scholarships/ O Homeschool youth must provide: O An Official Transcript (contact Matt Miranda if you need help with this) O Proof of completing all required standardize tests to graduate and enroll in a Texas College/ University, OR proof of the standardized test exemption 2015 Application

26. O 4-H Record Book ( This helps) O 2015 Texas 4-H Opportunity Scholarship Application Guidelines and Examples O Official high school transcripts with either school seal or original signature of counselor/principal O SAT/ACT Scores O FAFSA Application Report (complete now) O College Catalog pages from your desired major Items Needed to Complete Application

27. Scoring for the Scholarship Application O It is on a 100 point scale O When applying for scholarships for financial need, your need will be taken into account, whereas with out need, it will not be considered at all

28. O Must be FULLY complete to receive consideration O Application must be: O Computer generated and prepared O Not hand written O Typed using a typewriter O Must include all required attachments O Official transcript O SAT/ACT Scores O Copy of FAFSA- SAR Report O College Catalog pages with your major of study The Application

29. O Section1: Personal Information O Section 2: College/University Information O Section 3: Livestock Show Participation O Section 4: SALE- School Tours Information O Section 5: Individual Scholastic Record O Section 6: Financial Information O Section 7: Project Experience O Section 8: Leadership Experience O Section 9: Citizenship/ Community Service Experience and Honors O Section 10: Outside 4-H Experience O Section 11: Personal Narrative O Section12: Career Narrative O Section 13: Courageous Heart Narrative O Section 14: Acknowledgement of Integrity, participation and certification O Section 15: County Extension Agent Certification O Section 16: Application Checklist and Certification O Required Attachments{ ACT/SAT Scores. Transcript, FAFSA, College pages} Application Order

30. O Sections 1-4 are on the first page O Section1: Personal Information O Identify the submission of the Application (Baccalaureate, Technical, Courageous) O All information must be completed O Section 2: College University Information O Complete all information related to high school planning on graduating from O List in priority order up to three schools which the applicant has received any acceptance notice from them O List the major, department and career the applicants plans on pursuing Application Sections

31. O Section 3: Livestock Show Participation O Some shows require that an applicant has been an exhibitor at their show to be eligible for consideration O Make sure to indicate the actual year the applicant participated at the show, NOT THE NUMBER OF YEARS PARTICIPATED O 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, NOT 4 years participating O Section 4: San Antonio Livestock Show- School Tours O Indicate if you are planning on serving as a school tour guide for the 2015 SALE Stock Show O SALE Tour Guide Scholarships are only available to those youth that have served their graduating year and meet the college/university majors for SALE Sections Continued

32. O Section 5: O Must be completed by the Applicant’s high school principal, counselor, or person serving in that official role for the applicants O The completed record and related materials must be returned to the applicant to become part of and attached to the application O Must have a true class ranking (evening if the applicant is in Home Schooled, they must be ranked “1 of 1” O Must have the quartile ranking of the applicant (home school are automatically top ¼) O All grade point averages (GPA's) must be in a 100 point unweighted scale. O Failure to provide class and quartile ranking can and will result in disqualification Sections Continued

33. O Section 6: Financial Information O Collected and evaluated in two forms: O FAFSA O Financial Need Narrative O It Provides an Expected Financial Contribution (EFC) amount as to what can be planned on from parents O FAFSA takes approximately 3-4 weeks for processing O That’s why NOW is the time to apply!!! O FAFSA helps you find and obtain other financial aid as well O Submit the FAFSA Student Activity Report with the Application O FAFSA.ed.gov Sections Continued

34. O Section 6: Financial Information O Indicate if applying for other scholarships, loans, and/or other financial aid O HINT!!! Judges and donors like to see that you are actively searching out and applying for other financial aid!!! O If applicant has applied for other financial support, it must be listed on the form O Provide the name of the support and the type (scholarship, grant, etc) O Include amount per year; if no amount is listed, estimate by looking at past year’s awards Sections Continued

35. O Section 6: Financial Information O Is the Scholarship Renewable. If it is dependant on grades, then we expect the applicant to maintain those grades- so yes it is! O What is the Total Value of the financial support (amount per year times the number of years it is renewable…5000 per year X 4 years = $20,000) O List the status of the financial aid O Confirmed-Means the applicant has received verification of receiving it O Declined- Applicant was turned down O Pending- Applicants has not heard anything O If an applicant is selected for an interview, they will be required to provide proof and documentation of all financial assistance and aid packages to be received Sections Continued

36. O Section 6: Financial Information O When writing the narrative, let the judges know WHY you need financial aid O DO NOT Start with, “I deserve this because” O Information pertaining to the cost of college can be received from the University’s financial aid department, University catalog, or Texas Higher Education board website at http://www.collegefortexans.comhttp://www.collegefortexans.com O If you are a recipient of ANY Houston Livestock show scholarship, you may not receive more than $75,000 in total financial aid (scholarship or otherwise). If you pass this threshold, you will no longer be eligible to obtain the scholarship, SO be sure to list ALL aid you obtain! Sections Continued

37. O Sections 7-10: Experience Pages O Information for completing Sections 7-10 can be taken from O 4-H Record Book O Past Award Applications O Member Achievement Plan (MAP) O Other Personal Records O Remember: O Information MUST be presented in the space provided O Information listed should stress quality of the applicant’s experiences rather than quantity O Examples can be found at http://guadalupe.agrilife.org/texas- 4-h-foundation-scholarships/ in the Foundation Scholarship Examples linkhttp://guadalupe.agrilife.org/texas- 4-h-foundation-scholarships/ Sections Continued

38. O Section 7: Project Experiences O 4-H Projects O List up to four projects throughout applicant’s 4-H career O Describe years involved, knowledge and skills gained, scope of activity related to the project, demonstrations, talks, workshops, tours, interviews, etc. O The application is for the ENTIRE 4-H career, not just the past four years, like with record books O Describe why these projects were important and what impact the applicant's involvement provided to other people Sections Continued

39. O Section 8: Leadership Experience O Leadership Roles O List up to 25 MAJOR Leadership 4-H roles O Include volunteer, promotion, and elected/appointed leadership O List roles and responsibilities, years, levels of involvement, duties and accomplishments O Briefly describe why the activities were important and what impact the applicant’s involvement provided to other people O Put emphasis on the quality of the experience, rather than quantity Sections Continued

40. O Citizenship and Community Service O List up to 15 major citizenship and community service projects O List roles and responsibilities, years, levels of involvement, duties and accomplishments O Describe the activities, why they were important and the impact they had on others O Emphasize quality over quantity O 4-H Honors O List up to 4 major 4-H Honors that the applicant received during the 4-H career O List the honor, year received, level of award, and why applicant considers it to be one of the most important…how did it provide to your personal development Section 9: Citizenship/ Community Service Experience and Honors

41. O Section 10: Outside 4-H Experience O Outside of 4-H Leadership Activities, Honors, Work Experience, Volunteering / Community Service O Describe how the applicant spent time outside of 4-H activities, why they devoted time to a particular activity and the impact the activity had on their personal development and how it benefited others O List leadership roles outside of 4-H (school, church, sports, etc) Sections Continued

42. O Section 11: Personal Narrative O Applicant must write or type a personal narrative about themselves, highlighting any important facts and information they believe the selection committee should know when considering the application O Include any personal obstacles that the applicants has overcome during their 4-H career O Space should be used wisely and do not repeat or re-list information already addressed in the application O Use only the space provided on the remainder of the page…do not add pages or use the reverse of the page Sections Continued

43. O Section 12: Career Narrative O Applicant should describe how they have prepared themselves to have an awareness of and an understanding about careers applicable to their degree or tech certification O Types of info the applicant should provide include: O Visits to colleges or universities and conversations with people at those institutions O Investigations of job opportunities and availability O Persons/experiences that have influenced the applicant to pursue the degree O How the applicant decided between associate vs. bachelors degree Sections Continued

44. O Section 13: Courageous Heart Applicant Information O Pages 11&12 of the application should be completed if a 4-Her is being considered for the CHS O CH applicants must provide a detailed narrative of the family, school or medical obstacle that the applicant has experienced and overcome O Include page listing three references for the applicant. References should be able to provide details pertaining to the obstacle O Three letters of recommendations are required from the references about the obstacle, and how they have continued to be a strong 4-Her Sections Continued

45. O Section 14: Acknowledgement of Integrity, participation and certification O Certification must be signed and dated by the applicant and a parents of the applicant O Each statement must be initialed in ink by both the applicant and parents O Applicant and parent will acknowledge review of FAFSA, transcript, test scores and college catalog pages being corrected and/ or included O HINT: It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure their transcript and test scores are correct. This may mean the applicant opens the transcript, reviews it and then reseal it in a new envelop before submitting to the county office Sections Continued

46. O Section 15: County Extension Agent Certification O Agent will review application for correctness, quality and completion O They will certify membership and 4-H club/county enrollment O Application MUST be signed by a CEA Sections Continued

47. O Section 16: Application Checklist and Certification O The checklist on this page MUST be initialed at all levels O The Student, Parent and County Agent ALL need to initial O The County Agent will only initial AFTER all portions of the application and attachments have been turned in Sections Continued

48. O The application is DUE in the county office on January 26 O Start early-ensure you have taken the ACT/SAT and submitted the FAFSA O Brainstorm and gather information before you start O Read and follow ALL instructions O Ask several people that you respect to review and critique the application O Complete ALL sections! O Emphasize quality as well as quantity Tips and Reminders

49. O This is a COMPEDITIVE ACEDEMIC scholarship process O An application is competing against the pool or applicants from across Texas, the best of the best! O Applicants change each year, just because “it worked” for someone last year doesn’t not mean the same result this year O Judges are different every year O Fort Worth and Rio Grand Stock Shows are the only donors that require participation in the show O DONORS set criteria, not 4-H, not agents O Make sure your grades are good and college entrance exams are done early and often More Reminders

50. O If you still have questions, you can call Matt Miranda or Charla Bading at 830-303-3889 O If you need further help, call O Dr. Toby Lepley, State 4-H Specialist O 979-845-1212 QUESTIONS??

51. Co. 4-H Adult Leaders & Parents Association 4, $300 scholarships Application-based Selection based on participation in 4-H projects, activities, leadership, character and scholastic record Deadline - April 4, 2015

52. Bartoskewitz Farm Foundation Scholarship 1, $1,000 scholarship Application Selection based on participation in 4-H activities, academics and community service Deadline - April 4, 2015

53. Wade Busby Memorial Up to 10, $500 scholarships Application Actively enrolled in 4-H or FFA Students ranked 1 st and 2 nd are ineligible Must have participated in the Guadalupe County Youth Show, La Vernia Junior Livestock Show, Bexar County Junior Livestock Show or Wilson County Junior Livestock Show for at least 2 years “B” average Deadline – April 2015

54. Co. Extension Education Association 1, $500 scholarship Copy of completed Texas 4-H Foundation Scholarship application and possible interview Criteria: –4-H projects, activities & leadership 50 pts. –Scholastic record 50 pts. Deadline – February 1, 2015

55. District 10 Extension Education Association 1, $1,000 scholarship Submit 4-H Recordbook, transcript and application Criteria: –Completed or be in 3 rd year of 4-H –Leadership and personal development through 4-H –Only 1 entry per county may be submitted The winner of the county scholarship will be entered for this one

56. Luling Foundation - Agriculture 1, $1,000 scholarship Application and possible interview Requirements: –Pursue ag or related degree (BS), to include a degree program in an accredited trade or vocational school with approved programs in ag –Resident of Guadalupe County Deadline - March 31, 2015

57. Luling Foundation – Grainger Weston Ag 1, $1,000 scholarship Application and possible interview Requirements: –Pursue ag or related degree (BS), to include a degree program in an accredited trade or vocational school with approved programs in ag –Marion High School Deadline - March 31, 2015

58. Luling Foundation - Healthcare 1, $250 scholarship Application and possible interview Criteria: –Pursue healthcare or related degree, to include a degree program in an accredited trade or vocational school with approved programs in healthcare Deadline - March 31, 2015

59. Co. Youth Livestock and Homemakers Show 4, $500 scholarships Application and personal interview Selection priorities: –30% Youth Show participation –20% interview –10% each class rank, SAT/ACT score, leadership roles, community service, and honors/awards Deadline – April 1, 2015

60. Guadalupe Co. Fair Association 4, $500 scholarships Application and possible interview For students enrolled in agricultural or livestock studies Guadalupe County Fair involvement, leadership, community service and honors/awards Deadline – Mid March 2015

61. Guadalupe Valley Pecan Classic Number and amount of scholarships vary annually Application Must have exhibited steers/heifers at Pecan Classic for at least 2 years Deadline - April, 2015

62. Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative Several $1,000 scholarships Application Selection priorities: –parents/guardians must be GVEC customers/members Deadline – March 1, 2015 http://www.gvec.org/ycScholarships.aspx

63. Texas Cattlewomen & Ivomec Generations of Excellence Intern Program $1,000 scholarship For college students pursuing careers in the fields of food and nutrition, agriculture communication or hotel restaurant management On-line application Deadline – January 2015 http://www.txcattlewomen.org

64. Texas Cattlewomen Pat Grote Memorial 1, $500 scholarship For high school senior Application Deadline – January, 2015 http://www.txcattlewomen.org

65. Texas Big Game Awards Wildlife Conservation 8, $1,500 and 1, $3,000 scholarships Open to entering college freshman, sophomore or junior pursuing any field of study Recipients must attend his/her Regional TBGA Banquet to receive their scholarship Application Selection based on point-scale scoring system and each application will be reviewed and ranked by a statewide scoring committee Deadline – Postmarked by March 1, 2015

66. Texas Section Society for Range Management Bill Wyche, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund $2,000 scholarships Application Criteria: –Major in Range Management or a related ag field Deadline - April 30, 2015

67. County Farm Bureau George Washington Farm Bureau Agricultural Scholarship O 1 $500 scholarship O Eligibility O Rank in the upper 50% of class O Demonstrate leadership, citizenship & good character O Be part of a FB family O Application O Deadline: April 2015 O There are also other available

68. State Fair of Texas $1,000 scholarships Application Criteria: –Must have participated in the 2011 State Fair Deadline – March 1, 2015 http://www.bigtex.com/aboutus/scholarshipprogram

69. San Angelo Stock Show $1,000 scholarships Application Criteria: –Must have participated in the San Angelo show Deadline – May 1, 2015 http://www.sanangelorodeo.com/livestock_scholarship s.phphttp://www.sanangelorodeo.com/livestock_scholarship s.php

70. Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Hildebrand $15,000 scholarship Application & interview Criteria: –2014 HLS&R junior market lamb exhibitor Deadline – February, 2015 http://rodeohouston.com/Scholarships/Sch olarships.aspxhttp://rodeohouston.com/Scholarships/Sch olarships.aspx (then click the hildebrand box)

71. Lowe’s Lowe’s – 140, $2,500 scholarships Carl Buchan – 50, $5,000 scholarships Application Deadline – Feb. 28, 2015 http://careers.lowes.com/college_recruiting _scholarship.aspxhttp://careers.lowes.com/college_recruiting _scholarship.aspx

72. HLSR: Ag Mechanics Technology Scholarship $4,000 per year for up to two years (with good grades) For pursuing Associate’s Degree in Ag Tech, Diesel/Auto Engines, Heating/Ventilation/AC, Power Systems or Welding Must be senior and have project entered in the Ag Mech Show OR 2013 Tractor Tech Contest Finals Provide THEA, SAT or ACT Scores Deadline – Feb. 28, 2015 (CODE AM2015) www.rodeohouston/about/scholarship

73. Texas A&M Guadalupe County Mother’s Club Scholarship For seniors attending Texas A&M in the Fall of 2014 Several $500 Scholarships Application Deadline – March 2015….must have acceptance letter by this date as well http://guadalupecountyaggiemoms.org/Sch olarshipApplication.pdf

74. Buck Fever Scholarship To be awarded in June 2014 1, $1,000 Scholarship Application Deadline – April 2015 (check website for form) http://www.buckfever.org/scholarship.html

75. Guadalupe Blanco River Authority Scholarship Three one-time scholarships to a four- year college/university or a two-year technical/trade school will be awarded Minimum 12 hrs per semester for a $2,000 per year scholarship Application Deadline – March 2015 http://www.gbra.org/documents/about/Sch olarshipApp.pdf

76. Other Scholarships Available LULAC-GE Scholarship for $5,000 available at http://www.lnesc.org/index.asp?Type=B_B ASIC&SEC={43EB7F7B-5AE7-4EE3- 9C3B-3B9BD6177D31} http://www.lnesc.org/index.asp?Type=B_B ASIC&SEC={43EB7F7B-5AE7-4EE3- 9C3B-3B9BD6177D31} Alamo Colleges-St. Phillips, Palo Alto, Northeast Lakeview, SAC Scholarships available at http://www.alamo.edu/spc/scholarships/ http://www.alamo.edu/spc/scholarships/

77. Thank you!! We’re here to help you.