Watch, learn, do and help PAY FOR SCHOOL! Scholarships? Who Me? Yes, there could very well be some money out there with your name on it. Watch, learn, do and help PAY FOR SCHOOL! December 2017

Scholarship Assumptions: Have you assumed that scholarships are only for students with… Good Grades Great Athletes School Officers Top Talent Not you?

Scholarship Realities True, scholarships may not come looking for you but you can definitely look for them Check out these strategies to successfully raise funds to help pay for your education, training, courses, certification, licensing for your future career Searching • Applying • Submitting

Think Again & Check this out: You have lots of support resources available You should have at least 3 solid sources just from this presentation One resource is Fastweb.com Take a look at this clip from one of their videos Stop for now at 48 seconds...

This Could be You: Scholarships for your Career Area: https://www.discover.com/student- loans/scholarships/careers.html

Some Quick Background Vocabulary Understand these concepts to make the best financial decisions you can. Stretch your money! Financial Aid * Grants FAFSA * Scholarships CSS * Student Loans Profiles * Public Matches * Private Donors * Subsidized/Non-Subsidized Merit-Based Aid * Scholarship Scams Need-Based Aid * Due Dates For more information, go to the SHS College & Career webpage

Scholarship Search Tools “Nationally, approximately $100 million in private scholarship assistance fails to get distributed, and private scholarships reach only 7% of undergraduates.” Private Scholarships Count, Institute for Higher Education Policy, May 2005 Visit the SHS College & Career Webpage: Scholarships How to get there: Go to the SHS Website hover over Counseling/College/Career and select Scholarships from the list And pay close attention to the following slides!

More Search Tools TheWashBoard.org Making college possible, one person at a time. A free, web-based scholarship matching clearinghouse for Washington students attending school here or in other states Their goals: * emphasize access for low-income & underserved students * increase awareness of financial aid and scholarship opportunities * provide a high-quality, trusted, centralized resource * improve the efficiency of the private scholarship application process which all helps you find more ways to help pay for your education! Watch this quick promo for TheWashBoard.org

Still More Fastweb.com Free to you (never pay for scholarship access) Reputable (some are not, beware!) Offered nationally, for a huge range of qualifications Check out these special categories and features: Here's the rest of the Fastweb promo video

Local Scholarships Steilacoom Historical Education Foundation (SHEF) There may be others, but be sure to explore: Steilacoom Historical Education Foundation (SHEF) Offering scholarships from community organizations and individuals who are committed to supporting SHS seniors. Only currently graduating seniors are eligible for SHEF scholarships. Your profile includes access to Fastweb and other nationally sponsored scholarships and college resources www.shefonline.com Applications open January 31 Closing deadline is April 1

Make the Most of All of This Get organized Collect the details you need to complete an effective profile or application Save time, be ready Use a checklist to be sure everything is covered Meet deadlines, use a calendar Watch the video tips on Fastweb Less Stress, More Success!

Work Smarter, not Harder Here’s a suggestion: Use the same strategy as resume updating when searching for a job. Edit and update your info to match specific requirements or show new accomplishments Collect your basic information to save in one spot for future editing and updating for new opportunities One option is https://tinyurl.com/y9w7v6rn

Important Reminders Beware of Scholarship Scams Protect your personal information Check validity of unbelievable offers before replying Do not pay for a list of possible scholarships: scam red flag! Be skeptical of downloads to avoid malware Use a calendar, checklist, reminders to help meet deadlines Ask others to read your work to check grammar & spelling before submitting. Don’t miss out because of those mistakes. For more information, go to the SHS College & Career webpage

Set Yourself Up for Success Set up your own plan: What will you do each month? Which scholarships are your targets? How can you make the most of information or writing you’ve already collected to submit new applications? Remember to check your email regularly You may receive reminders or inquiries that include deadlines Continue next spring, update your info, repeat each year!

Even More Ideas Try these free sources of information about scholarships: the financial aid office at a college or career school the U.S. Department of Labor’s FREE scholarship search tool federal agencies your state grant agency religious or community organizations, local businesses, or civic groups organizations (including professional associations) related to your field of interest ethnicity-based organizations your employer or your parents’ employers or unions your family’s financial institutions like banks, credit unions For more information, go to the SHS College & Career webpage

What’s Your Plan? Which 3 sources will you explore? How will you make this easier to follow through with? How will you protect your privacy & information?