SCHOLARSHIPS 2014/2015

selection criteria  Academic Achievement: The grades you earn at school are important, and will be considered for some awards. Most scholarships will specify a particular minimum average in selected courses. Often "excellence" is the focus, especially when applying for some of the prestigious awards at universities.  Financial Need: Being able to demonstrate financial need within your family or circumstances, will qualify you for many awards. Usually you will have to provide confidential financial information. It is important that you parents are aware of this and complete their tax assessment on time.  Citizenship: You may be asked to describe the activities you have been involved in that help make your school and your community a better place to live in. e.g. sports, music, fine arts, volunteering, church, committees, etc..  Leadership: In what ways have you demonstrated your leadership abilities?

Post Secondary Institutes  Every Post-Secondary Institute offers a Scholarship and Awards Program for their students.  When you apply for admission at any postsecondary Institute, you will probably do this online.  Follow the links to their scholarship program, paying attention to deadlines.

Tips for Applying  Develop a portfolio of your accomplishments to date. There is an outline to follow on the Lester B. Pearson blog.  Pay attention to deadlines ! Prepare well in advance. Allow plenty of time to complete your application, and to submit it well before its deadline.  Be neat, and where possible, type your responses. Use dynamic and appropriate language that is clear, assertive and to the point.  Read the criteria for the award carefully and ask yourself, “What are they looking for?” Always attempt to answer this question as you are completing your application. Apply only if you are eligible! If you do not meet all of the eligibility criteria, you will not be considered.  If you need a Letter of Reference, contact your referee well in advance to allow them to do a good job for you. Think of the people who you can trust to write you a positive reference. Provide them with information about the scholarship, and a copy of your Scholarship Resume.  If required to submit financial information, you will need to submit a copy of your parents "Notice of Tax Assessment"

 Often to claim an award, you must have a Social Insurance Number. Application forms are available at post offices, provincial registry offices, and the Harry Hayes Federal Government Building in downtown Calgary, etc.  Focus on quality rather than quantity. In writing scholarship application essays, don’t focus on every little thing you have accomplished. It is more important to identify a few activities and accomplishments and discuss specific ways you were involved and affected. In addition, discuss what you learned from your involvement and how this will make you a better student and person in the university/college program you are applying to. Be sure to provide specific examples, as they make your content more believable. Be positive!  Volunteering in your community at Religious Organizations, Hospitals or Service Organizations is helpful.  Become involved in extracurricular activities at school and in the community.  Work hard, develop good study habits, and stay focused at school. Find ways to keep your marks as high as possible.  Seek out opportunities to demonstrate your leadership abilities.  Start your search close to home. The company you or your parents work for may offer scholarships for their employees.  Choose appropriate awards for you. Put your energy into applications which could realistically pay off for you.

Shad Valley www. shad.ca Deadline: November 27, 2013 & December 12, 2013  Shad Valley is designed for senior high school students currently completing Grade 10, 11 or 12. The selection process is competitive.  Shad Valley is a four week summer enrichment program. Students spend a month living in residence at one of our host university campuses across Canada.  A typical Shad applicant has these qualities:  high academic achievement  exceptional drive, initiative, creativity, and an entrepreneurial mind  excellence and leadership in diverse pursuits, including athletics, the arts and work  strong volunteer impact and outstanding interpersonal skills

Education Matters  There are a number of awards available at this site  Click on the “students & parents” toggle for information

continued    /city_of_calgary_5889.php /city_of_calgary_5889.php  Make sure to check out the university websites, as many of them will have scholarship information available

Student Government Loans  Both the Federal and Provincial governments provide student loans for post-secondary study.  Students must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents and need to apply through the province that considers them a resident.  Government student loans are intended to be supplemental to student and family resources, and are awarded based on financial need.  Get your questions answered at edulinx.ca  Province of Alberta Loans :  Government of Canada Loans: canlearn.ca