For Post-Secondary Studies

 43% estimate living expenses to be $5000-$10,000/year  56% estimate tuitions, books, academic supplies, etc. to be $5000 – $10,000/year  The average undergraduate student in Canada graduates with $24,000 worth of debt

 Youth unemployment in Canada was 17% in 2011  53% of students report they are working during the school year in order to make ends meet  36% of students dropped out due to financial reasons ( Statistics Canada’s Youth in Transition Survey) studentawards.com

 They are often based on a variety of criteria: ◦ Academics ◦ Volunteer work ◦ Extracurricular activities ◦ Sports  Financial need may or may not be a factor

 Scholarship that is usually based on need rather than merit  Student in need of financial assistance to continue their education

 Small award given in recognition of some specific superior accomplishment  May be in the form of books, plaques, medals, subscriptions, or cash

 Loans are advanced on the understanding that the money will be repaid upon the completion of one’s studies  Federal and Provincial government both provide student loan plans  Students receiving a student loan often qualify for a bursary  Some financial institutions also have student loan plans; however, these usually have an immediate interest charge

 Money – specifically, money that you don’t have to pay back  Resume Builder – what better way is there to impress your future employer? Awards look great on medical/law school applications as well  Compound Interest – once you win one award, it acts as a stepping stone for winning others

Other than academic success and financial need, scholarship providers look for applicants who can demonstrate:  Originality and Passion – what makes you stand out from all the other applicants?  Volunteering & Community Service – do you give back to the community? Have you volunteered beyond the 40 hour requirement?  Leadership and Initiative – are you a founding member or have you taken an active role in a club or organization?

 Talent – Are you a Van Gogh? Future Spielberg? Do you have a vision? Scholarships reward fresh thinking and new ideas  Special Targeted Areas – specific heritage or cultural background, gender, special needs, geography and more.

 Institution Based Scholarship Every post-secondary institution will offer first year scholarships for first year students. Check the institutions web page and/or calendar for a list of these scholarships.

 Open to students admitted to the post- secondary institute directly from high school  Students MUST apply for early admission in order to be considered  Students are considered based on their grade point average from high school

 Membership Scholarships ◦ Many organizations have scholarships available to members and families eg. A.T.A. (AB Teachers Assoc.) ◦ Could include employer's, clubs, cultural organizations, religious affiliations, or teams.

 C.B.E./School Based Scholarships ◦ Managed by the C.B.E. ◦ Selected at school or city level The typical application time for these is in the spring of a school year. Go to:

 Corporate Scholarships ◦ Nationally or provincially selected ◦ e.g. Toyota, T.D. Bank, Burger King Information will be posted on the school T-drive, scholarship binder in both Guidance offices, and sent to YOTES teachers

 Government Scholarships ◦ Alberta – The Alexander Rutherford Scholarship ◦ 75% % OR 80% and higher average in 5 subjects in grade 10, 11, and 12 ◦ Different monetary amounts awarded depending on average ◦ Value varies from $300 to $2500 Apply in the spring of your grade 12 year. Go to: for more information.

Scholarship sites:  Scholarship Binder ~ Student Services (T & P Wings) ◦ ◦ ◦ awards.com ◦ ◦ ◦

 Create a list of all available scholarships  Identify guaranteed scholarships ◦ These scholarships are based solely on your high school average  Read criteria for the award  Apply only if you are eligible! If you do not meet all of the eligibility criteria, you will not be considered.

 Complete application in full  Follow all directions and submit all required documentation  Give concrete examples of community involvement, school involvement as well as leadership activities  Focus on quality rather than quantity  Neatness matters!  Spelling and grammar are important

 Develop a portfolio of your accomplishments to date  Recommendation/Reference letters are often required  Provide them with information on yourself, award criteria and deadline for award  Give them time to write (not due the next day- allow minimum of 2 weeks)  Thank those who have written letters of recommendation

 Request help if not clear understanding  Deadlines are important  Applications will not be accepted if they are received after the posted deadline  Keep a copy of all the applications and documentation  Many scholarships ask for similar criteria and you can use some of the documentation more than once.

 Read criteria for the award carefully and ask yourself - “What are they looking for?”  Always attempt to answer this question as completing your application  Remember your awards application represents you  Submit the best application you can

Mrs. Greyson ~ A-G ~ T Wing Mrs. Floyd ~ H-N ~ P Wing Ms. Hunter-Burge ~ O-Z ~ T Wing Mr. Manderson ~ Career Practitioner ~ Library