Searching for Scholarships 2014/2015 Office of Student Financial Assistance

Scholarships  Scholarships are a form of gift aid Gifts of money to pay for college that you don’t have to repay. Apply every year money is out there, but you must seek it! 2014/2015 2

Institutional Scholarships  Apply for scholarships directly through the school’s financial aid office, website, or affiliated institutional foundations  Many alumni and private donors set up scholarships and grants for particular majors or participation in specific organizations. Ask for the Foundation Scholarship. 2014/2015 3

Local Resources Many local businesses and organizations offer gift aid for students. Other avenues to try are:  local employers (Target, Wal-Mart & fast food restaurants)  non-profit agencies  religious organizations  professional groups related to your field of interest. 2014/2015 4

 Free scholarship database that includes over 1.3 million scholarships worth over $3 billion  Local, national, and college-specific scholarships  Search and compare detailed college profiles  Recommended by more than 16,000 schools and 3,600 colleges  Access FastWeb by visiting  requires User ID and Password you create 2014/2015 5

Writing the Essay  Many scholarship committees are looking for students who have the ability to communicate effectively in writing.  Essays are an excellent way for scholarship judges to choose the most qualified, deserving candidates. 2014/2015 6

Tips for writing an Essay  Give yourself time.  Follow directions.  Focus on the topic. 2014/2015 7

Writing the Essay  Create an outline. An outline helps to provide a framework for your essay and helps you focus on your thoughts.  Edit and proofread your work. Your essay should be clear and concise. Proofread several times and correct any errors. Make sure the essay flows as smoothly as possible. Have someone with strong writing and editing skills proofread the essay before you submit it.  Get feedback. Ask friends and family to read your essay and provide you with feedback. This process ensures that your ideas are clearly interpreted. 2014/2015 8

Federal Resources  The following websites provide important information for obtaining scholarships and grants through the federal government:      /2015 9

Avoid Scholarship Scams!  You should not pay to file the FREE Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  “Guaranteed scholarships” do not exist.  You should not have to pay money to get money.  For more information about scholarship scams or to report a scam, contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by visiting or calling toll-free at FTC-HELP ( ) or TTY 1 ‑ 866 ‑ 653 ‑ /

Navigating Your Financial Future OSFA offers a variety of tools and resources to assist you in your pursuit of higher education. For more information, please visit: /

Contact us   Telephone:  OSFA Outreach:  OR name  OR phone  OR 2014/

Questions? 2014/

Thank you for attending this workshop 2014/