{ CPS Scholarship Guide Credit Bearing Seminar 2014

Facts: CPS is the nation’s third largest urban school district with over 400,000 students, 87% of them coming from low-income families. According to a report released last October by the College Board, the average overall cost of attendance at an in-state 4- year university was approximately $22,261 (for students who did not receive financial aid).

College Enrollment for CPS Students: The district’s college enrollment rate is currently 56.5%. In order to increase this percentage, it is important that we ensure all college-bound CPS students have a college and career plan that includes a solid financial plan to cover the cost of college attendance.

The Playing Field: According to a study released by the Pew Foundation on September 26, 2012, A Record One-In-Five Households Now Owe Student Loan Debt, forty-four percent (44%) of households headed by someone 35 years old and under had student loan debt in 2010.

In order to level the playing field, It is critical that you carefully research your college options, apply early, and visit each campus prior to making a final decision. Review the college’s graduation rates, cost of attendance and student loan default rates by using the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard website: d/index.aspx

The Importance of Scholarships: Last year, $400 million dollars in scholarships were offered to CPS graduates. Many of those students would not have been able to attend college without those scholarships. To cover the cost of college attendance without over-reliance on student loans students are encouraged to use this information to identify scholarships and create a plan for success.

Develop a scholarship profile on What’s Next Illinois and search for scholarships. Other resources include scholarship books at the library, working with your counselors, teachers, and college and career coaches at your school to help you find a scholarship that matches your profile.

Many colleges and universities provide their own scholarships. Be sure to visit their websites and enter the word “scholarships” in the search box. You should be able to find out about the merit, need, talent and programmatic scholarships that are available to incoming freshmen.

Scholarship Tips Get Organized and Ready to Work Finding and applying for scholarships is labor intensive; you must be highly organized. Your search will feel like adding a sport, club or part time job to your schedule. Make the time. Schedule 2-3 hours of each week to research and to write.

Beware of Scams Legitimate scholarship providers do not charge application fees and do not charge you a fee to “pick up” your scholarship. NEVER respond to s requesting your social security number. Do NOT pay any person or company to research scholarships for you. After you apply to college, ask the Financial Aid Director about institutional scholarships. When in doubt talk to a counselor or teacher.

Research Use online search tools and sign up for free alerts. Find out if your parents or guardians’ employers offer scholarships. Check with local businesses in your neighborhood, local alumni clubs of college offer scholarships. Find the scholarships for which you are eligible.

Renewable/Non renewable Know if the scholarship is renewable. If so, you may have to meet certain criteria and complete a process for renewing the scholarship each year. Find out the requirements and keep any paperwork related to them for your records.

Essays Nearly every scholarship application requires essays. Allow plenty of time for drafts and ask your English teacher or another teacher or mentor to give you feedback. Answer the question and allow for at least three drafts. Write online applications in Word. Copy and paste online essays after proofing.

Recommendations Find out if counselors or teachers have a process or forms you must complete or a request system for requesting recommendations. Provide your recommender with a stamped addressed envelope. Send a thank you note to your recommender.

Scholarship Deadlines Verify the deadline with the scholarship provider. Missing a deadline is the easiest way to disqualify your application and all of your hard work will be for nothing. Verify if deadline is a due date or a postmark date.

Tracking Mail your scholarship applications and follow up. Call or to confirm your application was received and when winner(s) will be notified. Pay for Certified Mail/Return Receipt Requested at the Post Office for a Delivery Confirmation which provides the date and time your documents are received or a Signature Confirmation which provides the date, time and the signature of the person who received it. Make copies of every application you submit.