1. 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

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

3. 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

4. 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...

5. This Could be You: Scholarships for your Career Area:
loans/scholarships/careers.html

6. 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

7. 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!

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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
Applications open January 31
Closing deadline is April 1

11. 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!

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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 regularly
You may receive reminders or inquiries that include deadlines
Continue next spring,
update your info, repeat each year!

15. 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

16. 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?