1. Scholarship Workshop How to find FREE money for my post high school training?

2. Agenda  What are scholarships?  How do I find scholarships?  What is the process for applying?  Do not assume that you cannot afford college!!!!

3. What are scholarships?  Scholarships are FREE money for you to go to college or some kind of training after high school  There are THOUSANDS of scholarships available.  Earning scholarships requires a lot of hard work, but it can pay off in the end, if you get enough scholarships, you can even be paid to attend college!!  The more scholarships you apply for, the more likely you are to earn one (duh!)  Scholarships are competitive!

4. What scholarships are NOT:  Scholarships are not financial aid (obtained through the FAFSA).  EVERYONE should apply for financial aid through the FAFSA  Some scholarships require this as well as many colleges  Scholarships are not loans.  You don’t have to pay them back.  Scholarships are not easy to earn (usually).

5. How do I find scholarships?  You must take the initiative to search for scholarships.  You have started by attending this workshop. Good for you! BUT this will require a lot more work on your part!!  If finding money for college is important to you set aside TIME each week to search and work on scholarships.  This is up to YOU, not you parents; however, if they are willing to help, ACCEPT IT!!!  This is up to YOU, not you parents; however, if they are willing to help, ACCEPT IT!!!

6. How do I find scholarships?  1) Find scholarship websites.  Begin researching scholarship requirements and save a file of scholarships which you may qualify (see website handout)  Check list @ CCC and SRHS website  2) Ask organizations/clubs to which you belong if there are scholarships available.  3) Ask your employer or your parents’ employer for scholarships.

7. How to find scholarships (cont.)  4) When you apply to a specific college, be sure to familiarize yourself with their specific scholarship process.  This is usually the biggest source of scholarship money.  Some scholarships are automatically given based on GPA and test scores, while others will require an application.  If you are awarded a scholarship from a specific college, you are not required to attend and accept the scholarship; however, you ONLY receive that scholarship if you choose to attend.  Private colleges tend to offer more scholarships because of private funding (endowments) 5) Oregon Student Assistant Commission program (see website handout) 6) Western Undergraduate Exchange Program

8. What is the process for applying for scholarships?  Start Early!!  Refer to your saved file on scholarships and EVEN if it is too early to apply, become familiar with the requirements including the essay (if required) and/or letters of recommendations.  Gather all application materials early  Build or re-write an academic resume.  Find teachers, coaches, and/or community members willing to write you letters of recommendation.

9. Talent Scholarships  Extremely competitive!!!  Put together a talent resume.  If visual art, put together a portfolio.  Usually require an audition or recording.

10. What is the process for applying for scholarships? (cont.)  Time spent on scholarships will increase as deadlines draw near (Spring of Senior year).  Keep an organized calendar of due dates and materials needed.  It is vital to meet all application deadlines. Applications received after the deadline will NOT be considered.  Spend adequate time necessary to edit your application and materials.  Watch for spelling and punctuation on application.  Spend the necessary to time to write a great essay and have others edit. (See next slide)  Don’t by shy to sing your praises!  Don’t just list awards and activities, be descriptive, if possible, about what you gained from activities.  Include relevant, pertinent activities and awards that align with your academic and career goals.

11. The Dreaded Essay  Scholarships that require an essay are sometimes dismissed by students who don’t want to spend the time or feel confident in their writing abilities.  Before you begin the essay, remember the purpose.  Be persuasive in showing the committee you deserve the award. Remember your audience.  Be sure you understand the topic and answer the question.  DO NOT simply list awards and activities; you can’t include everything, so be selective.  Choose information and ideas which are not reflected in other parts of your application.  Be CREATIVE!  Capture your audience’s attention!

12. Essay (cont.)  Editing:  Spelling and grammar are crucial.  Is it concise and clear?  Is it honest?  Is it memorable?  Be sure to have at least one other person whose writing abilities you respect edit your draft.

13. Be sure to give thanks!  If you receive a scholarship, wonderful! Be sure to thank the selection committee with a note.  Be sure to thank those who wrote letters of recommendation or provided materials for your application.

14. Final Thoughts  There are THOUSANDS of scholarships available and YES you can receive one or more, but it takes a lot of TIME and hard work on YOUR part!!!!  Questions?