FINDING SCHOLARSHIPS SHOW ME THE MONEY!

Resources to help fund Post-Secondary Education Parents/Guardian support (RESP) Student loans (OSAP, bank) Student savings/contributions (Part-time Job) Scholarships, Bursaries & Awards Mention Tuition Grant – if parents income is less than

Glossary AWARD: is given in recognition of outstanding achievement. Awards may be in the form of books, plaques, subscriptions or money. BURSARY: a non-repayable grant of money, usually awarded primarily based on financial need, but academic achievement is also considered. Award: A monetary award is usually called a scholarship or bursary.  Bursary:  Usually, the applicant must provide detailed documentation describing their financial situation when applying for the bursary. 

Glossary continued GRANT: a non-repayable sum of money that is given based primarily on financial need, but academic achievement may also be considered. SCHOLARSHIP: a non-repayable sum of money awarded to a student to help finance education. Based on merit in areas ranging from academic achievement, leadership activities to athletics. Grant: . Usually, official documentation describing your financial situation is required when applying.  Scholarship: . Usually, scholarships are not based on financial need. 

It’s not just about your grades! ∙ Financial Need ∙ Field of Study ∙ Academic Average ∙ Year of Study ∙ Special Circumstances ∙ Location ∙ Heritage ∙ Volunteer Work ∙ Affiliations ∙ Activities

Why search for scholarships, bursaries or awards? How much can you earn working a 5 hour shift?

Money is Available!

STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY SCHOLARSHIPS and BURSARIES! It is a STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY to RESEARCH and APPLY for SCHOLARSHIPS and BURSARIES!

SIX HELPFUL STEPS to better prepare yourself for scholarships!

Start researching scholarships EARLY! Step 1: research Start researching scholarships EARLY! When? Grade 9 /10 What to research? scholarship criteria profiles of previous winners timeframe for the application/deadline value Supplementary documents contact information Recommend you start researching in grade 9 and 10 Keep an online folder with due dates and matches Be aware of criteria – be realistic (look at previous winners) Visit scholarships canada to see tips on researching

Scholarships Canada.com Step 1: research I look? Where do Parent’s Employer Parent’s Insurance company Peel Board Website School Your employer Club/ sport affiliation Church Union Member College / University Websites Student Awards.com Scholarships Canada.com Where to look

Students with disabilities www.disabilityawards.ca Note- Assessment info found : www.disabilityawards.ca/gov.php?ID=ON&lang=EN

Step 1: research Helpful Resources….. Twitter account: @DSSSGuidance www.scholarshipscanada.com www.yconic.com www.seekingscholarships.com www.electronicinfo.ca (university) www.ontariocolleges.ca (college) www.peelschools.org (student stuff, scholarship tab) DSSS Website (student services, scholarships) Twitter account: @DSSSGuidance Announcements (morning, Guidance Office) Speak with your parents/family members (scholarships for employee’s children, union members children, religious institutions, community affiliations) Check in Guidance often

www.peelschools.org

www.peelschools.org

www.electronicinfo.ca (university)

www.electronicinfo.ca

www.ontariocolleges.ca (College)

www.ontariocolleges.ca (College)

Step 2: Be Prepared! Create a personal resume before you begin your applications. Be sure to include: Academic achievements Community volunteer activities Extra-curricular involvement Strengths and assets Leadership activities Have three key people ready to write reference letters: ∙ a teacher, counsellor or activities person ∙ a community or church member ∙ an employer or supervisor Supply these individuals with the scholarship criteria! 3

Step 2: Be Prepared! B. Select THREE people who are well suited to write a reference letter. Select individuals who can best represent you such as; School Staff (teacher, guidance) Employer or supervisor Community member Have three key people ready to write reference letters: ∙ a teacher, counsellor or activities person ∙ a community or church member ∙ an employer or supervisor Supply these individuals with the scholarship criteria! 3 Be sure to provide the selected individual(s) with: 1. A one-page summary outlining why you would be a good candidate for the scholarship 2. Outline of Scholarship and criteria 3. A minimum of TWO WEEKS notice to complete the letter

STEP 2: Be Prepared C. Create a timeline/calendar to ensure the application is complete and ready to submit. Build in time: to collect supplemental documentation; to provide mentors sufficient time to write a good letter of recommendation; to ensure your application can be proof read.

Remember that certain contests like the Step 3: Advocate Notify your counsellor if you feel you are a good candidate for a scholarship that requires you to be nominated by the school Remember that certain contests like the Descartes, DaCosta and Physics may improve your chances of winning money. How do you know if you are a good candidate? You have done your research!!

Step 3: advocate Complete the Student Appraisal Form at the beginning of your grade 12 year: complete and submit the Student Appraisal Form (picked up and submitted in the Guidance office) will be used to select potential school nominees for particular scholarships. Ex. DSSS Graduation Awards, Schulich Leaders, Loran, etc. (the ‘BIG’ ones)

Step 4: COMPLETE your application start early gather any supplementary documents (reference letters, transcripts, essays, etc.) complete ALL the required application forms focus on quality not quantity have someone proofread your application give plenty of notice to anyone (Principal, teacher, counsellor) who may need to sign or write a referral

Step 4: COMPLETE your application Convince the scholarship providers to invest in YOU! How do you ‘stand out’ from other applicants? What makes you special? How? Try writing down a couple of memorable experiences that you believe set you apart from others and help define you! Brainstorm with others to come up with a personal list to help organize your thoughts. Additional tips to writing a successful application: Grammar, sentence structure, organization are important Be professional Try to transfer your life experiences onto paper in a meaningful way to best display your value.

Step 5: Sending in your Application mail application to ensure it will arrive by application deadline. use a courier service to track print off confirmation of receipt Send a note to follow up

Step 6: Receiving the Money meet all the conditions to receive the money: full-time enrollment, maintaining residency etc. attend an awards ceremony or luncheon, if required, be gracious and dress appropriately thank the donor, when appropriate

Additional Internet Resources

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