Rutland Senior Secondary School POST-SECONDARY PREP SESSION #2 Post-Secondary Preparation Session #2: Funding Post-Secondary Education Rutland Senior Secondary School POST-SECONDARY PREP SESSION #2 Scholarship & Bursary Information 2016 Welcome and introductions. School counsellors are members of the Central Okanagan Bursary and Scholarship Society or COBSS for short. As well, RSS has community members who belong to the society. They are Loretta Davis, Sharlene Drohomerski, MaryLou Inaba, and Barbara Cates. This evening we will discuss how COBSS can help finance part of a student’s post-secondary education.   Post-secondary education is expensive. Costs vary depending on your program and institution. Most people only think of tuition. Tuition and fees for education vary from school to school. Average university tuition varies around $4,500 to 6,000 – depends on the program. Each college program has its own tuition fee – can vary from $2,500 to over $5,000. There are other expenses as well. The costs add up quickly.

GRADE 12 TIMELINE, SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES   RUTLAND SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL 2016 - 2017 www.rss.sd23.bc.ca Please utilize this terrific resource, compiled specifically for RSS grads.

What is your financial plan? Post-Secondary Preparation Session #2: Funding Post-Secondary Education The Costs of Education TUITION STUDENT FEES HEALTH FEES DENTAL FEES BOOKS & SUPPLIES HOUSING FOOD TRANSPORTATION Post-secondary education is expensive. Most people only think of tuition as a cost, but there are other expenses – such as books, student fees, supplies specific to your program (such as tools, uniforms) transportation and living expenses if you are not living at home.   Costs vary depending on your program and institution. Usually, the longer the program the more expensive it will be and the further away, the more costs you will incur for travel. What is your financial plan?

UBC Online Cost Calculator www.you.ubc.ca Select: Financial Planning Select: What will your first year cost? Select your campus: Vancouver or Okanagan tab Allows students to total their costs, with variables for living arrangements and program choice.

The Cost of Education Example: UBC-O: 1st year full-time ARTS EDUCATIONAL COSTS (Full first-year course load) Tuition $5088 Student fees $996 Books/supplies $2060 Educational costs $8144 LIVING COSTS (8 months) Room and board $0 Transportation (bus) $316 Personal expenses $3000 Phone $1000 BC Health Insurance $600 Living costs $4916 ESTIMATED TOTAL COST $13,060 … and that’s with living at home for FREE

The Cost of Education Example: OKANAGAN COLLEGE– Associate of Arts (Arts Transfer) EDUCATIONAL COSTS (Full first-year course load) Tuition $3399 Student fees $498 Books $1,500 Educational costs $5397 LIVING COSTS (8 months) Room and board $0 Transportation (bus) $316 Personal expenses $3000 Phone $1000 Health & Dental $251 Living costs $4567 ESTIMATED TOTAL COST $9964 … and that’s with living at home for FREE

OC Program Costs 2016-2017 www.okanagan.bc.ca/tuition Bachelor of Nursing - years 1 & 2 $11,850 Dental Assistant Certificate $4,482 Civil Engineering Technology Diploma - years 1 & 2 $11,516 Business Administration Diploma $5,208 Early Childhood Education Diploma – years 1 & 2 $7,439 Electronic Engineering Technology Diploma – years 1 & 2 $11,608 Human Service Work Diploma – years 1 & 2 $6,990 Mechanical Engineering Technology Diploma – years 1 & 2 $11,276 Network and Telecom Engineering Diploma – years 1 & 2 $11,286 Practical Nursing Certificate (LPN) – entire 18 month program $11,293 Residential Construction $3,980 Therapist Assistant Diploma– years 1 & 2 $8,140 Welder Foundation $3,926

Early Fee Payments Plan for fee payments BEFORE next September! Application fees: $30 to upwards of $100 Registration deposits: approx. $250 (or more) for confirming your seat Housing application fees & deposits … and that’s all before you even go to a class!

Sources of Funding NEW – BC Excellence Scholarships - $5,000 Post-Secondary Preparation Session #2: Funding Post-Secondary Education Sources of Funding NEW – BC Excellence Scholarships - $5,000 NEW – BC Achievement Scholarships - $1,250 NEW – Pathway to Education Scholarships - $5,000 UPDATED - District / Authority Scholarships - $1,250 COBSS Funding post secondary education is always a concern for students and their families. Here are some avenues that are available to students. Passport to Education is the only source of funding on this slide that is automatic. The Passport to Education process is completed during the summer of each year after final grades are in. Recipients must have be a full time student and the best 5 courses are used in the calculation. There are approximately 80 stamps per grade given out. The average cut off has been in the low to mid 90’s because there are so few stamps issued by the Ministry of Education. A list is posted in September of the previous year’s recipients. Grade 12’s need to pick up their passports in late August of their grad year and at the same time they can pick up their graduation diploma or dogwood. NO application process for the Provincial Exam Scholarship – you are automatically considered when you write your provincials Entrance Scholarships from post secondary schools usually require a separate application – although there are some academic scholarships that post secondary institutions have that are students are automatically eligible for by applying to the post secondary institution.

Sources of Funding 7. Entrance Scholarships 8. Student Loans Post-Secondary Preparation Session #2: Funding Post-Secondary Education Sources of Funding 7. Entrance Scholarships Institution specific that usually are automatically awarded to students based on academic average (do not need to apply in most cases) 8. Student Loans BC Loans - www.studentaidbc.ca Canada Loans - www.canlearn.ca 9. Student Lines of Credit See your banking institution 10. Talk to your Parents and Relatives Regarding affiliations with work and organizations that may offer bursaries and scholarships You must apply to District Dogwood Authority Award after being nominated by a teacher. Final transcripts are mailed to each student from the BC Ministry of Education and contains the courses and credits that they have completed and is what post secondary schools request for admissions. The graduation diploma or dogwood are certificates with the BC Ministry of Education seal as well as the signatures of the minister of education, school district 23’s superintendent and the principal of RSS and a statement that the student has met the requirements of graduation.

NEW: BC Excellence Scholarship The Ministry of Education will award $5000 scholarship awarded to 55 students : This scholarship recognizes well-rounded graduates demonstrating community service and leadership both inside and outside of school. Eligibility: Be in graduation year, eligible for a Dogwood Diploma Have at least a “B” (73% or above) in English 11 Have at least a “B” average (73% or above) in all grade 11 academic courses (Science, Math, SS) Maintain a “B” average or better in Grade 11 & 12 final course marks required for Graduation Application Package: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/support/provincial-scholarships/bc-excellence-scholarships

NEW: BC Excellence Scholarship The Ministry of Education will award $5000 scholarship awarded to 55 students : Applicants must: Submit RESUME in mandatory format (worth 40% overall) Provide 2 reference letters, 1 from school and 1 from community Provide WRITTEN STATEMENT (essay) of 500 words (worth 60% overall): What led them to their most relevant community service, volunteer activity &/or leadership role What they learned from this experience How this experience will benefit them in their career path In coordination with a district committee, schools will each nominate one eligible student See a counsellor if you are interested in applying Applications due to counsellors by 12pm MONDAY, JAN. 23rd

NEW: BC Achievement Scholarships The Ministry of Education will award $1250 scholarship awarded to 8000 students : This scholarship recognizes broad achievement in courses meeting graduation program requirements with a B average The Ministry will determine recipients based on student’s achievement in Grade 10, 11 and 12 courses needed to satisfy graduations program requirements. Must meet basic eligibility requirements: Must be a Canadian Citizen or permanent resident Must be a BC resident Must be registered in a BC public school STUDENTS DO NOT APPLY FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP!

NEW: Pathway to Teacher Education Scholarships This $5000 annual scholarship recognizes exceptional Grade 12 students planning to enter the field of K-12 teaching This will be awarded to 20 students intending to enter the BC Faculty of Education Program The $5000 voucher will be able to be redeemed upon entrance to the Faculty of Education Program Students must meet basic eligibility requirements Applications must be completed by students by Feb. 15th, 2017 Applications available at www.bced.gov.bc.ca/awards/

District / Authority Scholarships $1250 scholarships awarded to 5500 students (each district receives pro-rated amount of scholarships) This scholarship rewards graduating students for excellence in a chosen field of interest or strength, and then pursuing that as a career path Must be Canadian citizen or permanent resident & BC resident Each school has committee to determine recipients Students must demonstrate superior achievement in any of the following: Fine Arts Applied Skills Physical Activity International Languages Technical & Trades training Indigenous Languages and Culture Community Service See Mr. Gunn for more information.

Useful Funding Information https://yconic.com/ http://www.univcan.ca/ https://studentaidbc.ca/ (student financial aid) www.studentscholarships.org **Some request a profile, so be as descriptive as possible to be matched with funding opportunities

Funding from your College or University Go to the school’s website & look for links such as: Financial Aid / Assistance Scholarships Entrance Awards Financial Aid & Awards (Okanagan College) www.okanagan.bc.ca/Page895.aspx (OC) Select “High School Entrance Awards” http://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships-awards-canadian-students/ (UBC) !

UBC-Major Entrance Scholarship $5,000- $40,000 Information obtained from the Academic Profile & the Personal Profile on the Application form will be used to choose recipients. No additional application is necessary. To be considered for this your application must be completed by December 1, 2016 http://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships-awards-canadian-students/major-entrance/

UBC - Centennial Scholars Entrance Award up to $40,000 Recognizes students who are academically qualified, but who would not otherwise be able to attend without significant financial assistance You and your family must complete an application to demonstrate great financial need. A nomination letter is required from someone who is well-acquainted with you, and can comment on your character and financial situation Online application closes Dec. 1st, 2016 http://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships-awards-canadian-students/entrance-award/

UBC - Centennial Scholars Entrance Award Profile Students eligible for this award could be experiencing the following circumstances: have disabled parents be working from a young age to support self or family be living independently be a young parent be experiencing a significant family illness be from a single parent family with no financial support from the other parent be parenting younger siblings Note: This list is simply to serve as a guide. It does not predict nor guarantee that any particular life circumstance will equate to financial awards.

Okanagan College Awards President’s Entrance Award - $5000 Canadian citizen or permanent resident Entering eligible program at any campus of OC with offer of admission prior to allocation demonstrate leadership and made a contribution to school and community ****nominated by the school - see your counsellor if you think you qualify**** Community Spirit Award - $1000 Canadian Citizen or Landed Immigrant have a minimum GPA of 65% based on all grade 11 and 12 courses demonstrate service to school and/or community Board of Governors Award - $1000 demonstrate academic achievement and significant financial need APPLY ONLINE, DEADLINE MARCH 20TH, 2017

City of Kelowna Civic & Community Awards Young Male & Female of the Year Criteria: Between ages of 13 & 19 as of December 31, 2016 Recognition of outstanding voluntary contribution to the City of Kelowna, related to arts, education, humanities, community service and/or medical/business/commerce Selections based on nominees contributions for the year 2016. Past info may be included but primary focus on 2016. Finalists chosen solely on completed nomination package. The 3 finalists in each category will receive scholarship funding towards post-secondary courtesy of the Thomas Alan Budd Foundation. Nomination Deadline: Feb. 17th, 2017

Bursary & Scholarship Emails If you would like to be added to the list to be notified when scholarships and bursaries come up, please sign up on the RSS homepage.

Very useful information! Access the RSS Counselling Website under the services tab Very useful information!

Bursary and Scholarship Society Central Okanagan Bursary and Scholarship Society http://www.cobss.sd23.bc.ca

Central Okanagan Bursary and Scholarship Society Unique to the Central Okanagan One application allows students to apply to hundreds of awards There are 2 types of awards No criteria awards which are open to all students Specific criteria awards which have been established by donors

ELIGIBILITY Be a Canadian citizen or a Landed Immigrant, living as a permanent resident within the boundaries of SD #23. Must be applying to and planning to attend FULL TIME an accredited post-secondary institution in September of graduation year. 3. Obtain a minimum of 60% average in all grade 11 and 12 courses. 4. Be graduating for the first time this June. Attending one of the member schools of COBSS as their home school during graduation year.

SELECTION PROCESS Applications are submitted to school counsellors who then forward them to COBSS directly. Applications are strictly confidential. Applications are read only by school counsellors, donors and members of the COBSS selection committee Click to add notes School counsellors are not part of the selection process.

Selection is based on the following three areas: Financial Need – based on line 150 of tax return and any special circumstances Academic Ability – the average of student’s Grade 11 and Grade 12 marks Active Citizenship – involvement in school and community

TYPES OF AWARDS BURSARY – primarily based on financial need SCHOLARSHIP – based on excellence; excellence can be in a variety of areas - academic, fine arts, applied skills, sports, community involvement, etc. AWARD – based on donor discretion

ON-LINE APPLICATION The on-line application is available at: www.cobss.ca – and follow link: If you are having difficulties, please see your counsellor The on-line application opens on Nov. 29th.

ON-LINE APPLICATION Click on CREATE AN ACCOUNT

ON-LINE APPLICATION RSS Access Code = rss2017postsec (lower case letters only)

INSTRUCTIONS Click on Instructions and follow carefully. If you have any questions, please see your counsellor.

ON-LINE APPLICATION There are three main components to the COBSS application package: My Application section Select Awards section Statement of Reference section forms to be filled out by two people.

ON-LINE APPLICATION Click on My Application to begin the application process.

MY APPLICATION There are nine sections to be completed. When a section is completed, the check mark will change from grey to green.

MY APPLICATION accurately as possible after reading all of the Fill in the application form carefully and as accurately as possible after reading all of the instructions. Students may go back and edit as often as they wish until the site closes at midnight on Jan. 16th.

MY APPLICATION Use the drop down menus where given. Complete paragraph answers in the space provided. Be aware that the secure site will time out. TIP: Compose paragraphs in a Word Document, and then cut and paste into COBSS application. Space is limited so write concisely as there are a maximum number of characters available. Please check spelling and grammar.

MY APPLICATION A critical component of the application is the paragraph answers under Student Personal Statements. There are 3 questions you will need to answer in this section.

MY APPLICATION This is where your personality shows through and helps both the donors and the committee with choosing recipients. BE CREATIVE, HONEST and CONCISE and remember to proofread your answers. With your words, you are trying to create a vision in the donor’s mind of who you are, what your goals and dreams are, and why you deserve to be selected for the award.

MY APPLICATION QUESTION 1: What are your educational/career plans? Describe the experiences that have contributed to these plans. TIPS: Try to be original and creative. Do not start with “My name is____ and I am in grade 12 at ____.”

MY APPLICATION QUESTION 2: For the selection committee, describe the three qualities that best demonstrate your character. Use examples from your life to illustrate these qualities. TIPS: Try to get across who you are and what you are about in words. You want to stand out in the sea of applications. See the last page of the handout with a fabulous list of character words

MY APPLICATION QUESTION 3: Describe your family (include custodial and non custodial parent information). Explain any financial and non financial struggles that you may have encountered. TIPS: Remember that financial need is one of the areas that selection is based on for COBSS awards. This is a snapshot of your current family and financial situation.

MY APPLICATION Another important part of the application is the Student Activity Details. In this section, students will include all the activities in which they have been involved in school and the community during their grade 10, 11 and 12 years. For each activity, the total number including anticipated hours of participation (until June) for each grade level is required.

MY APPLICATION After completing the Student Activity Details: Choose one activity or achievement of which you are most proud Explain what you have learned and/or how you have demonstrated leadership or service from your chosen activity TIPS: Remember that award selection is based on active citizenship so this is a good place to expand on your activity involvement.

MY APPLICATION When all sections of the application are completed, PRINT TWO COPIES of the My Application Form. Student signature is required to confirm he/she meets all eligibility requirements and all information is accurate. Parent or guardian signature is required to confirm that financial information is accurate.

MY APPLICATION Print TWO COPIES of the My Application from the icon on the main page.

SELECT AWARDS Click on Select Awards to view all awards (no criteria and specific criteria). Please note that awards are subject to change.

SELECT AWARDS To view criteria for each award, hover over the title. Applicants are also eligible for “no criteria” awards by simply completing the application.

SELECT AWARDS Click on Details if eligible for award.

SELECT AWARDS Click on APPLY FOR THIS AWARD

SELECT AWARDS If prompted, fill in Applicant Responses to explain eligibility and additional information requested by the donor. A Submit button is at the bottom of each screen to save information.

SELECT AWARDS When all eligible awards have been selected, PRINT TWO COPIES of the Statement of Awards.

STATEMENT OF REFERENCE Print or email a copy of the Statement of Reference form and give to each referee ASAP. TIP: Do this IMMEDIATELY to give your referees enough time to do a quality job!

STATEMENT OF REFERENCE The form can be emailed to your referee but will still need to be printed and signed as a hard copy is required for your final submitted application.

STATEMENT OF REFERENCE CONTACT YOUR REFEREES ASAP and give them the form to allow them ample time to complete. Consider community people, employers, and teachers as potential referees. Choose referees carefully. Written comments must be contained to the front of form – no additional sheets accepted. Statement of Reference Forms are confidential and must be sealed in an envelope by your referees OR referees may hand in the forms directly to your counsellor

COMPLETION CHECKLIST When you have finished all instructions, click on Completion Checklist and ensure you have completed and printed all necessary documents.

Post-Secondary Preparation Session #2: Funding Post-Secondary Education Ready to Hand In? You will be handing in TWO completed COBSS application packages to your counsellor Read slide Transcript - will NOT need to be submitted as it will be added for you by your counsellor.

TWO Application Packages Post-Secondary Preparation Session #2: Funding Post-Secondary Education TWO Application Packages Package A Package B 1. One copy of completed “My Application” 2. One copy of the “Statement of Awards” 3. Two “Statement of Reference” forms (in sealed envelopes or given directly to your counsellor by referee.) Paperclip Package A together 1. One copy of completed “My Application” One copy of the “Statement of Awards” *Note: No references necessary for this second package Paperclip Package B together Read slide

TIPS 1. PAPER CLIP application package together. Post-Secondary Preparation Session #2: Funding Post-Secondary Education TIPS 1. PAPER CLIP application package together. 2. Hand your application in personally to your counsellor. Do not pass it along through your friends or another staff member. 3. We encourage you to hand in your application prior to the due date. This us time to look at your application and if there are any errors, you still have time to make changes. 4. If you hand in your application on January 17th (the last day when the online application is already closed), it will be submitted as-is. 5. Late applications will not be accepted.

Tues. Jan. 17th at 12pm DUE DATE The COBSS Application Package is due on or before: Tues. Jan. 17th at 12pm Plan your time accordingly Remember that the online application form closes at midnight Jan 16th.

Thank You Letter If you are a COBSS award recipient: Post-Secondary Preparation Session #2: Funding Post-Secondary Education Thank You Letter If you are a COBSS award recipient: Write an immediate thank you note to your donor. A follow up thank you note in the early fall is always a kind gesture. TIP: Keep a binder of all your awards so that you can track them accurately and use them before they expire.

Question: Answer: When should I begin my COBSS application? It is recommended to begin the application as soon as possible. It is a lengthy process which takes a number of separate sittings to complete. It cannot be completed in one sitting.

Question: Answer: When do you know if you have received a COBSS award? Awards are presented to individual student recipients at our graduation ceremonies.

Question: Will my COBSS award expire? Answer: Yes. COBSS awards presented this year are valid until March 1st 2018.

Question: Can I take a year off for an exchange, a gap year, missionary work, etc. and still use my COBSS award? Answer: NO. COBSS awards given out this year are valid until March 1st 2018.

FAQ’s Question: What does a student do with a COBSS award? Answer: A COBSS award recipient receives a voucher called a Certificate of Award (COA). To redeem the award at the post secondary school, a student can do one of three things.

FAQ’s Option #1: Option #2: Option #3: Take the COA to the registrar of the post secondary to be validated and sent by the post secondary school to COBSS for payment. Option #2: If the registrar of the post secondary school will not send the validated COA to COBBS, then the student must return the validated COA via: mail scan and email OR drop off at the COBSS office Option #3: If the registrar will not validate the COA, the student needs to return two forms to COBSS: the COA AND the Verification of Enrolment form from the post-secondary institution

AWARD RECIPIENTS If your circumstances change after you have received a COBSS award and you are no longer able to use the award before the March 1st deadline, please contact COBSS at cobss@shaw.ca. The award money can then be given to an alternate recipient.

AWARD RECIPIENTS If you have any questions regarding an award that you have received, please address all inquiries to COBSS directly at cobss@shaw.ca and not the award donor.

A little advice from previous Grads  “Don’t slack on the COBBS stuff. Get it started early!” “Get COBSS DONE! And remember both copies!” “Don’t leave bursaries for the last minute!” “Know your deadlines & plan ahead!” “Don’t procrastinate & get overwhelmed. Get everything done ASAP!” “Do your COBSS right away!”

Upcoming Dates December 1st: UBC Application deadline to be considered for Major Entrance Scholarship & Centennial Scholars Entrance Award December 8th: MAP Presentation Day January 15th: UBC application general deadline January 17th: COBSS Applications due by 12pm February 9th: Term 2 report cards issued March 20th: OC Scholarship applications due April 19th: PSP #3 in the library

Sandra Curran: G-L+ International students Shandi Schwartz: M-R Post-Secondary Preparation Session #2: Funding Post-Secondary Education RSS Counselling Team Cindy Rhodes: A-F Sandra Curran: G-L+ International students Shandi Schwartz: M-R Hope Voykin: S-Z The next couple months are very busy for the grade 12 students with: Post-secondary applications End of semester exams Provincial exams COBSS as well as other scholarship and award applications Parental support is very important so we encourage parents to recognize the stress that their graduates are under and help them create timelines and then encourage, remind, nag them to keep to those timelines We will be here to answer any questions that you may have.   We realize how busy everyone’s lives are so we thank you for attending tonight’s meeting.

Thanks for Coming! GET STARTED! Post-Secondary Preparation Session #2: Funding Post-Secondary Education Thanks for Coming! If you need help or further information, please see Your counsellor. GET STARTED! The next couple months are very busy for the grade 12 students with: Post-secondary applications End of semester exams Provincial exams COBSS as well as other scholarship and award applications Parental support is very important so we encourage parents to recognize the stress that their graduates are under and help them create timelines and then encourage, remind, nag them to keep to those timelines We will be here to answer any questions that you may have.   We realize how busy everyone’s lives are so we thank you for attending tonight’s meeting.