Financial Aid and Scholarships

Financial Aid Loans Work Study Programs Grants Scholarships Don’t count yourself out! ¾ of full time 4-year college students receive some form of aid

Financial Aid – Loans A loan is money you borrow and must pay back with interest. The U.S. Department of Education has 2 federal student loan programs Direct Loan – U.S. Department of Education is the lender. Federal Perkins Loan Program – school-based loan. Undergraduate students can take up to $5,500 in Perkins Loans (if school awards it) and $5,500 in Direct Loans Parent PLUS Loan-parents can borrow up to the COA, minus any other assistance already awarded.

Financial Aid – Work Study Federal work-study (FWS) program provides part-time jobs for students with financial need as determined by FAFSA. Encourages employment in community service and in fields related to your major of study. Job positions can be either on-campus or off-campus. Most off-campus positions will be at private nonprofit agencies or public agencies and will be in the public interest. Non-Federal Work Study may also be available.

Financial Aid – Grants Grants Most grants are need based. Usually awarded based on your or your family’s financial situation. Money that does NOT have to be paid back. Sources of grant funding include government, colleges, private organizations.

FAFSA/ORSAA Federal government program that determines “financial need” Based on “prior prior” year’s taxes (2020 freshmen will use 2018 taxes) Opens Oct 1-takes about 45 minutes to complete Family will be given their “EFC”-estimated family contribution This amount determines grants, loans, scholarships, etc Whether you think you qualify or not, please complete this as it can open access to money!

Oregon Promise Grant Covers tuition for up to 12 credits minus $50 per term (other awards applied first) Enroll in community college within 6 months of graduation Minimum 2.5 GPA required Oregon resident at least 12 months prior to attending Complete the FAFSA/ORSAA and OP app on OSAC 2018-2109 not based on financial need 2019-2020 will be determined in July This money can be used for Duel Enrollment-save $$$

Financial Aid - Scholarships Many are merit based, some based on financial need and some target specific groups of people. Involvement in community service projects and volunteerism. Awarded to students with certain qualities, such as proven academic or athletic ability, school activities, sports, STEM, teaching, etc. Groups from certain backgrounds such as ethnicity, military, etc. Many scholarships have rules — such as maintaining a certain GPA — that you have to follow to continue receiving aid. Money that does NOT have to be paid back. Sources of funding include government, colleges, private organizations. Pay attention to deadlines!

Financial Aid - Scholarships Scholarship Myths You can’t possibly get scholarships because of all of the competition Scholarships require awesome talent Scholarship only go to the top students Since you’re a top student scholarships will find you If you apply for loans, it decreases your chances for scholarships Scholarship Truths Finding scholarships can be easy with some help Earning scholarships requires organization and attention to detail New scholarships come out all of the time Don’t overlook scholarships with smaller amounts-they can add up!

Financial Aid - Scholarships The best chance of receiving a scholarship is in the following order: Scholarships from the University that admits you (Private schools have more money set aside for scholarships which could reduce the sticker price of admission on par to public institutions). Colleges offer merit money based on GPA and SAT/ACT, and some offer additional scholarship opportunities. SMHS Local Scholarships – applications open in January. These scholarships are only available to our senior class. Scholarships through the state of Oregon-Apply for up top 40 scholarships with one application through OSAC: Oregon Student Access Commission. Regional & National Scholarships – find through the PFC Scholarship Calendar and google searches. The class of 2018 was awarded over $3,500,000 in scholarship monies!

Financial Aid – Local Scholarships SMHS Local applications are available in January. We usually offer between 65-80 scholarships, depending on donors that year. Applications include OSAC personal statements, OSAC Activities chart, teacher letter of recommendation, transcript, and a completed form. It will be due in March. PFC Scholarship Calendar showcases dozens of local, regional, and national scholarships with direct links to applications. This is updated through out the school year.

Scholarships in the State OF Oregon: (OSAC) Typically opens in November Applications are due in March This is an online application. Students will write 4 short essays, complete an activities chart, upload transcript and search for state and local scholarships. Most SMHS students qualify for 10-12 scholarships. Applicants will need to complete the FAFSA/ORSAA as early as Oct 1 of senior year and no later then March 1 to meet the OSAC deadline. If a student completes their OSAC they can use the personal statements and activities chart for the Local scholarship.

National Scholarships…these are highly competitive! A few websites to assist you…there are many more! Cappex.com Chegg.com/scholarships Fastweb.com Finaid.org/scholarships Scholarships360.org The more unique you are, the greater chance you have of finding scholarships!

Useful Financial Aid Websites Oregonstudentaid.gov OSAC, Oregon Promise, state grants Collegeboard.org PSAT, SAT, scholarships Finaid.org Fastweb.com Fafsa.ed.gov

Panther Future Center Scholarship Director/Dual Credit Coordinator – Robyn Kondziela ASPIRE Coordinator – Stacy Carle TRiO Coordinator – Angel Garcia Posts and updates Nationwide scholarships SMHS local scholarships Private and public scholarships Financial Aid assistance We provide free services to all SMHS students and families!