Giving Your Students a Reason to Celebrate Helping Them Find Private Scholarships Presented by: Catherine Mueller October 21, 2010

Mapping Your Future® MappingYourFuture.org

Scholarship Workshop for Students Topics Benefits for schools Benefits for students Elements of scholarship workshop Scholarship tips Other ideas and resources

Benefits for Schools

Benefits for Students

Elements of Scholarship Workshop Limit group size Target audience incoming and/or current students Promote the workshops Establish realistic expectations Combine lecture and hands-on format Seek feedback

Features of a Workshop Include instructions: Developing a plan Conducting research Getting organized Preparing an application Managing scholarships and money Beyond the campus Other options and resources

Developing a Plan Student should have a mission: – My mission is to graduate with a degree in ______from _____college in 4 years. Goal should be realistic, specific, and measurable – My goal is to receive enough scholarships… Develop your profile or personal inventory* – Basic demographic information – Answers to college and career plans *The College Board

College Financial Plan Understand the cost of attendance and calculate all available “free” money – federal, state, or college-based grants or funding

Conducting Research Begin your search early Look locally – High school counselor – Family, friends – Clubs, employers Library searches State education departments Internet searches

Get Organized Gather scholarship materials* Transcripts Standardized test scores Tax returns and financial information Financial aid forms Essays Letters of recommendation Proof of eligibility *The College Board

Types of Scholarships Consider all types of scholarships: Academic merit Athletic ability Field of study Ethnic background Religious affiliation Special interests

Preparing an Application Follow directions List all activities and honors Neatness and grammar count Make a copy Meeting deadlines is crucial Choose references that know you well Proof your application and/or essay

Writing the Essay Prepare to answer questions on a variety of topics* – Academic plans – Current events and social issues – Personal history – Achievements – Future plans *Fastweb.com

Managing Scholarships Most scholarships are gift aid, but some have requirements Understand all terms and conditions before accepting any award Many require completion of the FAFSA Understand how scholarships may impact other aid

Managing Money Use available dollars as efficiently as possible Incorporate Mapping Your Future’s financial literacy counseling in the program – Understand repayment terms – Calculate loan payments – Avoid delinquency and default Manage your money

Beyond the Campus

Social Networking Tools Facebook fan page LinkedIn (Mapping Your Future group) MySpace page myfmanageyourmoney

Scholarship Resources Adventures in Education Scholarship Search College Board's Scholarship Search College Toolkit (scholarship search) CollegeNET's MACH 25 Scholarship Database DegreeAdvantage EducationPlanner FastWeb Scholarship Search More online on Mapping Your Future at

Avoiding Scholarship Scams Read the fine print Understand the terms and conditions Beware of “guarantees” Protect personal information Learn more at the scholarship scams website: Federal Trade Commission

Other Options GreenNote.com

Other Options ScholarMatch.org

Other Options Interest-free loans – U.S. News and World Report lists resources: for-college/2010/09/07/how-to-find-interest-free- student-loans.html for-college/2010/09/07/how-to-find-interest-free- student-loans.html

Contacts Cathy Mueller (940) Beth Ziehmer (573) Contact us link on site

Mapping Your Future® MappingYourFuture.org