General Scholarship Information Presentation

What is a Scholarship? A scholarship is money for college that you will not be expected to repay.

What it Takes to get a scholarship Many students assume that they have to be brilliant, athletically talented, or gifted musically to earn a scholarship for college. What they don't realize is that sometimes they just need to be persistent! Many colleges award scholarships to students with significant financial need just for making the grades and getting admitted. Even if your family doesn't demonstrate financial need, some scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit, without regard for need. Students who have worked hard and achieved results in high school will be the winners.

Types of Scholarships Merit Based These scholarships may require the student to have a certain GPA/Rank, Certain Test Scores on SAT/ACT, Special Talent Need Based These scholarships will require the student to have a financial need that more than likely will not be able to be met by their parent.

Where can I find free money for college? Scholarships sponsored by colleges Often designated for students who fit a particular profile (from the college's home state, holding a specified grade average, enrolling in a particular major, or bringing special talent in athletics, music, and the like). Company scholarships Available to students whose parents work for a particular company or to students who work part time. You should become familiar with any scholarships available through your company or employer.

Scholarship Sources Continued Civic And Community Organizations Students in our community can apply for scholarships from their local civic and community organizations like the Lions Club, Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus, Church Group, Polish American Society, Italian American Society, etc. Professional Associations and Foundations Are another great source for scholarships. Students should look for Foundation Scholarships like (GATES, Coca Cola, Ronald McDonald, National Hispanic Fund etc) or Professional organizations like the Society of Professional Women Engineers, Society of Professional Asian Americans, etc.

Scholarship Resources School based searches Naviance, the information web site that all CHS students have access to has a fantastic Scholarship list that lists national, and most important local, scholarships. Money Cents is a Scholarship bulletin that is published in the College & Career Center on the 1 st and 15 th of each month. Internet based searches There are several search engines that we help students register for in the CCC. The student creates a profile and the scholarship service will generate a list of scholarships to the student’s . The profile can be updated every year, thus a student may continue to apply for scholarship while in college. The ones that are the most popular with our students are:

Beware of Scholarship Scams Unfortunately, in their efforts to pay the bills, many students and their families are falling prey to scholarship scams. The FTC cautions students/parents to look for tell tale lines that indicate that a scam is in progress: "The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back." "You can't get this information anywhere else." "I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship." "We'll do all the work." "The scholarship will cost some money." "You've been selected by a 'national foundation' to receive a scholarship you just need to pay a processing fee" "You're a finalist" in a contest you never entered. Remember you can get all the scholarship information/applications utilizing your college & career counselor and your college and career center - both of which are located for FREE in your high school.

Completing Scholarship Applications Students and parents can come to the CCC: to pick up the scholarship list called Money Cents to pick up applications for scholarships to work on/complete applications The college & Career Center is open every day Monday-Friday from 7:00 am-3:00 pm Late Night Hour Dates for the Fall Semester: Oct. 28, 2010 (open from 7:00 am- 5:00 pm) Nov. 9, 2010 (open from 7:00 am-5:00 pm) Nov. 16, 2010 (open from 7:00 am -5:00 pm) Dec. 1, 2010 (open from 7:00 am – 5:00 pm)

Other Helpful Dates Financial Aid Information Night: December 9 LGI6pm FAFSA Workshops*: February 10Library6pm March 8Library6pm * Bring your Income tax 1040 and W2’s

Final Words of Wisdom You should be persistent in seeking out scholarship sources. Sometimes all it takes to get a scholarship is to find out who in your area is offering them: your church, your employer, your parents' employers, local civic organizations. You'll just need to fill out any required applications or interviews on time in order to be considered.

Your College & Career Center Staff Mrs. Judy Wilfer and Ms. Mary L Harbin Marsha Schaller College & Career Counselors College & Career Secretary