SCHOLARSHIPS & BURSARIES HOW TO ACCESS FUNDS FOR POST SECONDARY EDUCATION

WHERE TO FIND OPPORTUNITIES register on websites such as studentawards.com or scholarshipscanada.com check specific university or college of interest SCHOLARSHIP ALERT s or the bulletin board near the cafe explore organizations such as banks, national corporations, government, parent’s work, religious places

ELIGIBILITY All scholarships have different criteria. Some are based on: personal affiliation exceptionality grades community involvement personal essays planned post secondary institution or program all of the above

ELIGIBILITY some are school sponsored and some are independently sought school sponsored scholarships are kept as objective as possible based on academic average and/or information provided on scholarship profile

BUILD YOUR RESUME Make sure you stand out: make a meaningful impact on our community take initiative to start a new project or fundraiser do your best in and outside of the classroom give yourself experiences to prove how awesome you are (actions speak louder than words)

CONSIDER YOUR AUDIENCE companies and schools want to invest in the students who will continue on to great things (eg. It’s great for ScotiaBank to say, “We sponsored the Prime Minister’s education.”) be confident in your responses it’s not bragging; it’s being certain of your accomplishments and abilities

TRY, TRY, TRY AGAIN some applications include essay responses and can be a serious time commitment can be a part time job (and hopefully it pays off!) don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back… keep on applying!

FIRST UP: LORAN SCHOLARSHIP Loran Scholars are young people who deeply value integrity and honesty. They are curious by nature, and are interested in a wide range of subjects. Furthermore, they are willing to take meaningful risks and prioritize results over appearances. Each one has shown a sustained commitment to service in the community, has taken the initiative to create positive changes and is interested in working for a better world. The Loran Award is valued at up to $100,000 over four years, including one-on-one mentorship and a summer program. There are also 40 provincial awards ($2,000 each) and 40 finalist awards ($3,000 each) to top students. Due October 21, 2015.

LORAN SCHOLARSHIP CONTINUED Our school can sponsor THREE students (others can apply directly) Applicants need a letter of reference Example questions include: Which leadership experience has provided you with the most challenges? Discuss. How have you filled a need within your school or community?

NEXT STEPS 1. Complete the Scholarship Profile on the guidance website. it to subject SCHOLARSHIP PROFILE. These will be filed and used primarily for awards at graduation. Should you need to update or edit your profile, please re- it and I will replace the old

NEXT STEPS 2. Set up a profile on the student award websites and sign up for SCHOLARSHIP ALERT blasts. 3. Request letters of reference from any volunteer organizations you have worked with. Consider which teachers you can ask for a reference if needed. 4. Consider a new initiative or volunteer opportunity. 5. FIND A SCHOLARSHIP AND APPLY! 6. Repeat #5 as time permits.

OSAP (STUDENT LOANS) NOTE: Another resource to pay for post-secondary studies is OSAP. These are loans from the government to help pay for your schooling (you pay them back after you graduate). They are distributed based on financial need. We will be holding sessions in the spring to assist in this application. Stay tuned!

QUESTIONS? NEED SUPPORT? Some ways we can support you include: providing scholarships to apply for (but keep hunting for others on your own as well!) brainstorming ideas for an application helping to fill out an application editing an application providing a letter of reference

QUESTIONS? NEED SUPPORT? Come visit in the guidance office JWMurrayHWDSB