Scholarship Meeting October 9, 2015 Ms. Dhillon and Ms. Moorhouse

No One Source Hundreds of Scholarships, Grants, and Bursaries available  District  University Entrance Scholarships  Automatic scholarships  Provincial Scholarships, etc. You are responsible for researching, applying, and mailing your applications

DIFFERENT SOURCES OF FINANCIAL AID SCHOLARSHIPS Although many scholarships are based heavily on academic achievement, many have other criteria, which play a large role as well. A combination of the following is also considered: community activities, leadership qualities, athletic ability, a commendable character, ethnic background, special needs, specific area of study, career plan, parents’ union affiliation BURSARIES Bursaries are a non-repayable sum of money that are given based primarily on financial need, yet considers academic achievement and other criteria. Usually official documentation affirming your financial situation is required. GRANTS Grants are a non-repayable sum of money that is given based primarily on financial need, yet considers academic achievement. Government grants are available. LOANS Money borrowed by student demonstrating financial need, which must be repaid. A full financial statement is a necessary part of the application form. Student may get a loan from the government or a bank. AWARDS Monetary awards made in recognition of achievement and significant individual contributions to the school, cultural and athletic development of school/community

Scholarships For some scholarships, students are nominated and need a recommendation from your school ie. Loran (direct, sponsor) UBC Major Entrance Scholarship (MES) Students will be automatically considered for a Major Entrance Scholarship if they apply to UBC through the online application by December 10, UBC Major Entrance Award (needs based funding) is due January 31, 2016 Download the application online

Scholarships (cont’d) UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO NATIONAL BOOK AWARD AND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Pinetree can nominate one student for the Book Award. If you intend on applying for the National Scholarship and would like to be nominated for the Book Award, submit a brag sheet Submit a brag sheet to Ms. Dhillon ASAP to be considered for the Book Award. For more information and an application visit: This scholarship is based on exceptional academic and extra-curricular achievement. Deadline to submit the scholarship application is Nov. 6, 2015.

PROVINCIAL SCHOLARSHIPS DISTRICT/AUTHORITY 5500 scholarships of $1250 for tuition Apply through school counsellor Must show outstanding achievement in Indigenous Language and Culture, Fine Arts, Applied Skills, Physical Activity, International Languages, Community Services, Technical and Trades Training GRADUATION PROGRAM EXAMINATIONS *This is the last year for this scholarship 5020 scholarships of $1000 (top based on highest provincial exam scores from grade 10-12, determined by the Ministry *NEW: BC ACHIEVEMENT 3000 scholarships of $1250 top graduates with the highest average of grad required courses Ministry will determine recipients based on grade 10, 11 and 12 courses BC EXCELLENCE 55 scholarships of $5000 (only one person per school) For students showing community services inside and outside the school, and commitment to chosen career paths – Submit resume, provide references, and written statement Applications to be completed if nominated by the school--Deadline: March 31, 2016 *can not win both BC Excellence and Pathway to Teacher PATHWAY TO TEACHER 20 scholarships of $5000 To students who demonstrate a commitment to a career path in K-12 teaching Applications due March 31, 2016 – Submit two references, resume, written response *can not win both BC Excellence and Pathway to Teacher

Where to find information? The Career Centre Webpage found on pinetree.sd43.bc.ca has information you need. There is a list of some of the Scholarships available on the Career Centre Web Page under Financial Aid. If you are having difficulty accessing the page, please see Ms. Moorhouse in the counselling area on Mondays and Fridays. Scholarship Booklet available on the Financial Aid page on the Career Centre site on the Pinetree website The Howl, Career Office Bulletin Boards in counselling area, Local Newspapers

Where to find information cont’d Student Information Brag Sheet is available under Financial Aid webpage on the Career Center website. Please fill out and give a copy to Ms Dhillon in the counselling office. It can be updated throughout the year if volunteer information changes. If you ask a teacher for a reference letter, give them a copy as well. Look for information on financial aid offered on the post secondary institution site, eg. Entrance Scholarships are also found on every university website that offers them.

What you need to do! Have a “ME” file. Include in it:  Pinetree Student Information Brag Sheet  Copies of Awards  Contact information for Volunteer Experience  Timeline of upcoming Scholarships  Include copies of any essays or applications Follow application instructions. Most Pinetree scholarships require Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Resident. Know your status and check the requirements of the specific scholarships. Apply by due dates. Check whether it is apply by or received by for the application date. Give time for the application to arrive by mail. Sign up your to be included in Ms. Moorhouse’s scholarship contact list for scholarship updates

What you need to do (cont’d) If you are asking your teachers for a reference letter:  Give adequate time (at least two weeks)  Make sure you give a copy of your student information form (Brag Sheet)  If possible include a copy of your application  Some letters may be included in your application; some may need to be submitted directly by your teacher.

ESSAYS Edit! Edit! Edit! Read the topic carefully Scholarship providers get to know you through your essays so be specific Use examples Only provide information that you are comfortable being shared with others. Many essays are published along with winner’s profiles.

If you won a scholarship… When you are notified that you have won a scholarship tell Ms. Dhillon so you can be recognized at Commencement

Upcoming Events PSIBC (Post Secondary Mini-Fair): Mon. Oct. 19 3:30-4:30pm (cafeteria) UBC Information Night: Mon. Oct. 19 at 6:30pm (cafeteria) U of Calgary: Fri., Nov. 6 at lunch time (in foyer) Western: Fri. Nov. 13 after school (in foyer) U of A: Wed., Nov. 18 at lunch time (in foyer) U of T: Wed. Nov. 18 after school (library) SFU: Mon., Nov. 23 lunch time (library) McGill Fri., Nov. 27 lunchtime (library) Road to Graduation TBA University Application Timeline on Career Center website