1. Funding Your Education By Vanessa Lewis, Career Development Consultant

2. Congratulations! You are in Grade 12 and will soon graduate from High School. This is an exciting time as you make decisions about your preferred future! Enjoy every moment.

3. Who’s the Poorest of Them all? 2011 University and College Students 43% estimate annual living expenses to be $5,000 – 10,000/year. 56% estimate tuition, books, academic supplies, etc. to be $5,000 – 10,000/year. But: 77% of students surveyed had less than $5,000 upon entering first year of studies. No wonder: 77% borrowed funds to complete their studies. (36%: >$20,000 debt!) 33% said it would take five+ years to pay down their debt. 53% of students reported they were working during the school year to make ends meet. Source: Who’s the Poorest of Them All? October 2011 from www.studentawardsinc.comwww.studentawardsinc.com

4. Millions of Dollars Go Unclaimed! Millions of Canadian dollars in scholarship/award/bursary money goes unclaimed every year.

5. Scholarships are just for “brainiacs”. All types of students DO earn real money! There are 1000’s of scholarships and awards that reward students for non-academic attributes such as: Being creative, displaying teamwork, etc. Volunteering Hobbies Playing hockey, ringette, soccer, etc. Where you live Your background, heritage, or what languages you speak Entering a contest or responding to a survey.

6. Interesting Example Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest stuckatprom.com

7. Terminology Money granted to eligible students, usually on the basis of academic and/or other criteria. Scholarship/Award Money usually granted on the basis of financial need. Bursary Money borrowed for educational purposes. It is to be repaid. Loan

8. 8 Tips for Submitting a Great Scholarship Application 1. Have an Interest in the Subject 2. Conduct Research 3. Have Clarity of Thought 4. Do Not Treat the Application as a Resume 5. Pay Attention to Structure, Spelling, & Grammar 6. Choose Your References 7. Follow Instructions 8. Adhere to Deadlines

9. Is all this work worth the effort? Why should I apply? Money – Specifically, money that you do not have to pay back! Resume Builder – What better way is there to impress your future employer? Awards look great on applications for school entrance as well. Compound Interest – Once you win one award, it acts as a stepping stone for winning others. Personal Satisfaction – a.k.a The Glory! It is nice to get a little recognition for all of your hard work. Be proud of your accomplishments!

10. How Do I... Find Scholarships, Bursaries, and Awards? www.studentawards.com www.scholarshipscanada.com Scholarship Link on Sun West Website www.saskcareers.ca Check with post-secondary institutions you have applied to. For instance, the University of Saskatchewan, University of Regina, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, and Great Plains College all offer scholarships. Your parents’ places of work, clubs/organizations, your school, your friends, etc.

11. Studentawards.com 1. Register at the site. Take your time filling out your profile as the more data you provide, the more opportunities you will be matched with. 2. Schedule time on a regular basis to review awards in your personalized mailbox and apply to opportunities. 3. Update your profile whenever anything changes in your life.

12. Scholarshipscanada.com 1. Register at the site. 2. Schedule time on a regular basis to review awards/scholarships. 3. Update your profile whenever anything changes in your life.

13. Sun West Website www.gool.gl/drm0P2 For scholarship information: Click on the various months.

14. Sask Careers Website www.saskcareers.ca For scholarship information: Click on Explore Education and Training then Scholarships

15. Ask Others

16. Other Ways to Pay for Your Education Dual Credit Courses Saving for School (RESPs) Student Loans www.canlearn.ca Summer and/or Part-time Jobs Apprenticeship/Cooperative Education, etc.

17. A Worthwhile and Sound Investment Consider this… You may leave post-secondary studies with a significant debt load of about 25,000. This compares to purchasing a small car. After ten years, your car may be rusted out and in need of replacement, but your education will still be paying off.

18. Questions? Any questions? If time, I can help you start the hunt for ways to fund your education.