1. Scholarship Searches 101

2. School Resources Scholarship BoardOnline Resources

3. Institutional Awards Always start with YOUR college or university FIRST! Institutional awards have higher dollar amounts, are almost always renewable (provided you meet requirements), and can make a high sticker price institution more affordable.

4. Institutional Awards Check with your schools: Are you considered for scholarships when you apply for admissions? What is the deadline? Is there a separate scholarship application? What is the deadline?

5. Local Opportunities Consider local opportunities first! Foundation Scholarships Truman Heartland Other local organizations

6. National Opportunities Search for national scholarship opportunities, which may be based on academics, area of study, group affiliation or military study. http://www.fastweb.com https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship- search http://studentaid.ed.gov/types/grants- scholarships/finding-scholarships http://www.scholarships.com Opening Doors to Education 8215 Clayton Road | St. Louis, Missouri 63117 | 314-725-7990 phone | 314-725- 5231 fax | www.sfstl.org

7. Important Questions Ask these two questions for all private scholarships: Is it renewable? Is it portable? (i.e., Can you take it from one school to another if you transfer?)

8. Memberships/Employers Consider membership organizations or employers: Elks, Kiwanis, Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts, National Honors Society, etc. Does your or your parent/guardian’s employer offer a scholarship or tuition reimbursement?

9. NEVER, EVER pay for a scholarship search! Opening Doors to Education 8215 Clayton Road | St. Louis, Missouri 63117 | 314-725-7990 phone | 314-725- 5231 fax | www.sfstl.org

10. Questions? Contact – Scott Intagliata Email – scott_intagliata@isdschools.org

11. Scholarship Searches: Hints & Tips* * Hints & Tips amended from CollegeBoard’s website: http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/pay/scholarships-aid/21402.html

12. Scholarship Searches: Hints & Tips* Start your research early! The more time you have to complete the application, the better! Give yourself plenty of time!

13. Scholarship Searches: Hints & Tips* Read the eligibility requirements carefully! Make sure you meet these requirements! If you have questions, contact the sponsor. * Hints & Tips amended from CollegeBoard’s website: http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/pay/scholarships-aid/21402.html

14. Scholarship Searches: Hints & Tips* Organize all the scholarship materials! Keep all documents together. Scholarships may ask for: transcripts/GED test scores, standardized test scores, financial aid forms, tax returns, essays, and recommendations. * Hints & Tips amended from CollegeBoard’s website: http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/pay/scholarships-aid/21402.html

15. Scholarship Searches: Hints & Tips* Proofread! Proofread! Proofread! Check spelling and grammar; have someone else proof read too. * Hints & Tips amended from CollegeBoard’s website: http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/pay/scholarships-aid/21402.html

16. Scholarship Searches: Hints & Tips* Don’t leave anything blank! If you have questions contact the sponsor for the scholarship; otherwise put “N/A” or “Unknown”. * Hints & Tips amended from CollegeBoard’s website: http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/pay/scholarships-aid/21402.html

17. Scholarship Searches: Hints & Tips* Follow Instructions! Read instructions carefully! * Hints & Tips amended from CollegeBoard’s website: http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/pay/scholarships-aid/21402.html

18. Scholarship Searches: Hints & Tips* Make sure the application is legible. Type all pieces if able. If handwritten, print. * Hints & Tips amended from CollegeBoard’s website: http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/pay/scholarships-aid/21402.html

19. Scholarship Searches: Hints & Tips* Make copies of everything you send. This is your safety! Make a copy! * Hints & Tips amended from CollegeBoard’s website: http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/pay/scholarships-aid/21402.html

20. Scholarship Searches: Hints & Tips* Double-check! Make sure everything is correct, accounted for, and signed/dated. If you are reusing materials, make sure all names and dates have been updated. * Hints & Tips amended from CollegeBoard’s website: http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/pay/scholarships-aid/21402.html

21. Scholarship Searches: Hints & Tips* Submit the application early! Reduces YOUR stress! * Hints & Tips amended from CollegeBoard’s website: http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/pay/scholarships-aid/21402.html