vol. 4 The Scholarship Coach

Posts from 6/14/12 - 12/06/12. Originally published by US News & World Report. The Scholarship Coach

Table of Contents

Find Your Passion, and Earn a Scholarship for It

Find Scores of Music Scholarships for College...... 4 Become a Star with These Celebrity Scholarships...... 6 Culinary Scholarships Serve Up Varied Career Opportunities...... 8 Buckle Up for Auto Industry Scholarships...... 10 3 Steps to Finding Political Science Scholarships...... 12

Your Scholarship “How-To’s”

Don’t Fall for These 5 Scholarship Scams...... 14 Create Great Scholarship Applications with These 6 Answers...... 16 About the writers About Scholarship America 5 Ways to Manage High Cost of College Text books...... 18 Janine Fugate Scholarship America believes that every student 10 More Twitter Handles for Scholarship Seekers...... 20 Janine Fugate, the recipient of numerous scholarships deserves an opportunity to go to college, regardless of Don’t Drop the Ball On Early Scholarship Deadlines...... 22 at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, holds a their financial status. Start Your Scholarship Search Here...... 24 bachelor’s degree from the College of Saint Benedict, Saint Joseph, Minn., and a Master of Public Affairs Since its founding, Scholarship America has distributed 12 College Financial Aid Terms Defined...... 26 from the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs more than $2.9 billion to 1.9 million students across the at the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities. Fugate country through various programs including Dollars for joined Scholarship America in 2002. Scholars, Dreamkeepers, and Scholarship Management Unique Scholarships for a Unique You Services. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary and Matt Konrad enter our second half-century of helping students, we 7 Scholarship Tips for Single Dads...... 28 Matt Konrad has been with Scholarship America since invite you to become a part of our mission by donating or volunteering today. 5 Scholarships for Students with Learning Disabilities...... 30 2005. He is an alumnus of the University of Minnesota and a former scholarship recipient. Honor Veterans Day by Sharing These Scholarships...... 32 4 Scholarships for American Indian Students...... 34 Michelle Showalter Don’t Let Cancer Stop You from Earning a College Education...... 36 Michelle Showalter joined Scholarship America in 2007 About The Scholarship Coach Scholarships Can Aid Students Working to Prevent Suicide...... 38 and is an alumna of Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. She is a former scholarship recipient. The Scholarship Coach is a blog run by Scholarship Scholarships Offer Survivors a Chance to Become Scholars...... 40 America on U.S. News and World Report’s website for the purpose of educating students and parents about Show College Pride with These LGBT Scholarships...... 42 Rebecca McCrory scholarships. The Scholarship Coach was started in Rebecca McCrory interned at Scholarship America in Explore Scholarships for Scouts...... 44 2010 and features weekly articles addressing common 2012. She attends Macalester College in Saint Paul, scholarship questions, as well as featuring special Check Out These 6 Scholarships for Gamers...... 46 Minnesota and is majoring in sociology and minoring in scholarships and dispensing valuable advice students statistics. should use to make their applications stand out. Reward Yourself Students with special concerns are able to get answers Emily Payzant by asking [email protected]. Public Service Pays Off with These Scholarship Opportunities...... 48 Emily Payzant interned at Scholarship America in 2012. She attends Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska Scholarship for Volunteer Reward Students Who Give Back...... 50 New blog posts are live every Thursday at and is majoring in economics and marketing. www.usnews.com/education/blogs/the-scholarship- 6 Scholarships That Reward Kids...... 52 coach

2 | The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach | 3 Find Scores of Music Whether you’re pursuing music as a future career, an extracurricular activity, or Scholarships for College because you’re just passionate about it, (Originally Published 6/28/12) there’s scholarship help out there for you. By Michelle Showalter

ummer is in full swing, and if you’re music education; and the Irma Carey-Wilson operatic stage career, are $400,000 to students industries,” according to like many musicians and music Music Therapy Award, worth $275, for encouraged to audition. pursuing operatic careers its website. This year, the S lovers, you’re probably spending those interested in studying music therapy. You must be present for all since its inception in 1988, nonprofit distributed six your days jamming with your friends and For information on these scholarships and phases of the competition; with more than $15,000 scholarships worth more filling your evenings hitting up the major others, visit the NFMC website. regional auditions take awarded annually. than $90,000 music festivals in your area. place in Los Angeles U.S. citizens ages 21 to Are you more interested and New York, with five 36 may audition at one of Finally, as always, we If your passion is pushing you toward a finalists from each region three locations this fall: encourage you to check career in music, you’re in luck: There are in listening to music than competing at the Grand Northwestern University out the scholarships plenty of scholarship opportunities available Finals Concert in Los in Evanston, Ill.; the available to music for music majors in college, including some making music? A career in Angeles. University of Texas— students at the colleges that we featured on this blog in fall 2011. the radio or music industry Austin; or in Providence, and universities to which All this work could pay R.I. A final competition will you’re thinking of applying, We recommend you put down that might be just up your alley. off if you receive the top be held in Rhode Island in as well as scholarship French horn for a few minutes to do some award, worth $10,000. December. opportunities that are researching; to give you a head start, here If you are a budding opera singer, check Each finalist receives a specific to your state. are a handful of excellent music scholarship out the Loren L. Zachary Society for the minimum of $1,000. Are you more interested opportunities. Performing Arts and its National Vocal in listening to music than Whether you’re pursuing Competition for Young Opera Singers If you can’t make it to making music? A career in music as a future career, The National Federation of Music Clubs Founded in 1972 by the late Loren L. Los Angeles or New York the radio or music industry an extracurricular activity, (NFMC) awards multiple scholarships every Zachary and Nedra Zachary, the National but are still interested in might be just up your alley. or just because you’re year, including: the $600 NFMC Ernest A Vocal Competition for Young Opera Singers scholarships for opera Since 1979, the nonprofit passionate about it, there’s Bluhm Flute Award; the NFMC Elizabeth is one of the most prestigious and valuable singers, check out the Bel Conclave “has been scholarship help out there Paris French Horn Award, worth $1,300; singing competitions in the world. Canto Vocal Scholarship. awarding scholarships for you. the NFMC Gretchen E. Van Roy Music The Bel Canto Vocal to deserving students Education Scholarship, which awards Singers from the United States or Canada, Scholarship Foundation desiring an education $1,150 to students pursuing a career in who are prepared to pursue a professional has given more than inside the radio and music

4 | The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach | 5 Some Celebrity scholarship funders are Be a Star with These working to give back to their hometowns Celebrity Scholarships including famous New Yorker, Jerry (Originally Published 7/12/12) Seinfeld. Each year, the comedian’s family foundation partners with the nonprofit By Matt Konrad PENCIL to award the Seinfeld Scholarships.

f you’re a high school or college student, The Letterman Scholarship is one of the scholarships. Founded by actress Katie Holmes awards the annual Earl Woods Scholarships the glitz and glamour of celebrity life may longest-running celebrity scholarships, having and dance-world bigwigs Nigel Lythgoe, in honor of the golfer’s father. Woods Scholars I seem pretty far removed from your day- been awarded every year since the 1985-1986 Adam Shankman, and Carrie Ann Inaba, the receive scholarship funds; they’re also paired to-day grind, but that’s not always the case. academic year. Creative students looking at foundation seeks to increase access to dance with mentors and given internship opportunities Plenty of the best-known musicians, actors, New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts education throughout the United States. Its to help them make the most of their college and athletes in America have relied on colleges can benefit from one of the newest:I n 2010, scholarship program provides awards of up to careers. The foundation invites applications and universities to help them get their starts— NYU alumnus Alec Baldwin created the $1 $10,000 per student; recipients must attend from “select geographic regions,” which in and there are all kinds of celebrity-associated million Alec Baldwin Drama Scholarship a nationally accredited dance institution and the past have included Washington, D.C., and scholarships that can help you get yours. Fund, which provides assistance to acting be nominated by their school, so if you think Orange County, California. students at the Tisch School. you might fit the bill, talk with your financial aid Unsurprisingly, a number of the most high- office in the fall. Finally, there are a handful of memorial profile celebrity scholarships are for students Singers and dancers can also benefit from scholarships out there that aren’t limited to interested in arts and entertainment careers, celebrity scholarships. The John Lennon Some celebrity scholarship funders are working a career or a location, but that are open to and several come from well-known figures who Scholarships for Songwriters and to give back to their hometowns—including any students who exemplify the spirit of their want to give back to their alma maters. Composers were established in 1997 by famous New Yorker Jerry Seinfeld. Each year, namesake. The Heart of America Foundation Lennon’s widow, Yoko Ono, and award three the comedian’s family foundation partners with awards the annual Christopher Reeve David Letterman is perhaps the best-known scholarships totaling $20,000 each year for the nonprofit EP NCIL to award the Seinfeld Scholarship in memory of the late Superman alumnus of Ball State University in Indiana; original song submissions. (While you’re Scholarships; the awards are four-year star who was paralyzed in a riding accident; to recognize the university’s impact on his researching that one, check out the other renewable scholarships to public high school the award provides $1,000 to a student who life, Letterman has endowed The Letterman scholarships offered by the BMI Foundation; as students from one borough of New York City. exemplifies courage, caring, compassion, and Telecommunications Scholarship, which the charitable arm of one of the largest music The deadline for the program usually falls community service. provides annual awards of up to $10,000 licensing groups in the world, they provide early in the year, so if you’re in the designated And the Bruce Lee Foundation honors the late each to three upperclassmen in Ball State’s a ton of support for young musicians and borough for 2013, we recommend checking it action-movie hero with a $1,000 scholarship telecommunications department. (In a nod to composers.) out over your holiday break. presented to a student who honors Lee’s Letterman’s career, student applications must passion for education, self exploration, and involve a creative project; submissions are If moving to the music is more your style, the Elsewhere, the foundation of golf star (and honesty. typically due in early April.) Dizzy Feet Foundation could be your ticket to Stanford University alumnus) Tiger Woods

6 | The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach | 7 Culinary Scholarships Serve Up Varied Career Opportunities (Originally Published 7/5/12)

By Emily Payzant

ith enrollment on the rise at January and are awarded every spring; awarded to students attending a four-year Finally, for on-site food-service careers, culinary schools, the temperature check out its website for more information. university or a culinary college, and two look no further than the SFM Foundation W isn’t the only thing heating up the $2,000 scholarships are awarded to students (Society for Foodservice Management), which kitchen! Over the past five years, culinary attending a two-year college. continues to award scholarships to deserving degree programs have nearly doubled, from A degree from culinary students to help them pursue their careers. 250 to more than 400 programs in the United school is not limited to For those of you from the Midwest, the Illinois This year’s deadline passed in May, but States. Restaurant Association’s Educational make sure you check back next year for your cooking. Culinary school can Foundation offers several opportunities chance to apply. And don’t be fooled: A degree from culinary train you for an assortment ranging from baking scholarships to school is not limited to cooking. Culinary hospitality management scholarships. No matter where your passion for food lies, school can train you for an assortment of of careers, ranging from Also, Wisconsin is offering a sweet treat: a there are plenty of culinary scholarships out careers, ranging from restaurant and hotel restaurant and hotel scholarship exclusively for students studying there for you. From cooking in the kitchen management to catering and event planning. the art of baking and pastries. The Wisconsin to owning your own food business, these If you love to chop, slice, and dice, and are management to catering and Bakers Association encourages careers in scholarships can help you pay for your looking to earn a culinary degree without event planning. baking and has awarded more than $25,000 education and open the path to a successful breaking the bank, don’t miss the menu of in scholarships since its founding in 1980! culinary career. culinary scholarships we’re serving up below. Wherever you reside, there’s more than likely Culinary careers aren’t limited to the Women Chefs and Restaurateurs is a an opportunity just for you. For Texans who kitchen. Entrepreneurial spirits are perfect national organization devoted to the growth, are passionate about keeping the legend for the Al Schuman Eco-Lab Freshman enhancement, and support of women in the of Tex-Mex and barbeque alive, check out Entrepreneurial Scholarship, established culinary industry. Its unique scholarships the W. Price Jr. Scholarship, specifically to award freshman students who are spice things up by including international for Texas culinary students. Each year the seeking careers in the restaurant and food- travel, culinary school opportunities, Texas Restaurant Association awards the service industry and who demonstrate an wine studies, and internships in member scholarship to students with a growing entrepreneurial spirit. Apply before July restaurants. Scholarships open up every passion for the food-service industry. 25 for your chance at a $3,000 to $5,000 Two scholarships worth $5,000 each are scholarship.

8 | The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach | 9 The scholarship program awards don’t have to be a male to enter 100 renewable scholarships for into the automotive industry. The If you’ve been up to $25,000 per year and 1,000 Automotive Women’s Alliance tinkering with non-renewable scholarships for Foundation is dedicated to Buckle Up for Auto Industry $2,000 per year, and is open to the advancement of women in cars before high school seniors or college automotive fields, fulfilling its you even had a undergraduates who plan to mission by offering education major in one of the following: scholarships to female North driver’s license, Scholarships technology, engineering, math, American citizens who have a (Originally Published 11/29/12) business administration, finance, passion for an automotive career. a career in the marketing, or design, and who Their scholarships aren’t limited auto industry By Michelle Showalter also have an interest in a career to AWAF members, and in fact, in the automotive or related non-members are encouraged to could be right industries. apply. Scholarships are awarded up your alley. quarterly, so check back often for If you have the passion the latest information. But getting to succeed—especially in the necessary fields of study important to If you’re interested in a car- hen Henry Ford started churning save your money for your next sweet ride the automotive and related related career, you may also training, out America’s first affordable instead of a student loan bill. industries—we encourage you to already be working at repair whether it’s W automobile in the early 1900s, apply beginning early 2013. shop. Make sure to talk to your automotive repair shops began popping The Automotive Hall of Fame, appropriately employer about any scholarship attending a four- up in just about every town across the located in Dearborn, Mich., offers The Specialty Equipment opportunities offered. (For year college country. With this came a need for talented scholarships valued up to $20,000 to Market Association (SEMA) example, every year, AutoZone mechanics, not to mention engineers, incoming freshmen and current college-level recognizes that college is awards 15 employees or for engineering technicians, and salespeople. Today, this students who are interested in pursuing a expensive—whether you’re their children with $3,000 or enrolling in need has only multiplied: 95 percent of career in an automotive-related field.T o attending a traditional four-year scholarships.) American households have at least one car, apply, check out the scholarship application college or a trade school— a trade school and most have two or more. on their website. You must also submit a and it’s doing its best to help Lastly, the UTI Foundation, to become a cover letter expressing your interest in an with expenses through two whose mission is to “support and If you’ve been tinkering with cars before you automotive career. Scholarships are awarded scholarship programs. The encourage technical education mechanic, isn’t even had a driver’s license, a career in the every August. SEMA Memorial Scholarship for the automotive, diesel, free or cheap— auto industry could be right up your alley. But Fund awards $1,000-$2,000 collision repair, motorcycle, getting the necessary training, whether it’s Another excellent scholarship opportunity scholarships to students marine, NASCAR and other unless, of attending a four-year college for engineering you should consider is the Buick Achievers interested in every kind of transportation industries,” offers course, you turn or enrolling in a trade school to become a Scholarship Program, managed by automotive career—engineering, a ton of scholarships, which mechanic, isn’t free or cheap—unless, of Scholarship America’s own Scholarship manufacturing, and even racing. are listed on their website. to scholarships. course, you turn to scholarships. Management Services division. Funded by The SEMA Loan Forgiveness Most of the scholarships are the GM Foundation, the Buick Achievers Program helps recent grads get region- or school-specific, so we We’ve put together a handful of scholarships Scholarship Program is designed to help a successful jump on their career encourage you to check out the for those of you interested in the auto students who are leaders in both the without the burden of student list for yourself. There’s a good industry. For more opportunities, check out classroom and their communities, but who loan debt by offering $1,000 loan chance you qualify for at least a the scholarships offered by specific schools may not have the financial means to attend forgiveness grants for employees few of them. you are interested in; most offer generous college. of SEMA member companies. scholarship opportunities that could help you In today’s world, you certainly

10 | The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach | 11 3 Steps to Finding Political Science Scholarships (Originally Published 9/27/12)

By Michelle Showalter

here are only (or still, depending on political science scholarships at your future green, check out the scholarships that may be science, engineering, computer science, who you talk to) about 40 days until or current college or university. You’ll most available at the local and national levels of the pre-law, or telecommunications/information T voters will head to polling booths to likely find a few more targeted scholarship Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, or Green technology. decide the fate of America’s next four years. opportunities for which to apply, and your parties. By Election Day, most Americans will be more chances of actually receiving a scholarship Wherever your career in politics takes you, than ready to bid a temporary adieu to the could be significantly better. For instance, For example, the National Federation don’t deplete your future campaign cash flow constant stream of phone calls from pollsters, a simple Google search on political science of Republican Women offers several by relying on student loans. Scholarships can mean-spirited ads from candidates and scholarships available at the University of scholarships and internships to female offset expensive college costs so that every Super PACs, and endless political posts from Minnesota landed at least nine scholarship students in order to engage more young penny saved can go into your battle for the Facebook friends. opportunities for poli sci undergrads, and women in the political process. And the White House. results should be similar at other universities. Massachusetts Democratic But there are a few of you out there who live for this stuff. You’ve had your 2012 election parties Party awards a $1,500 John F. Kennedy planned since the day after the last presidential If you lean red, blue, or Scholarship to one male and one female each election four years ago. You revel in the daily green, check out the year. drama between the candidates. And you’re seriously considering a career in politics. scholarships that may 3. Look nationally: There are a handful of If you’re planning on spending the next two to be available at the scholarships for political science majors four years as a political science major, you’ve available on the national level. The Daughters come to the right place. For those of you who local and national levels of the American Revolution’s (DAR) Enid can’t get enough of Obama vs. Romney (and of the Republican, Hall Griswold Memorial Scholarship is everything in between), take these steps to find awarded to a junior or senior student pursuing political science scholarships that could help Democrat, Libertarian, or a major in political science, government, or jump-start your career as the country’s next big economics. thing. Green parties. In addition, the Wayne V. Black Memorial 1. Start with where you’re applying: Narrow 2. Check out your political party’s local and Scholarship offers a yearly $5,000 scholarship the competition by searching and applying for national office:I f you lean red, blue, or to a student pursuing a career in political

12 | The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach | 13 These are most likely not legitimate and affiliations. While this may sound legitimate, should be ignored. Save your time and it’s not. Legitimate scholarships have so money and research scholarships and many qualified applicants that they almost financial aid with people you trust. never extend offers to people who did not Don’t Fall For These 5 search them out initially. Make sure to do 3. Rewards without entries: You may your research when checking how you may have seen pop-up ads that scream, “qualify” for a scholarship. Scholarship Scams “Congratulations! You have just won a (Originally Published 7/26/12) $10,000 scholarship to college! To obtain 5. Sweeping claims: Lastly, be aware of your reward, please send in a $100 scholarship offers that make sweeping processing fee.” If you did not apply for a claims. If you see an offer that declares any By Emily Payzant scholarship or enter in a specific contest for of the following, stay away. this money, this is probably a scam. • “The scholarship is guaranteed or your Never send in a processing fee to a money back.” In life, and in the financial questionable source. Scholarships are assistance realm, nothing is guaranteed. Do rewards for those who do the work, not not let this line fool you! prizes for doing nothing. As my economics • “You can’t get this information anywhere or students, differentiating between it. Also, beware of loan opportunities that professor always says, “There’s no such else.” If you can’t get information about this legitimate scholarship opportunities offer a very low-interest loan in return for a thing as a free lunch.” If you did not work scholarship anywhere else, then chances F and scams can sometimes be small up-front fee. These loans almost never hard to apply for this scholarship, but it still are it is not legitimate. Popular search overwhelming and confusing. Every year an materialize. offers thousands of dollars in cash just for sites such as Fastweb and CollegeNet estimated 350,000 students and families are sending in a processing fee, it should not be are databases filled with scholarships. If victims of scholarship scams, costing more 2. Free seminar: You may get an invitation taken seriously. the scholarship isn’t listed on one of these than $5 million annually. Free scholarship or E-mail inviting you to attend a free seminar resources, then be very cautious. money is always great, but sometimes offers offering advice on financial aid and providing 4. Time Sensitive Scholarships: Time- • “To hold the scholarship for you, I need are just too good to be true. other helpful knowledge. While this may sensitive scholarships do not mean your bank account number or credit card.” When conducting your scholarship search, sound appealing, it’s often a trap. scholarships with deadlines. Nearly all Legitimate scholarship funds are usually paid be on the lookout for these five popular Instead of providing you with credible scholarships have a certain date by which by check or sent directly to your college. scams, so you can protect yourself and your information, the seminar turns out to be an applicant must complete and submit their Providers should never need this information. money. a crafty sales pitch that tries to sell you application. In contrast, time-sensitive scams • “This scholarship will cost you some insurance, annuity, and investment products. are on a first-come-first-served basis. money.” No, it won’t! Scholarships are 1. Cash up front: If you see a scholarship Worse, these seminars may try to rope Most of the time these scholarships claim to supposed to be giving you money for offer that requires you to send in an students into overpriced student loans or be available only for the lucky applicants who college, not taking it away. application or processing fee, this so-called expensive scholarship matching services. get in first, and are paired with unsolicited “scholarship” is almost always a scam. Even In order to prevent being sucked into this offers of scholarship money—a sure sign of Don’t be discouraged—there are thousands if the offer adds a disclosure statement that trap, do your homework and always research a scam. If it’s a legitimate scholarship, all of of legitimate scholarships and sites that are guarantees a refund, money you send up the seminars. If you are unsure about the the applicants are applying on a level playing dedicated to helping you. Just make sure front is almost never returned. legitimacy, call the company or your college field at one time. to always research the scholarship to which Application fees are unfortunately one of the financial aid office. If there is no number you are applying, never send in money, and most popular scams and deceive thousands listed for the company hosting the seminar, In addition, time-sensitive scholarships often be cautious of offers that seem too good to of students each year. To protect yourself this is a huge warning sign. lure students in by claiming you are “pre- be true. For even more information, turn to from these scams, just remember four magic qualified” based on certain criteria such the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal words: never pay a fee. Scholarships are Also, beware of scholarship matching as family income, academic achievement, Student Aid Office for an excellent article on charitable contributions that are supposed services that guarantee you’ll win a cultural background, community service, avoiding scams. to help your financial status—not hamper scholarship or you’ll get your money back. handicaps and disabilities, or religious

14 | The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach | 15 or you lettered in it for four years, make your about twice as early as you think you need extracurricular achievements known. to, and finding a friend, teacher, or mentor Create Great Scholarship to read it and give you feedback before you 3. Community activities: Just like your submit it. (Try reading it out loud to yourself, school activities, community service can too; that’s one of my favorite ways of making also make a difference on scholarship sure my writing sounds natural.) You don’t Applications with applications. Plenty of local scholarship need to be the next Kurt Vonnegut to write providers—such as the Elks, Rotary a great application essay, either—as long as International, and Dollars for you write from your heart, take your time, These 6 Answers Scholars—actually require a certain amount and find a trusted editor, you’ll be in good (Originally Published 8/23/12) of volunteer work, and there are scholarships shape. across the country specifically for students By Matt Konrad who volunteer with churches, community centers, or on their own. Even if community Grades and activities can service isn’t a necessity on an application, make your application stand it’s a great way to let scholarship providers know that you care about your world—and out, but a personal letter or pplying for college scholarships popping, don’t hesitate to call out excellent you’re willing to work to make it better. essay is your best chance may feel a bit like playing the lottery. performance in your chosen fields—a to tell scholarship providers A You fill out your application, send prospective engineering major should make 4. Financial need: We often divide the world it off, and cross your fingers in hopes of a a big deal out of straight A’s in high school of scholarships into two types: need-based exactly who you are, how congratulatory letter and a check (the regular math! and merit-based. This division isn’t always kind, not the over-sized novelty version). black and white, though, and it’s crucial you see the world, and But there are more differences than just the for students of all ages and income levels why they should help you size of the check: On one hand, applying for Whether you dabbled in a to know their financial need information. scholarships is a lot more work than buying club, sport, or after-school Fortunately, it’s simple to keep this info pay for college. a lottery ticket. On the other, that extra work current: As long as you fill out the Free means plenty of opportunity to boost your activity for a semester or you Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) 6. Letters of recommendation: Last but chances of winning. If you’re prepared to lettered in it for four years, each year you plan to apply for scholarships, not least, don’t forget about letters of answer these six types of questions, you’ll you’ll have everything you need at your recommendation. Just like with essays, the be ready to quickly and thoroughly fill out make your extracurricular fingertips. In addition, you’ll learn about most important thing to remember is to start almost any scholarship application. achievements known. any federal loans, grants, and work-study this process early, because the coaches, opportunities for which you qualify.(For good teachers, mentors, and employers that you’ll 1. Academic performance/grade point resources on this topic, check out the new be asking for recommendations are busy, average: While it’s true that grades aren’t 2. High school activities: As important StudentAid.gov website). and you want to make sure they’ve got everything, there’s still a whole lot of as your scholastic performance may be, time on their calendar to write you a quality, scholarship money out there designated for scholarship providers also want to see what 5. Personal letter/essay: Grades and thoughtful recommendation. As good as your high achievers in the classroom. To make you do outside the classroom. Listing a wide activities can make your application stand application may be, a great recommendation sure you don’t miss out, be prepared to array of extracurricular activities will help out, but a personal letter or essay is your adds another trusted voice to your own, so list your GPA on a four-point scale (if your your general applications stand out, and best chance to tell scholarship providers don’t leave this step until the last minute. school uses a different scale or weights some of them may also give you an edge exactly who you are, how you see the Once you’re prepared in these six areas, AP or IB classes, your counselor can help when it comes to specific athletic- or activity- world, and why they should help you pay you’ll be ready to take on most applications, you recalculate everything), and have your based scholarships from your community or for college. This post has plenty of advice and you won’t even need luck to play the ACT or SAT scores handy. Even if you your college. Whether you dabbled in a club, on avoiding scholarship essay errors; I’d scholarship lottery. don’t think your academic numbers are eye sport, or after-school activity for a semester also recommend starting work on your essay

16 | The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach | 17 5 Ways to Manage High Costs of College Textbooks (Originally Published 9/13/12)

By Janine Fugate

hen you think about the cost of Be careful before purchasing a different on a subscription program— interview, and why?” This may college, you probably automatically edition than the one your professor is using, meaning that, at the end of the be someone who is living, With costs W consider tuition, room, and board— however; using an older version of the text semester, you no longer have deceased, or even fictional. averaging but you can’t ignore the cost of textbooks. can put your grade at risk, if information has access to the text. (Of course, you must use a With costs averaging now around $1,100 per changed significantly. book to support your position.) now around year for books and supplies, according to the 3. Rent: Another option is The grand prize winner will $1,100 per College Board, saving for your textbooks can That said, the biggest issue with an older renting the textbook. Though take home $1,250 in cash for be a major undertaking. version of the book is usually a difference always cheaper than buying books, and the runner up will year for books in page numbering between the two new, renting may not be as receive $250, so get writing! and supplies, Although most scholarships won’t cover the versions – which can make it tricky to pocketbook friendly as buying cost of your books, some do—if you have follow page number references in class and new and selling back at the 5. Do your research, and according to the earned enough scholarship awards to cover reading assignments, but may be worth the end of the semester. do it often: New scholarship College Board, your tuition and other college expenses and significantly lower cost. and grant opportunities occur have money to spare, see if you can use the 4. Apply for textbook- pretty regularly to help defray saving for your remainder to cover books. If you can’t handle someone else’s scribbles specific scholarships: the cost of college textbooks, textbooks can in your book, another way to defray costs is One such scholarship with including programs through Most students, however, won’t have this to buy new and sell your used book back at an upcoming deadline is Chegg (one such scholarship be a major option. Before you roll your textbook costs the end of the semester. The MyBookBuyer.com recently closed on August undertaking. into your student loan (which will need to be Textbooks For a Year 31) and other textbook paid back with interest later), consider these 2. Buy e-books: A popular newer option, Scholarship. MyBookBuyer companies. One 10-minute five options: e-books offer many benefits: a less offers two scholarships for search a week could help you expensive price tag (sometimes half the students who submit their find enough money to cover 1. Buy used: Used textbooks can be a cost of the print version or even less) and applications by December your books next year. great value, often costing as little as half less weight to lug around campus (print 15—including a 750- to 1,250- the sticker price of a new book. Plus, you’ll textbooks can weigh three and a half pounds word essay that answers the have the added bonus of another student’s or more). However, it can be more difficult to question, “What prominent notes—which can be extremely beneficial. take notes, and many e-books are purchased person would you like to

18 | The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach | 19 10 More Twitter Handles for Scholarship Seekers (Originally Published 8/2/12)

By Matt Konrad

he Scholarship Coach published our country; this is its officialT witter presence, 7. @CollegeWeekLive: The “world’s largest 8. @Scholarshipscom: This one bears list last fall of 10 Twitter handles to and it features plenty of scholarship info, college fair,” CollegeWeekLive brings together repeating, not only for their frequent and T help with your college scholarship along with entertaining discussions and admissions, financial aid, and scholarship thorough scholarship listings, but because search. Since then, the service has continued expert help. experts regularly; follow CollegeWeekLive on its “Short And Tweet” scholarship program to grow with no signs of stopping, and there Twitter to ensure you don’t miss an event. actually awards $1,000 scholarships for your are even more resources out there to help 3. @CollegeBoard: College Board is the Twitter posts. with your scholarship search, 140 characters publisher of the SAT standardized tests; on at a time. Twitter and at its new bigfuture.org website, If you’re applying for 9. @USNewsEducation: If you’re a fan of The it also offers college advice, answers to your scholarships from a specific Scholarship Coach, you should keep an eye First things first:I f you’re applying for questions, and stories from real students. on our publishers at U.S. News for even more scholarships from a specific company, company, organization, or expert blogs, advice, college rankings, and organization, or department at your school, 4. @volunTEENnation: Volunteering can department at your school, news. it’s a great idea to follow its Twitter account. be crucial to your scholarship chances, and You’ll get an informal glimpse into the culture VolunTEEN Nation posts frequent volunteer it’s a great idea to follow its 10. @ScholAmerica: Last, but certainly and the important issues, and Twitter can opportunities and community service-oriented Twitter account. You’ll get not least, don’t forget to follow Scholarship also be a great way to find answers to your scholarships. America on Twitter. Not only do we post questions. In addition, these 10 resources can an informal glimpse into the regular scholarship news and opportunities, help out during every stage of your search for 5. @CollegeNET: CollegeNET’s unique but we link to every new Scholarship Coach scholarships and financial aid. scholarship program allows users of the site’s culture and the important post so you don’t miss a week. discussion forum to vote for weekly winners, issues, and Twitter can Did we miss any of your favorite scholarship 1. @FAFSA: This is the official account of and its Twitter account will help you keep up or financial aidT witterers? Let us know Federal Student Aid, the U.S. government’s on all the conversations. also be a great way to find additional resources in the comments, or send financial-aid arm.A long with its new answers to your questions. us a Tweet @ScholAmerica! studentaid.gov website, this is an absolutely 6. @DebtFreeScholar: Blogger Nate essential resource for college funding basics. Desmond has been writing about scholarships, financial aid, and student loans And, finally, there are a few accounts we’ve 2. @PayingForSchool: Fastweb is one of since 2009, and offers a ton of practical, real- mentioned here before that deserve a recap: the leading scholarship search sites in the world advice for students and parents.

20 | The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach | 21 open to high school seniors, activities. You’ll be eligible undergraduate students, and to win $1,000. Deadline: It’s true grad students, and several September 30. that many Don’t Drop the winners will receive awards ranging from $50 to $10,000. Emerge Scholarships: scholarships Deadline: September 17. Thankfully, not every Ball on Early scholarship is designed just are awarded in QuestBridge National College for seniors in high school, the spring, but Match Program: If your family because there are plenty of Scholarship Deadlines struggles to make ends meet, nontraditional students looking there are also (Originally Published 8/16/12) but you have a stellar academic for some extra cash to help plenty whose profile, you may want to check them achieve the dream of out QuestBridge’s National going to college. The Emerge deadlines fall By Michelle Showalter College Match Program, which Scholarship program does in August, helps exceptional low-income just that. Each year, high school seniors gain a approximately seven women— September, full-ride admission to some nontraditional students whose and October. of the nation’s most selective education was delayed— e hate to rush the end of summer, means you can take full advantage of all the colleges. Most finalists come receive between $2,000 and Searching but the next school year is only a scholarships that are available. Here are a few from households earning $5,000 each in scholarship W few weeks away—if you haven’t opportunities we’ve featured here in the past; now means less than $60,000 a year, assistance. If you’re a woman started classes already. the deadlines are right around the corner! and more than 75 percent with a vision to succeed, you can take are in the top 5 percent of regardless of the obstacles If you’re heading into your senior year of Jane M. Klausman Women in Business full advantage their high school class. If you you’ve faced so far, you might high school, there will be a lot to think about Scholarship: If you’re a woman interested in match this description, we consider applying for this one. of all the in addition to all of the “lasts” you’ll be or pursuing a career in business management highly recommend you apply. Deadline: September 30. experiencing. Along with your last football at the undergraduate or graduate level, scholarships Deadline: September 28. game, your last homecoming dance, and your consider applying for the Jane M. Klausman We’ve only touched on a that are last final exam, you’ll experience your first Women in Business Scholarship. Scholarships A GPA Isn’t Everything handful of scholarships whose foray into the world as a full-blown adult. are awarded annually and can be used for available. Scholarship: We all know that deadlines are just around the tuition, books, or living expenses at any there’s more to being a good corner. If you’re hoping to cash For many of you, that means touring colleges, university, college, or institution that offers student than having a fantastic in on free money for college, filling out your AF FSA, and getting ready to accredited business courses and degrees. GPA. If you’re a well-rounded our advice is to start now. move away from your parents. And unless you The scholarship is administered by Zonta student with a lot to offer, but You’ll be one step ahead of have a lot of money saved up, you could also International, which has clubs throughout the your grades aren’t over the everyone else. end up with your first student loan bill—unless world. Contact the club nearest you to apply. top, don’t get discouraged. you take some time to apply for scholarships Deadline: September 1 or earlier (deadlines There are still opportunities out now so you can attend the school of your vary by Zonta club). there for you, including this dreams next year. scholarship. To apply, create a Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest: Are you a free profile through scholarship We know what you’re thinking. “Scholarship fan of Ayn Rand or willing to read the book search engine Cappex, find season is still months away! I have plenty of Atlas Shrugged? If so, you could win up to the scholarship, and write time to apply!” It’s true that many scholarships $10,000 toward your college education just about about your volunteer, are awarded in the spring, but there are for answering one of three essay questions leadership, and extracurricular also plenty whose deadlines fall in August, about the book. Your essay will be judged September, and October. Searching now on both style and content; the contest is

22 | The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach | 23 Start Your Scholarship Search Here (Originally Published 9/20/12)

By Matt Konrad

ne of the most crucial questions • Resource sites: Scholarship search Not only do these groups post scholarship • Community: As we’ve mentioned before, for any scholarship seeker is engines are great for finding scholarships by opportunities (like Dr Pepper’s Tuition even the best Web searches and the most O also one of the most basic: location, field of study, and focus; if you’re Giveaway on Facebook), but you’ll also thorough advisers can’t find every scholarship, “Where do I start?” As with many queries more of a browser, or if you’re looking for a be able to keep up on the issues and so it can be lucrative to do a little extra leg in the scholarship world, there are big-picture view of scholarships and other topics they’re covering, making you a more work in your own backyard. different answers for different students; financial aid, you may want to bookmark knowledgeable applicant. And, of course, The the options below provide a few ways to a handful of sites that provide overviews, Scholarship Coach and the other blogs in the Professional organizations and community get through “applicant’s block” and start timelines, and resources. U.S. News Education network are a great groups—including Rotary and Elks groups, the finding scholarships that fit your unique way to stay informed! Boys & Girls Clubs, Dollars for Scholars, and circumstances. The federal government’s StudentAid.gov churches—are reliable providers of awards to site is essential reading for every student • Schools: Wherever you are on your local students, but you may have to attend an • Search engines: If you’re anything like and parent. GetSchooled.com, Unigo, and educational path, no place wants to see you event to learn about the scholarship, or pick up me, “I need information” is almost always Zinch provide great expert and peer advice succeed more than your current and future an application in person. mentally followed by “I’ll Google it.” If that’s on scholarships and more. And if you’re schools—and that makes them perfect the case, a good search engine is your best a student from outside the United States, resources to turn to for answers to your In addition, don’t forget to have your parents place to start. don’t miss EducationUSA.info, which has a scholarship questions.Your high school and other family members check with ton of essential information for international guidance office, your college admissions their employers (and check with your own, You can get more specific thanG oogle, too; students. representative, and your undergrad or if you have a job). Thousands of workplaces there are a ton of scholarship search engines graduate adviser can all point you in the offer employee or children-of-employee out there, including the very thorough online • Social media: Social sites have become right direction; their experience can help you scholarships as a way to give back to their databases at Fastweb, CollegeNet, and the increasingly indispensable resources prioritize your applications as well. Outside communities. College Board. We previously looked in- for scholarship seekers, and it’s easy to office hours, you can get online help from depth at five major search engines, so find incorporate your search into your daily routine. your school’s own website. My alma mater, However you start your search, we’d the one that fits your style and personality Our lists of essential Twitter follows are great the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, encourage you to take advantage of each of and start looking. (And remember that you places to start, and you should also keep features dedicated scholarship-related Web these options at some point. There truly is no should never have to pay to set up a profile an eye on social media posts from schools, pages for prospective students and current single magic trick to finding scholarships, but or conduct searches.) companies, and nonprofit organizations that fit undergrads, and yours probably does, too. keeping an eye on all of these areas will help with your interests. ensure you don’t miss a thing.

24 | The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach | 25 study, and loan amounts. We recommend difference between a scholarship and a that everyone fills out the AF FSA; it only grant, though the general consensus is takes about an hour to complete, and you that scholarships are primarily awarded may be surprised with the results. for academic merit (good grades) or for 12 College Financial something you have accomplished (volunteer Federal student aid: The largest form work or a specific project); however, there of student aid in the country, federal aid are many need-based scholarships out there, Aid Terms Defined programs come in the form of government as well. Like grants, scholarships don’t have grants, loans, and work-study assistance to be repaid. (Originally Published 7/19/12) and are available to students at eligible postsecondary institutions (colleges, Tuition: College tuition is the “sticker price” By Michelle Showalter vocational schools, and graduate schools). of your education, and does not include room and board, textbooks, or other fees. Financial need: This is the amount of a Colleges often calculate tuition based on the student’s total cost of attendance that isn’t cost of one credit, or “unit.” For example, a covered by the expected family contribution college may charge $350 per credit for an or outside grants and scholarships. A undergraduate class. Many times colleges avigating the college financial aid make the financial aid package look more student must demonstrate financial need will simplify this by providing a flat fee process can be daunting even for generous than it actually is. (To find out how to be eligible for need-based financial for tuition; you’re often required to take a N the most highly educated among much you’ll end up paying for tuition at your assistance programs. minimum amount of credits and cannot us. What are the differences among grants, college, U.S. News offers a list of net price exceed a maximum amount of credits. “True scholarships, and loans? What does FAFSA calculators.) Grants: Did someone say free money? cost” is a little misleading, since there are stand for and who should complete it? And Unlike loans, grants—which can come from other costs on top of tuition. how does work-study actually work? Expected Family Contribution (EFC): the state or federal government, from the Your college education is an extremely This is the measure of your family’s college itself, or from private sources— Tuition reimbursement: Tuition important—and often extremely expensive— financial strength, and how much of your provide money for college that doesn’t have reimbursement, also sometimes called investment. Before you shell out thousands college costs it should plan to cover. This to be paid back. We’ll take this opportunity “tuition assistance,” is increasing in of dollars for an advanced education, give is calculated based on a specific formula, here to remind you again to fill out the popularity. Some employers will refund you yourself a basic education of postsecondary which considers taxed and untaxed income, FAFSA; many grants determine eligibility by the cost of your tuition if you’re studying a financial aid.T o help, we’ve put together assets, and benefits, as well as the size looking at your FAFSA results. work-related area. Tuition reimbursement can a quick reference guide on common—and of your family and the number of family cover as little as one or two courses, or can often confusing—financial aid terms. From members attending college during the Loans: If scholarships and grants don’t cover up to the entire cost of your education. award letters to tuition reimbursement, we’ve year. Your expected family contribution is cover the entire cost of your tuition, you may got you covered. calculated based on your FAFSA results. have to take out a student loan to make up Work-study/work award: The Federal Work the difference. Federal student loans don’t Study program provides funds to eligible Award letter: Arriving in your mailbox around FAFSA (Free Application for Federal have to be paid while you’re in college, and students (see FAFSA above) for part-time mid- to late April, your award letter basically Student Aid): You’ve probably heard of there are also a variety of loan forgiveness employment to help finance the costs of outlines your financial aid package from the FAFSA, but do you know what it is and programs out there post-graduation. The postsecondary education. In most cases, the college(s) to which you applied. But be just how important it can be for you and rates and terms are generally more flexible the school or employer has to pay up to 50 careful: Colleges aren’t required to follow your family? Filling out the FAFSA is one of than private loans. percent of the student’s wages, with the a standard format for award letters, and the first steps in the financial aid process, federal government covering the rest. You crucial information is sometimes missing or and determines the amount that you or Room and board: Everyone needs to sleep could be employed by the college itself; or misleading—such as the cost of attendance! your family will be contributing to your and eat. If you plan to do it on campus, those by a federal, state, or local public agency; a Colleges sometimes vastly underestimate postsecondary education. The results of fees are part of your total cost of attendance. private nonprofit organization; or a private the cost of transportation and textbooks, or the FAFSA determine student grants, work- Scholarships: There really isn’t much for-profit organization.

26 | The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach | 27 7 Scholarship Tips for The colleges you want to attend may also offer great scholarship and grant packages Single Dads to attract you; just make sure you fill out your (Originally Published 6/14/12) FAFSA carefully and make appointments By Janine Fugate with financial aid directors.

here are many scholarship options educational scholarships. Here are seven tips A wide variety of awards In addition to searching for private colleges offer for single fathers looking to go to to help kick off your search: are available just for your scholarships related to your financial aid packages that T college. gender. field of interest, remember meet or exceed the awards 1. Expand your search: Look for that you may be eligible for from public schools. Since the founding of our nation, parents scholarships related to your field of study— 5. Consider church: If need-based scholarships or have hoped their children would have a such as nursing, marine biology, astronomy, you’re religious, check with grants, depending on your According to better life than they did. These days, the or STEM (science, technology, engineering, your place of worship for income. several sources, ability for parents to provide that better life and math) fields.A re you planning to be a scholarships. usually requires education beyond high teacher, or would you like to be a rocket The colleges you want more than 60 school. In fact, according to several sources, scientist? There are scholarships for that! 6. Don’t live in the past: to attend may also offer percent of all more than 60 percent of all jobs in the United Check out The Scholarship Coach archives If you are worried about a great scholarship and States now require some form of college or for scores of potential opportunities based past criminal conviction, grant packages to attract jobs in the United training after high school. On top of that, on a variety of career interests. don’t let that stop you from you; just make sure you fill States now more education means higher salaries—not achieving your education out your FAFSA carefully to mention greater job security. 2. Check with your employer: Many dreams. Read our past and make appointments require some organizations offer scholarships or tuition post, Don’t Let a Criminal with financial aid directors But for single dads, finding the time, reimbursement to their employees, as part of Past Block Your Path to to negotiate for the best form of college energy, and financial resources to achieve their professional development or retention a College Future, on the possible financial aid or training after a college degree often feels out of reach, strategies. topic. package (including especially when a simple online search for scholarships, grants, and high school. On “scholarships for single dads” yields little of 3. Remember your military service: Did 7. Look to the unusual: loans). top of that, more substance. There are some options listed you serve in the armed forces? Veterans Last but not least, if there in our piece about scholarship resources are eligible for a number of scholarship is something unusual Finally, compare private education means for single moms, which included seven opportunities you may consider. about you, from being a and public schools— higher salaries— scholarships available to single parents of vegetarian to an amputee, although conventional either gender. Remember, though, you’re 4. Look at men-only options: “Just for there may be a scholarship wisdom suggests that not to mention more than just a single dad, so that shouldn’t Men” can apply to scholarships, too. opportunity for which you private schools will always greater job be the only criterion you use to search for are eligible. be more expensive, many security.

28 | The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach | 29 school, or specialized a nomination from a Moss program for LD students. Society member, and the Learning-related (The NCLD website also scholarship award of $1,500 lists a number of smaller is potentially renewable for issues such 5 Scholarships for Students and more specific programs up to three more years. as dyslexia, on its site.) If you’re not looking at an art career, the Moss Society dysgraphia and with Learning Disabilities If you’re a student under also funds the Anne and ADHD often lead (Originally Published 10/25/12) 19 with LD or ADHD, Matt Harbison Scholarship Learning-related issues such your accomplishments for LD Students and the to difficulties as dyslexia, dysgraphia and in or outside of school Judith Cary Scholarship in traditional By Matt Konrad could qualify you for the for college students attention deficit hyperactivity Fred J. Epstein Youth pursuing an undergraduate classrooms and disorder (ADHD)often Achievement Award, given or graduate degree in on standardized annually by Smart Kids special education. All of lead to difficulties in With LD. The $1,000 award the Society’s applications tests; if traditional classrooms and (which also comes with a are open now and due scholarship on standardized tests; if etting into, paying for, and navigating covering everything from navigating the trip to the organization’s March 31. through college is rarely easy. For Common Application for Undergraduate benefit gala inC onnecticut) applications scholarship applications is presented in honor Finally, if you’ve been G students who have been diagnosed College Admission to keeping yourself look foremost look foremost at test with learning disabilities (LD), that struggle engaged in classes. of “initiative, talent and diagnosed with ADHD, the can take on even more dimensions. determination resulting in Shire ADHD Scholarship at test scores scores and GPA’s, it can a notable accomplishment could be a valuable And, true to its name, the foundation also and GPA’s, it can mean that LD students lose Learning-related issues such as dyslexia, gives out Rise Award Scholarships each in any field—including resource. Applications from art, music, science, math, high school seniors and mean that LD out. Fortunately, there are dysgraphia, and attention deficit hyperactivity year; in 2012, five students received $2,500 disorder (ADHD) often lead to difficulties in scholarship awards. If you’re currently a high athletics or community college undergrads are students lose resources and scholarships traditional classrooms and on standardized school senior, head over and apply before service.” Applications are being accepted online or by open through January mail through March 27; the that can help. tests; if scholarship applications look February 15 for your chance to win a 2013 out. Fortunately, foremost at test scores and GPAs, it can scholarship. 31, with the winner and scholarship not only means there are mean that LD students lose out. Fortunately, honorable mentions a $2,000 award, but also a there are resources and scholarships out there Like the Rise Awards, the Anne Ford and announced in April. full year of free access to resources and an “ADHD Coach” who can that can help. Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarships are scholarships that available to students across the nation Artists can also benefit from help with your transition to Note: Many scholarship providers, like the first who have a diagnosed learning disability. one of the scholarships college or with navigating can help. two below, do not include ADHD as a specific Presented by the National Center for Learning provided by the P. Buckley campus life. disability on its own. And most schools and Disabilities, these are highly competitive Moss Society. Moss, scholarship organizations consider Asperger’s awards, and well worth the time it will take to a painter and dyslexia In addition, like the Rise and other autism-spectrum disorders apply. sufferer, created the Moss Scholarship site, Shire’s separately from LD, so we’ll cover those Endowed Scholarship application site also scholarships in a separate post. The Anne Ford Scholarship is a four-year to help students with features a number of useful renewable award, worth $2,500 each year; the learning disabilities who are tips and resources. If you’re unaware of the Rise Scholarship Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarship is a newer planning educations and Foundation, it’s a great place to start. program and provides a one-time $2,500 careers in the visual arts. Their website features a ton of articles and award to a student attending a two-year You’ll have to send some resources specifically forL D students, community college, technical or vocational portfolio items and secure

30 | The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach | 31 Honor Veterans Day by Sharing These Scholarship Opportunities (Originally Published 11/8/12)

By Michelle Showalter

ith all the hoopla surrounding If you’re a veteran with 36 months of service is awarded to one person per geographical biannual $2,000 scholarships to help pay for the recent presidential election, or more, the GI Bill will pay full tuition and region every year. Eligible applicants must be tuition and books. W we think it’s important to take a fees at public institutions, plus a housing a member of The American Legion, Auxiliary, moment to recognize the service members allowance and textbook stipend. Those with or Sons of The American Legion, and dues Spouses and children of veterans are also who protect one of the most important rights shorter service terms will receive a sliding must have been paid for the two preceding eligible to apply. The Foundation accepts we hold as Americans: the right to vote. percentage of the benefit; those going to years. applications twice a year; the upcoming Veterans Day is coming up on November private schools will receive up to $17,500 spring deadline is April 30. 12, and in honor of America’s veterans, toward tuition and fees per academic year. we’re showcasing a number of scholarship The financial burden of Finally, if you’re a member of the Military opportunities for those of you who are Active reservists are also eligible for funding college can be extremely Order of the Purple Heart, or a spouse, widow transitioning from a career in the military. under the Reserve GI Bill. Different options or direct lineal descendant (child, stepchild, and criteria abound, so check out the site overwhelming for veterans adopted child, or grandchild) of a member, The financial burden of college can be thoroughly. Unfortunately, the increasing cost and their families. Thankfully, you could be eligible to receive a scholarship extremely overwhelming for veterans and their of college tuition means that the GI Bill often from the organization, which can be used families. Thankfully, there are a lot of excellent leaves veterans with a gap in funding. If that’s there are a lot of excellent for tuition, books, incidental fees, room and scholarship and financial aid opportunities out the case for you, private scholarships can scholarship and financial board, and other direct associated costs of there for you, including several we covered in help fill that gap. higher education. a previous post. aid opportunities out there Are you a member of The American Legion? for you. If you’ve received a Purple Heart and would If you’re a veteran who is looking to receive The organization offers several scholarships like to apply for a scholarship, but you’re not additional training or earn your college for members and their dependents, plus yet a member of the Order, it’s easy to join. degree, before you do anything, you several for youth who are involved with The Veterans United Home Loans, which touts should apply for benefits through theU.S. American Legion. itself as being the nation’s largest provider of Department of Veterans Affairs’ GI Bill and VA loans, also offers a scholarship specifically Post-9/11 GI Bill, which remains the No. 1 For example, if you’re an adult looking to for veterans through its foundation. The financial aid option for veterans who have return to school or make a career change, you Veterans United Foundation Scholarship been honorably discharged within the past 15 could benefit fromThe American Legion’s Program aims to assist military service years. Nontraditional Student Scholarship, which members and their families by awarding five

32 | The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach | 33 Given that there are a number of days 4 Scholarships for American set aside in October and November to Indian Students celebrate the rich cultural heritage, history, (Originally Published 10/4/12) and vital contributions of American Indians in the United States, we’re sharing some of By Janine Fugate the bigger scholarship awards available.

f you’ve been following our blog, a federally recognized tribe and to have their are eligible, reserving the American Indians, who plan science, computer you know that there are a plethora tax and financial information.A s with all remaining two years of to teach in a nonprofitI llinois engineering, and related I of scholarships tied to all sorts of students, if you start early, you will be eligible undergraduate study for public, private, or parochial programming fields. characteristics, interests, and abilities. Given for the most financial aid. a bachelor’s degree) and preschool, elementary, that there are a number of days set aside an additional five years of or secondary school with Those eligible for the in October and November to celebrate 1. The Ford Motor Company Tribal study at the graduate level. no less than 30 percent $10,000 award must have a the rich cultural heritage, history, and vital Scholarship, awarded through the American Students may receive the minority student enrollment, cumulative GPA of at least contributions of American Indians in the Indian College Fund, offers up to $5,000 scholarship for only one and who maintain a 2.5 GPA 3.0 (out of 4.0) and be a United States, we’re sharing some of the annually to recipients, based on financial degree per undergraduate on a 4.0 scale, are eligible full-time undergrad or grad bigger scholarship awards available to eligible need, for students studying math, science, educational level and one to apply. The catch? After student at an accredited American Indian students (Native American, engineering, business, teacher training, or doctorate or professional graduation or termination four-year college or in Alaska Native, and Hawaii Native). environmental science. Students may study at degree. Next deadline: of enrollment, recipients their second year at a a two-year or four-year accredited university. July 1, 2012. must teach according two-year college leading Many of these scholarships are available Next deadline: May 31, 2013. to the requirements of to a four-year degree. In through the American Indian College Fund, 3. Native American the scholarship within a addition, eligible students where you can apply once and be matched to 2. Minnesota resident students whose students studying in Illinois certain time frame, or the must be at least a current a number of scholarships for which you may ancestry is one-fourth or more American and planning to become scholarship becomes a college sophomore or be eligible. Indian may be eligible for the Minnesota preschool, elementary, or loan. Next deadline: higher. Last known deadline: Indian Scholarship Program. The needs- secondary school teachers, March 1, 2013. Feb. 29, 2012. Note: You will likely need to provide based award provides up to $4,000 per year can apply for the Minority documentation of your native ancestry for undergraduate students and up to $6,000 Teachers of Illinois 4. The American Indian to achieve eligibility for the following for grad students. Scholarship Program, Science and Engineering scholarships. Documentation may be a which provides up to $5,000 Society offers the AISES Certificate ofI ndian Blood card, an affidavit The best news: Students are eligible to per year to pay for tuition, Google Scholarship to from a tribal official, birth records, or other receive a scholarship for up to five years of fees, room, board, and even American Indian, Alaska identification provided to you by a Native study at the undergraduate level (although commuter expenses in Native, and Native Hawaiian American organization. It is also important to only up to three years of study in certificate, some cases. Minority AISES members pursuing know if your parents are enrolled members of diploma, or associate degree programs students, including degrees in computer

34 | The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach | 35 Don’t Let Cancer Stop You from Earning a College Education (Originally Published 10/18/12)

By Michelle Showalter

very October, nonprofit organizations, The scholarships, worth $10,000 and state. Opportunities like the Youth Cancer must submit your application by Jan. 31, medical associations, and renewable for up to four years, can be Survivor College Scholarship for residents 2013 in order to be eligible for a scholarship E government agencies band together used to help you earn a bachelor’s degree of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and South for the 2013-2014 school year. to raise awareness and share information at a state university. Though this year’s Dakota, can help make a dent in the cost of about breast cancer, which affects nearly scholarship deadline is already past, check your college education. 300,000 women each year. Most of us likely back next fall for an opportunity to apply. know at least one person who has been Multiple scholarships are awarded every Another excellent scholarship program diagnosed with breast cancer or another year. available is the Cancer Survivors’ Fund, a form of cancer—and some of us can even nonprofit whose mission includes providing assume the title of cancer survivor ourselves. postsecondary education scholarships In honor of Breast Cancer for cancer survivors. In addition to the In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Awareness Month, we offer application and letters of recommendation, we offer scholarships for college available the organization asks you to provide an for all of you who have been immediately scholarships for college essay in response to the question, “How has affected by cancer—and for all of you who available for all of you who my experience with cancer impacted my life are currently fighting. values and career goals?” To apply for this have been immediately scholarship, check back in February when Though breast cancer typically affects affected by cancer — and the application will reopen. women over the age of 50, younger women can also get breast cancer. If you are a for all of you who are Lastly, we hope you will also check out breast cancer survivor diagnosed at age currently fighting. Cancer for College, an organization that 25 or younger, or if you have lost a parent has provided more than $1.75 million in or guardian to breast cancer, you are likely scholarships to more than 1,000 cancer eligible for the Susan G. Komen for the If you were diagnosed with cancer or are survivors since 1993. Though California Cure College Scholarship Program, currently battling cancer and are under the applicants and those who are attending established in 2001 to help students for age of 25, we encourage you to search for Southern California colleges are given whom breast cancer creates a significant youth cancer survivor scholarships from the priority, any cancer survivor with U.S. financial barrier to attending college. American Cancer Society office in your citizenship is encouraged to apply. You

36 | The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach | 37 Scholarships Can Aid Students Working to Prevent Suicide (Originally Published 8/30/12)

By Matt Konrad

onventional wisdom tells us that there are scholarships out there for you. nationwide scholarship for suicide prevention prevention curriculum called SOS Signs of today’s high school and college Whether you’ve been personally affected and mental health advocates. The $2,000 Suicide, which helps teach students how C students love sharing. Whether or just want to make a difference, look into annual award is designed to raise awareness to look for and talk about potential issues. it’s on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube, no these programs; founded to honor and both of student emotional health issues and In conjunction with the program, Elyssa’s observation is too minute and no detail memorialize victims of suicide, they can of the peers who are helping address them; Mission provides $1,000 scholarships too intimate to put out there. But even help you take the next step in helping to if you’re an active volunteer and current for seniors who have gone through the in a group where oversharing may be prevent it. college student, this program is worth a look. curriculum; 2012 winner Demi Demakos of the norm, the discussion surrounding Loyola Academy received $1,500 to help depression and mental health issues still The Jed Foundation reports Samuel Lustgarten was a national Honorable further her education. tends to remain taboo—and that can Mention for the Greenspan Award in 2011; result in tragedy. The Jed Foundation that 1 in 10 college students in the face of several campus tragedies, Further south, the Drake Davis Foundation, reports that one in 10 college students has considered suicide. the former residence hall adviser started headquartered in Atlanta, awards between has considered suicide, and Centers for the Always Remember Never Surrender four and 10 Drake Davis Scholarships each Disease Control and Prevention statistics Centers for Disease Control Scholarship fund at Colorado State year in memory of Drake, a student-athlete indicate that more than 150,000 youth University. The program has raised more who committed suicide in 2006. Award between the ages of 10 and 24 are treated and Prevention statistics than $25,000 in just two years, and has winners are honored for their willingness for self-inflicted wounds every year. indicate that 150,000 youth started awarding scholarships to CSU to “speak up and reach out,” and for their upperclassmen who are pursuing health leadership and character. As we approach the observation of between the ages of 10 and human services degrees with a focus National Suicide Prevention Week and 24 are treated for self- on suicide prevention. Likewise, the These are a few examples of memorial (September 9-15), we should first and Jonathan Davis Memorial Scholarship scholarships; school counselors and foremost mention that if you find yourself inflicted wounds every year. provides funding for graduate students at department advisers can point you toward struggling with depression and need Virginia’s James Madison University who are others. And even if you don’t earn financial someone to talk to, the National Suicide The Jed Foundation is “the nation’s specializing in suicide awareness. aid for it, we encourage you to learn more Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK leading organization working to promote If you’re in high school, there are still and open the conversation about suicide (8255) can, literally, be a life saver. emotional health and prevent suicide opportunities to earn scholarships by prevention and awareness in your school. among college students,” and its Jerry focusing on helping. In the Chicagoland The rewards for doing so are greater than In addition, if suicide prevention is Greenspan Student Voice of Mental area, for example, the nonprofit Elyssa’s money. something you want to pursue as a career, Health Award is the most notable Mission provides high schools with a

38 | The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach | 39 Scholarships Offer Survivors Chance to Become Scholars (Originally Published 9/6/12)

By Michelle Showalter

s we approach the 11th anniversary of provides eligible families with education nearly 25 years earlier, created the Phoenix According to the Campaign to End Child the September 11th terrorist attacks assistance through the year 2030. Visit the Education Grant, the first national scholarship Homelessness, 1 in every 45 children goes to A that shocked the world on a sunny Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund endowment for students who are burn sleep without a home of his or her own each morning in 2001, we remember all who died website to learn more and to meet a few of the survivors. Scholarships are based on academic year. Homeless children face deep barriers that day and in the days that followed. And we more than 1,900 students who have received ability, responses to four essay questions, to success at school, including deep poverty also remember the family members who were funds so far. reference letters, and financial need. and high mobility, making attending and left with only the memories of their loved ones, succeeding in school extremely challenging. and the victims who sustained injuries and Similar to the Families of Freedom Scholarship Students who receive the scholarship are also survived. Fund, the Twin Towers Orphan Fund provides encouraged to pay it forward by helping other The National Association for the Education educational and welfare assistance to children burn-injured students and contributing to the of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY)’s In honor of the thousands of people whose who lost one or both parents during the scholarship fund when they are established LeTendre Education Fund provides lives were changed so dramatically 11 years terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2011. and able to do so. Though this year’s deadline assistance to students who have overcome the ago, we’ve compiled a list of scholarships has passed, visit the Phoenix Society for odds and not only graduated from high school, for those affected by tragedies, including The mission of the organization is to provide Burn Survivors website to learn how to apply but also wish to pursue a college education. 9/11—because we believe that a tragic life long-term higher educational assistance and next year. event should not keep you from attaining your mental and physical healthcare assistance for A minimum of two $2,000 scholarships are dreams. children who lost parents during the attacks In order to provide scholarship funds to young awarded each year to students who are on the World Trade Center, at the Pentagon, or victims or victim survivors of violent crime, the homeless or who have been homeless during We’ve featured this scholarship before, but onboard the four downed airliners, as well as Crime Victims United Charitable Foundation their K-12 school attendance, and who have if you are a dependent of someone who was to children of victims of future terrorist attacks. instituted the Catina Rose Memorial demonstrated average or higher-than-average killed or permanently disabled as a result of the The scholarships can be used for tuition Scholarship, the only scholarship of its kind. achievement. This year’s application is due on 9/11 attacks, Scholarship America’s Families assistance, room and board support, books As its website states, the foundation believes Sept. 10, 2012, so there’s still time to apply. of Freedom Scholarship Fund is the first place and supplies at accredited two- and four-year that victims of crimes, who often struggle you should turn to for help with paying for colleges and universities and recognized trade to put their lives back together and regain a college. schools. sense of dignity, deserve to be encouraged and rewarded for beating the odds. The Created along with Lumina Foundation, In 2001, Barbara Kammerer Quayle, a teacher foundation does this by providing scholarships the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund who was burned in an automobile accident to survivors.

40 | The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach | 41 For plenty of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and Show College Pride with transgender students, college is much These LGBT Scholarships more than just an opportunity for higher (Originally Published 10/11/12) education—it’s a safe place to express your pride, embrace your identity, and find By Matt Konrad a community.

or plenty of lesbian, gay, bisexual, The LEAGUE Foundation also provides provide an excellent local high school seniors “who AISES members pursuing and transgender students, college is scholarships to students anywhere in the and regional scholarship have shown exceptional degrees in computer F much more than just an opportunity United States. Graduating high school seniors resource. Its LGBT Student leadership, courage, and science, computer for higher education—it’s a safe place to who identify as LGBT can submit a single Scholarship Database achievement” during their engineering, and related express your pride, embrace your identity, application to be considered for the LEAGUE allows you to search for academic careers. programming fields. and find a community. Since today is National Foundation Scholarships, the Matthew state, local, and college- Those eligible for the Coming Out Day, we wanted to look at a few Shepard Memorial Scholarship, and the Laurel specific scholarship Finally, don’t forget to $10,000 award must have a scholarships that can help LGBT students pay Hester Memorial Scholarship, and awards have programs designed for check out scholarships for cumulative GPA of at least for higher education. ranged from $1,500 to $2,500. LGBT students. It’s not an LGBT students within your 3.0 (out of 4.0) and be a exhaustive list, but it will personal areas of interest full-time undergrad or grad Established in 2001, the Point Foundation Though they’re a national advocacy provide you with a lot of and expertise. In addition to student at an accredited has become a major funder of scholarships organization with some wide-ranging opportunities you may not the general awards above, four-year college or in their for LGBT students across the nation. Point scholarships, Parents, Families and Friends find otherwise, especially there are LGBT-focused second year at a two-year Foundation scholarships are awarded to of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) also provides if you’re planning to go to awards for everything from college leading to a four-year students at all levels of college, graduate, and plenty of financial aid on a local level through college out of state. journalism to aviation degree. In addition, eligible postgraduate education, and are designed their dozens of state and local chapters. You to sports. Wherever your students must be at least a “to nurture the LGBTQ leaders of the next can check out last year’s national winners If you happen to live in college career and your current college sophomore generation.” (Check out their alumni page and bookmark their site for information about New York, New Jersey, or interests take you, these or higher. Last known for a good idea of the kind of students they’re the 2013 program. Connecticut, you’re eligible scholarships can help you deadline: Feb. 29, 2012. looking for.) for one of the largest local take the first step. To learn about local chapters—many of which LGBT awards: Live Out Award amounts are determined based on provide scholarships ranging up to $2,500— Loud, best known for 4. The American Indian need; according to FinAid.org, they range from check the PFLAG Community website. their Homecoming Project Science and Engineering $5,000 up to $28,000. Applications for 2013 mentoring program, also Society offers the AISES will be available November 1, so don’t miss out Like PFLAG, the Human Rights Campaign awards five annualYoung Google Scholarship to on this excellent opportunity. has been a tireless advocate for LGBT issues Trailblazers scholarships, American Indian, Alaska for decades, and it’s no surprise that they worth $5,000, to graduating Native, and Native Hawaiian

42 | The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach | 43 Explore Scholarships for Scouts (Originally Published 11/15/12)

By Janine Fugate

o matter what your unique passion Eagle Scouts who are active members member of a Boy Scout Legion post, Auxiliary unit, options at the national, may be, there is likely to be a of a synagogue may be eligible for the troop, Varsity Scout team, or Sons of The American state, and local levels, N scholarship out there focused on it. National Jewish Committee on Scouting or Venturing Crew. Legion squadron, or being and the Girl Scouts of Take Scouting, for example: If you’ve spent Eagle Scout Scholarship Programs. The Scholarship awards the son or grandson of a the USA offers both an years reciting the Scout Oath or The Girl National Jewish Committee on Scouting may be used to attend Legionnaire or Auxiliary online scholarship search Scout Promise, there are many opportunities awards five scholarships each year; two of any accredited college, member. The deadline and a college planning to apply for funding to help you achieve your the five scholarships require recipients to university, or school for nomination for the resources page that academic goals. demonstrate financial need as well as merit. selected by the student. scholarship is March 1, recommends starting to Applications must be 2013. plan as early as middle A wards for Eagle Scouts If you’ve spent years received by Feb. 28, 2013, school. and recipients will be No matter what According to the Boy Scouts of America reciting the Scout Oath or notified in early May 2013. The scholarship awards your unique range from $250 (one-time (BSA), “dozens of universities, BSA local The Girl Scout Promise, councils, and religious, civic and military The American Legion also passion may be, award) to $59,200 ($14,800 organizations” offer scholarships to Eagle there are many opportunities supports Eagle Scouts. At renewable for up to four Scouts. to apply for funding to their national convention, there is likely to years). Most are institution- they honor the Eagle Scout be a scholarship based, so be sure to search The National Eagle Scout Association help you achieve your of the Year with a for each college you’re awards 150 scholarships annually, ranging academic goals. $10,000 scholarship. Three out there focused interested in attending to from $1,000 to $50,000, to eligible Eagle runners-up each receive on it. see whether they offer a Scouts. Scholarships are for tuition, room, $2,500. Girl Scout scholarship. board, and books only, and are limited to All five scholarships—ranging from $500 Criteria and deadlines vary. use at a four-year accredited college or to $4,000—require applicants to have Qualifications include Get funding for university. The deadline for Eagle Scouts to demonstrated practical citizenship in his being a registered, active Girl Scouts apply for both NESA Merit and Academic synagogue, school, Scouting unit, and member of a Boy Scout community; be enrolled in an accredited Troop; Varsity Scout Scholarships is Dec. 31, 2012; recipients will Girl Scouts also have a high school and in his final year at time team; or Venturing Crew be notified by July 15, 2013. wide variety of scholarship of selection; and be a registered, active chartered to an American

44 | The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach | 45 seniors or college students intending to famous for his “Last Lecture,” these pursue a major and career involving the scholarships are given to support students game industry. pursuing the development of interactive entertainment. Check Out 6 Scholarships for The Twitch & Alienware Scholarship Program brought to you by SteelSeries also awarded its first scholarships this year. The The Twitch & Alienware Gamers program provided five $10,000 scholarships Scholarship requires (Originally Published 11/1/12) to college students across the country, and will be open again for the 2013 school year. demonstrated achievement in the classroom—and on By Matt Konrad Sponsored by online gaming site Twitch, hardware manufacturer Alienware, and your favorite game, whether accessory maker SteelSeries, the Twitch & it’s Halo or Mario Kart. Alienware Scholarship requires demonstrated achievement in the classroom—and on your Beyond that, your interests favorite game, whether it’s Halo or Mario can lie anywhere; Kelli imes have changed in the last 20 Applicants need to be current college Kart. Beyond that, your interests can lie years for students who love video students with a minimum 3.3 GPA (on a anywhere; Kelli Dunlap, winner of one of the Dunlap, winner of one of the T games. In 1994, the classic college 4.0 scale), and applications are typically five 2012 awards, is working on a graduate five 2012 awards, is working comedy film PCU joked about the absurdity available starting in March or April. thesis about the impact of gaming on of being able to “major in Gameboy;” now, different personality types. on a graduate thesis about less than two decades later, gaming can the impact of gaming on mean real money for your college education. Whether you’re a player, Since 2008, the Sony Online Entertainment an aspiring developer, or a (SOE) G.I.R.L. Scholarship Program has different personality types. Whether you’re a player, an aspiring been awarding scholarships for careers in developer, or a student of gaming culture, student of gaming culture, video game development and design. The there are scholarships out there for you. As there are scholarships out scholarship was created to encourage young The Academy also awards two Mark cities and libraries around the world prepare women interested in the game industry, but Beaumont Scholarships, in memory of to celebrate International Games Day on there for you. both men and women are eligible to apply. the former COO of Capcom. Beaumont November 3, here are some opportunities to One annual winner receives a $10,000 award Scholarships are intended specifically for be aware of in the coming year. Like Penny Arcade, the online fighting game and an optional 10-week paid internship at students pursuing the business side of community at Shoryuken.com is turning one of SOE’s studios. The application for the gaming (executive leadership, entertainment The long-running webcomic Penny Arcade, some of its profits into scholarship funds. G.I.R.L. program opens in February and has law, and other careers). Both programs are which features the (often profane) adventures Proceeds from the pay-per-view broadcast a late-March deadline; finalists are asked to scheduled to open again in March 2013. of a pair of game-loving main characters, of their signature Evo Championship Series write an essay and submit concept art based also established one of the earliest video- game tournament were used to create on an SOE game, so if you’re considering No matter where a gaming career may take game-specific scholarship programs. Each the Evo College Scholarship, which was applying, now would be a good time to start you, these scholarships can help you get year since 2007, a $10,000 Penny Arcade awarded last week. sketching! started—even if you can’t actually major in Scholarship has been awarded to “the Last but not least, the prestigious Academy GameBoy. student who shows the most potential Thanks to higher-than-anticipated of Interactive Arts and Sciences awards to positively impact the game industry,” viewership, they were able to award two four $2,500 scholarships each year. Two of and previous winners have specialized $10,000 scholarship awards as well as a the awards are given under the auspices of in everything from game design to visual $500 creative grant. Applicants for this the Randy Pausch Scholarship Fund; named cognition. year’s award were required to be high school for the late computer science professor

46 | The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach | 47 Oklahoma, and the Gregory A. Chaillé Public year of public service anywhere in the world,” Service Scholarship Fund offers a $5,000 helping public service-minded grads pursue scholarship to public service grad students their passion before moving onto further in Oregon. To find out about opportunities in education or the workforce. Public Service Pays Off With your home state, check with its Department of Education and state and local community The award’s namesake, a former president and funds. CEO of the New England Electrical System, had These Scholarships such an experience teaching in Nigeria; award winners for 2012 are pursuing varied passions, (Originally Published 6/21/12) As you’d expect in the from teaching dance to immigrant students public service sector, there in New York to investing in West African By Matt Konrad are a number of federal agribusinesses. programs that can help Last but not least, grads who are moving onto law school and willing to commit to a career in keep your debt down. Loan public interest law can find scholarships across forgiveness plans for public the nation. On the West Coast, the University of n June 23, the United Nations will student loans to be forgiven after that period. Washington School of Law awards fiveW illiam observe its 9th annual Public Service In addition, if you decide to go into teaching, servants began in 2007, and H. Gates Public Interest Law Scholarships O Day. In the words of Secretary your work in public schools can mean if you’re serious about a each year; recipients receive a full-ride General Ban Ki-moon, the honorees at this additional loan forgiveness: up to 30 percent scholarship and must commit to five years of year’s event in Tanzania are public servants of a Perkins Loan and up to $17,500 toward long-term commitment to a public service work after graduation. and groups who “embody the essential a Stafford Loan. For funding during or shortly public service career, they On the East Coast, the Boston College School building blocks of good governance: integrity, after your college career, check out the of Law’s Public Service Scholarship provides citizen participation, respect for diversity and Partnership for Public Service Fellowship. can pay off. a similar level of funding and commitment, gender equality, and effective knowledge The partnership is a nonprofit that works and New York University’s Public Interest Law management.” These are great guidelines for closely with the federal government; this Center awards the prestigious Root-Tilden- students, too, and if you’re aspiring to a career fellowship provides a stipend ($800 per month A public service career tends to go hand in Kern Public Interest Scholarship along with in the public service sector, there are plenty for undergrads and $1,000 per month for those hand with a community service background, several others. Of course, those programs are of scholarship, fellowship, and financial aid with undergraduate or graduate degrees), and that can mean more scholarship just the tip of the iceberg; make sure to check opportunities for you. as well as the opportunity to work in its opportunities. In addition to the community with your own admissions office to find out Washington, D.C., office and learn the public service scholarships we’ve looked at before, what’s out there for you. As you’d expect in the public service sector, service ropes. you should take a look at the Bonner Scholars there are a number of federal programs Program, which operates at more than 20 that can help keep your debt down. Loan For general scholarship assistance, many colleges and universities around the country. forgiveness plans for public servants began in of the public service awards you’ll find are The Bonner mission is “access to education, 2007, and if you’re serious about a long-term community- or state-based. The Senator opportunities to serve,” and this unique commitment to a public service career, they Robert J. Dole Public Service Scholarship, program provides financial aid to college can pay off. for example, provides $1,000 awards to students who commit to volunteering in their students who attend both high school and campus community. Graduates who make 10 years worth of college in Kansas. There’s also a great scholarship opportunity monthly payments on federal student loans, open to a few worthy recipients after and who work full-time for a government Similarly, the George and Donna Nigh graduation: The Samuel Huntington Public organization or a nonprofit providing public Public Service Scholarship awards provide Service Award “provides a $10,000 stipend service, are eligible for the remainder of their assistance to aspiring public servants in for a graduating college senior to pursue one

48 | The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach The Scholarship Coach / Vol 4 / Scholarship America / usnews.com/blogs/the-scholarship-coach | 49 Students must be an additional $15,000 in Awards (September 2013), nominated by a non- the national competition. and the Heart of America relative familiar with their The application period Christopher Reeve Award Scholarships for Volunteers volunteer work. The is currently closed, but (September 2013). application deadline is April check back next year for Finally, check the 30, 2013, but you’ll want more details about this websites of the specific Reward Students Who Give Back to get started with your opportunity. colleges to which you’re (Originally Published 12/6/12) community service project applying, as many of now. them offer scholarships Being a volunteer for volunteerism. We also By Rebecca McCrory The AXA Achievement is a huge asset recommend checking if Community Scholarship your college participates Program is also currently when applying to in the Bonner Scholars accepting applicants. college. It sets Program, which allows This program awards students with demonstrated up to twelve $2,000 you apart from financial need to participate e all know that colleges look at based on a combination of academics and scholarships per AXA other students in community service adviser branch, meaning as their work-study more than just your GPA and SAT volunteerism. and displays W score when deciding whether there are more than 300 opportunity. or not to admit you. Being a volunteer is a Plus, you can also apply for Scholarship scholarships available to dedication to and huge asset when applying to college. It sets America’s national Volunteer of the Year students involved in their Whether you’ve started you apart from other students and displays Award through your local chapter. Local communities. involvement in your own volunteer dedication to and involvement in your winners receive a $500 scholarship, and the your community. organization or you only community. top 10 applicants are automatically entered To be eligible, you volunteer once a week, to win the national Volunteer of the Year must show ambition there are scholarships out Plus, there are personal benefits to Award from Scholarship America, worth and motivation through Plenty of other volunteer- there to reward you for all volunteering. Not only does it make you feel $2,000. community involvement oriented scholarships your hard work. Start your good to have an impact on your community, and leadership. The are also opening soon. search now and keep giving but you may also be rewarded with one These two scholarships result in a total application deadline is The Lowe’s Scholarship back to the world! of the many scholarships available to of $2,500, which can make a dent in your February 1, or whenever is open for applications volunteers. college expenses. The program opens in the program receives December 15, and awards early 2013; contact your local Dollars for 10,000 applications—so the 140 scholarships worth Whether you’re just starting your college Scholars chapter for more information. earlier you apply the better. $2,500 each to high search or are already in college, there school seniors who display are tons of scholarships for volunteers After starting local, widen your search to AXA Equitable also community involvement like you. And after you’ve read through national scholarships, such as the Gloria sponsors the AXA and leadership. the scholarships featured below, be sure Barron Prize for Young Heroes, which Achievement Scholarship, to check out our previous post about recognizes outstanding community service in partnership with Other scholarships to look scholarships for volunteers. efforts and youth leadership. Twenty-five Scholarship America and in for later in the year include leaders, ages 8 to 18, will be recognized; association with U.S. News, the Target All-Around The first place you should start is with 10 winners will receive $2,500 each, which awarding a renewable Scholarship (to request your local Scholarship America Dollars for can either go to their service project or the $10,000 scholarship to an application, call 1-800- Scholars chapter. Many of the 1,000 winner’s education. each state winner with 316-6142), the Prudential nationwide chapters offer scholarships the potential of winning Spirit of Community

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By Emily Payzant

ids of all ages do so many great in grades K through 12. All you have to do is enthusiasm for community service and receive up to a $2,000 savings bond. You have things for our world—from donating draw your own Google logo, and the winner leadership awards. There’s no better way to until February 2013 to apply. K lemonade stand proceeds to their receives a $15,000 college scholarship, a earn money for college than by giving back to favorite causes to making their communities trip to the New York Google office, a laptop the community that helped make you who you If reading and writing are your strong suits, greener places to live—that the United computer, and a digital tablet. are today. The Prudential Spirit of Community enter the ArtLit Competition. This competition Nations decided to dedicate an entire day to Award recognizes students in grades 5 through is open to all teenagers and requires writing an celebrating, promoting, and encouraging the 12 who engage in volunteer activities and have essay on one of a few specific novels. Winners positive impact that youth have in the world. You don’t have to be a senior demonstrated exceptional community service. receive up to a $1,500 scholarship. National winners receive a $5,000 award. The August 12 marks this year’s International in high school to apply for deadline for this award is in October. Finally, declare your love of our great nation by Youth Day, and the theme, “Building a Better these scholarships; in fact, entering the Patriot’s Pen Award, an essay World: Partnering With Youth,” is a call to contest for middle schoolers sponsored by the action and a reminder of what kids can do for scholarship opportunities Whether your niche is art, VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars). The student the world today. start for kids as young science, community service, who composes the best essay with a patriotic theme receives a $10,000 savings bond; the top In honor of International Youth Day, we’ve as kindergarten. or writing, channel your 28 patriotic essays also receive a savings bond dug up a few fun and creative scholarship creativity and it may just turn ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. The deadline opportunities that are exclusively for kids. Few kids would scoff at the chance to eat a for this contest is November 1. You don’t have to be a senior in high school peanut butter sandwich. Did you know that you into money for college! to apply for these scholarships; in fact, can earn scholarship money just for making So no matter your age or your interests, you scholarship opportunities start for kids as a creative sandwich? Enter the Jif® Most Lots of kids get a kick out of solving interesting can receive money for college. It’s never young as kindergarten. Whether your niche Creative Peanut Butter Sandwich Contest™ problems with science and math. If this sounds too early to start applying and looking into is art, science, community service, or writing, for a chance to earn up to $25,000 for your like you, check out the Christopher Columbus creative outlets that can result in money for channel your creativity and it may just turn into scholarship fund. This contest is open to ages Community Service Award, which honors education. From design to drawing to sandwich money for college! 6 to 12, and you have until November to enter. students who use science and technology to engineering, there is most likely a scholarship solve real-world issues. This award is open to out there for everyone. Happy International If you have a flare for the arts, check out the As a recipient of a community service students in grades 6 through 8 and winners Youth Day! Doodle 4 Google Scholarship, open to kids scholarship myself, I have a special

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