The re-entry resource program hosted a scholarship workshop on March 4 to teach students the basics about applying for scholarships.
The presentation covered topics like format basics, letter of recommendation, financial statement and writing and essay.
It helped and introduced students to money outside of the financial aid office because it does not look into the parent’s income but looks into the student’s academics so they can get awarded.
“There is a lot of money out there,” said Veronica Castro of the financial aid department, “you just need to look for it.”
Scholarships are found everywhere like the internet, library, bookstore, financial aid office, honor societies and by employers.
“I have seen Burger King and Avon offer scholarships,” Castro said.
The first thing every student needs to do is read and make sure they meet the criteria so that they do not get disqualified from the scholarship.
When filling out the application Castro advised the students to fill out the application in black ink or should type up the answers to make it look more professional.
Castro stated, “do not leave a question blank instead put ‘not applicable’ so it shows that you did read the question.”
“You must have the application in by the deadline but try to get it in a little sooner,” Castro said.
Many of the scholarships require a short essay so students can write about what the scholarship is asking for, can write about their family situation or can write about their GPA.
“The essay must be one page,” Castro continued, “they don’t want to know too much but just enough.”
If a student wants a teacher or an employer to write a letter of recommendation they should give them about a week or more to write their letter.
Castro stated, “I can help you with a letter of recommendation but go to someone who knows you better.”
Castro advised students to attach a thank you letter at the end of the application to just say thank you for your time.
“It’s like a bow to the application and makes it stand out,” Castro said.
It is important to apply for scholarships because a lot of the money is not being used.
“In our office $62,000 was not used and was just sitting there and it was not moving,” Castro said.
Students who want to find scholarships can also go to the Foundation Office located in school.
“Students who are lost always come to me and I give them a packet,” Castro said, “you kind of just have to help them get their feet wet.”
Castro warned that after submitting the application it is important for students to have patience because the process takes a while.
“If you do not get a scholarship, keep looking and don’t get discouraged,” Castro sated.
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