Guest Blog by Katie Heino, Senior, Alverno College

Ever wonder how you can make a difference in the world, but maybe you feel like you’re too young or do not have enough experience?  Well think again, because this is the perfect time to participate in programs that will help you to learn more about potential career interests.

Whether you are a freshman in high school or a senior excitedly awaiting graduation, there are so many opportunities to get involved, especially in extracurricular activities.  In recent years, high schools have been modifying their curriculum to provide more science and technology programs.  In addition to these courses, students have the option to participate in robotics, engineering, and other clubs that ultimately strengthen their critical thinking, problem solving, and team work skills. 

The following programs are examples of those that offer students the opportunity to explore potential career interests in science and technology:

1. Do you ever find yourself digging out a telescope on clear nights and looking up into space with fascination? If you answered “yes,” visit  http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/9-12/index.html, where you will find innovative programs, like DEVELOP. This program offers students the chance to work with professionals on an Earth science research project. If you’re interested the application deadline for this program is February 28th.  In addition, check out other career building options, such as internships and summer camps.
2.  If you are energy savvy and passionate about reducing your carbon foot print, then a career in alternative energy might catch your interest. Visit thehttp://www.johnsoncontrols.com/publish/us/en/products/building_efficiency/market/k-12/igniting_creative.html to learn about student scholarship programs, like The Igniting Creative Energy Challenge, which offers students the chance to share their innovative energy ideas through creative submissions which are considered for a scholarship.  Early bird deadline is February 18, standard deadline is March 4.

Keep in mind, any extracurricular activity you participate in represents your willingness and initiative to learn beyond the four walls of a classroom, and this is a plus, when it comes to applying for scholarships, higher education, and even a future job.

Here is a list of scholarship providers that I met while attending the National Scholarship Providers conference.  You will notice the diversity of the providers.  Even if these aren’t a match for you personally, I hope it inspires you to get creative when searching for scholarships.

American Library Association (ALA)  –http://www.ala.org/ala/educationcareers/scholarships/index.cfm (Want to be a librarian?  Scholarships for earning your master’s degree in library and information science. Check them out.)

Bright Prospect – www.brightprospect.org (“posse” system for attending college, based in California)

Charlie Wootan Grant – http://www.aie.org/wootan/ (For low-income students – application process not until 2011, but bookmark the page now)

Evan Scholars Foundation  – http://www.wgaesf.org (I have written about them before…scholarships for golf caddies)

Greenhouse Scholars – www.greenhousescholars.org (for under-resourced students in the Colorado area)

Hispanic Scholarship Fund – www.hsf.net (aggressive goal to have a college degree in every Latino household)

Junior Achievement – www.ja.org (chapters around the world, some have scholarships – and, involvement in JA can build the skills that lead to other scholarships…)

National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation – www.nraef.org(variety of scholarships for students in culinary arts)

National Society of Collegiate Scholars – www.nscs.org (I was a panelist at their annual conference a few years ago – very bright, energetic group of members)

Pride Foundation – www.pridefoundation.org (scholarships to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and straight-ally leaders and role models from Alaska, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Washington)

The Washboard.org – www.thewashboard.org (actually a ‘smarter’ listing of scholarship matches, provided for students in Washington state)

Tourism Cares – www.tourismcares.org (from the tourism industry: to preserve the travel experience for future generations – who knew?)

The 10/20 Project – www.the1020project.org (not quite a scholarship, I admit, but a chance to support homeless people who could possibly be on the path to higher education after they get themselves situated…)

The Terry Foundation – www.terryfoundation.org (Winner of the National Scholarship Provider of the Year Award! – Congratulations!)

Don’t see a scholarship for you?  Look at the list and think about similar organizations that might be located in your city or town. Do your research locally and you’ll be amazed at what you find!  Good luck!

The Scholarship Lady

Guest Blogger Katie:

In today’s economy, finding scholarships can be a challenging task.
If you are planning your last year of high school, or your fall semester in college, then you are probably asking yourself, “What are my plans this summer to pay for my college expenses?” As a student, particularly in today’s uncertain economy, you will be forced to think outside of the box, in order to find scholarships, to build upon your resume, and to find job opportunities.
Here are a few tips that will point you in the right direction.

1. Visit job fairs. Some high schools and colleges host their own job fairs to help students learn more about employers and available positions. Keep in mind that some companies encourage their employees to embrace higher education by offering scholarships. For example, Culver’s offers its VIP Scholarship Program to its employees.

2. Volunteer. Although not a paid position, volunteering can provide endless opportunities that will “pay off” in the future. More scholarship providers are asking questions like, “Do you have any volunteer experience?” Make sure that you have an answer to this question. If your answer is “no,” don’t worry. You still have time to pursue these opportunities. There are plenty of organizations, like the American Red Cross (www.redcrossyouth.org), that offer a variety of programs based on your interests.

3. Network. You have to do your research and sometimes that means just bringing it up in conversation. It is amazing what you can learn by meeting new people through networking. For example, I recently learned about the organization, AmeriCorp, and how it provides individuals with the chance to make a difference and at the same time raise money for their education. You can learn more about this organization by visiting www.americorps.gov.
Stand out among your scholarship competitors by spending your summer planning your future.

As a special tribute to parents, our team compiled this list of parent-focused resources and websites to help you help your sons and daughters.   (Alert:  The Scholarship Lady is not an employee or affiliate of any of these organizations.  I am merely providing these as an informational resource.)   Check out these resources:

College Parents of America is a membership organization that provides good advice and insight into college preparation and college success strategies for families.  Go here:

http://www.collegeparents.org/cpa/index.html

This one’s a link to over 40 other links useful for parents. It includes links on financial aid/scholarships, where to find cheap textbooks, career advice, and discount deals for students.  The Scholarship Lady was interviewed for one of their articles.

http://www.wisebread.com/college/college-resources

This site offers a wealth of articles from college parents who share their experiences with other parents. It also contains short videos to watch, a blog, and a “pick of the month” link to an e-book course on money management.

http://collegetipsforparents.org/

College Parenting is a free magazine that parents can subscribe to. They can pull up an e-version of the magazine to flip through, and the site contains several links to campus life information and scholarships.

http://www.collegeparenting.com/

This is another site, geared toward parents, that offers online, specialized guides on specific universities.

http://www.universityparent.com/

A section of CollegeBoard.com is designed specifically for parents. It provides links to scholarship sites and offers a free e-newsletter to parents.

http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/

This is a mental health guide for parents to refer to while their student is in college. Parents can quickly find a doctor located near their student and may join an online discussion forum regarding college health and wellness.

http://www.revolutionhealth.com/conditions/mental-behavioral-health/college-health/parents/mental-health

This one is a section of the U.S. Department of Education site designed just for parents. It includes access to an archive of “Education News Parents Can Use,” videos dating back to 2002. In addition, the site gives links to financial aid/scholarship sites, FAQs, and tips for parents. http://www.ed.gov/parents/landing.jhtml?src=ln

Do you want to know how to blow past your competition on the scholarship trail?  Go beyond the Internet!Last night I co-presented a Scholarships 101 workshop for parents and I shared my four strategies for scholarship searches:  online, in print, word-of-mouth, and self-promotion. 

Most students will look at a few websites or log into a scholarship search site, perhaps even tack on a trip to the counselor’s office to grab “the list of scholarships” but that’s it.  The problem with that approach is that all of your competition is doing the exact same thing.

Yes, start on the Internet but to craft a better list of matching scholarships, you should do extensive keywords searches in multiple categories.  For instance, yesterday I found eight scholarships awarded by restaurants.  (see my post at the blog www.morethanatestscore.com) You could also search department stores, sports teams, etc.  Think of any major retail segment and chances are they award scholarships.  Think beyond the Internet, though.

Next, really look at printed resources.  Why?  Because your competition isn’t!  Have you dug up last year’s graduation bulletin?  Sometimes they list which students won which scholarships.  Have you read the local newspaper?  That’s where small civic groups will make their application announcements and showcase picutres from their fundraisers.  Those fundraisers are often for scholarship programs! The small local scholarships aren’t likely to appear on the evening news and they aren’t on MySpace, Facebook or Twitter.  Check newspapers, graduation bulletins, old school newsletters, community boards at the library or grocery store, etc.  Paper is your scholarship friend.

Don’t stop there, we’re just getting started! Did you ever “hear about” that scholarship for grocery store workers?  Caddies?  Duck calling?  Word-of-mouth can be a very powerful tool in opening up opportunities that are specific to your personal profile and experiences.  Most parents like to brag about their kids so this would be a good time to let folks know that you need money for college.  In my former job I helped research more than 700 local scholarships and today, even though I thought we uncovered them all, I still hear about new ones.  The only problem with word-of-mouth is consistency and quality of information.  Did you hear about that scholarship for the children of left-handed authors with brown eyes who are scholarship experts?  For real.  Sara’s mom’s trainer told her about it…     With word-of-mouth always find the original source!

Yes, I gave you permission to brag but as I mention in my book, do so with a dose of humility – especially if you are going to engage in blatant self-promotion.  Self-promotion means that you are actively providing your teachers, mentors, coaches, neighbors, employers, family members, friends, and faith leaders with your scholarship resume so they can be aware of your scholarship-worthiness.   You might think that everyone knows how fabulous you are but maybe they don’t.  Or maybe they don’t have specifics.  If they know a little bit more about you, they are more likely to help you or think of you if they are connected to scholarship sources or information.

Searching for scholarships can be time consuming but contrast that with how long you might be paying off student loans and those hours are a bargain!  More later.  Happy searching,

The Scholarship Lady

P.S.  Get all my tips here: Scholarships 101:  The Real-World Guide to Getting Cash for College

Since this is peak season, I’m providing this uber-rich resource reminder.  Some of THE BEST scholarship advice is provided at my Blogtalkradio show in interviews with the experts.  It’s all free for download or you can listen to the archives. 

Past Shows: (click on the link)

Summer of Scholarships – how to use your summer to become scholarship-worthy - “Between the beach and the ball field is there any time left for preparing for college?”  Advice direct from The Scholarship Lady

Surfing for Scholarships with Guest Christopher Penn  – Learn how you can use Google to maximize or enhance your scholarship search. Guest is a financial aid expert, blogger, podcaster and representative from the Student Loan Network

Opportunity Knocking -   Joe Tavares from Center for Student Opportunity talks about their new book for low-income, minority, and first-generation students and which colleges treat them well.

Getting in without freaking out -  Stop the Stress!  get tips from Arlene Mathews, college planning consultant, about the admissions process

Free Help with Finanical Aid – Filling out the FAFSA – Director of College Goals Sunday shares her advice and places you can go to get help

College Matchmakers:  Zinch.com – Why wait for colleges to respond?  Get recruited by colleges that are looking for students exactly like you.  Here about this new free service for students.

Coming up – Interview with Kevin Ladd of Scholarships.com – Mark your calendar for Tuesday, February 17th at 3 pm CST at my radio show.

Do you want to know what breaks my heart?  When highly qualified students contact me  – in a panic – in August and ask me if I know of any scholarships because their tuition is due in a week.  ugh.  I can feel the pain.

If you are not aware, NOW is the time to apply for most scholarships if you need money for fall college enrollment.  January, February and March have more scholarship deadlines than other times of the year.  Why?  Because the scholarship providers need time to review the applications and make their decisions before school’s out.  Students want to know before they head off to college how much money they have to help pay the bills.  This timing also coincides with preferred financial aid deadlines at many colleges.

If you haven’t started applying for scholarships yet, don’t wait or you will miss out on the money!

If you need a tool to help you, please get my book, Scholarships 101:  The Real-World Guide to Getting Cash for College.  It’s full of street-smart advice, organizational tools and time-saving tips.  C’mon, all the cool kids are doing it.  

Whew.  I’m tired.  I was in Indianapolis last week at the National Scholarship Providers Association where I gave two presentations:  “Scholarships 101 for Counselors” and “More Than Money:  Creating Value-Added Scholarship Programs.”  While I was on the agenda to share information from my book and from my consulting work I LEARNED so much from all of the other professionals there.   I had personal conversations with Mark Kantrowitz from www.Finaid.org, Kevin and Dan from www.scholarships.com, Mick and Dave fromwww.zinch.com, and dozens of other professionals.

Here is what you should know:

• The student loan market is volatile right now and several lenders have pulled out or created more stringent lending guidelines.  This will affect people with lower credit scores more than people with high credit scores.  Read a good explanation at www.finaid.org/creditcrisis and go to the bottom of the article for a real-world summary.
• The best scholarship search sites have strong relationships with funders and they actively recruit scholarship sponsors to post on their site, instead of relying on a generic database.  This is a lot of extra work for them but it provides better information for you the student.  Scholarships.com has done this.
• Getting colleges to understand the full background of a student is very difficult through a typical paper or online application.   Using photos, pdfs, audio or videos can provide colleges with a glimpse of the real you.  Through the online profile functions at www.zinch.com you can upload all of your details and then colleges (more than 600 of them) can check you out.  The bonus?  It’s free to you, with little-to-no ads, except ads for scholarships!

I learned much more that I will share in another post.  Good luck!