Sara Stadem | Editor
For many, November is a time of giving, celebrating Thanksgiving, and a time with family and friends but November is also known as National Scholarship Month. Some may find this time exciting to plan for a future and for others, it may be overwhelming and stressful.
The West Central High School Counselor, Amy Lupkes, and the Tri-Valley 7-12 School Counselor, Sheri Booze, have taken the time to shed some light on the scholarship process.
Q: When should students start applying for scholarships?
A: Booze – I encourage students to begin looking into scholarships in 8th grade; however, most of the applying will not occur until their junior/senior year depending on the scholarship.
A: Lupkes – It really depends on the scholarships – when they become available; if they are specific for a certain year. But I encourage students to start becoming aware of them their junior year. Most will apply for their senior year.
Q: How do students go about applying for scholarships?
A: Lupkes – Scholarships come from colleges, specific businesses, specific organizations, individuals, etc. A lot of scholarships are on-line.
A: Booze – Most scholarships are applied for on-line.
Q: What resources are there for students to find scholarships they might be eligible for?
A: Lupkes – For West Central, any scholarship that comes across my desk or email I automatically forward it on to the students. I also have scholarship resources listed on my website – some of them are local or regional, some are national scholarship data bases. Students do need to take the initiative to look through the ones I send to see if they meet eligibility. National scholarship databases, such as Fastweb or Scholarship.com, have students answer some questions and create a profile. Then they are sent specific scholarships that match them to apply for.
A: Booze – There are several scholarship search engines that students can use – several are on my scholarship page. I also send out scholarship information through Google classroom to students and parents.
Q: What do parents need to know when it comes to the scholarship process?
A: Booze – Some students need a little push to get things done, they are so busy but it is worth their time to apply for scholarships.
A: Lupkes – Remind and encourage your child to be checking their emails! Spend 15-20 minutes several days of the week to apply for scholarships and it will pay off.
Q: What tips do you have for students and parents during this process?
A: Lupkes – The money is out there. But you have to do the work. Apply for every scholarship that you possibly can. Many times, students see a scholarship and feel it’s not worth their time (because of the amount or the fact they have to write an essay); but that’s the same thought process of most students. Therefore, every year scholarship money just sits out there. And even it’s just a $50 scholarship, it all adds up!
A: Booze – Get organized. Keep track of which scholarships you qualify for and what the criteria is for each scholarship, deadlines and make sure to meet those deadlines.
Q: Do you have any parent information meetings planned to explain information to parents?
A: Booze – This year we did not do a FAIN night but have every year prior to this year.
A: Lupkes – Every fall I have a presentation that all parents of juniors and seniors are invited to. One of the topics I touch on is scholarships and where to find that information. I also discuss this with students on several occasions.
For any students or parents that would like additional help with the scholarship process, both school counselors, Booze and Lupkes, explained they are available to assist with the process and answer any additional questions.