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Category: Scholarships

  • Scholarships: It’s Not Just About Academics Anymore

    Scholarships: It’s Not Just About Academics Anymore

    Scholarships: It’s Not Just About Academics Anymore

     Today’s tuition fees are higher than ever. Many students and parents alike scramble for ways to fund college and/or university education. While student loans are available throughout the country, the debt amount that students have to face after graduation is staggering. According to the Canadian Press, the current national average for student debt is $22,300.

    For this reason, if you are an aspiring college and/or university student, it is worthwhile to look into other resources as well, in order to avoid facing such enormous debt upon your graduation. One of the most popular ways to do that is to acquire scholarships. While it is very rare that scholarships will fund your entire school degree, they serve as a big help. In some cases, with a scholarship, you will only have to borrow the minimum amount of college/university loan, avoiding large debt in return.

    In days past, however, scholarships were mostly based on one’s academic performance. These days, there are a variety of ways to obtain a scholarship, and one doesn’t necessarily have to have straight As. This is definitely good news for those who excel in one particular subject but struggle with other subjects as everyone has their own learning abilities.

    For instance, a student who excels in the Arts may not always be good in Math or Science, while a student who has a flair for words may not be as learned in Physics or Algebra. With this scholarship awarding system in place, everyone who needs financial help for their education has a number of chances to get what they need.

    A look at other ways to earn scholarships:

    Essay writing contests

    Are you a wordsmith? If you are, try your hand at essay writing contests with organizations like the Fraser Institute that offer scholarships as the top prize, or at least cash prize that you can use for your schooling.

     Arts

     Those who excel in the Arts can look into scholarships and bursaries specifically for studying art-related courses and majors. For instance, the Arts Access Fund offers scholarships in visual art, drama, music, dance, and filmmaking.

    Company-sponsored scholarships

    Ask your parents if their respective employers offer scholarships to employees with college- or university-bound kids. Some well-known companies like Canadian Tire, Coca-Cola Canada, and PepsiCo Beverages Canada do offer help for employees who are sending kids off to college or university.

    Non-profit organizations

    There are tons of charities in Canada, and once in a while, some of them would offer deserving students a shot at winning a scholarship. Use your research skills and you will find some non-profit organizations which hold a fundraising event or campaign that will benefit students in need like you.

     Community centers

    Some community centers may have partnerships with other organizations or sometimes the educational institutions themselves and offer scholarships for students in need. It doesn’t hurt to ask your community centre about this.

    Now that you know about these options, good luck in your search!

    SOURCES:

     http://www.artsaccessfund.org/site/

     http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/careers/top-employers/scholarships-for-kids-matter-to-employees/article5432488/

     http://www.afpnet.org/Audiences/MemberNewsDetail.cfm?ItemNumber=17594

     http://www.studentscholarships.org/scholarship/8865/fraser_institute_student_essay_contest_scholarship.php

     http://www.canadian-universities.net/Scholarships/Visual-Arts.html

    http://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/n-b-student-alliance-urges-action-to-address-level-of-student-debt-1.2470177/

    http://www.scholarshipscanada.com/News/9/2973/It-s-Not-Just-About-Grades-Non-Academic-Awards/

    http://www.scholarshipscanada.com/News/ArticleProfile.aspx?SectionID=9&ID=1420

     

  • Money and You; What is Your Future Worth?

    Money and You; What is Your Future Worth?

    When I got my first job at the fast food restaurant, McDonalds, I was 14 years old. I was paid a “student wage” of $6.45 per hour. That may seem like nothing today, but when I was 14, it was everything. Labour laws and rules have changed for youth over the years, and now minimum wage is the law for all persons working in an establishment like McDonalds. Regardless of how ridiculous and unfair getting paid $6.45 per hour is, it was really important for me to earn that money. When I was on the school bus one day, I happened to have my bank statement in my hands; it read $1000.00. My friend looked up at me like I was the richest person in the world. I managed to keep earning money without spending it. I don’t know how or why, but I did. I think it was because at 14, I didn’t really understand how money could work for me. After I got off the bus that day, I went home and thought about all the things I could buy- big mistake! A few years later, when I was broke before going into university, I thought back to that day on the bus; if I kept saving the money I was making (even if it was $6.45 per hour), I would now be in a good place financially.

    You and your future are worth more than anything you could ever buy. It’s great to go to the movies, buy clothes and eat out. However, if you don’t start saving as soon as you get your first job, you might have regrets like I did. Relying on your parents for dough to get you through college and university is not the greatest feeling.

    Here is some advice and some tips to get you in the mindset of saving for your future:

    Open a Checking AND Savings account. You may already have a checking’s account at your local bank. Some youth are getting bank accounts as early as 5 years old (set up by parents, of course). Alongside your checking’s account, you should think about investing in a Savings account, too. So, when you get your paychecks from your job, you can budget yourself between play money and money for your Savings account. Make sure that you aren’t paying a high fee each month for your Savings account- some banks will charge this.

    Just because you take money out, doesn’t mean you have to spend it. If you take money out for play, it doesn’t mean that you have to use it. If you have something planned, you are obviously going to use it. However, if you are just taking it out as an allowance, you don’t have to spend it. Play a game with yourself; see how long you can keep your money in your pocket. Practice restraint. If you don’t spend your money for a week or two, put it back into your savings account and be proud of your accomplishment; some adults have a hard time doing this!

    Don’t tell anyone what you’re worth (or how much money you have in your account). Your earnings are your business alone. You don’t need to flash around how much money you have, or tell people how much money you don’t have. It creates an atmosphere of strange odds. If you have a bank full of savings and your friend doesn’t, your friend might feel unaccomplished and maybe, jealous. Instead, encourage your peers to join the working world and give them information on how they can get a job, too.

    Always search for alternative methods of earning money. If you have a job already, that is great. However, don’t stop there. To cushion yourself for the future, you should always keep in search of scholarships and bursaries. Between school and work, there may be an essay contest you could enter that could earn you some extra cash to put away. Or maybe there is a sports scholarship you could receive if you play on your school’s football team. There are always alternative ways of earning cash, other than your part-time job.

    There is a certain Buddhistic calm that comes from having….money in the bank. ~ Tom Robbins [1]

    Saving comes too late when you get to the bottom. ~ Seneca[2]

    Sources:

    [1] http://www.alwaysfrugal.com/saving-money.html

    [2] http://www.alwaysfrugal.com/saving-money.html

  • Scholarships of the Month: October 2015

    Scholarships of the Month: October 2015

    Loran Scholars

    Scholarship Value: $100,000

    Awards Available: 30

    Award Deadline: October 22, 2015

    The Loran Scholars Foundation identifies and supports exceptional young Canadians who demonstrate character, service and leadership. Since 1988, we have granted more than $26 million to over 2,300 students.

    Each year, we select the top 30 of approximately 3,500 applicants as Loran Scholars. Each scholar receives a renewable undergraduate award valued at up to $100,000, including mentorship and a summer program. Our 25 partner universities offer a matching tuition waiver and join us in stewarding Loran Scholars throughout their studies.

    Click on link for more information:

    http://loranscholar.ca/application-process/

     

     

    Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest

    Scholarship Value: $20,000

    Awards Available: 83

    Award Deadline: October 23, 2015

    Scholarship is open to students worldwide, except where void or prohibited by law. Essays must be written in English only.

    Click on this link for more information:

    https://www.aynrand.org/students/essay-contests#atlasshrugged-1

     

     

    SCHOLARSHIP DRAW

    Scholarship Value: $500

    Awards Available: 2

    Award Deadline: October 31, 2015

    “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance” Farmers Almanac 2001

    Nominations are accepted each year for the AGGA Scholarship Draw for secondary school students. Typically this award is in the amount of $500.00, and is awarded at the Annual Meeting in November. All nominations are checked for eligibility and once confirmed, are placed in a hat, and a name is drawn. Recently we have been able to award 2 scholarships each year, as our Foundation, which funds the scholarship, has earned enough interest in 1 year to do so.

    Follow link for details:

    http://agga.ca/about-agga-main/awards-menu#scholardraw

     

     

    Stokes Educational Scholarship Program

    Scholarship Value: $120,000

    Awards Available: 1

    Award Deadline: October 31, 2015

    The Stokes Educational Scholarship Program (formerly known as the Undergraduate Training Program) was proposed and introduced into legislation in 1986. Its purpose is to facilitate the recruitment of individuals, particularly minority high school students, who have demonstrated skills critical to NSA.

    Follow link for details: https://www.nsa.gov/careers/opportunities_4_u/students/stokes.shtml

     

     

    The Dalton Camp Award

    Scholarship Value: $10,000

    Awards Available: 2

    Award Deadline: November 15, 2015

    FRIENDS of Canadian Broadcasting announced The Dalton Camp Award in 2002 to honour the memory of Dalton Camp, a distinguished commentator on Canadian public affairs.

    The Dalton Camp Award will go to the winner or winners of an essay competition on the link between democracy and the media in Canada. In 2015, there will be one Award, open to all eligible entrants, consisting of a prize of $10,000, as well as a bronze cast medal by the late Canadian sculptress Dora de Pédèry-Hunt. In addition, a second Award consisting of a prize of $2,500 may be awarded, at the Selection Committee’s discretion, to the best essay by an entrant who is or was during the calendar year of the Award a student at a recognized post-secondary institution.

    Follow link: http://www.friends.ca/DCA/

     

     

    Angus Reid Forum Panel Contest

    Join your fellow Canadians on Angus Reid Forum, Canada’s leading online research community. Sign up now & you’ll have the chance to win $1000! As a member, you will earn between $1 and $5 Survey Dollars for every poll completed. Shape the decisions being made by organizations, government and companies throughout Canada! Show us some attitude and get rewarded for it!

    Award: $1000.00

    Follow link for details: https://www.angusreidforum.com/S.aspx?s=7209&r=3J0KU5DR7og6Jp7RL61P3P&so=true&a=9111&fromdetect=1

     

     

    The Morehead-Cain Scholarship

    The Morehead-Cain is a full merit scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It promises support for your four years of study at the University of North Carolina, including:

    • full tuition
    • student fees
    • housing
    • meals
    • books and a laptop
    • supplies and miscellaneous
    • a four-year Summer Enrichment Program made up of diverse, customized experiences that begin the summer before freshman year

    Discovery Funds to be used for educational pursuits outside of the classroom.

    Amount: $115,000

    Deadline: October 15, 2015

    Follow links for more details:

    http://www.moreheadcain.org/apply/

     

     

    #60SecondScholarship Contest Presented by yconic and Royal Bank of Canada®

    Via yconic

    The #60SecondScholarship Contest Presented by yconic and Royal Bank of Canada® (the “Scholarship Contest”) runs between September 8, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) and November 3, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. ET (the “Contest Period”). yconic Inc. is the sponsor of this Contest (the “Sponsor”). Royal Bank of Canada (“Royal Bank”) has funded the prize but is not otherwise associated with the administration or fulfillment of the Scholarship Contest. Each participant hereby agrees to release Royal Bank from any and all liability in connection with this Scholarship Contest.

    Amount: 1,500.00

    Follow link for application and awards info: https://yconic.com/program/60secondscholarship/rules

     

     

    Scotia Bank National Scholarship

    Via yconic

    Name of Scholarship: Scotiabank National Scholarship (the “Scholarship Program”)

    Number and Value of Scholarships Available:

    Five (5) Early Bird Prizes, valued at $1,000 CAD each (the “Prize”).

    One (1) Prize will be awarded for each of the following geographic areas:

    – The Rockies and the North (BC, YT, NT & NU)

    – The Prairies (AB, MB, SK)

    – Ontario (ON)

    – Quebec (QC)

    – Atlantic (NS, NL, PE & NB)

    Eighteen (18) Scholarships, valued at $2,500 CAD each (the “Scholarship”). Four (4) of these Scholarships will be reserved for international students.

    There is $50,000 in cash available to be awarded.

    Each Prize and/or Scholarship will be awarded to the drawn/selected recipient upon the Program Sponsors’ receipt of valid proof of eligibility.

    Follow link for details: https://yconic.com/program/scotiabank-national-scholarship/terms

     

     

    $500 “To My Past Self” Community Contest

    Via yconic

    With Happy Student New Year quickly approaching, we want to know what one piece of advice you would have given yourself 12 months ago to better get you through your last academic year.

    We’re looking for some inspirational advice that will help other students have an amazing 2015/16 Student New Year. Whether it’s “No matter how comfy your bed is, go to class” or “life’s short, eat the cake” we want to hear from you.

    Click on links for application and details:

    https://yconic.com/discussion/500-to-my-past-self-community-contest/4SRjn3LRvFIgnRfcNaBwcs377iYHb5cF

    https://support.yconic.com/hc/en-us/articles/205369054–To-My-Past-Self-Community-Contest-Rules

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Applying to an International Scholarship Opportunity; Am I ready to move?

    Applying to an International Scholarship Opportunity; Am I ready to move?

    If you are about to apply for an international scholarship, you may want to really think about it before you hit the send button. International scholarships are not for everyone, and especially not for those who get homesick after being away for two days. In order to really commit to your application and to your education, you must imagine what your life might be like over-seas before you make the leap. Of course, nothing really turns out to be what you imagined, but it helps to cultivate questions you may not have had beforehand.

    Questions to ask yourself before you start applying to International Scholarships:

    Do I like to fly/travel?

    Some people love to travel. They get on a plane and fly wherever they can. You might not like flying or spending long hours in airports. If you go over-seas for school, you will most definitely be spending time on a plane. You will also be on your own trying to navigate your way through a country you have never been in before. Maybe they don’t speak English and you will have to find other ways of communicating. It is up to you on whether you will be able to meet these challenges head on, or avoid them altogether. If these things make you very uncomfortable-being in a strange land where you don’t know anyone- you might want to re-think your choices of where you will go to school.

    Do I mind being away from family and friends for long periods of time?

    Going over-seas for a scholarship opportunity can be an adventure. However, if you get homesick often when you are away from your family and friends, it might be difficult for you to adapt. Some students are away for six months before they are able to visit their families again. If there are cheaper ways for you to go back home, that would be the ideal. However, you often have to pay your own way to go back home and visit which can end up costing you thousands of dollars. If you are OK with not seeing your loved ones for a year, you will be OK with taking up an over-seas scholarship. There are ways for you to still communicate with your family and friends if you are far away; phone calls, texts, emails, Skype, Facetime, etc.

    Is the school/ international scholarship I am applying for up to my standards?

    There are tons of different international scholarship opportunities for Canadian students. The question is; which one is for you? You have to weigh all your options. Try literally LAYING THEM OUT on the floor in front of you, including pro and con lists for each school. Really step back and look at them. Conquer and divide. Don’t waste time on applications that don’t have everything you want. You may have to compromise a bit, but don’t have more cons than pros on your chosen lists. Moving away from the life you know and entering into a new one is a big decision and you don’t want to waste precious time.

     

  • Bursaries, Grants and Scholarships: What is the difference?

    Bursaries, Grants and Scholarships: What is the difference?

    What is a bursary? I am sure you have heard this term in passing while in your career class, or in an information session about university or college. A bursary is a sum of money that you do not have to pay back. ScholarshipsCanada.com defines a bursary as a sum of money that is given to a student who is very much in need of financial assistance in order to attend a post-secondary institution.[1] Some students are more in need of assistance than others, and bursaries can help them achieve their goals of going to school.

    The word bursary is similar to the word “grant” when it comes to giving money to students for school. In the same right, it is a sum of money that can be given to a student through a business, organization or private source, for free. The Government of Canada also gives many grants to students who want to attend post-secondary education, depending on their financial situation.

    “When you apply for student financial assistance, your eligibility for most Canada Student Grants will automatically be assessed. You may be able to get more than one grant at a time.”[2]

    So, if you apply for a student loan, in other words, you will also be applying to grants on top of your student loan application. The website http://www.canlearn.ca/ is a great place to start when looking for grants or bursaries.

    Like grants, scholarships do not have to be paid back in any way. In most cases, scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit. However, scholarships can also be given to students that have illustrated great athletic achievement-often called an “athletic scholarship”. A student can also apply for scholarships that look at their accomplishments in volunteer work.

    If you are planning on going to university or college, you must explore every option for financing. Tuition fees are only going up, as well as the cost of living. It is important to confront these realities in order to succeed in your goals for the future. More and more students in Canada are getting in debt, which leads to problems in the future. If you do not have a job coming out of university, it can be very challenging to “keep up with the joneses”. In a report from CBC News, it states that university tuition has risen 3.2% to an average of $6191.00 in 2015, alone.[3]

    Sources:

    [1] http://www.scholarshipscanada.com/News/8/2974/Scholarships,-Bursaries,-Loans,-and-Awards-What-s-the-Difference?

    [2] http://www.canlearn.ca/eng/loans_grants/grants/index.shtml

    [3] http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/university-tuition-average-cost-1.3220538

  • OSAP: The Basics, Application and Concerns

    OSAP: The Basics, Application and Concerns

    What is OSAP? If you are an up and coming post-secondary student in Ontario, you might have already heard about OSAP. The acronym stands for Ontario Student Assistance Program. It is a government-run program to help post-secondary and mature students finance their education. You can apply for OSAP when you are ready to go to college, or university. It has helped many students (all over Canada, as well) get the extra money they need in order to achieve their educational goals. OSAP is specifically for Ontario students, but the government also has assistance programs for each province in Canada. It can be used for tuition costs and living costs. Other than paying tuition, you need a place to live, and money to buy things like groceries and personal items- OSAP will help you get by. Along with money you have saved yourself from working, parents, or rich uncles, you will be on your way to accomplishing your goals with OSAP. OSAP also gives you a chance to gain credit history by making payments each month while in school, or after school. It is important to start building a good credit record at a young age; for it will help you obtain things like a house or car in the future- every bit counts!

    Application:

    It is easy to apply to OSAP. All you have to do is go to the OSAP website and fill in the application, and make sure you are qualified to receive funding. However, there are some limiting conditions when applying for OSAP. Your total household (parents and you) income can only reach a certain amount. This varies from situation to situation, but if the household income is too high, OSAP may state that you do not need their help, or you will get a very low amount of funding. The Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities’ website has a well-rounded list of requirements you should read before applying. If everything matches up, you’re in the gold. You can apply to any post-secondary institution in the world and receive OSAP, but it has to be approved by OSAP, first. Ontario.ca states that you will also receive an automatic 30% tuition discount when you apply.

    Link to register for OSAP: https://osap.gov.on.ca/OSAPSecurityWeb/public/registration.xhtml?lang=en

    Maximum funding for a full-time student:

    For one academic year:

    • single, no dependents: $12,410
    • married or common-law or sole-support parent: $19,210

    (stated September 30th, 2015)

    Paying it back:

    All students that receive OSAP must pay it back; essentially, it a very low-interest loan. It can be rough, paying student loans back. Sometimes, depending on your career trajectory, you may be paying back your OSAP for years. I know of college and university professors that still haven’t paid back all their OSAP! The truth is that if you get it, it will be haunting you until it is all paid back. It will be the little itch in the back of your head that you won’t quite satisfy. In an article called “The Misuse of OSAP Money” from The Sun, a student named Joe Brown states that “When you’re 17-18, you don’t think about paying it back in four or five years.”[1] This can be true for many eager students. It is up to you to be responsible, and set yourself up for the best results. If you think it might be a better idea to work for a year or more before going to college, do it. The reality is debt can make you feel like a slave to money. If you save up a decent amount of money for yourself and have OSAP as a backup, great. If you need the maximum amount of OSAP and even more money to go to school, you may want to consider working for a while. Everyone has a choice, so don’t feel pressured by anyone else but yourself!

    Sources:

    [1] http://www.torontosun.com/2012/05/20/the-misuse-of-osap-money

  • Scholarships for September 2015: Apply Now!

    Scholarships for September 2015: Apply Now!

    Beggs-Dowling-Mathieu (BDM) Union Scholarships for Post-Secondary Study in Canada, 2015

    United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) is offering 18 post -secondary scholarships of $1,000 each to pursue full time studies at a Canadian university, college. To qualify for the BDM Union Scholarship program applicants must be a UFCW Canada member in good standing or a dependant/spouse of a UFCW Canada member in good standing.

    Application deadline is September 30, 2015.

     See website for application and details:

    http://www.ufcw.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1267&Itemid=138&lang=en

     Via http://scholarship-positions.com

     

     

    Aboriginal Clean Energy Scholarship

     Scholarship Value: $3,000

    Awards Available: 2

    Award Deadline: September 15th, 2015

    BluEarth awards $3,000 Aboriginal Clean Energy Scholarships (ACES) annually to aboriginal students pursuing post-secondary education, including trade certification, diploma, degree programs, etc. Successful candidates will have an opportunity for a paid internship at the conclusion of their academic year and an opportunity to be partnered with a BluEarth team member who will act as a learning partner throughout their academic year.

    For application and details follow this link:

    http://www.bluearthrenewables.com/community-investment/aboriginal-clean-energy-scholarship/

     

     

    ILWU Canada Scholarships

    Scholarship Value: $1,200

    Awards Available: 9

    Award Deadline: September 30, 2015

    The following ILWU Canada scholarships are administered though the ILWU Canada office. They are offered to active members, dependents, sons and daughters of active members in good standing with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. VOCATIONAL/CAREER TECHNICAL – Seven (7) scholarships of $1,200.00 each. DON GARCIA VOCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP – A $1,200.00 scholarship in honour of our late President Don Garcia. ROY SMITH VOCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP – A $1,200.00 scholarship in honour of our late founding First Vice President Roy Smith.

    Application and details: http://ilwu.ca/ilwu-canada-scholarships-2/

     

     

    J.D. “PAT” Patterson Memorial

    Scholarship Value: $1,500

    Awards Available: 1

    Award Deadline: September 30, 2015

    CIM National, its branches, as well as the CIM Foundation (CIMF), offer numerous annual scholarships, bursaries and financial awards. Scholarships are awarded to deserving students pursuing a career in particular facets of/or related to the mining industry. These scholarships are made possible thanks to the generosity of corporate donors wishing to foster excellence in mining.

    Click on link for application and more details: http://www.cim.org/en/Students/Scholarships.aspx

     

     

    Nursing Scholarships

    Scholarship Value: $1,000

    Awards Available: 10

    Award Deadline: September 30, 2015

    Nursing Scholarships offers a variety of scholarships for students between the ages of 16 and 35. The scholarship website is dedicated only to students wishing to enter the field of Nursing.

    Follow link for more details: http://www.nursingscholarships.ca/

     

     

    Women’s Ministries Scholarship Program

    Scholarship Value: $1,000

    Awards Available: 60

    Award Deadline: September 30, 2015

    The General Conference Women’s Ministries Scholarship Program is established to give scholarships to women who are committed to serving the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church who would otherwise be unable to afford a Christian education. Scholarship awards are based on academic achievement, financial need, and community outreach.

    Follow link for more details: http://www.nadwm.org/article/267/resources/scholarships

     

     

    Employment Equity Bursary

    Scholarship Value: $1,500

    Awards Available: 11

    Award Deadline: October 1, 2015

    Eligibility:

    1. A) Member of designated diversity group;
    2. B) Entering 1st year of a 4-year degree program at University of Manitoba, Winnipeg or Brandon in the following:

    Engineering, Computer Science, Business.

    OR

    1. A) Entering 1st year of studies at Red River College, Assiniboine Community College or University College of the North in a 2–2.5 year Diploma Program studying:

    Computer Analyst/Programming, Information Systems Technology, Business Information Technology, or Civil, Electrical, Electronic, Instrumentation, Mechanical, Communications or Power Engineering Technologies.

    Selection criteria will include academic performance, financial need, and community involvement.

    Follow link for more details: http://www.hydro.mb.ca/careers/student_opportunities/awards/employment_equity_bursary.shtml

     

     

    Al Larson Memorial Scholarship

    Scholarship Value: $2,500

    Awards Available: 2

    Award Deadline: October 15, 2015

    Children or grandchildren of an Alberta REALTOR® are eligible to apply for AREA’s Al Larson Memorial Scholarships, two scholarships of $2,500 awarded annually to one student entering or enrolled in a university program and one student entering or enrolled in a college or technical school program.

    Follow link for more details: http://www.areahub.ca/about-area/AREA-Scholarships.aspx

     

     

    UFCW Canada – BDM Scholarships Program

    Value: ($1,000)

    Deadline: September 30, 2015

    Each year UFCW Canada offers 18 annual UFCW Canada – BDM Scholarships of $1,000 each to active members and their family members for post-secondary study to honour three past leaders of our union: William Beggs, Fred Dowling, and Roméo Mathieu.

    If you are a UFCW Canada member in good standing, and the student is attending full-time studies at a Canadian university, college, or other recognized post-secondary institution then you, your spouse and children are eligible to apply for the union scholarship.

    More info at: http://www.ufcw.ca/BDMScholarships

    Via http://scholarship-grants.org

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Nail that Scholarship Like a Pro!

    Nail that Scholarship Like a Pro!

    Tuition fees in Canada continue to rise and it’s said to be the most significant expense for college and university students. A recent HuffingtonPost.ca article says that over one-third of students will have $25,000 debt by the time they graduate. This will indeed be a very daunting situation, so if you are a college or university student, it is a smart move to look into other resources to help fund your education, and one way is through scholarships.

    Remember, however, that no matter what type of scholarship you are applying for, you are competing with dozens, maybe even hundreds, of other students who are in the same boat as you. As such, scholarship committees or providers often conduct interviews to narrow down their list of deserving recipients. So how do you stand out from the rest of the crowd? Below are some tips to keep in mind.

    Do your research.

     These days when information is merely a click away from your smart phone or tablet, there is no excuse for you to be unprepared coming to job interview; the same thing goes for a scholarship interview. Prior to your interview, be sure to research about the scholarship committees or providers—what they do and how they are involved in the community. Also, as with a job interview, list down questions that you want to ask them. This will show how acquainted you are with their organization; this might score you big points.

    Practice your answers.

    Some common questions in scholarship interviews are also similar to job interviews. Examples are “Describe your strengths and weaknesses” and “What makes you the ideal candidate?” You can practice these questions beforehand, but make sure to add a bit of spontaneity to your responses to avoid sounding overly rehearsed. When describing your strengths, however, be proud but not overly zealous. When describing your weaknesses, be truthful but remember to illustrate a situation on how you conquered this weakness.

    Dress smart.

     You don’t have to spend your entire monthly pay cheque and don designer wear for your interview, but you can still look like you spent a thousand bucks on your attire. It’s all about presentation, so choose clothes that make you look presentable. Choose clothing that you are comfortable with. Do a fashion show for a family member or friend if you have to, so you can get their opinions.

    Be yourself.

     It’s okay to be nervous for a scholarship interview. After all, it is tuition money that is on the line—something that will really benefit you in your current situation, and after. However, don’t let your anxiety get the best of you. Try to relax and just be yourself. Yes, “be yourself” is a pretty vague piece of advice, but it’s one that really makes sense if you think about it. The scholarship committee and provider will entrust their money to you, so don’t you think they deserve to know the real you before they do that? Let your personality shine through and see what amazing opportunities come your way…

    SOURCES:

     http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/Cairine-Wilson-CPA-Canada/teamwork-helps-students-a_1_b_8012356.html

    http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fexpd.washington.edu%2Fscholarships%2Fcurrent-undergraduate%2Ftips-and-tools%2Fpreparing-for-scholarship-interviews.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFEVOoH9FNSG9jdAtyNpqYFf9h2rg

    https://yconic.com/article/8-ways-to-ace-your-scholarship-interviews?redirect_from=studentawards

    http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fbrightsparks.com.sg%2Farticle.php%3Ftitle%3Dscholarship-interview-success-tips&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGgfH1vTddAYR76hPrjqU5bhp0K_Q

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Unusual Scholarships

    Unusual Scholarships

    So, you’re a student in need of money. Your grades aren’t the highest things in the world and you haven’t really had the time to join any school clubs or societies. Sure, there are part-time jobs, but unless you work just as much as you study there isn’t really much to be said in terms of income. Well, lucky for you, there are some crazy cool (and crazy strange) scholarships available to students studying in Canada.

    At Redeemer University College in Ancastar, Ontario, and The King’s University in Edmonton, Alberta, there is a scholarship you can receive called The Voortman Cookies Bursary. If you meet all the minimum requirements as a student and have a parent who is currently employed with Voortman Cookies, you’re eligible to win $2,000 at Redeemer’s and $500 at King’s. It just got way better having a parent in the cookie industry.

    World Ringette Championship Bursary is handed out to students of Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario, for demonstrating financial need and being a part of a recognized Ringette Association in Ontario at any time prior to their studies at the university.

    Stuck at Prom is a really great way to earn some money should you be fashion inclined. You submit your photos of either you solo or you and a partner in prom gear made entirely from duck -tape. Should you win, you’re looking at a $10,000 cheque with your name on it. The official rule book can be found here: http://stuckatprom.com/how-it-works/official-rules/

    If you’re an artsy kind of student living in the United States, Canada, or Mexico, you’re eligible to apply for the annual Jay Kennedy Scholarship. You submit eight pieces of original cartoon drawings to a panel of judges and if your stuff is chosen you just won yourself $5,000. The deadline for this guy is actually December 15, 2015, so, you’ve got plenty of time left.

    This one may not be as exciting as the cookie scholarship but it certainly takes the cake for scholarship funding. Le Cordon Bleu Scholarship Award is handed out to those who take cooking seriously. If you win the award you’ll not only be given a fully funded placement in the Diplome de Cuisine program at Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa Culinary Arts Institute, but you’ll also earn yourself a paid internship working alongside renowned Chef Yannick Anton. This scholarship is worth a whopping $30,000.

    So, hey. If you have a talent or passion for cooking or doodling eight comics worth of material for a panel of judges, you never know. There could be a scholarship waiting right around the corner for you.

  • Tips for a Great Scholarship Application

    Tips for a Great Scholarship Application

    Scholarships are a fantastic resource when it comes to funding your post-secondary education. To land a great scholarship, though, you have to write a great application, which is easier said than done. If you want to come across as a stellar candidate in front of the board reviewing your application, it’s going to take some work.

    Keep the following tips in mind when you’re trying to make your scholarship application stand out.

    It may seem like a no-brainer, but get to know the criteria for the application you are submitting. Are there key words or themes in the description? These are probably the things you should be focusing on when you highlight your qualifications or your ambitions for the future. For example, a scholarship given by a particular charity is likely linked to the values that the charity itself represents.

    Based on this, identify (and highlight) your strengths. This doesn’t mean list everything on your resume—instead, focus on the most relevant experience, qualifications, and aspirations or goals that you have, and link these back to the purpose of the scholarship itself. You should aim to demonstrate that you are the best candidate for this particular prize, and give strong and specific reasons to support this.

    When composing your application, it helps to focus on the bigger picture instead of only on the money you are trying to earn. How will the scholarship improve your post-secondary experience? How will you be able to make a difference at the institution you are applying to? Use your qualifications as a stepping stone for your future achievements, demonstrating that you have a lot to offer the institution if you are granted the award.

    Be creative. Of course, you should work within the restrictions of the application, but as long as you meet the basic requirements, feel free to jazz it up a little bit. Use an anecdote from your personal life, change up the format from the typical “5-paragraph essay”, or come up with another idea that will make your application unique. This is an opportunity for you to showcase your personality, and scholarship judges love seeing an application that goes beyond the cookie-cutter template.

    And finally—be yourself. Don’t falsify any information or over-exaggerate any of your experiences. (This is especially awkward if you make it to the scholarship interview stage and the board is extremely interested to know how you, according to your application, saved a whole village of orphans in Finland.) It’s important to be honest and genuine about what you have to offer. If you feel like lying is the only way you’re going to come across as qualified, maybe this particular scholarship isn’t right for you.