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  • Creating a Working Budget – 5 Tips to Remember

    Creating a Working Budget – 5 Tips to Remember

    Being a college or university student is a learning experience through and through. Not only do you learn the necessary skills to flourish in your future career, but you also learn how to survive in the real world. Among the long list of real-life survival skills you get to test out as a student, is being finance- savvy.

    Being free of financial troubles while in college or university is not as much a Herculean task as many believe, but it is indeed a challenging one, especially in these times when the Canadian dollar has hit its lowest rate in 13 years. However, if you are completely aware of your finances from the start, it would mean smooth sailing for you. Below are some suggestions on creating a working budget.

    1) Note all your assets.

    The first step in establishing a working budget is to know how much you have. Students like you have a variety of sources of income, and you should note them down. Such sources include income from part-time jobs, scholarships, grants, or bursaries, and financial support from family. Include everything you have accumulated since you started your post-secondary education—even that cash gift you got from your grandparents last Christmas.

    2) Note all your expenses.

    Now this is the part where it gets a bit tricky. This is because expenses are never actually constant for any college or university students. There are some fixed expenses like credit card bills or phone bills, but there will always be times where you have to spend extra on school projects or supplies and other school-related stuff. Of course, college and university life also equals honing your social skills and bonding with fellow students, and you would most likely find yourself allocating your budget for entertainment expenses such as concert or movie tickets. Remember, however, that when it comes to expenses, it’s always better to overestimate than underestimate.

    3) Plan your emergency money.

    As a kid, you were always reminded by your parents that it is wise to save money for a rainy day; over time, you would come to realize how valuable that piece of advice was. Having a set budget for school-related costs is one thing, but what will you do for emergencies? For instance, suppose your car breaks down, and you need a new battery. Or your computer finally gives out and is beyond repair and you have to buy a new one. A true finance-savvy student is one who sets aside money for emergencies.

    4) Do a monthly budget review.

    Businesses and corporations make it a point to do a monthly review so they know where they stand. They know when to cut operating costs, when to hire additional staff, and when to give bonuses. You can follow their example by reviewing your budget on a monthly basis. This way, you’ll know if you have to cut down on your expenses or give yourself a treat.

    5) Be on the lookout for opportunities to save.
    Be open-minded and resourceful when it comes to money-saving opportunities. For instance, you probably know how textbooks can run your wallet empty, so look into options of renting books or buying used books instead. When it comes to clothing, on the other hand, keep in mind there are stores that specifically offer student discounts, so it is good to take advantage of that as well.

    Sources:
    http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/markets-dollar-oil-1.3405067
    http://www.concordia.ca/cunews/main/stories/2013/11/14/the-6-best-budgettipsforstudents.html
    http://www.cicmoney101.org/Articles/Paying-For-College-How-To-Make-A-Budget.aspx
    https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/prepare-for-college/budgeting/creating-your-budget
    http://www.styledemocracy.com/student-discounts-in-canada/
    https://www.ucas.com/ucas/undergraduate/finance-and-support/managing-money/student-budgeting-tips
    http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/personal-finance/household-finances/addicted-to-student-discounts/article590866/

  • Aboriginal Scholarship Spotlight: September-October 2015

    Aboriginal Scholarship Spotlight: September-October 2015

     Scholarship information Via http://www.ammsa.com/

    AltaLink Aboriginal Scholarship Program

    (Alberta)

    This scholarship program is designed to recognize leaders in the Aboriginal community by offering eight scholarships to Aboriginal students attending post-secondary institutions. Two eligible students from each of Treaty 6, 7, 8 and the Métis community in Alberta will be awarded with a $1,000 scholarship. 

    ELIGIBILITY: To be eligible, applicants must be currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution and:

    • Treaty applicants must be born in Alberta. 
    • Métis applicants must either be a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta Association or an Alberta Métis Settlement or must have been living in Alberta for at least the past three months with a Métis membership card from another province.

    HOW TO ENTER: Application forms are available online at http://www.altalink.ca/responsibility/communityinvestment/powerful-education.cfm and may be submitted by email or by mail to the address below. A transcript, either official or unofficial, and a photocopy of your status card must be submitted for the application to be considered. The deadline for receipt of the completed application is October 15.

    Email: aboriginalrelations@altalink.ca,

    or mail to

    AltaLink ATTN: Altalink Aboriginal Scholarship 2611 – 3rd Avenue SE Calgary, Alberta T2A 7W7

    See more at: http://ammsa.com/content/national-scholarships#sthash.CLircM9Q.dpuf

     

    Graduate Scholarships

    (Saskatchewan)

    Value: Up to $2,000 for each award period, granted on the basis of 12 consecutive months of full-time studies. The number of scholarships and the amount are determined by the number of applicants in relation to the available funds.

    Eligibility: Métis or Non-Status Indian. Has resided in Saskatchewan for at least five years. Engaged in any graduate degree program at the masters or doctoral level or accepted into a masters or doctoral program at a recognized Canadian university. The major research project or thesis must relate to the economic development of Aboriginal peoples. Committed to working in an Aboriginal work environment on successful completion of studies. Demonstrate a commitment to the needs of Aboriginal peoples. Achieve a B average in the most recent months of full-time studies, over a period of 12 consecutive months.

    Duration: Annual. Masters applicants may receive two consecutive or non-consecutive awards. Doctoral applicants may receive three consecutive or non-consecutive awards.

    Application Deadline: October 1 and May 1 each year.

    See more at: http://ammsa.com/content/saskatchewan-scholarships#sthash.WPa8tFvg.dpuf

     

    Undergraduate Scholarships

    (Saskatchewan)

    Value: Up to $500 for each eight-month period of full-time studies. Number of scholarships and amount determined by the number of applicants in relation to the funds available. An individual may receive up to three consecutive or non-consecutive undergraduate scholarship awards.

    Eligibility: Métis or Non-Status Indian. Has resided in Saskatchewan for at least five years. Completed a minimum of one academic year of full-time studies at a recognized Canadian public or Aboriginal educational institution. The program must be at least eight months of full-time studies in an area related to economic development. Committed to the needs of Aboriginal peoples. Committed to working in an Aboriginal work environment on successful completion of studies. Achieve a B average in the most recent eight months of full-time studies, over a period of 12 consecutive months.

    Duration: Annual

    Application Deadline: October 1 and May 1 each year.

    Information: Napolean Lafontaine Scholarship Fund Room 210 College West building University of Regina 3737 Wescana Parkway Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 0A2 Phone: (306) 347-4100 Fax: (306) 565-0809

    See more at: http://ammsa.com/content/saskatchewan-scholarships#sthash.WPa8tFvg.dpuf

     

    Donald R. Simmons Memorial Scholarship

    Eligibility: Indian or Metis ancestry

    Value: Two $500 awards

    Criteria: Enrolled in first year of approved institution, Grade 12 graduate; General Proficiency Award applicants excluded

    Deadline Date: October 15

    Applications submitted to: Saskatchewan Education, Training and Employment

    Student Financial Assistance Unit Ground Floor, East Wing, Walter Scott Building 305 Albert Street Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 3V7

    See more at: http://ammsa.com/content/saskatchewan-scholarships#sthash.WPa8tFvg.dpuf

     

     

  • How to Save Your Money

    How to Save Your Money

    For many people, shopping is a lot of fun. Getting something like a new bicycle, a musical instrument, or a jacket can be exciting if they can afford to buy it. If they are not very interested in objects like bicycles or clothes, they might need money for a new experience, such as going on a special trip or a concert. Unless they are very wealthy, most people will likely need to save up the money to pay for their new purchase or activity, but this can sometimes be difficult. Finding an interesting way to save money can help make the process easier.

    Have you ever gone out with friends for an afternoon and then realized after you got home that you had no idea how much money you spent? One of the first steps in saving money is to keep track of the money that you spend and how much you have left over. Recording your purchases in a small notebook or computer can help you find out how much you spend every day so that you know where to cut back.

    The first step is to identify your necessary or unnecessary purchases. If your parents want you to buy your own toothbrushes and toothpaste, for example, you will still need to do that to keep yourself healthy. However, you can save some money by buying these items at dollar stores or other discount places. Low-cost clothes and other items are available at thrift stores, and you can often save a lot of money by getting what you need there instead of at regular stores. For people who know how to sew, it can even be an interesting challenge to buy thrift shop clothes and then to alter them.

    Food is another place where people spend a lot of money. If you buy a lot of snacks like cookies or muffins, you might want to consider baking some of them at home. Even if you have to buy the flour and other ingredients, your snacks will likely be cheaper than the ones that you can buy in a store. Making lunches at home to take to school can also save a lot of money.

    You should also be aware of how you pay for what you buy. Some people use credit or debit cards for almost everything, but paying with cash can have many benefits. That way, you can see at a glance how much you’ve spent. You can also find fun ways of saving money, such as saving your change in jars so that you can watch them fill up.
    Activities with friends can be expensive, but you can try to find things to do that are low-cost or free. For example, you could go to a park to play soccer or to look for animals instead of shopping. However you manage to do it, saving money can be worth it in the end.

    Bibliography:

    Barreca, Kerri. 5 Money Saving Tips for the Bargain Hunter.” https://creditcanada.com/blog/7-money-saving-tips-financial-planning-bargain-hunter?gclid=CMHa7cDNrsgCFZEBaQodEXgAiw.

    Graham, Nicole. “15 Fun Ways To Save Money (Instead Of Using Piggy Banks).” http://www.lifehack.org/articles/money/15-fun-ways-save-money-instead-using-piggy-banks.html.

    The Mint.org. “5 Simple Saving Tricks.” http://www.themint.org/kids/saving-tricks.html.

    WikiHow.com. “How to Save Money as a Kid.” http://www.wikihow.com/Save-Money-as-a-Kid

  • 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

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • 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

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • What is Fundraising?

    What is Fundraising?

    Fundraising is common in our society, but there can never be enough. It can include school events to multi-million dollar corporations advocating for causes such as poverty and homelessness. Although it often goes unnoticed, fundraising has many benefits to both the fundraisers and the beneficiaries. The act of giving, and the accomplishment of a desired goal play important roles in youth development; fundraising develops many skills, and enhances your sense of responsibility and awareness.[1]

    The main goal of a fundraiser is to generate profit in order to support certain events and causes. Fundraisers in schools can be for purchasing sporting equipment, hosting monthly book fairs, pizza parties, clubs and more. Sometimes they can be created in order to raise money for organizations like Kids Help Phone or the Terry Fox Foundation. All of these events produce positive results such as initiating social activities for the children and overall, creating a more amicable environment for the students, giving all an equal chance.[2]

    There are different ways to fundraise. Many schools host bake sales and barbeques. Parents and students bake goods and sell them to the public; the proceeds from the bake sale can go to various causes such as sports equipment and field trips for the school. Concerts are also very popular and can be hosted by schools, corporations or local businesses. This is a great way to give exposure to up and coming musicians as well as raising money for a good cause. Fundraising helps promote synergy as individuals will be working hand in hand to support a common goal.

    Strathona Composite High school, in Alberta set a world record by raising more than $360,000; more than any high school has raised in the country. They have coordinated fundraising events from HIV awareness to educating the public on water sanitation. The school has a leadership program that supports students’ academic growth.  Program coordinator Tom Younge believes the program will expose students to real life problems like stress and emotional management as well as time management, helping develop members of the program to reliable and responsible students.[3]

    Fundraising comes with a lot of valuable real life tasks. The strategic planning of the fundraiser and the management of the staff and individuals involved, pose a challenge to fundraisers, but there are great rewards in the end. Fundraising is a great way to meet people with common interests and passions- go out and raise some money!

    References:

    [1] http://www.fundraisingip.com/fundraising/why-fundraising-is-important/

    2 http://www.fundraiserinsight.org/ideas/

    3 http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/education/how-to-break-a-high-school-fundraising-record/article24642767/

     

  • Is a Business Empire in Your Future?

    Is a Business Empire in Your Future?

    The world’s business landscape is changing. In the past, before people could be business moguls, they usually would have to work their way up the ladder or at least have several years of hard work tucked under their belt. However, as today’s successful young entrepreneurs like Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and MyYearBook.com founder Catherine Cook have proven; you can have your own business empire even at the same time as you reach voting age. They have done it, so if there’s any shadow of a doubt that you can’t follow in their footsteps, always remember their stories to give you inspiration.

    The reality of kick- starting a business into commercial reality is not as easy as it sounds, and it is true that you may have to start small. The main trick is to pin down what your business idea is, and if it is viable. So, how exactly can you find that eureka moment?

    Know your passion.

    Figuring out where your true passion lies is a step in the right direction. For instance, Angelo Sotira had always been fascinated with graphic design, even dabbling in customizable WinAmp skins, before he founded DeviantArt, dubbed as the Facebook for digital artists everywhere. Michelle Phan, meanwhile, has always been passionate about creating different looks through makeup, and now she is a YouTube star and has her own makeup line.

    Find a need.

    You may pride yourself of being business-savvy, but you just don’t know where to put your skills to the test because you can’t seem to figure out what you are really passionate about. Don’t fret. What you can do is find a need instead. If you can make something that young people like you need, what would that be? For instance, it could be an app that can solve math problems in a matter of seconds.

    Build a network.

     Think networking is just for job search? Think again. You can also make use of this practice when you are in search of business ideas. Networking gives you access to people who have been there, done that—and these are the best people to look to for advice so you can get that inspiration and plan your business idea.

    Travel.

    This isn’t for everyone, but if you have tried the three above-mentioned suggestions, and you can’t still think of anything, consider traveling to find your eureka moment. According to an article in Scientific American, traveling allows people to be more receptive to new ideas, new rituals, and new perspectives. Maybe that business idea of yours is just waiting somewhere in exotic Bora-Bora or romantic Paris.

    SOURCES:

     http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-aha-moment/

     http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/22/photomath-app-solve-math-problems_n_6025948.html

    http://sbinfocanada.about.com/cs/startup/a/10startingtips.htm

    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/universityeducation/student-life/10420855/Students-top-tips-for-starting-your-own-business.html

     http://www.wsj.com/video/michelle-phan-youtube-star-to-business-maven/916A1AEA-1D8F-498C-A659-67A8583BDF6C.html

    http://www.fastcompany.com/59441/facebooks-mark-zuckerberg-hacker-dropout-ceo

    http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/217859

    http://www.incomediary.com/top-young-entrepreneurs