Tag: scholarship

  • Six Tips For Getting A Scholarship

    Six Tips For Getting A Scholarship

    A lot of college students end up with nothing but debt even before they graduate. The option of a scholarship has always been a number two priority when it comes to college students. Most think that they can just pay off their student loans after they graduate and get a job, but many find it too overwhelming. With a scholarship, not only will you study for free but some scholarship plans will even give you money just to stay in school or even provide you with an “allowance”.

    Here are a few tips to help you get a scholarship and avoid debt in college.

    Look for one as soon as possible
    Start looking for a scholarship even if you haven’t graduated yet. Start during your junior year of high school and take advantage of having less competition. This way, you can still renew your efforts and take additional opportunities.

    Look for scholarships elsewhere
    Don’t just limit yourself to online sources. Check with religious organizations, local clubs, your school guidance counselor and employers. Local scholarships are less competitive compared to the national ones and you can find corporations and businesses that award free education to their loyal customers.

    Don’t become intimidated just because you’re not on the top
    So your grades aren’t really made for the honour roll, but many scholarships don’t measure or base their decisions on your grades. Many scholarships would prefer someone who shows volunteerism and leadership.

    Search all year round
    You can find scholarships that are only available for a limited season. For example, some major department stores actually give out scholarships during the holidays as a prize. Treat it like getting a part-time job. You can get different opportunities throughout the whole year.

    Be honest
    Never exaggerate your memberships, skills, qualifications or grades. Better focus on a scholarship that you know you’re eligible for.

    Avoid scams
    There are scholarship scams out there that promise you a full scholarship if you give them a certain amount of money. If someone emails you and asks you if you’re interested in a “discounted” tuition fee, it’s best to avoid these emails so you don’t get into a debt collection lawsuit. These scammers are only after your money and they’ll make a run for it after you give your credit card number to them.

  • How to Write a Scholarship Application Essay

    How to Write a Scholarship Application Essay

    Getting a scholarship at any leading college or university requires immense preparation for students. One of the most challenging jobs is to submit a well articulated scholarship essay. Admission officers consider this as an integral part of the scholarship grant process. However, things have changed for the better with many websites being launched which publish numerous sample essays which can be used as a baseline for students who are applying for scholarships. Let us quickly see what these websites have to offer and how we can use the services to come out with world class scholarship essay.

    For starters, these websites ask students to create their profile. After the profile is created, students can submit any number of essays that they want. At any given point, website visitors vote for the essays after which the best five essays are shortlisted. The best among the five essays get a prize of varying amounts depending upon the website’s policies.

    Students are diligently using the services of these websites. They can read essays which they feel are closely related to their requirements and use these as a baseline to write their own original scholarship essay. Some of the websites have video tips which help the students to get better ideas of how to write a scholarship essay. Many sites also have message boards where students can come together to provide tips to each other.

    The essays which are submitted to the site are stored in the database for future reference. The concept is new and, as a result, finding lots of acceptance among students. Most of these websites have different sections which highlight the recently submitted essays and also the most popular sample scholarship essays. As we move forward we will see that there will be many more websites which will offer essay scholarships. Students are expressing their happiness at the launch of these sites. Different sections of the education fraternity have also expressed their support for many of the leading websites.

  • Scholarships and Bursaries for Aboriginal Students

    Scholarships and Bursaries for Aboriginal Students

    Bursaries and Scholarships
    The Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Canada is dedicated to helping Aboriginals reach the highest standard of excellence in finance and management. AFOA’s initiatives in the development of Awards and Scholarships are examples of that commitment.

    See link below for scholarships and bursaries:
    http://www.metisnation.org/programs/education–training/education/bursaries–scholarships

    Want even more options? Check out the scholarships and bursaries for Aboriginal students that we found:

    The Aboriginal Canada Portal
    Offers an online Aboriginal funding tool that offers a way to search for scholarships, bursaries, loans & grants according to your needs.

    Canada Post Aboriginal Education Incentive Award
    The Aboriginal Education Incentive Award is part of Canada Post’s nation-wide scholarship program and commitment to furthering individual potential. Each of Canada Post’s eight regions across the country will grant three awards annually: Two $1,000 scholarships for the return to and successful completion of one full year of high school and One $1,000 scholarship for the return to and successful completion of one full year of post-secondary education, including vocational or trade skills training.

    FAAY (Foundation for the Advancement of Aboriginal Youth)
    FAAY is a scholarship program operated by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. CCAB is dedicated to developing the future generations of Aboriginal leaders. They have scholarships for high school or post-secondary students.

    AMMSA (Aboriginal Multi- Media Society)
    Large listing of scholarships and bursaries available to Aboriginal people (including youth) in a variety of educational programs. You can look up educational institutions and find the awards available to their Aboriginal students only.

    Royal Bank of Canada Aboriginal Scholarships 
    Royal Bank offers scholarships to all Aboriginal people and also has a summer placement program as an award to qualified applicants. Royal Bank has employment opportunities for Aboriginal students in grade 9-12 for summer employment.

  • NEADS National Student Awards Program

    NEADS National Student Awards Program

    Purpose

    The NEADS National Student Awards Program is offered to encourage full access to post-secondary education for persons with disabilities, who often have greater barriers to participation in higher education, as well as extra costs because of their disabilities. Students must currently be registered in and continuing at post-secondary institution and provide documented proof of registration as part of the application and on receipt of the award. The award will be offered to outstanding applicants who meet the criteria of the program. The awards are paid directly to the post-secondary institution (in the students accounts) that the recipients are attending to defray the cost of tuition fees for post-secondary study.

    Eligibility

    • Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada
    • Applicants must have a permanent disability*
    • Applicants must be currently registered in and returning to a full-time program of study at an accredited Canadian post-secondary college or university. Full-time status is at least 40% of a full course load.

    *For the purpose of these awards, a permanent disability is a permanent functional limitation which affects the ability of the student to participate fully in post-secondary education.

    Criteria

    • Strong commitment to your academic discipline
    • Exemplary record of volunteerism and/or employment
    • Demonstrated potential to be an outstanding participant in the community

    Value and number available

    • NEADS National Student Awards (6, $3,000 each)
    • NEADS Holly Bartlett Memorial Award (1, $1,000)

    Selection Process

    Once your application has been submitted, it will be reviewed for completeness and adherence to the above guidelines. Assuming all guidelines are met, selection committees review applications based on the selection criteria described above.

    Due to the volume of applications received, only those selected to receive an award will be contacted. Recipients will be contacted by August 1.

    Apply to: NEADS National Student Awards Program
    National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS)
    Rm. 426 Unicentre, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6
    By e-mail: etes@neads.ca

    Deadline: April 15

    Click here to Apply Online

  • Scholarships and Bursaries for Aboriginal Students

    Scholarships and Bursaries for Aboriginal Students

    Bursaries and Scholarships
    The Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Canada is dedicated to helping Aboriginals reach the highest standard of excellence in finance and management. AFOA’s initiatives in the development of Awards and Scholarships are examples of that commitment.

    See link below for scholarships and bursaries:
    http://www.metisnation.org/programs/education–training/education/bursaries–scholarships

    Want even more options? Check out the scholarships and bursaries for Aboriginal students that we found:

    The Aboriginal Canada Portal
    Offers an online Aboriginal funding tool that offers a way to search for scholarships, bursaries, loans & grants according to your needs.

    Canada Post Aboriginal Education Incentive Award
    The Aboriginal Education Incentive Award is part of Canada Post’s nation-wide scholarship program and commitment to furthering individual potential. Each of Canada Post’s eight regions across the country will grant three awards annually: Two $1,000 scholarships for the return to and successful completion of one full year of high school and One $1,000 scholarship for the return to and successful completion of one full year of post-secondary education, including vocational or trade skills training.

    FAAY (Foundation for the Advancement of Aboriginal Youth)
    FAAY is a scholarship program operated by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. CCAB is dedicated to developing the future generations of Aboriginal leaders. They have scholarships for high school or post-secondary students.

    AMMSA (Aboriginal Multi- Media Society)
    Large listing of scholarships and bursaries available to Aboriginal people (including youth) in a variety of educational programs. You can look up educational institutions and find the awards available to their Aboriginal students only.

    Royal Bank of Canada Aboriginal Scholarships 
    Royal Bank offers scholarships to all Aboriginal people and also has a summer placement program as an award to qualified applicants. Royal Bank has employment opportunities for Aboriginal students in grade 9-12 for summer employment.

  • Cash Advance Loans and Students – A Dangerous Mix

    Cash Advance Loans and Students – A Dangerous Mix

    Are you a college student wondering how online cash advance/payday loans fit into your finances? If you are a smart college student, then you will know online payday loans are only for emergencies. The payoff comes in just a few short weeks, so steady income is a must in order to pay it off without putting more damage into your finances.

    Here are five tips for college students who are looking to get their finances off on the right foot.

    1. Take your time getting new credit. For every creditor you apply with, there will be a mark left on your credit score. Hard inquiries to your credit done by potential creditors looking up your history will take a few points off your score for a year or two at a time. When your finances are just starting, this could bring you low really fast. Low credit scores will be denied. Too many creditors applying at once is also a warning sign for potential creditors that the applicant is desperate for cash. New creditors may take a different approach and offer incentives for the new debtor to spend more. A college student is an easy target for many marketing campaigns. Newcomers to finances are often attractive to reward programs which can trap the debtor into spending more than intended.

    2. Don’t spend your credit on frivolous things then leave yourself no room for emergency costs. Emergency costs do not need to be funded by online cash advance loans when you have room on your credit card to lighten the load. When you use and manage your credit account wisely, they are a great source of third party money to help you get by and build your credit at the same time. Make your payments on time and keep the balance below 30% whenever possible.

    3. If you are having trouble finding a creditor to approve you, you can fall back on being an authorized user on one of their accounts or have them be a co-signer to start you out on your own. The issue here is that your parents, or whomever you choose as your co-signer, will be responsible for any debt you accrue. They will also be privy to what you charge, when you charge it and where. This may not matter to some people but if you are one who may not be the best manager of money, it could be a sticky point in the relationship. If you are going to take this route, make it work for you so your credit will build into something helpful when you graduate.

    4. Are you coming out of college and are finding your student loan debt to be financially draining? Don’t default on these loans. The federal government is not a creditor you want to have after your money. Before you miss a payment, look into finding a way to defer the starting date if you still have not gotten full-time work. Ask about reduced payments or changing your payment dates to better fit your pay cycle. If you have multiple loans, try to consolidate them for a lower monthly payment. Managing your money by making on time payments may best be done with automatic payments. Some people are not organized enough to make on time payments even when they have the cash in the bank.

    5. Look into your options, which include deferring payments for a short amount of time, making reduced payments, or re-configuring your current payment schedule. Also consider consolidating multiple loans into one new loan. This often results in a lower monthly payment. Have the loan amount directly withdrawn from your bank account so you never pay late.

    Cash advance loan lenders offer emergency cash for those times when there is no other place to turn. College students often do not have the income needed to support an approval. A responsible lender will not want loan to someone without a certain income. College students have it tough in the beginning but will have great financial success when managed correctly.

  • Scholarships and Bursaries for Ontario University Applicants

    Scholarships and Bursaries for Ontario University Applicants

    When deciding whether or not to attend university, for many people financial questions are at the top of the list to get answered. Luckily, there are many scholarships and bursaries available for those who have achieved academic excellence or demonstrated outstanding achievement in other areas. There are also scholarships that are awarded based on financial aid, so don’t despair – there is likely something to fit your situation.

    Major scholarships are awards distributed based on academic excellence and community involvement. In Ontario, the chancellor’s scholarship requires an application and is valued at $10,000/year (renewable) and is awarded to students whose average surpasses 90%, have considerable community involvement and who demonstrate leadership. The president’s scholarship also requires an application and is valued at $7,500/year (renewable) and is awarded to students whose average surpasses 90%, have considerable community involvement and who demonstrate leadership. The dean’s scholarship is valued at $5,000/year (renewable) and is awarded to students whose average surpasses 90%, have considerable community involvement and who demonstrate leadership. It’s important to note that, for those students who do receive a major scholarship, they are no longer eligible to receive an academic excellence award, community service bursary or leadership award. This is in line with a university’s policy to restrict the amount of funds given to any one student. The scholarships are also subject to change based on the amount of funds available in any given year.

    There are also many other scholarships that are valued at lesser amounts, but still worth trying to get. The academic pathways scholarship does not require an application, is valued at $1000 and is for those with over an 80% average and at least 30 transfer credits from college or university. The student-athlete award does not require an application, is valued at 3,500/year (renewable) and is for those with over an 80% average and are a member of a varsity level sports team. The northern and central Ontario awards do not require an application and are valued at $1000 with the criteria being that the student has maintained over an 80% average and high school was attended in the select region (northern or central). The Aboriginal and Francophone excellence awards do require an application and are valued at $1,500 and $1,250/ year, respectively. They require over an 80% average and having completed a native studies course or have taken at least 4 courses in French. Community service bursaries require an application and and are valued at $1000/year (renewable). The criteria is, again, over an 80% average with demonstrated leadership and community service experience as well as financial need.

    There are a lot of other scholarships for you to peruse to determine your eligibility on your university’s website or right here on JobsPeopleDo.com. Remember, if you apply for something you think you might be eligible for, you are ahead of the people that don’t even bother to apply. Take a chance and good luck!

  • June Scholarships of the Month – Apply Now!

    June Scholarships of the Month – Apply Now!

    If you are graduating from high school this month, chances are you are preparing to enter your first year of college or university this fall. That means you need to figure out your finances – how exactly will you pay for your post-secondary education? Student loans are very helpful, but you need to pay them back. There’s a bevy of scholarships and bursaries just waiting for you to go out and grab them – and you don’t have to repay them! So what are you waiting for? Check out some of these excellent scholarships and apply for that FREE money!

    1. Equals6 30 Day Scholarship – Open to all students in all programs. Amount: $250. Deadline: June 12, 2013.

    2. Bill 7 Award – Open to students who identify as lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, transsexual, two-spirited, and/or queer and are attending a school in Ontario. Amount: $2000. Deadline: August 2, 2013.

    3. NACBS Undergraduate Essay Contest – Open to students in any school who write an essay on a British topic. Amount: $100. Deadline: June 15, 2013.

    4. Workers Health & Safety Centre Scholarship – Open to students attending school in Ontario. Amount: $1000. Deadline: June 7, 2013.

    5. AIA and the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) Scholarship Program – Open to students enrolled in an accredited automotive technical program in Canada. Amount: $1000. Deadline: June 15, 2013.

    6. Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers Memorial Scholarship – Open to students who are studying agriculture in any school. Amount: $1000. Deadline: June 30, 2013.

    7. Nexen Oil Sands Scholarship Program – Open to Canadian citizens or permanent residents that reside within the area eligible for bus transportation to Fort McMurray by the Northland School Division. Amount: $2500. Deadline: June 30, 2013.

    8. Canadian Medical Hall of Fame/Great-West Life, London Life, and Canada Life Scholarship Fund – Open to currently enrolled high school students planning to pursue post-secondary studies in medicine or health sciences at a Canadian university. Amount: $1000. Deadline: June 10, 2013.

    9. Nelson Civic Leadership Scholarship – Open to all Canadian students outside of Quebec who are making a difference in their community. Amount: $5000. Deadline: June 28, 2013.

    10. Canada Post Aboriginal Education Incentive Awards – Open to Aboriginal Canadians who have been out of school for one year. Amount: $1000. Deadline: August 31, 2013.

  • April Scholarships of the Month – Apply Now!

    April Scholarships of the Month – Apply Now!

    Now that April has arrived, you may have already decided what post-secondary institution you want to attend. You may have even already applied! NOW is the time to apply for your scholarships, too. Many colleges and universities have scholarships that only their students can receive. This month, we highlight some of those scholarships. Having free money to help you plan your budget for school will reduce any stress you may be feeling. So what are you waiting for? Check out some of the scholarships below and get applying!

    1. Ted Rogers School of Management Undergraduate Entrance Awards – For students entering the first year of the Business Management, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Information Technology Management or Retail Management program at Ryerson Unversity. Amount: $10,000. Deadline: April 16, 2013.

    2. Achievement Awards of Excellence – For students in any field entering their first year of study at McMaster University. Amount: $800. Deadline: April 15, 2013.

    3. Agnes L. Green Memorial Bursary – For students entering their first year of study in the field of Education at the University of New Brunswick – Fredericton. Amount: Varies dependent on need. Deadline: April 15, 2013.

    4. Alice Mary Goodfellow Scholarship – For students entering their first year of study in the field of Music at the University of Regina. Amount: $2500. Deadline: April 15, 2013.

    5. Alumni Association of Lakehead University Award – For students entering their first year of study in any program at Lakehead University – Thunder Bay. Amount: $1500. Deadline: April 15, 2013.

    6. Angelo and Frank Agro Undergraduate Scholarship – For students entering their first year of study in any program at the University of Guelph. Amount: $1750. Deadline: April 15, 2013.

    7. Anne Marie Campbell Award for Excellence in Creative Writing – For students entering their first year of study in English Creative Writing at Cape Breton University. Amount: $200. Deadline: April 15, 2013.

    8. B.C. Sugar Achievement Award – For students in any field of study at Simon Fraser University. Amount: $4500. Deadline: April 15, 2013.

    9. Cara/Micheal Syron Scholarship for the encouragement of entrepreneurial excellence (OSOTF) – For students entering their first year of study in the field of Law at the University of Ottawa. Amount: $2000. Deadline: April 15, 2013.

    10. Custody and Caring Scholarship in Forensic Nursing – For students enrolled in the field of Nursing at the University of Saskatchewan. Amount: $1000. Deadline: April 15, 2013.

  • Writing A Scholarship Application Essay

    Writing A Scholarship Application Essay

    Getting a scholarship at any leading college or university requires immense preparation for students. One of the most challenging jobs is to submit a well articulated scholarship essay. Admission officers consider this as an integral part of the scholarship grant process. However, things have changed for the better with many websites being launched which publish numerous sample essays which can be used as a baseline for students who are applying for scholarships. Let us quickly see what these websites have to offer and how we can use the services to come out with world class scholarship essay.

    For starters, these websites ask students to create their profile. After the profile is created, students can submit any number of essays that they want. At any given point, website visitors vote for the essays after which the best five essays are shortlisted. The best among the five essays get a prize of varying amounts depending upon the website’s policies.

    Students are diligently using the services of these websites. They can read essays which they feel are closely related to their requirements and use these as a baseline to write their own original scholarship essay. Some of the websites have video tips which help the students to get better ideas of how to write a scholarship essay. Many sites also have message boards where students can come together to provide tips to each other.

    The essays which are submitted to the site are stored in the database for future reference. The concept is new and, as a result, finding lots of acceptance among students. Most of these websites have different sections which highlight the recently submitted essays and also the most popular sample scholarship essays. As we move forward we will see that there will be many more websites which will offer essay scholarships. Students are expressing their happiness at the launch of these sites. Different sections of the education fraternity have also expressed their support for many of the leading websites.