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  • How to Get a Great Scholarship Recommendation Letter

    How to Get a Great Scholarship Recommendation Letter

    Letters of recommendation are an essential part of many scholarship applications.  They provide a way for the scholarship award committee to learn about you from people who know you personally, and can vouch for your academic abilities and your suitability for your chosen college or university program.

    Recommendation letters, also known as reference letters, can have a significant effect on your chances of winning a scholarship, so it’s important to understand how to get the best letter you possibly can.

    These four tips will help ensure you receive a great recommendation letter:

    Ask Someone Who Knows You Well

    You want to be sure and ask for recommendation letters from people who know you well.  However, you should not ask family members or close friends, since a scholarship committee will not consider these letters to be impartial.

    Your best option is to ask teachers, employers, the leader of your church/temple/mosque, or another community organization.  You want someone who can speak to your academic skills and how they will relate to your studies, and who can talk about your personal qualities that make you a deserving recipient of the scholarship.

    Give Them Lots of Time to Write

    Chances are, anyone you ask for a letter will be busy, and might even have multiple letter requests, so it’s important to give them at least 3-4 weeks notice before the scholarship deadline when you ask for your letter.

    This ensures that they will have lots of time to complete the letter and either send it directly to the scholarship committee, or return it to you. This is also to make sure they don’t have to rush and can take the time to write a positive and detailed letter.

    Provide All the Details of the Scholarship

    Asking someone to write you a letter isn’t enough on its own.  To get a letter that best demonstrates why you’re ideal for the scholarship, it’s vital to provide all the details the letter writer will need to know.

    The information you should provide your letter writer includes details of the scholarship and its requirements, info about your school and program of study, as well as a sample of your writing or other work, depending on the scholarship.

    This way, the letter writer will be able to highlight the right aspects of your qualifications.

    Remember to Express Your Thanks

    Always follow up with your letter providers to express your thanks for their willingness to give you a recommendation.  Not only is this polite, but it will leave things on a good note that can be useful if you ever need to ask them for another letter or reference in the future.

    Handwritten thank you notes are the best way to let them know, as it is personal and shows that you value their help.  It’s also a nice touch for you to update them after receiving the scholarships you applied for.

    Sources:

    https://www.petersons.com/college-search/letter-recommendation-how-ask.aspx

    http://financialaid.ucdavis.edu/scholarships/tips/recommendations.html

    https://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/the-scholarship-coach/2013/03/07/6-ways-to-get-great-scholarship-recommendation-letters

  • Why Should I Apply for a Scholarship?

    Why Should I Apply for a Scholarship?

    There are so many students entering college every year and sometimes it feels like there’s only a handful of scholarships. The truth is, scholarships tend to be one of the largest untapped resources for students entering post-secondary education. It may seem futile with all the other students you find yourself competing with, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Scholarships are actually a very underused resource that are very easy to apply to and that you could really benefit from!

    First, you have to set out and find as many scholarships as you can. They can come from practically everywhere! The most common place to find scholarships is right at the school you were just accepted to. If you look at online resources or ask a guidance counselor about available rewards, you’re already halfway there! It’s also worthwhile to check out any leads at the high school you’re leaving through postings. Combing over different community boards or asking around in extracurricular activities you’re a part of is well worth your time. Foundations, organizations, local businesses, civic groups, labour boards, federal, provincial/state agencies, and other places all house a few resources that can lead you to scholarships.

    Now that you’ve found a few pools of scholarships, you should find the ones you qualify for. Almost all schools offer an entrance scholarship of some kind when you’re accepted into the program. Maintaining a high grade-point average while applying is another sure way to qualify for a few other scholarships. If you’re the athletic type, you can use your passion for sports to earn some extra dollars. One of the most common kinds of scholarships come to those with a knack for writing, whether it’s creative, academic, or persuasive. Other scholarship types include the community-based scholarships (where participating or volunteering can not only build up your resume, but can demonstrate your ability to be an exceptional student), first in the family, and military scholarships.

    Applying for scholarships is not only a good idea, but it could be a necessity. Scholarships lessen the financial burden that comes with school. You probably hear many people referring to scholarships as “free money”, which isn’t very far off the mark, though you do have to put in a bit of time and effort for them. Like with any other award certificate, a scholarship also looks good on your resume. The next time you’re applying for a job, it could be the difference between landing the interview and wondering whether or not they’re going to get back to you.

    All things considered, of course you should apply for a scholarship! In fact, you should apply for as many scholarships that you remotely qualify for. Even if you likely aren’t going to win them all (maybe not even too many of them), you won’t gain anything at all if you don’t at least try. Applying for a scholarship is far from a waste of time!

  • October 2017 Scholarships: Apply Now!

    October 2017 Scholarships: Apply Now!

    Alberta Greenhouse Growers Association Scholarship

    Scholarship Value: $500

    Awards Available: 2

    Award Deadline: October 31, 2017

    Address: https://agga.ca/about-agga/awards.html

     

    Centennial Scholarship

    Scholarship Value: $2,500

    Awards Available: 1

    Award Deadline: October 31, 2017

    Address: http://www.cim.org/en/Societies-and-Branches/Societies/Maintenance-Engineering-and-Reliability-Society/Awards-and-Scholarships

     

    10 Words or Less Scholarship

    Scholarship Value: $500

    Awards Available: 1

    Award Deadline: November 1, 2017

    Address: https://www.studentscholarships.org/easy.php#sthash.luYHXJc8.dpbs

     

    Student Life Expo 2017 Free Pass & Contest!

    Amount: $5,000

    Provided by: Student Life Expo

    Deadline: October 29, 2017

    Donor: Student Life Expo

    Renewable: No

    Number Available: 1

    Type of Award: Contest

    Address: http://studentlifeexpo.com/register/

     

    Horatio Alger Canadian Scholarships

    Amount: $5,000

    Provided by: Horatio Alger Association of Canada

    Deadline: October 25, 2017

    Donor: Horatio Alger Association of Canada

    Renewable: Yes, 5 year(s)

    Number Available: 80

    Type of Award: Bursary

    Address: https://www.horatioalger.ca/en/scholarships

     

    Academic Achievement Scholarships

    Amount $6,000

    Provided by Redeemer University College

    Renewable Yes

    Type of Award Scholarship

    Automatic Consideration Yes

    Address: http://www.scholarshipscanada.com/Schools/Quick-Facts/University+College/brede08/Redeemer-University-College

     

    BMO Financial Group Diversity Scholarships

    Amount: $1000-$2500

    Deadline: October 13, 2017

    Provided by: BMO/ Ryerson University

    Type of Award: Scholarship

    Address: http://www.ryerson.ca/content/dam/currentstudents/awards/pdfs/schol_ent_bmofinancial.pdf

     

    CIM Foundation’s Taking Flight Scholarship

    Deadline: October 15th, 2017

    Amount: $1000

    Provided by: Canadore College

    Information: https://www.canadorecollege.ca/support/money/external-awards

    Address: https://az184419.vo.msecnd.net/canadore-college/awards-and-money/Taking%20Flight%20Scholarship%20Application.pdf

     

    Couponbirds “Help to Save” Scholarship”

    Deadline: October 21, 2017

    Amount: $500

    Provided by: Coupon Birds

    Address: https://www.couponbirds.com/scholarship

     

    Metis Nation Ontario Bursary

    Deadline: November 1st, 2017

    Amount $1000-Annually

    Provided by: Waterloo University

    For: Metis Students

    Address: https://uwaterloo.ca/student-awards-financial-aid/forms/bursary-forms

  • How to Save Money to Pay for College or University

    How to Save Money to Pay for College or University

    When you start thinking about attending college or university, it can seem like an expensive task. Tuition, books, and residence fees add up to a pretty hefty price tag, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. There’s a lot you can do when you’re still in high school to save money toward paying for college or university.

    Start Saving as Early as You Can
    The sooner you start saving money for school, the better. The best way to do this is to open a separate savings account at your bank, where you can deposit money you want to save for school. This way, your money will also earn some interest for you.
    You should also work out a budget of what it will cost to attend the college or university program of your choice. Schools and programs will vary in cost, but by looking at a wide variety of schools you will have an average price range to use as your savings goal.
    Once you know your goal amount, make sure you put money into your savings account as often as you can. A little bit at a time is all you need, such as money from your allowance or birthday and holiday gifts. You’ll see – it will add up pretty quickly.

    Earn Money Working Part-Time or During Summer
    Many students have part time jobs in high school. If you’re already working, then you can easily save money by putting some money into your savings account immediately after each paycheque. By doing this first thing each payday, you can make sure you save before you spend it.
    However, not every student has the opportunity to work during the school year, whether due to family obligations, sports and clubs, or parents who prefer you focus on academics. The thing to remember is that there are always breaks, such as spring break and summer vacation, which are an ideal time to pick up some work.

    There are many flexible jobs for students, as well. These include retail, food service, babysitting, camp counsellor, yard work and snow removal, washing cars, and even dog walking, to name just a few options.

    Start a Registered Education Savings Plan
    Known as an RESP, these are specific bank investments designed to help families save money for a child’s education. These plans enable parents and other family members to contribute to pay for school, and the younger the child is when the RESP is opened, the better.
    These investments offer benefits with taxes, as well as government matching of contributions up to a specific dollar amount each year. This makes an RESP a valuable way to save for school.

    Apply for Scholarships and Grants
    While not saving money per se, scholarships and grants are a great way to offset the costs associated with college and university. There are many scholarships for whatever program you want to study. The qualification requirements will vary, meaning you will always be able to find something to apply for. Some scholarships can even be applied for as early as your third year of high school.
    Scholarships and grant opportunities can be found all over, from local businesses and organizations in your town or city, as well as province-wide and Canada-wide.

    Student Loans
    It’s not always possible to save the entire amount you will need to cover the cost of your education – and that’s okay. Student loans exist for exactly that reason: to ensure that students who want to attend college or university can do so.
    Many banks offer student loans for educational purposes, and there are also government student loan programs, such as the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). These programs are valuable resources for students to help finance their education. The terms of the loan will vary depending on the source, but often include better interest rates and different repayment options than a standard loan.

  • NEADS News: June 2016

    NEADS News: June 2016

    Lorne Fraser Educational Fund for British Columbia Students With Mental Illness (apply by June 30th)

    About the bursary:

    Each year, the Lorne Fraser Educational Fund awards several bursaries to people with a mental illness to help further their pursuit of post-secondary education.

    Bursary amounts, $700 each, are based on the annual interest of the fund and are awarded for the fall term of each year. In addition to the bursary program, the scholarship program annually awards $1000 or $2000 to two post-secondary students living with mental illness, whose educational and career goals are related to mental health promotion

    Who can apply:

    Successful applicants for the Lorne Fraser Educational Bursary must meet the eligibility criteria outlined below:

    – experience of a mental illness

    – accessing therapeutic support/mental health services

    – an identified job goal

    – a demonstrated need for financial assistance

    – will be enrolled at a recognized BC post-secondary institution by December 1, 2016

    – at least 20 years of age and

    – a resident of British Columbia

    Successful applicants for the Lorne Fraser Scholarship for Mental Health Promotion must meet the eligibility criteria outlined below: experience of a mental illness accessing therapeutic support/mental health services a demonstrated need for financial assistance at least 20 years of age and a resident of British Columbia entering the second, third or fourth year of an undergraduate or graduate program at a designated British Columbia university or college will be enrolled at a recognized BC post-secondary institution by December 1, 2016 educational and vocational goals related to mental health promotion (see instructions for the 500 word statement of intent)

    Apply online Apply for the Lorne Fraser Educational Bursary online.

    Application deadline:

    Apply for the Lorne Fraser Scholarship for Mental Health Promotion online by June 30, 2016

    Apply through the Canadian Mental Health Association – BC Division website: http://www.cmha.bc.ca/how-we-can-help/campus/lornefraser

    NEADS and DAWN Canada conducting research to determine prevalence of violence related to women with disabilities and Deaf women on campuses

    May 26, 2016 (Montreal) – The DisAbled Women’s Network (DAWN) Canada and the National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS) are conducting collaborative research to determine the prevalence of violence against women with disabilities and Deaf women on college and university campuses in Canada.

    Recent media reports have exposed high rates of sexual assault of women students on campuses across the country.

    “This study is ground-breaking because it will help us to begin to understand the experiences of women students who are Deaf or have a disability, and it will also help us determine if their needs are being met when they seek support from campus programs,” said Frank Smith, NEADS National Coordinator.

    Access to the survey can be found here https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CNB8BRR  , or from the NEADS or DAWN Canada website or on Twitter @DAWNRAFHCanada #Safecampus.

    Established in 1985, DAWN Canada works to create change at a systemic level in order to directly improve the quality of life for women with disabilities and Deaf women in Canada. Since 1986, NEADS has supported full access to education and employment for post-secondary students and graduates with disabilities across Canada.

    For more information, contact: Hanane Khales Communications Coordinator, DAWN Canada communications@dawncanada.net 514-396-0009 Ext. 2505

    Or Frank Smith National Coordinator, NEADS frank.smith@neads.ca 613-380-8065 Ext. 201

    For full NEADS article, follow this link: http://www.neads.ca/en/about/media/index.php?id=380

  • Diversity Bursary – Communications Nova Scotia

    Diversity Bursary – Communications Nova Scotia

    Are you creative, innovative, connected? Are you embarking on a career in communications, technology, design, video, photography or marketing? Do you belong to a diverse group — including persons with disabilities. If you are studying at a college or university if Nova and the answer is yes to these questions, you are eligible to apply for 3, $1,000 Diversity Bursaries offered by Communications Nova Scotia. To apply, visit www.novascotia.ca/cns or look for an application at your school.

    Communications Nova Scotia: General Information 3rd floor, Provincial Building 1723 Hollis St. Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada P.O. Box 608, B3J 2R7 Phone: 902-424-7690 Fax: 902-424-0515 www.novascotia.ca/cns

  • Scholarship Essay Question Examples

    Scholarship Essay Question Examples

    The university/ college application process can be a daunting task for perspective students. There are a lot of forms to fill out, transcripts to gather and essays to write. Scholarship essays are among the most important. Many students choose to apply for a number of different scholarships in hopes of receiving financial assistance to help alleviate the burden of high tuition costs.

    These essays give students the chance to demonstrate their strengths, accomplishments and attributes in a clear and concise manner. They are a way for you to communicate who you are and what you want from the scholarship committee. Since they may not have the opportunity to meet you personally your essay will give them a look into your life, and help persuade them to choose you as a recipient.

    Some scholarships will require you to write about a certain topic, while others may let you pick a topic of your own- topics can vary, drastically. Some are more general. Some are specifically directed to things such as:
    financial needs, what you are planning to study or major in or various accomplishments you have achieved. A lot of these essays are designed to demonstrate your ability to think critically, express your opinions and communicate your thoughts, feelings and goals. A lot of topics also require you to recount a specific personal experience.

    Some common essay topics and questions are:
    • Tell us about yourself
    • What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses? How will they help you with your future goals?
    • What are your major accomplishments?
    • Who or what is the greatest influence in your life? (This could be someone you know, like a friend, relative or mentor. Or someone you’ve never met, but has had a major impact on your life. If you are picking someone you don’t know, try to steer clear of celebrities. Just because you enjoy T. Swift’s music or Josh Donaldson’s playing doesn’t make them influential. Look for someone whose accomplishments have helped change their community or the world.)
    • Talk about a difficult time in your life. How did you overcome it? What lasting impact did it have on your life? Did it change the way you look at certain people, situations and the world?
    • Where do you see yourself in ten years? What do you want for the future?
    • Why do you need the scholarship? Why are you the right person to choose?
    • Explain the importance of your major in today’s society. For example if you are taking education, what impact do educators have on your community or society as a whole?

    Regardless of the topic, make sure you plan ahead; brainstorm ideas, write drafts and start early. Know your audience and write to them. Establish what you want the selection committee to know about you and integrate it into the topic you are writing about.

    Be clear, concise and creative. Make sure to adhere to all the requirements outlined in the application (length, style, spacing, font etc.). Structure your essay cohesively and double check your spelling and grammar. You will also want to get a friend, teacher or family member to proofread and help edit your masterpiece after you complete your first draft.

    Good Luck!

  • 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 for Aboriginal Students

    Scholarships 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.

  • 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