Tag: Scholarships

  • Doing Scholarships the Right Way

    Doing Scholarships the Right Way

    Like getting a ton of free money? Of course you do!

    Those lines might sound like the beginning of an un-reputable online advertisement, but the truth is there are plenty of scholarships aiming to do just that – hand you free money to support your education.

    So how do you score some of this free cash? Start by applying to any and all scholarships that you can. The more you apply to, the higher your odds of receiving an award.

    If you’re not sure of your eligibility for a scholarship, apply anyway. Many scholarships are not given out due to lack of applicants. Even if your eligibility is hazy you may be the lucky winner by default. This was the case when Sandro Rocco, Niagara College Photonics alumni, applied to the Walker Technology Grant.

    “I wasn’t entirely sure if I qualified but I thought – why not give it a shot? A lot of people don’t bother,” he commented.

    “It turned out I was the only person to apply for the scholarship so I won. The award was really helpful and got applied directly to my tuition,” Sandro continued.

    Some students shy away from scholarship applications because they feel their grades aren’t high enough. However, plenty of scholarships are handed out as a result of achievement in other areas, including extracurricular involvement, athletics or charity work. Financial aid and area of interest are also taken into consideration when handing out scholarships.

    Take time out of your schedule to make great applications. Prioritize and spend time on scholarships that are most applicable to your skills and experiences.

    Remember that scholarship application is not limited to your first year of studies. Many students stop applying after their first year thinking that the majority of scholarship funding is reserved for new students. This is not the case, as many awards are reserved for students in their second, third and fourth year of studies.

    Students are sometimes intimidated by the amount of work involved in applying to scholarships, but by using an incremental approach and developing decent time management (yes, it is possible) you will be able to handle the stress and hopefully reap the benefits of scholarship application.

    Many online scholarships allow you to save your work in their own word processors, making it easy to finish one or two parts of the application at a time.

    Having a stock application template done in advance is another easy way to save time and minimize stress while scholarship hunting.

    Have a thorough list of your skills, past experiences, awards and academic achievements on hand as part of your application template. This go-to list will make a world of difference in the quickness of your application process.

    Also, prepare a general and flexible essay that highlights your personal qualifications and that can be tweaked to fit specific scholarship criteria.

    Keep your audience in mind when filling out applications.

    If you are applying to an academic scholarship, be sure to use academic language and keep the tone of your writing as professional as possible.

    In contrast, some scholarship review panels are looking to see a more personal response. For these, don’t be afraid to use a less formal language and be sure to highlight your own opinion, giving judges a better understanding of your personality.

    Just like that summer job, it is never too early to start the search for scholarships! So good luck and happy applying!

  • University = Show Me The Money?

    University = Show Me The Money?

    During your first year of post-secondary education, you might feel like you have a chorus of administrators telling you to SHOW ME THE MONEY! This is probably the least awesome part of your university/college experience, but don’t lose hope! You can pay for your education and still have some dough left over if you manage your money.

    There are some great resources for student loans and scholarships that you can check out, but for now I’m going to share the best money-managing tip that’s saved me some moolah over four years of university.

    Some students may want to work during their first year, while some might prefer having more time to focus on their studies and soak up the university/college atmosphere. Either way, you’re going to want to have some extra cash handy to buy food, clothes, video games, hovercrafts, etc. The best way to make sure you’re not broke by October 1st is to…

    MAKE A BUDGET
    …and follow it! You could aim for a monthly budget, a weekly budget, or something in between. The disadvantage of the monthly budget is that you might get to the end of the second week and realize you don’t have enough coffee coins to last until the 31st. However, the monthly budget is advantageous if you KNOW you are responsible with your money and your self-discipline is strong enough to withstand the barrage of media which daily tells us that we need more stuff.

    Since I am personally quite fond of stuff, I went the way of the weekly budget and it worked fairly well. The disadvantage of the weekly budget is that it could be Monday and you’ve spotted a pair of jeans that you simply MUST have, or the new Halo game just came out and you’re not sure you can live without it. In cases like these, you might be tempted to dip into next week’s budget or blow a month of your carefully pinched pennies. Borrowing from one week’s budget to pay the expenses of another week is acceptable as long as it doesn’t happen too often and you’ve got legitimate reasons. Sometimes you might have to talk yourself out of that cute new top (everyone else is going to buy it anyways) or the pair of nunchucks you thought you just HAD to have (what are you ACTUALLY going to use them for?)

    If the personal pep talk doesn’t work and you decide you absolutely have to have something, just remember: you must eat (canned spaghetti for dinner every night does not count) and you must pay bills (interest rates are killer and cell phone companies are not as forgiving as their cute little mascots make them appear.)

    Here are some things to consider when making your budget:

    • The contents of your bank account!
    • Do you have a meal plan or will you be buying groceries?
    • Will you be working throughout the school year and how much will you make?
    • Do you have job plans for the summer?
    • How will you be paying for your next 2/3/4 years of university or college?
    • Are you eligible for or currently receiving financial aid? (Remember, loans must be paid back. Try saving a percentage of your money to put against your loan so that you don’t finish school and fall into a pit a debt.)

    Don’t be too generous with your budget or you’ll run out of money, but don’t be too strict either because you have to live on more than bread and water rations! Keeping the above six things in mind will help you to structure a budget that should work for you AND your bank account.

    Happy saving! (more…)

  • 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.

  • Covering Post-Secondary Education Costs

    Covering Post-Secondary Education Costs

    University tuition is a huge expense that leaves many students deep in debt by the time they graduate – especially if they choose to live on their own, either in residence or near campus. Income from summer jobs is difficult to stretch out through the school year. That’s why many students work part-time on or near campus to offset the costs of school.

    But even before you begin to peruse employment options, don’t forget to apply for as many scholarships and bursaries you can find for which you are eligible. Search your school’s website for scholarship and bursary information and ask someone at the finance offices for advice. There is often more money available to students through these awards than there are students who apply for them. So don’t let competition dissuade you from applying. You have nothing to lose and money to gain! (Remember that the most important thing to do with any application for scholarships and bursaries is to have someone edit your work before you submit it).

    On-campus jobs provide another fantastic source of income to help you pay for the school year. There are a lot more options for work than you might think! Some students with disabilities, for instance, require extra assistance reading journal articles or writing down their thoughts. Look for a resource centre on your campus and ask if you could be hired to help out. The work, which is government-funded, pays relatively well. Check out your university’s administration offices to see what else may be available and ask all of your professors what they recommend.

    Off-campus jobs are another alternative means to acquire income as you go to school, but there are things to consider before you apply:

    1. How long will it take me to get to and from the job?
    2. Will my boss allow flexibility so that I can prioritize my schoolwork?
    3. Does what I learn at the job compliment my degree?
    4. Can I get something from the job for free that I would otherwise have to pay for, like a gym membership, food or clothes?
    5. Will I be able to manage my time effectively enough to juggle a job and school?

    It may be a good idea to settle into your classes and develop a homework and study routine before you seek employment. Prioritize your goals and decide how much time you need to commit to your education compared how much time you need to spend earning money.

  • March Scholarships of the Month – Apply Now!

    March Scholarships of the Month – Apply Now!

    Welcome to the March list of scholarships on JobsPeopleDo.com! As you are well aware, spring is shortly popping up on the calendar – as are deadlines for many scholarship and bursary applications! No matter what your university or college of choice is, there is a scholarship out there for you. The sooner you can get your post-secondary financial situation sorted out, the less stress you will feel. So what are you waiting for? Go out there and get that free money!

    1. Maytree Scholarship Program for Protected Persons and Permanent Residents who were Protected Persons – for students entering first year university or college in Toronto. Amount: $16,000. Deadline: March 22, 2013

    2. Anthem Essay Contest – for students in Grades 8, 9 or 10 across Canada. First prize: $2000 (many secondary prizes to be awarded – check website for more information). Deadline: March 20, 2013.

    3. 35 Lions Club of Regina Scholarship – for students entering first year studies at the University of Regina. Amount: $1000. Deadline: March 15, 2013.

    4. Alexander College Entrance Scholarship – for students entering first year studies at Alexander College in British Columbia. Amount: $7980. Deadline: March 15, 2013.

    5. Barbara Roberts Memorial Award – open to current undergraduate students at Athabasca University in Alberta. Amount: $250. Deadline: March 15, 2013.

    6. The Bissett Scholarship – for students entering first year undergraduate studies at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia. Amount: $6000. Deadline: March 15, 2013.

    7. Canadian Cancer Society Gertrude and LeRoy Rellinger Youth Volunteer Scholarship – for youth volunteers at the Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division. Amount: $5000. Deadline: March 15, 2013.

    8. Community Entrance Awards – for students entering first year undergraduate studies at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia. Amount: $2000. Deadline: March 15, 2013.

    9. The Elaine Laurin Award – for students across Canada entering a Nursing program at any college/university. Amount: $1000. Deadline: March 15, 2013.

    10. Frank Ney Memorial Entrance Award – for students entering first year undergraduate studies at Vancouver Island University in British Columbia. Amount: $500. Deadline: March 15, 2013.

  • February Scholarships of the Month – Apply Now!

    February Scholarships of the Month – Apply Now!

    Welcome to our list of ten new scholarships for February! Remember – it’s never too early to plan your finances for post-secondary education. The sooner you start, the greater your chances of success! Take a look at all of the scholarships below and apply for as many as you can! Go out and get that free money!

    1. The Colonel Douglas H. Gunter Award – Open to all students across Canada. Amount: 5 @ $1000. Deadline: April 13, 2013

    2. Douglas McRorie Memorial Scholarship – For students majoring in agricultural business, economics, finance or trade. Amount: $3000-$5000. Deadline: February 22, 2013

    3. Aborginal Traditional Arts Project Grant – For Aboriginal students stuyding Arts in Alberta. Amount: $15,000. Deadline: February 15, 2013.

    4. 2013 Toyota Earth Day Scholarship – Open to all students entering post-secondary education in 2013/2014. Amount: $5000. Deadline: February 15, 2013.

    5. Anne Latimer Memorial Bursary – Open to female students enrolled in Women’s Studies at Langara College, Vancouver. Amount: Dependent on need. Deadline: February 14, 2013. **Many more Langara College bursaries at the link – check them out!**

    6. Canadian Institute for Nordic Studies Undergraduate Summer Bursaries – for Canadian students planning to study abroad at a Nordic university. Amount: $1500. Deadline: February 15, 2013.

    7. Saskatchewan Chancellor’s Scholarship – For all students entering post-secondary education at the University of Saskatchewan. Amount: $5000. Deadline: February 15, 2013.

    8. Don Moore Scholarship Award – For all students entering post-secondary education in Alberta. Amount: $1500. Deadline: February 15, 2013.

    9. John Brooks Foundation Scholarship – For all students entering post-secondary education at Queens University in Kingston, ON. Amount: $1300. Deadline: February 15, 2013.

    10. University of Ontario Institute of Technology Chancellor’s Scholarship – For students entering their first year of studies at UOIT. Amount: $28,000. Deadline: February 22, 2013.

  • January Scholarships of the Month – Apply Now!

    January Scholarships of the Month – Apply Now!

    2013 is upon us and that means it is time to start your scholarship applications for the fall (or even summer!) semester. With exams, homework, volunteering and making time for family and friends, it can feel difficult to fit in scholarship applications. Not all applications require lengthy essays and hours of your time, so ensure you prioritize and fit scholarships into your educational plan. JobsPeopleDo is here to help you find a wide array of scholarships that are a perfect fit for you. After all, free money is the best money!

    1. Brain Tumor Survivor Education Award – For students aged 16-25 across Canada who have survived brain tumors. Amount: $5000. Deadline: May 17, 2013

    2. Dr. P. Anthony Johnstone Entrance Scholarship – For Nova Scotia students who have demonstrated an interest in multiculturalism and human rights. Amount: $6000. Deadline: March 31, 2013

    3. RBC Aboriginal Student Awards Program – For Aboriginal students across Canada. Amount: $4000 per academic year. Deadline: February 28, 2013

    4. Super Powers Scholarship – Open to all Canadian students entering post-secondary education. Amount: $250. Deadline: February 1, 2013

    5. TD My Responsible Financial Group – For students across Canada that are concerned about environmental issues. Amount: $3000. Deadline: January 18, 2013

    6. CollegeWeekLive Scholarship Giveaway – For students across Canada who register with College Week Live. Amount: $1000. Deadline: January 31, 2013

    7. Dick Martin Scholarship Award – For students across Canada who are enrolled in occupational health and safety course or program at accredited college or university in Canada, leading to an occupational health and safety certificate, diploma or degree. Amount: $3000. Deadline: January 31, 2013

    8. StorageMart ScholarSmarts Scholarship – For students across Canada enrolled in post-secondary education in Canada or the US. Amount: $1000. Deadline: January 31, 2013

    9. Vale Undergraduate Scholarship – Open to women across Canada who are enrolled in an undergraduate engineering program. Amount: $10,000. Deadline: January 11, 2013

    10. Edgar Kerstan Memorial Scholarship – For students across Canada enrolled in post-secondary education. Amount: $3000. Deadline: January 31, 2013

  • Earning An Academic Scholarship

    Earning An Academic Scholarship

    With rising costs of education, the competition for academic scholarships is increasing, too. Paying for your education through a scholarship you earn is an impressive way to study. You don’t need to be a “genius” in order to secure a scholarship for your education. All you need to do is search for sources and apply at the right times to the right places. There are numerous organizations that work to ensure that the people who actually deserve a chance, get it. However, if you’ve never applied for a scholarship before there’s a chance that you do not know where to begin. This article is meant to give you some tips that should make your basics clearer.

    •There are college scholarships and grants that could be anywhere between a few hundred dollars per semester to those that cover all your education expenses. If you manage to get a complete scholarship it would cover your boarding and tuition fees and even cover the costs of your books.

    •There are a few scholarships that are only available to selected schools. Before you take up admission in an educational institution, make sure that you check out the various kinds of scholarships as well as the different kinds of expenses they cover.

    •So as to increase the probability of being selected for a scholarship in the educational institution of your choice, and in the course you prefer, apply at all the places possible.

    •Use all sources of information. It is really important to find the right information at the right time. Use all search engines available to you!

    •Make sure you read the fine print before you sign up for anything. There are various kinds of assistance, including loans:
    1.Some student scholarships are merit based and may be totally free.
    2.Some scholarships need to be repaid without any interest accumulating on the principle amount.
    3.Some companies dole out merit based scholarships which are actually contractual in nature – these imply that you will work for these companies once you have finished your education. There may be a bond period specified, after which you are free to join other companies.

    College scholarships, grants, and fellowships are available from federal, provincial and private organizations for students in undergraduate and graduate degree programs and vocational and technical schools. There are also scholarships for high school seniors available for those just entering post-secondary education. There are even scholarships and grants available to students for primary and secondary education.

    Whatever reasons you may have to apply for a scholarship, whether it is to re-enter educational studies, to advance your career, to change careers, or to re-enter the work force, you have the right to apply for a scholarship. Some funding organizations may require you or your family to have moderate to low income or for you to have achieved a certain GPA. However, not all agencies require these standards to be met. Look into all of your options and find the perfect scholarship for you!

  • December Scholarships of the Month – Apply Now!

    December Scholarships of the Month – Apply Now!

    Welcome to our listing of ten new scholarships for December! Be sure to check out the information for each one to see if you are eligible to apply.

    2013 is only one month away, which means many scholarships for the summer and fall 2013 academic years will begin accepting applications. It’s never too early to start working on your applications for scholarships next year! You work hard for your grades – now go out and get that free money!

    1 – AFOA and Potash Corp Aboriginal Youth Financial Management Award – For Aboriginal students in Grades 11 and 12. Amount of Award: $5,000. Application deadline: January 11, 2013.

    2 – Nova Scota Recycles Contest and Scholarship Program – For Nova Scotia students in Grade 12. Amount of Awards: $750-$5000. Application Deadline: February 8, 2013 (Earlybird deadline is December 14, 2012).

    3 – House of Commons Page Program – For students beginning their university or college studies in the National Capital Region. The page program involves working at the Hosue of Commons for 15 hours per week beginning in August 2013 (hours will be worked around university/college schedule). Amount of Award: $13,049 over the 12 month period of work, including a lump sum payment of $1200 at the end of your work placement. Application Deadline: December 20, 2012

    4 – Kin Canada Bursaries – 35 different awards for students across Canada. Amount of award: $1000. Application deadline: February 1, 2013

    5 – Explore Language Immersion and Bursary – Five week French immersion course for students across Canada. A bursary is also provided to cover all costs of the program. Amount of award: $2000. Application deadline: February 28, 2013.

    6 – Youth In Motion – Top 20 Under 20 Program – Open to Canadian students under the age of 20 who have demonstrated significant amounts of innovation, leadership and achievements in their life, school, community, province or country. Amount of award: No set financial reward. Prize is based on networking opportunities, free trip to Toronto and media recognition as a youth leader. Application deadline: Spring 2013.

    7 – Encana Community Scholarship – Awarded to a Grade 12 student entering post-secondary studies in an oil and gas industry-related field. Amount of award: $2500 for each year of your degree. Application deadline: May 2, 2013

    8 – Scholarship of the Bell Aliant Pioneer Volunteers – Awarded to a Grade 12 student living with vision loss in Nova Scotia or Prince Edward Island. Amount of award: $2000. Application deadline: April 30, 2013.

    9 – ECO Canada Newalta Aboriginal Environmental Scholarship – Three awards available to Aboriginal students across Canada who have shown leadership in their communities in the areas of environmental protection, resource management, or environmental sustainability. Amount of award: $2500. Application deadline: May 14, 2013.

    10 – The Colonel Douglas H. Gunter Award – Open to all senior students across Canada who will be graduating from high school in Spring 2013. Five awards available. Amount of award: $1000. Application deadline: April 15, 2013.

  • Myth: I Don’t Need Money – My Parents Pay For Everything!

    Myth: I Don’t Need Money – My Parents Pay For Everything!

    Many young students might think that having their parents pay for their school tuition, shelter, transportation, food, clothing, hygiene products, entertainment and anything else would provide them with enough money to survive university. But this is a myth! The reality is that money is more than something that is used to purchase the things you want and need. Making money is more than just having money in your pocket, it is building your path to independence and self-sufficiency. Making your own money on top of whatever amount your parents are giving you is a great way of creating independence for yourself. This is hugely important because when you are not dependent on others for every aspect of your material survival, you can feel empowered and able to make your own choices. Having the feeling that you control your own life and are not dependent on your parents will inevitably allow you to see your life more clearly and to see exactly how your own decisions affect your life.

    Working is valuable for gaining money and for experience that can be used in different areas of your life. When you work you are taking on responsibility and people are depending on you to do the job. Having people depend on you instead of constantly depending on others is empowering and reinforces your independence. Additionally, building your work experience looks great on a resume and will help you later in life when looking for a job and for getting through your day-to-day life tasks that inevitably require some taking on of responsibility.

    Having your own money also allows you to have a little fun and minimize the guilt you feel when you spend the money your parents give you. If you want to go on a trip to Wonderland with your friends, get your nails done or even buy some new shoes, having your own source of income will allow you to make these little trips and purchases that make life worthwhile. When you have your own money, you are more in charge of the direction that your life will take. Overall, money enables you to be independent and to make choices better suited to you than you would if you were dependent on your parents.