Scholarship Information

2011/2012 Scholarship Information

Click on the following link for a great youtube video that goes over the cost of post secondary education, financial aid and scholarships http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-ikDtZPhA0&feature=youtu.be

The following TIPS ON APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS is taken directly from the following link
Tips For Applying For Scholarships

Read the criteria

1. Determine which scholarships are realistically available by checking the criteria and deadlines for each scholarship.
2. Check and make sure you meet the essential criteria. Applications from students who do not meet the criteria are often not considered.
3. Maintain a high Grade Point Average (GPA). Most scholarships are based on high GPA’s.
 

Application Process

1. Read the application carefully. Due to limited funding, not all applicants receive scholarships. You should be careful and thorough when filling out your application to give yourself the best possible advantage.
2. Many students fail to follow directions. Be sure to answer each and every question.
3. Your application is a reflection of you. Always type (or neatly print using black ink) your application. Your application must appear neat and professional. Take pride in yourself by submitting the best application you can.
4. Proofread your application. Pay attention to any blank spaces. Blank spaces can deem your application incomplete and it may then be ineligible.

References (letters of recommendation)

1. Choose your references with care. They should be current.
2. Employers, religious leaders, community leaders, teachers and instructors can serve as excellent references.
3. Your references should have known you for at least six months.
4. Avoid using members of your family, best friends, or roommates.
5. Advise your reference of what award you are applying to and inform them of specific criteria for the award so that, if required, they may indicate why you are a suitable candidate. They should always try to address your current attributes and skills.
 

Please go to the following link How To Write a Scholarship Reference Letter   which was taken from the following website www.studentawards.com

Personal Statement

1. Always enclose a letter to simply tell the scholarship committee who you are and why you are the best candidate for the scholarship. Your personal statement is viewed as the equivalent to a face-to-face interview. Take some time to make your commentary clear, concise and informative as possible.
2. Share with the selection committee your personal and professional goals.
3 .Include activities you have been involved with. ie: clubs, sports, student government, volunteer work, co-op jobs, part-time jobs, etc.
 

Deadlines

1. Do not wait until the last minute. Give yourself enough time to meet all the scholarship requirements. Submit your application and all documentation on time.
 

 Financial Need for Students

Any student who plans to continue his or her education in any field at a university, college, or training school should consider making application for a scholarship, bursary, award or interest free loan. 

Vocabulary

An award may be in the form of money or a prize such as a book or trophy. Such an award is made on the basis of the students’ academic achievement, attitude, and/or contribution to the school and community. 

A scholarship is a gift of money awarded on the basis of high academic achievement or other criteria as outlined by the donor. 

A bursary is awarded primarily on the basis of need and a satisfactory achievement or other criteria as outlined by the donor.

A student loan is money you borrow from either your financial institution or by applying for a Government Student Loan or Grant. For information go to the Student Aid BC website. 

Internal Scholarships - These scholarships are decided upon by a group of teachers, counselors and administrators at the school level. These bursaries are donated from groups/organizations in your community. These groups/organizations donate the funds. They do NOT want to decide who the student recipient is as they feel the staff knows the students the best. Winners will be kept confidential until Award Ceremonies on June 6, 2012.

External/Specific Scholarships/Bursaries - These bursaries are donated from groups/organizations in your community. THEY DECIDE which student is awarded their scholarship.  Winners will be kept confidential until Awards Ceremony June 6, 2012.

2 Types of Externals: 

1. External Standard Scholarships "School Mails" complete the standard application package.

2. External Specific Scholarships "School Mails" complete the organization’s specific application form and staple together and we’ll submit it to the organization for you (do not use the CSS Standard Application).

Getting Started

For Chilliwack Community based scholarships go to the scholarship directions page to find direction on each of the four types of scholarships.

• Listen for announcements or go to Scholarship Updates and Announcements for the most up to date announcements. Take note of new and deleted Scholarship/Bursaries and any changes. 
• Attend at least one “Scholarship/Bursary” workshop in the library at lunch:
  •  November 15, 16, 17 (Internal Scholarships)
  • November 22, 23 (External Scholarships)
  • November 29, 30, Dec 1 (Specific Scholarships).

For a complete list of Non-Community Based Scholarships/Bursaries list and register at:

(note particular dates or see website and mail on your own; dates may be earlier than the ones school mail). 

• www.studentscholarships.org
• www.scholarshipscanada.com
• www.studentawards.com

Claiming Your Award

(This is only done after June 6, 2012 )
1. All awards will be held confidential until the evening of the Scholarship/Awards night.

2. If you are successful in attaining an award you must submit the following information to the Career Centre:
• Scholarship/Bursary Recipient Information Sheet – Deadline Date: June 12, 2012.
• Thank you card to the donor and return to Mrs. Hill June 12, 2012.

Most Scholarships and bursaries have a two year period of time to redeem (ie: September 20, 2014) however some deadline for collection for each award is different, so check the stipulations in the booklet and if it is not stated, there are two years from Graduation to collect an award.

To receive your scholarship/bursary award you may have to do several things. If you have not been give a cheque at awards night, donors require you to present proof of registration and payment to a post secondary institution to receive funds. You may receive a letter, explaining how and where to access your funds. Many scholarships and bursaries are held in trust at the School Board Office and can be claimed after August 15, 2012. DO NOT LOSE THIS INFORMATION.