- A student wishing to apply for a scholarship awarded by a local organization should prepare a scholarship folder.
- This folder should contain a letter of application, a transcript of grades and completed application.
- Student should submit four completed bound copies to the Connections Office.
- Keep a fifth one for your own use.
- Please sign each copy rather than photocopy your signature.
- Please note that there are other scholarship opportunities available which will require completion of their own separate scholarship application form.
- Scholarship folders should be completed and on file in the Connection Office by the first Friday in December.
- We generally begin receiving local scholarships at about that time.
- You may, of course, turn in your scholarship folder after that date but you may miss out on scholarships that we received prior to you turning in your folder.
Format (The following format is suggested for preparation of your scholarship folder 🙂
- All information should be typewritten or word processed and double-spaced. (No obvious erasures, No strikeovers.)
- Each scholarship folder should be bound with a soft cover.
- A copy of your senior picture is considered to be optional. This does not have to be a real photo. Scanned, or photocopy pictures are acceptable. If it is included, it should be enclosed on a separate sheet in your folder, which should have your name on it as well.
Other Sources Of Financial Aid
In developing a financial program for each individual, it is important to remember that there are a variety of sources for financial aid. One of the most commonly used sources for Alaskan students is the Alaska State Student Loan Program. Although there are some restrictions and eligibility requirements, consider the student loan as a possibility to help you finance your education. Other sources are available through the school you are planning to attend. Usually the basic application for these funds is the FAFSA, which allows the school to offer you a package of financial help in the form of grant/scholarships, loans, and work-study. FAFSA forms are available on line at www.fafsa.ed.gov/index.htm
Suggested Folder Arrangement
-
Cover page with identifying statement (centered in middle of page and picture if applied).SCHOLARSHIP FOLDER OF CONNECTIONS
- Optional picture centered on page with name typewritten approximately four lines below picture.
- Local Scholarship Application. (Form attached)
- A personal statement (essay), which is typewritten, double spaced, and at least two to three pages long. Express why you have chosen a particular career or vocation and explain your plan of pursuit. Mention training and education you have completed that will help you achieve this goal. You may also mention any special financial need you may have.
- Financial statement of expected school costs. (Form attached)
- Transcript of your high school classes and credits. Request from your advisor an official copy of your transcript. Please give at least two days notice for this task.
- Rating and evaluation sheet (Form attached). Give this sheet to a teacher or community member for completion.
- Appendix. Feel free to include any information about yourself that separates you from your classmates. Students in the past have included newspapers articles, copies of special awards, and letters of recommendation (1-3) in this section. (But don’t overload the reader.) Use good judgments and discretion.
Hints:
- Your folder represents your qualities as a candidate. Present your information neatly and accurately. Have someone PROOF READ your essay to look for spelling and grammatical errors.
- If you are not an accurate typist, find someone who is!
- Keep margins as even as possible.
- Division of words should be minimal.
- Do not fold application or letters. Envelopes are not required.
- Read through the instructions carefully and follow them precisely.
- Listen for announcements of deadlines. Meet ALL deadlines. Be neat and prompt.
- Remember to prepare five sets of your scholarship folder.
- Be aware that you do not have to be an “A” or “B” student to be considered for scholarships. Many committees desire to award scholarships to students who show promise of success. A “C” is considered an average grade and average students DO go on to post-high school training.
- Scholarships are for both college AND trade/vocational schools. So, apply if you are planning to attend any type of post-high school training.
One of the most important things to remember is to write a thank-you letter when you receive a scholarship. Also, you should drop the committee a note during the year to let them know how you are progressing in college and how much their contribution helped you. If you drop out of school and do not complete the semester, you should return the scholarship money. When you receive local scholarships, the name and mailing address of the school you definitely will be attending must be given to the Connections, so the funds reach the college of your choice.
