The Art of Winning Canadian Scholarships
The Art of Winning Scholarships
By: Pat Chacha, Scholarship Coordinator and Scholarship Coach
So you need money for post secondary education? According to recent scholarship listings there are more than 37,400 scholarships and awards which translates into more than $58 million. Scholarship is free money; however most students and their parents are unaware of where to start looking for scholarship money. Most importantly they do not know what it takes to win scholarships.
Let me dispel the biggest scholarship myth:
"Only 'A' students or 'football players' win scholarships"
Scholarships are awarded to students with many different talents and interests. Scholarships are awarded based on academics, leadership, innovation, community service, athletics and or financial need. Most scholarships are awarded to the students who are willing to properly organize and prepare themselves. With self motivation, determination and persistence students can be successful at their scholarship search.
Where do I find scholarships and What do I need to do to win scholarships?
Identifying the best places to look and how to select the scholarships that best suit you is one key to success. Whether you are in high school or planning to attend university or college, preparation is essential. It is never too late to start, but the earlier the better. With the double cohort in Ontario, grade eight or nine is an ideal place to begin to position yourself for success.
For those that are planning to work for a year before starting post secondary school, I would recommend that you begin your scholarship search as soon as possible. Although you are not applying, it is good to see what is out there in the way of scholarships, grants and bursaries.
Parents often ask, "How can I motivate my children to pursue scholarships?"
Consider the positive impact on your family's financial situation if your children won scholarships? Consider hiring a Scholarship expert, a Scholarship Coach to guide your child along the path of winning scholarships. By encouraging and communicating your support for their scholarship search, you may help them to be winners.
A Step by Step Guide to Scholarship Training
The workshop teaches you the basic principles and steps to winning scholarships. It offers practical tools to guide them to successful scholarship application as well as opportunity to participate in a lively, interactive interview skills breakout session.
Module 1: Grades 9 and 10
- Planning my future
- Preparation tools
- Good grades
- Unique interest
- Membership in school clubs, youth groups, sports team etc.
- Do's and Don'ts
Module 2: Grades 11 and 12
- How to treat scholarship research
- Portfolio management
- Time management
- Essay writing
- Request for recommendation letter
- Application process
- Cover & thank you letter preparation
- Post interview letter
- Scholarship resources
- Interview skill group session
Module 3: Parents Workshop
- How to encourage and assist your child to locate scholarships
- Financial Aid
- Registered Education Plans. Is the money enough?
Creating Scholarship Portfolios
A portfolio is a collection of information that displays the best about you to other people. It can be an effective tool for students applying for scholarships. This workshop gives students the tools and tip to organize, plan, document and track personal development and achievements.
If you are looking to...
- Be awarded a scholarship, to find the right job,
- Stand out among the competition
- Feel confident in an interview
- Prove yourself
- Develop your resume
This workshop can help!
Workshop Overview:
- What is a portfolio?
- Why do I need one?
- When should I begin to organize my portfolio?
- Tools to build an effective portfolio?
- What do I include?
- Portfolio Tips