For Post-Secondary Studies

43% estimate living expenses to be $5000-$10,000/year 56% estimate tuitions, books, academic

supplies, etc. to be $5000 – $10,000/year The average undergraduate student in

Canada graduates with $24,000 worth of debt

Youth unemployment in Canada was 17% in 2011

53% of students report they are working during the school year in order to make ends meet

36% of students dropped out due to financial reasons (Statistics Canada’s Youth in Transition Survey)

studentawards.com

They are often based on a variety of criteria:

◦Academics◦Volunteer work◦Extracurricular activities◦Sports

Financial need may or may not be a factor

Scholarship that is usually based on need rather than merit

Student in need of financial assistance to continue their education

Small award given in recognition of some specific superior accomplishment

May be in the form of books, plaques, medals, subscriptions, or cash

Loans are advanced on the understanding that the money will be repaid upon the completion of one’s studies

Federal and Provincial government both provide student loan plans

Students receiving a student loan often qualify for a bursary

Some financial institutions also have student loan plans; however, these usually have an immediate interest charge

Money – specifically, money that you don’t have to pay back

Resume Builder – what better way is there to impress your future employer? Awards look great on medical/law school applications as well

Compound Interest – once you win one award, it acts as a stepping stone for winning others

Other than academic success and financial need, scholarship providers look forapplicants who can demonstrate: Originality and Passion – what makes

you stand out from all the other applicants? Volunteering & Community Service –

do you give back to the community? Have you volunteered beyond the 40 hour requirement?

Leadership and Initiative – are you a founding member or have you taken an active role in a club or organization?

Talent – Are you a Van Gogh? Future Spielberg? Do you have a vision? Scholarships reward fresh thinking and new ideas

Special Targeted Areas – specific heritage or cultural background, gender, special needs, geography and more.

Institution Based Scholarship

Every post-secondary institution will offer first year scholarships for first year students.

Check the institutions web page and/or calendar for a list of these scholarships.

Open to students admitted to the post-secondary institute directly from high school

Students MUST apply for early admission in order to be considered

Students are considered based on their grade point average from high school

Membership Scholarships

◦Many organizations have scholarships available to members and families

eg. A.T.A. (AB Teachers Assoc.)

◦Could include employer's, clubs, cultural organizations, religious affiliations, or teams.

C.B.E./School Based Scholarships

◦Managed by the C.B.E.◦Selected at school or city level

The typical application time for these is in the spring of a school year.

Go to: www.educationmatters.ca www.thecalgaryfoundation.org

Corporate Scholarships

◦Nationally or provincially selected◦e.g. Toyota, T.D. Bank, Burger King

Information will be posted on the school T-drive, scholarship binder in both Guidance

offices, and sent to YOTES teachers

Government Scholarships

◦Alberta – The Alexander Rutherford Scholarship

◦75% - 79.9% OR 80% and higher average in 5 subjects in grade 10, 11, and 12

◦Different monetary amounts awarded depending on average

◦Value varies from $300 to $2500 Apply in the spring of your grade 12 year. Go to: www.alis.gov.ab.ca for more

information.

Scholarship Binder ~ Student Services

(T & P Wings)

◦ www.studentawards.com◦ www.scholarshipscanada.com◦ www.scholarshipsand awards.com◦ www.alis.gov.ab.ca ◦ www.educationmatters.ca◦ www.schoolfinder.com

Create a list of all available scholarships Identify guaranteed scholarships

◦ These scholarships are based solely on your high school average

Read criteria for the award Apply only if you are eligible! If you do

not meet all of the eligibility criteria, you will not be considered.

Complete application in full Follow all directions and submit all

required documentation Give concrete examples of community

involvement, school involvement as well as leadership activities

Focus on quality rather than quantity Neatness matters! Spelling and grammar are important

Develop a portfolio of your accomplishments to date

Recommendation/Reference letters are often required

Provide them with information on yourself, award criteria and deadline for award

Give them time to write (not due the next day- allow minimum of 2 weeks)

Thank those who have written letters of recommendation

Request help if not clear understanding

Deadlines are important Applications will not be accepted if they

are received after the posted deadline

Keep a copy of all the applications and documentation

Many scholarships ask for similar criteria and you can use some of the documentation more than once.

Read criteria for the award carefully and ask yourself - “What are they looking for?”

Always attempt to answer this question as completing your application

Remember your awards application represents you

Submit the best application you can

Mrs. Greyson ~ A-G ~ T WingMrs. Floyd ~ H-N ~ P WingMs. Hunter-Burge ~ O-Z ~ T Wing

Mr. Manderson ~ Career Practitioner ~ Library