Scholarship & Bursary Award Seminar September 2011

Scholarship &

Bursary Award Seminar

September 2011

AgendaAgenda

1.1. IntroductionIntroduction2.2. Financing Post-Secondary EducationFinancing Post-Secondary Education3.3. Scholarship & Bursary Award CriteriaScholarship & Bursary Award Criteria4.4. Some Awards AvailableSome Awards Available5.5. Application Due DatesApplication Due Dates6.6. Award DeferralsAward Deferrals7.7. Finding Award InformationFinding Award Information8.8. The Application PackageThe Application Package9.9. Helpful SuggestionsHelpful Suggestions10.10. Some Final ThoughtsSome Final Thoughts

Post-Secondary Education Post-Secondary Education Estimated Living CostsEstimated Living Costs

Tuition and FeesTuition and Fees $4500$4500 Books & SuppliesBooks & Supplies $1000$1000 Local TransportationLocal Transportation $500 $500 Personal ExpensesPersonal Expenses $2500$2500 Room & BoardRoom & Board $6000$6000 * Costs will vary depending on individual circumstances.* Costs will vary depending on individual circumstances.

Tuition, Fees and Room/Board Tuition, Fees and Room/Board ExpensesExpenses

The information to the right is The information to the right is based on Sept. 23/10 post-based on Sept. 23/10 post-secondary website secondary website informationinformation

Fees are approximate, subject Fees are approximate, subject to change and based on a to change and based on a general program. general program.

There will be additional There will be additional textbook, transportation and textbook, transportation and personal expenses.personal expenses.

Financial costs are only one Financial costs are only one factor to consider.factor to consider.

There are pros and cons to There are pros and cons to attending any post-secondary attending any post-secondary institution. Financial costs are institution. Financial costs are onlyonly one factor to consider. one factor to consider.

Post-Post-Secondary Secondary InstitutionInstitution

Tuition & Tuition & Fees/per Fees/per school yr.school yr.

Room /Room /

BoardBoard

TotalTotal

UFVUFV $4250$4250

- - - - - - - - - - --

$4250$4250

CBCCBC $8970$8970

$5210$5210 $14,18$14,1800

TWUTWU $19,47$19,4700

$8700$8700 $28,17$28,1700

UBCUBC $5200$5200

$7800$7800(on-campus / (on-campus / shared room)shared room)

$13,00$13,0000

Financing Post-Secondary EducationFinancing Post-Secondary Education

Personal Savings: Summer/Part-time JobsPersonal Savings: Summer/Part-time Jobs Passport to Education: Grades 10 – 12Passport to Education: Grades 10 – 12 Scholarships & Bursaries:Scholarships & Bursaries:

Provincial (Academic)Provincial (Academic)

FISA (DDAA - Project based)FISA (DDAA - Project based)

Businesses and OrganizationsBusinesses and Organizations

Post-Secondary InstitutionsPost-Secondary Institutions

Parents: Scholarship Plans, Gifts, LoansParents: Scholarship Plans, Gifts, Loans Government Loans: Provincial/FederalGovernment Loans: Provincial/Federal

Scholarship & Bursary Award Scholarship & Bursary Award CriteriaCriteria

Criteria for awarding scholarships & bursaries may include one or more Criteria for awarding scholarships & bursaries may include one or more of the following: of the following: high academic achievementhigh academic achievement extra-curricular activitiesextra-curricular activities school/community serviceschool/community service leadership involvementleadership involvement good citizenshipgood citizenship membership in a specific organization (students/parents may membership in a specific organization (students/parents may

need to be members at least one year), attendance at a specific need to be members at least one year), attendance at a specific elementary school or home address in a specific locationelementary school or home address in a specific location

financial needfinancial need nomination nomination pursuing specific post-secondary studies pursuing specific post-secondary studies pursuing a specific career and/orpursuing a specific career and/or connections – knowing the donorconnections – knowing the donor

Passport to EducationPassport to Education

The Passport to Education program recognizes and rewards The Passport to Education program recognizes and rewards student achievement in Grades 10 – 12. The Passport awards student achievement in Grades 10 – 12. The Passport awards are used to further students’ post-secondary education and job are used to further students’ post-secondary education and job training.training.

Passport to Education stamps will be given each September to Passport to Education stamps will be given each September to top students in, the previous year, in each of Grades 10, 11 and top students in, the previous year, in each of Grades 10, 11 and 12. The values of the stamps are: 12. The values of the stamps are:

Grade 10: Grade 10: $250$250 Grade 11: Grade 11: $250$250 Grade 12: Grade 12: $500$500

The stamps can be redeemed as tuition credit at a designated The stamps can be redeemed as tuition credit at a designated post-secondary institutions. The tuition credit must be post-secondary institutions. The tuition credit must be redeemed within five year of the student’s expected graduation redeemed within five year of the student’s expected graduation date.date.

Designated Post-Secondary Designated Post-Secondary SchoolsSchools

• Check out: Check out: www.bced.gov.bc.ca/awards/other.htm > > Designated Schools SearchDesignated Schools Search to see if you to see if you can use your Passport to Education at the can use your Passport to Education at the post-secondary school you are interested post-secondary school you are interested in attending. in attending.

(Designated schools may be public or private, in Canada or (Designated schools may be public or private, in Canada or outside of Canada.) outside of Canada.)

PROVINCIAL GRADUATION PROGRAM PROVINCIAL GRADUATION PROGRAM EXAMINATIONSHIPS SCHOLARSHIPEXAMINATIONSHIPS SCHOLARSHIP

To qualify for a $1000 Provincial Graduation To qualify for a $1000 Provincial Graduation Program Examinations Scholarship students must Program Examinations Scholarship students must meet basic graduation requirements and achieve:meet basic graduation requirements and achieve: At least a “B” At least a “B” (73% or higher) (73% or higher) final mark final mark (provincial exam and (provincial exam and

school mark combined)school mark combined) in English 12 or Communications 12 in English 12 or Communications 12

At least one “A” At least one “A” (86% or higher) (86% or higher) and three “B”s and three “B”s (73% or higher)(73% or higher) on four of his/her best provincial exams on four of his/her best provincial exams (can include the (can include the English 12 provincial exam)English 12 provincial exam)

The scholarship voucher must be redeemed, at a designated The scholarship voucher must be redeemed, at a designated post-secondary institution or apprenticeship program, post-secondary institution or apprenticeship program, within five years from September 30th of their graduating within five years from September 30th of their graduating year.year.

DogwoodDogwood District/Authority District/Authority AwardsAwards

This $1000 award ($500 cash and $500 This $1000 award ($500 cash and $500 voucher for post-secondary education*) is voucher for post-secondary education*) is intended for students who have taken grade 11 intended for students who have taken grade 11 & 12 courses and excelled in the following & 12 courses and excelled in the following areas: areas: (Information Meeting Oct. 19)(Information Meeting Oct. 19)

Fine ArtsFine Arts (Visual Arts, Dance, Drama, Music)(Visual Arts, Dance, Drama, Music)

Applied SkillsApplied Skills (Business Ed., Technology Ed., Home Ec.)(Business Ed., Technology Ed., Home Ec.)

Physical ActivityPhysical Activity (not limited to Physical Education)(not limited to Physical Education)

Second LanguagesSecond Languages

The criteria for DDAA include:The criteria for DDAA include:

superior achievement superior achievement (80% or higher)(80% or higher) in specialty area in specialty area coursescourses

a project, portfolio, record log and/or video a project, portfolio, record log and/or video (the (the “wow”“wow” factor)factor)

a letter written by the studenta letter written by the student a letter of recommendation by a teacher in the specialty a letter of recommendation by a teacher in the specialty

areaarea a letter of recommendation by the counsellor / principal a letter of recommendation by the counsellor / principal

* The scholarship voucher must be redeemed, at a designated post- * The scholarship voucher must be redeemed, at a designated post- secondary institution or apprenticeship program, within five years secondary institution or apprenticeship program, within five years from September 30th of the student’s graduating year.from September 30th of the student’s graduating year.

Abbotsford Community Foundation Abbotsford Community Foundation AwardsAwards

The Abbotsford Community Foundation Awards are The Abbotsford Community Foundation Awards are available to students who are:available to students who are:

* graduating from Abbotsford School District * graduating from Abbotsford School District #34 secondary schools and/or MEI, and #34 secondary schools and/or MEI, and

* furthering their education by attending * furthering their education by attending accredited courses/programs or a accredited courses/programs or a

vocational / vocational / technical school within two and a half technical school within two and a half years of years of high school graduation. high school graduation.

Criteria for these awards may include Criteria for these awards may include one or more of the following:one or more of the following:

high academic achievementhigh academic achievement school/community involvementschool/community involvement leadership involvementleadership involvement good citizenshipgood citizenship membership in a specific organization, membership in a specific organization,

attendance at a specific elementary school or attendance at a specific elementary school or home address in a specific locationhome address in a specific location

financial needfinancial need pursuing specific post-secondary studies and/orpursuing specific post-secondary studies and/or connections – knowing the donorconnections – knowing the donor

A complete Abbotsford Community A complete Abbotsford Community Foundation application package will include:Foundation application package will include:

application form application form (including Social Insurance Number)(including Social Insurance Number)

application letter written by the studentapplication letter written by the student resumeresume reference letterreference letter a transcript a transcript (first semester marks important)(first semester marks important)

Students will receive information about these awards Students will receive information about these awards in February, with applications due later in February. in February, with applications due later in February. The award must be claimed within two and a half The award must be claimed within two and a half years of graduation.years of graduation.

APPLICATION DUE DATESAPPLICATION DUE DATESApplication dates vary:Application dates vary:

TD Canada Trust Scholarships TD Canada Trust Scholarships October 31, 2011 October 31, 2011 ((www.td.com/scholarship))

SFU Entrance Scholarship SFU Entrance Scholarship February 28, February 28, 20122012

Abbotsford Community Foundation Awards February 2012 Abbotsford Community Foundation Awards February 2012 MEI Friends & Alumni AwardsMEI Friends & Alumni Awards March 2012 March 2012 (Evergreen Alumni Award / The A440 Award / Mary(Evergreen Alumni Award / The A440 Award / Mary Esau Memorial Bursary / EP Industries Trades Award)Esau Memorial Bursary / EP Industries Trades Award)

UFV Entrance ScholarshipUFV Entrance Scholarship Early April 2012 Early April 2012 Dogwood District Authority/AwardDogwood District Authority/Award Early April 2012 Early April 2012

Unless it says otherwise, assume that the application package must arrive at the Unless it says otherwise, assume that the application package must arrive at the donor organization by the due date.donor organization by the due date.

Again, it is important to regularly check the GRAD bulletin board in Student Again, it is important to regularly check the GRAD bulletin board in Student Services and various award websites regularly, and to check with specific post-Services and various award websites regularly, and to check with specific post-secondary institutions and organizationssecondary institutions and organizations ..

AWARD DEFERRALS: WHAT IF POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION IS AT LEAST ONE YEAR AWAY?

Complete award application packages even if post-secondary education is at least one year away, unless it very clearly says must be attending school in September 2012

Some awards are valid for at least one or more years after graduation

If you are successful in receiving an award from a university, write a letter asking if it can be deferred, stating the reasons why

eg. need to work, attending a Bible School

FINDING AWARD INFORMATIONFINDING AWARD INFORMATION

Check the Internet: Check the Internet: www.studentawards.com www.scholarshipscanada.com (webinar on finding scholarships)(webinar on finding scholarships) httphttp://www.meisoc.com/secondary/?q=node/49 www.keytoscholarships.comwww.keytoscholarships.com www.bced.gov.bc.ca/awardswww.bced.gov.bc.ca/awards www.canlearn.cawww.canlearn.ca www.collegeboard.comwww.collegeboard.com www.debtfreegrad.comwww.debtfreegrad.com www.careercruising.com www.careercruising.com www.campusstarter.comwww.campusstarter.com http://www.fastweb.comhttp://www.fastweb.com

Finding Award InformationFinding Award Information - con’t. - con’t.

Post-secondary education websitesPost-secondary education websites Organization & government websitesOrganization & government websites Various search enginesVarious search engines Scholarship Workbook by Pat Lee Scholarship Workbook by Pat Lee (Mouat)(Mouat)

Check the Check the GRAD GRAD bulletin board in Student Servicebulletin board in Student Service

Look through books & newspapersLook through books & newspapers

THE APPLICATION PACKAGETHE APPLICATION PACKAGE Completed Scholarship & Bursary application packages may

include the following:

An Application form:

“type” or use black pen (if pen is allowed) don’t leave any space blank - if you think a questions

doesn’t apply to you write, “not applicable” if you aren’t sure how to answer a question, contact the

organization offering the scholarship may request letter grades may request a list of volunteer/work experiences may request a list of extra-curricular activities may request a list of leadership contributions may request your Social Insurance Number

THE APPLICATION PACKAGE (con’t)THE APPLICATION PACKAGE (con’t)

An “official” An “official” interiminterim Transcript: Transcript: ( A final Transcript, from the B.C. Ministry of Education, will be mailed to your home, at the end of July .)

■ consists of your grade 10-12 courses and marks ■ is created by the MEI General Office, after they receive a

Transcript Request Form (available in Student Services or at http://www.meisoc.com/secondary/?q=node/49 ) and when the transcript can’t be requested through completing the online B.C. Ministry of Educations Post-Secondary Institutions (PSI) Selections Form

at www.bced.gov.bc.ca/exams/trx_updates. (MEI generated transcripts will be available within 2 business days. There is no charge for the first five transcripts; however, there is a $5.00 fee for each additional transcript.)

■

THE APPLICATION PACKAGE (CON’T)THE APPLICATION PACKAGE (CON’T)

■ A Personal Letter:A Personal Letter:

* describing yourself, your volunteer & work

experiences, your school & community

experiences, leadership activities and,

personal & career goals


Letters of Reference:Letters of Reference: if you can choose your reference, choose someone who knows

you well (your strengths, abilities, goals etc.) eg. a teacher / coach who has had you for a few years or whose

class you did well in (References should not be family members or relatives.)

sometimes the reference letter has to be written by a school counsellor or administrator

give people as much time as possible to write a reference letter, minimum one week, preferably at least two weeks

provide a copy of your application , MEI Student Profile and/or resume to the person writing your reference letter

provide a stamped envelope consider sending a “thank you” note to people who write

letters of reference for you


An Essay:An Essay:

* on a given topic - eg. future goals & dreams, something you’re passionate about, significant or meaningful contribution you have made to the community

* personal & original, interesting intro., be creative

* reflect how experiences have impacted your life, what you’ve learned through life experiences and

involvement with others, and how you are or can use what you’ve learned, skills you’ve developed in life (reflect on yourself within the greater whole)


A Resume: A Resume: (1 -2 pages maximum)(1 -2 pages maximum)

• must be word processed• begin with most recent involvements first and

work “backwards”, unless the directions say otherwise

An Interview:An Interview: (eg. Mission Foundation Awards)(eg. Mission Foundation Awards)

* questions may be related to current contributions, community awareness, life experiences, future goals etc.

HELPFUL SUGGESTIONSHELPFUL SUGGESTIONS

Read through the application as soon as possible and carefully follow the directions on the application forms (make sure you qualify for the award/meet the criteria)

Make a couple of photocopies of the scholarship application before you fill it out

Do the best you can in your courses while still living a balanced life

Get involved in extra-curricular activities at school and in the community/church

Volunteer your time serving and helping others in school and in the community / church

HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS (con’t)(con’t)

Take INITIATIVE / show leadership. INITIATE and organize a new program (eg. “Old to New”, “Tutoring”, “S.O.U.L”) Do your best to be a positive person with a good

attitude, effort and behaviour Be confident, emphasize strengths – “brag about

yourself in a humble sort of way” Develop good relationships with teachers / youth

pastors / employers / adults etc. who can write reference letters for you – again, consider sending a “thank you” note to people who help you with the application process


Complete your application at least two weeks before the application deadline – request Transcripts early

When you ask someone to write a reference letter give them at least one to two weeks notice. Also, give them a copy of the scholarship/bursary criteria and a copy of your MEI Student Profile and/or Resume.

Let your parents videotape you in school concerts, plays, community soccer games etc.

Open a scholarship/bursary file on your computer and regularly enter information


Start now already making a list of all paid/volunteer work experiences, accomplishments, contests entered, awards received etc. and dates/years involved

You or your parents may want to become members of organizations that offer scholarships & bursaries

Get a Social Insurance Number (Students must have a SIN to apply for the ACF Awards)


Use flawless English in a very neat, clear format (A rough draft first is recommended.)

Ask a parent, teacher, friend, counsellor etc. to proofread your application for content and/or for grammar

Make sure the completed application package, project etc. is your own work

Keep a copy of all application packages you submit on file at home


Check the GRADE 12 bulletin board and award related websites regularly – due dates vary. Unless it says otherwise assume that application packages must arrive at the destination by the due date.

Don’t procrastinate - working towards and applying for awards involves time ~ time working hard, time getting involved and time taking the initiative to search for, read and complete application packages

If you win an award send a “Thank You” letter/note to the donor as soon as possible

A Final ThoughtA Final Thought

Winning one or more awards is not guaranteed, however, getting involved in enriching activities and serving others can help to make your high school experience

more memorable and meaningful, and make a difference in the lives of others.

Documents

Scholarship & Bursary Award Seminar September 2011