Please use this link, Scholarship Information, to review monthly scholarship information. These bulletins spotlight only a few of the scholarships available. For a more complete listing, please visit the scholarship database for Wake County students at http://www.scholarshipplus.com/wake/.

ABOUT SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships are awards of money that can help students fund a college education.  Scholarships do not typically have to be paid back, though students may have to meet certain performance expectations or commitments to maintain a scholarship.  Scholarships are awarded based on criteria set by the scholarship provider.  Some typical criteria include:

• Merit (academic achievement, GPA, class rank, test scores, etc.)
• Need (family’s financial situation)
• Talent (athletic ability, artistic talent, etc.)
• Affiliation (member of ABC Church, child of Rotary Club  member, for example)
• Condition (diabetic, left handed, child of cancer survivor, etc.) 

RESEARCHING SCHOLARSHIPS

Researching scholarships can be a full-time job.  Students should start scholarship researching scholarships in their first year of high school – especially “full ride” scholarships – so they can use their time wisely in high school and prepare themselves to be the best possible applicants later.  Typically, however, students don’t think about scholarships until their senior year of high school.  Here are some tips for researching scholarships:

• Start early – more time means more options
• Get organized – keep a calendar of deadlines, keep a notebook or file system
• Seek help early – give your supporters plenty of time to respond, be sure to thank them
• Actively research – scholarship information will not just come to you, you must seek it
• Expand research – HS counselor, college financial aid office, civic groups, employers, etc.
• Don’t pay – never pay for scholarship information or to apply for scholarships
• Keep materials on hand – transcripts, recommendation letters, resume, test scores, etc.
• Follow instructions – do exactly what you are asked to do – no more, no less
• Proofread – check for clarity of content, legibility, accuracy & completeness
• Submit early – being early makes a favorable impression
• Keep copies – hold onto a copy of everything you send & record date sent
• Be patient & persevere – it takes a lot of work & effort and there are no guarantees

Contact Mr. Rudder, jrudder@wcpss.net, in Student Services for more information about scholarship bulletins.