Scholarship Tigers–Students Helping Each Other Find Money for College

In April 2012, do not miss out on these scholarship opportunities worth $8,000.

 http://www.scholarshipexperts.com/apply.htx

All About Education Scholarship, $3,000, Deadline: Apr 30, 2012, 10:59 Central Time (do not click on the Google Ads)

http://frugaldad.com/undergraduate-scholarship/

Frugal Dad Scholarship, $5,000 undergrad, Deadline: April 30, 2012, 10:59 Central Time

http://www.tnstate.edu/financial_aid/scholarships.aspx

I found the Frugal Dad Scholarship as a link on TSU’s Scholarship website. You might discover more if you go there.

And More—you might also want to check out these scholarships

 http://www.npg.org/2012essayscholarship.html

Negative Population Growth Essay Scholarship Contest, Deadline: April 24, 2012, 6 prizes worth $2500 to $1000

http://www.tylenol.com/page.jhtml?id=tylenol/news/subptyschol.inc

Tylenol Scholarship, open to those entering a healthcare field, 10 applicants will receive $10,000; 30 applicants will receive $5,000,  Deadline: May 31, 2012

If you are a TSU student, you may qualify for the Bryan A. Collins Scholarship. You may receive $2,000 ($1,000 for each semester) if you meet the following criteria

 From website:

 “Eligibility Criteria

 Scholarship applicants must:

Be an enrolled as an undergraduate student at Tennessee State University.

Be involved in extra-curricular or campus activities outside of the classroom, demonstrating leadership in such activities.    

Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better (on a 4.0 scale).

Provide at least one faculty recommendation that highlights the applicant’s interpersonal excellence in working with students, faculty, administrators, campus employees or in the community.”

To read more about if you qualify and to have access to the application, click http://bryancollinsscholarship.org/index.htm

USN_9_Feb_2012_FreeMoneyFinancingYourCollegeDream2

On Thursday, Feb 9, 2012, I gave the following seminar, Free Money—Financing Your College Dream, at the University School of Nashville Evening Classes.

All money raised goes toward funding scholarships at USN and teachers of the classes are never compensated.

On pages 34-40, I list several scholarships, some with upcoming February deadlines.

You can check the list, looking for those that apply only to college students or to your situation.

For prospective Tigers (those who wish to attend TSU), you can find several good scholarships open to high school students and those wanting to return to school.

Dear Potential Tiger Scholar:

http://www.kfcscholars.org/scholarships/

Any student who wishes to enter Tennessee State University is a potential Tiger Scholar.

 If you are a high school senior who is graduating before August 31, 2012, have a 2.75 GPA, and plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree at a public, in-state college or university, then check out the Kentucky Fried Chicken Colonel’s Scholars program.

 KFC Colonel’s Scholars, Deadline, Feb 8. The following material comes directly from the website:

 “To be eligible to compete for the KFC Colonel’s Scholars Scholarship, an individual must:

 •Graduate from high school this academic year (between 12/1/11 and 8/31/12)

•Earn a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 2.75

•Plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree at a public, in-state college or university (start date no later than 9/30/12)

•Be a US citizen or permanent resident

•Demonstrate financial need

Scholars may begin their college career by entering into either a 2-or 4-year accredited in-state college/university, as long as they stay on track to complete a bachelor’s degree program.” 

“The Scholarship offered by the KFC Colonel’s Scholars Program provides funding for:

•Tuition

•Fees

•Books

•Room and Board

Awards can be up to $5,000 per year. The scholar could receive up to $20,000 over four years to help complete a bachelor’s degree.”

If you qualify for this program, I encourage you to apply. If you do so, please email me and let me know.

Sincerely,

Mr. Mike Turner

You can explore more about scholarships at TSU’s scholarship website: http://www.tnstate.edu/financial_aid/fin_aid_scholarships.aspx

Dear Tiger Scholars:

This post is full of information about filling out the FAFSA to maximize your scholarship opportunities, College Goal Sunday for help in filling out your FAFSA, and free income tax help if you need help finishing your taxes in preparation for the FAFSA.

FAFSA and College Goal Sunday

Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is your first step to applying for scholarships at TSU.

The earlier you fill out this information, the better.

Current and Future Students at TSU

http://www.tnstate.edu/financial_aid/fin_aid_scholarships.aspx

All current students and first time freshmen should consult the scholarship page found on TSU’s Financial Aid page.

Here you can find scholarship information for current and future students.

http://www.tnstate.edu/financial_aid/

Also, consult the Financial Aid page.

File early for best shots at scholarships

If you are a current student at TSU, aiming for early February for completing your FAFSA is not a bad idea.

If you are a first-time freshman wanting to attend in Fall 2012, you also want to apply around mid-February for your best chance, though the official deadline is March 31, 2012.

 First-time freshmen should read about the various scholarships and requirements on the scholarship application form: http://www.tnstate.edu/financial_aid/Proposed_Scholarship_Application_for_New_First_Time_Freshmen.pdf

College Goal Sunday

College Goal Sunday happens all over the country; you can bring your information in and get help from experts in filling out your FAFSA.

http://www.tn.gov/CollegeGoalSunday/index.html

The materials you need to bring can be found on the College Goal Sunday for Tennessee website.

http://www.tn.gov/CollegeGoalSunday/locations.html

If you are in Nashville, College Goal Sunday happens on January 29, though dates and locations vary all over Tennessee.

Above you will find a list and dates for College Goal Sunday in Tennessee.

 http://www.collegegoalsundayusa.org

 For others in the United States, you can find the College Goal Sunday dates and locations at the above website.

Now is the time to start getting your materials together to maximize your financial aid.

2012-13 FAFSA line-by-line Guide

http://collegegoalsundayusa.org/Volunteers/TrainingMaterials.htm

You might also find it instructive to look at the 2012-13 FAFSA line-by-line presentation, which includes instructions on how to fill out the current FAFSA line by line, including the changes this year in the FAFSA and how they will affect the person applying for financial aid.

The first part is online, with parts two and three to come later. 

 Free Income Tax Assistance

Many times people are reluctant to fill out the FAFSA because they have not finished filling out their income taxes. 

However, the waiting game can be harsh to those who wait later.

You can get income tax assistance to help you with your income tax if you make low to moderate income (less than $50,000).

http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=107626,00.html

The IRS provides an 800 number to find VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Sites) sites near you, as well as AARP tax volunteer sites.

http://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/

You don’t have to be older to use the AARP tax volunteer sites. (I used one about two years ago to get assistance on my taxes).

What should I bring to the VITA tax site?

 http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=167463,00.html

 For a list of what to bring to the VITA or tax counselor site, consult this article.

 Nashville Alliance for Financial Independence

http://www.nashvilleafi.org/index.htm

Nashville has the Nashville Alliance for Financial Independence, which gives free tax help to those who make $49,000 or less.

Tiger Scholars, this is very lengthy post, but if you follow this information, you should be on your way to maximizing your financial aid.

7 Athena Scholarship Awards–$23,500 for Women at Stake

http://www.nashvilleathenaawards.org/awards/awards.php

The deadline is approaching for the 2012 Athena Award & Scholarship Program: all application submissions (with enclosures) must be submitted by midnight, Nov. 14, 2011.

There are several categories that women of various ages and stages of life can apply. Each category has its specific guidelines and criteria. Please read all information to see if you qualify– and then apply.

 High school female seniors

Category 1—Traditional: Two scholarships are available for female high school seniors “graduating from public or private high schools located in Davidson and contiguous counties  . . . . in the amount of one $5,000 scholarship . . . [and] two $2,500 scholarship.”

At stake: $5,000, $2,500

 4 different types of non-traditional scholarships for women; read all the official rules.

Category 2—Non-traditional—Return to Workforce scholarships will provide “two scholarships in the amount of $5,000 . . . and $2,500 . . . presented to women who have chosen to pursue an associates or bachelors degree later in life.”

At stake: $5,000, $2,500

“ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Be a graduate of any high school or have earned a GED.
• Have been out of high school five years or longer.
• Be a student in or an applicant for admission to any associates or bachelors degree program.
• Have letter verifying enrollment or completed admission process no later than November 14, 2011.”

Category 3—“Women in Technology of Tennessee (WiTT) will “[provide] a $3,000 scholarship to a non-traditional woman currently in the workforce who has chosen to pursue a degree in science, technology, engineering or a research field.”

At stake: $3,000

“ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Be a graduate of any high school or have earned a GED.
• Have been out of high school five years or longer.
• Be enrolled for an associates or bachelors degree focusing on science, engineering, research or technology fields.
• Currently in the workforce.”

Category 4—Saint Thomas Health Services “provides a 3,000 scholarship to a non-traditional woman currently in the workforce who has chosen to pursue a degree in a healthcare related field.”

At stake: $3,000

“ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Be a graduate of any high school or have earned a GED.
• Have been out of high school five years or longer.
• Be enrolled for an associates or bachelors degree focusing on a healthcare-related field.
• Commit to working for Baptist Hospital, Hickman Community Hospital, Middle Tennessee Medical Center or Saint Thomas Hospital for at least one year upon graduation.
• Currently working in the workforce.”

If you are a non-traditional woman, you can apply to category 2 “AND to either category 3 or 4 as appropriate. Each application is reviewed separately. Duplicate information must be submitted if applying for more than one scholarship.”

You must upload only PDF files. There are directions on the website on how to do that.

Microsoft Word, which we use on campus, easily converts files to PDF. I can easily show you how to do this if you make an appointment with Mr. Turner at mjturner@tnstate.edu

You must also write an essay of 300 words or less, which you can get help with in the TSU Writing Center or by making an appointment with Mr. Turner.

P.S. The next scholarship I will write up is the Talbots Scholarship Program open to women, deadline Jan 3, 2012; here is the link if you want to check it out beforehand to see if you qualify: http://bit.ly/talbotscholarship

Internship, Washington DC–Spring 2012, Deadline: Nov 1, 2011

If you have not been reading your email at TSU, you may have missed this recent opportunity.

“Internship Opportunity, Washington, DC—Spring 2012

Spend the semester interning in DC while earning credit at Tennessee State University!

Internships in advocacy, business, international affairs, law and criminal justice, media and communications, political leadership and policy. Locations include the White House, Congress, Amnesty International, CNN, Interpol, NAACP, law offices, World Bank, Departments of State, Treasury, and Commerce and many more.

TSU will select and sponsor three students for the spring. You pay your TSU tuition, travel, food, and personal expenses. TSU will cover all program costs, housing, course credit, classes, and leadership forum while in DC (approx.. $12,000 value).

Read more about The Washington Center Internship Program here: http://www.twc.edu/internships

TSU application deadline is November 1, 2011

Contact Dr. Brian Russell (brussell7@tnstate.edu ) for additional information and TSU internship application.”

 $3,000 Education Matters Scholarships, Deadline: Oct 31, 2011

Create a profile at http://www.scholarshipexperts.com

The profile will take you about 30-45 minutes.

Then, apply for the Education Matters Scholarship, answering the following question in 250 words or less, “What would you say to someone who thinks education doesn’t matter, or that college is a waste of time and money?”

You will also have a chance to write why you believe you deserve the scholarship.

To learn about this scholarship and others at ScholarshipExperts.com:

http://www.scholarshipexperts.com/apply.htx

 Reader’s Digest 150 Word Life Story Contest

Don’t forget: the deadline for the Reader’s Digest Life Story Contest is Nov. 1, 2011.

Details here: https://tigerscholars.wordpress.com/2011/10/19/150-words-to-25000—my-life-story-deadline-nov-1-2011/

Can you write your life story in 150 words or less. Then, you can enter the Reader’s Digest “Your Life” Contest.

The contest is open to all legal U.S. residents, 18 years or older. Deadline is November 1, 2011.

The top prize is $25,000; ten runner-ups will win $2,500 each.

For more details, read Kathy Temean’s blog entry, which includes a link to the official rules: http://bit.ly/mylifecontest

You can also upload a video, so you may want to read the blog entry and official rules.

Also, many people are not sure where to enter the contest. You must use this Facebook app to enter: http://apps.facebook.com/yourlifecontest/node/add/contest

Tiger Scholars: 3 Deadlines Loom for Sept and Oct 2011

Welcome back, Tiger Scholars!

School is beginning, and here are a potential $6500 in scholarships.

 $2500 Name and Branding Scholarship, Deadline Sept 15, 2011

http://www.namedevelopment.com/scholarship/

The Name and Branding Scholarship is open to undergraduate students majoring in Linguistics, English, Marketing or Mass Communications.

 Two Scholarship Opportunities, up to $4000 Potential

Information here: http://www.scholarshipexperts.com/apply.htx

At ScholarshipsExperts.com, there are two upcoming scholarship opportunities.

One, deadline Sept 30, 2011, is the Shout It Out Scholarship, and three $1,000 scholarships will be awarded.

Second, deadline Oct 31, 2011, is the Educations Matters Scholarship, and one $3000 scholarship will be awarded.

ScholarshipExperts.com is noted by Forbes.com as one of the top scholarship search engines. You have to create a profile (which takes about 30-45 minutes) and then write a 250 words or less short answer to the scholarship question.

We will from time to time be posting information about scholarships for high school students. All high school students are prospective future Tiger Scholars.

First, we start out with a scholarship for all students.

Scholarshipexperts.com’s Do-Over Scholarship 2011, three $1,000 scholarships, deadline: June 30, 2011

For all students, including college students:

http://www.scholarshipexperts.com/apply.htx#do-over

Scholarshipexperts.com is noted by Forbes.com as being one of the best scholarship search engines, much like http://www.fastweb.com  or http://apps.collegeboard.com/cbsearch_ss/welcome.jsp .

You must first create a profile at http://scholarshipexperts.com ; then, you can answer the question, “If you could give any celebrity or famous person a ‘do-over,’ who would you give it to and why?” in 250 words or less.

More Scholarshipexperts.com scholarships: http://www.scholarshipexperts.com/apply.htx

NASSP Advisory List, Millions in money for high school students

For high school students:

http://www.nassp.org/Content/158/2010_Natl_Ad_List_101210.pdf

For high school students, there is no better resources to find scholarships and contests for high school students than the National Association of Secondary School Principals 2010-2011 National Advisory List of Approved Student Contests and Activities. 

This list is for 2010-2011, so if the deadline is passed, then you know that most likely the contest will be around next year for the same time. 

For example, the Veterans of Foreign Wars 2010-2011 NATIONAL VOICE OF DEMOCRACY AUDIO-ESSAY CONTEST ran from Jan 1-Nov 1, 2011. 

This contest was open for grades 9-12, and the top prize was $30,000. Other prizes were $16,000, $10,000, and $1,000.

You can read more about this contest and read the winning $30,000 speech: http://www.vfw.org/Community/Voice-of-Democracy/

Most likely, the VFW 2011-2012 NATIONAL VOICE OF DEMOCRACY AUDIO-ESSAY CONTEST will run from Jan 1-Nov 1, 2012.

This is just one of the contests on the NASSP National Advisory List of Approved Student Contests and Activities.

The 2011-2012 List will be posted here: http://www.nassp.org/awards-and-recognition/nassp-national-advisory-list