Cochise College Presents

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Cochise College Presents

• Scholarship Seminar
• March 30, 2006
• Library Commons, Sierra Vista
• Presented by
• Linda Barker, Financial Aid Technician
• and
• Liz Lillard, CTEPS Coordinator

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Main Topics

• Types of Scholarships
• Financial Aids role with Scholarships
• Scholarship Deadlines
• Scholarship Criteria
• Scholarship Myths
• Thank You
• Recap

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Who are the Donors for Foundation Scholarships?

• Donors are Alumni, Benefactors, Faculty,
  Retirees, Family members who have lost a loved
  one, Community Organizations, Individuals,
  Business, Non-Profit, Corporations, Family that
  wishes to support the College, etc.

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Foundation Scholarships

• These Scholarships are only available for use at
  Cochise College.
• Available online at www.cochise.edu/information/c
  cfoundation/
• Available at all campus locations.
• Scholarship Binders are located at each campus
• location.
• Ask the office for a copy of all available
  scholarships.

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Foundation Scholarships

• Cochise College Foundation paid out more than
  335,000 to 500 students in the 04/05 school
  year.
• That is
• cash paid
• directly to the
• students account
• and/or pocket.

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Foundation Scholarships

• Some Foundation Scholarships are available for
  use at outside Universities or Colleges.
• All outside Foundation Scholarships are noted
  with a gray box.
• Once you know you are transferring that next
  fall, apply the spring before for those
  scholarships.

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Erwin Fry Scholarship(main criteria)

• Available to Cochise College Students
• Students must be full time and finish full time
  during the semester.
• Must have unmet need and be a resident.
• Awarded on a first come first serve basis if all
  other qualifiers are met.
• Average 300 per semester for Cochise College
  Students

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Erwin Fry Scholarship - Awards Available to
Other Institutions (main criteria)

• Erwin Fry Scholarship reserves money for use at
  other colleges.
• Applications are only available at Cochise
  College.
• Available to Cochise County graduates.
• Non-Cochise County graduates may be eligible as
  transfer students.
• Must have unmet need at their parent school.

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Financial Aid Possibilities

• Cochise College Financial Aid awarded more than
  8 Million dollars in Federal Aid in the 2004-05
  school year.
• Applying for federal aid can assist in meeting
  criteria for Scholarships.
• Applying for federal aid should be done
  regardless of anticipated outcome.
• Many people who qualify are not aware because
  they never apply.

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Clubs. Get Involved

• PTK, PHI Theta Kappa, great transfer scholarships
• Student Government tuition waivers for elected
  officers (up to 12 cr. In state)
• Spanish Club
• Philosophy Club
• Cinema Club
• Etc

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Other places to look

• Look to your college or university that you plan
  on attending.
• www.fastweb.com
• www.thesalliemaefund.org
• www.chelastudentloans.org
• Check with your employers/parent employers and
  local organizations.
• Kiwanis, Lions Club, Rotary, Elks Club, BPW, and
  other organizations sponsor scholarships.

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Myths

• You must have a 4.0 GPA to be considered eligible
  for Scholarships.
• You must be full-time.
• You must qualify for Pell/Loans
• You must be a current high school graduate
• You must be transferring to the University
• You must pay back the money for failing

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Criteria Anxiety

• It really isnt that bad.
• Dont panic or get stressed out.
• The people that are evaluating your application
  WANT to give out the scholarships.
• You are not going into a bank for approval.
• Put your best foot forward and think positively.
• Positive attitude is reflective in your
  application.
• You have just as good a chance as anyone else.
• Most people dont get approved because they dont
  apply.

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Deadlines for Cochise College

• Foundation applications are due by April 14th,
  2006 Friday Office closes at 1pm
• Erwin Fry Scholarships due by May 1st
• FAFSA, early submission, May 1st
• Paperwork must be complete for Financial Aid by
  JULY 31ST (Earlier is much Better)
• Check with your school for deadline dates do not
  rely on prior experience. Dates vary year to year.

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FAFSA - APPLY

• FAFSA, should be completed.
• (Free Application For Federal Student Aid)
• By applying early for Federal Aid you can be sure
  that all information that may be considered,
  unmet need/budget, is complete.
• Apply for FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov
• Qualification of Pell Grants/Loans does not
  necessarily disqualify you.

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Pay Attention to Detail

• Read ALL instructions before beginning the
  application.
• Make sure you meet basic criteria.
• Is the scholarship campus specific? Full-time
  students only?
• Does it require club membership?
• Does it require a separate application form?
• High school or college transcript?

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Pay Attention to Detail

• Make sure all forms are completely filled out.
  (check the back of the form)
• Use black or blue ink.
• Be sure the letter of recommendation is from the
  correct source, i.e. instructor, counselor etc
• Personal essay may be required.
• Keep it simple.

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Personal Essay

• Include the following
• Education goals
• Career goals
• Current achievements scholastic work
• Any volunteer or school service
• Need for the scholarship funds
• Any hardships you may have endured
• BE SURE TO INCLUDE GOALS !!

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Letters of Recommendation

• Request letters of Recommendation early.
• Have a personal fact sheet available to give to
  the individual providing recommendation.
• Check the scholarship forms to be sure of any
  specific rules about the letters of
  recommendation. (sealed envelope etc)
• Generic letters do not always work. Some letters
  may need to be specific.
• If you do not have a person that fits the
  recommendation requirement provide a note of
  explanation.

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Personal Facts Sheet for Recommendations

• Give a brief statement of goals
• Grade level and Work status
• Need for scholarship
• Indicate if you dont qualify for federal aid
  because of work or parent income
• Give brief indication of any personal obstacles
  you had to overcome to continue the pursuit of
  higher learning
• Be sure to inform instructor, counselor or
  advisor of any specific requirements made by the
  donor (sealed envelope etc)

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Recipient Award Notification

• Foundation makes decisions May 8th -12th
• Erwin Fry Scholarship Award letters will go out
  after summer sessions are complete. (Summer
  Sessions affect the Fry Grant)
• Financial Aid Grants, awarded at the same time
  the Federal Aid is awarded
• Some Scholarships are delayed because of donor
  selections processes or other possible
  administrative processes

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Thank Yous

• A thank you note is something that should be done
  to anyone who provides any assistance regarding
  your financial needs at school.
• A simple note extending your gratitude and maybe
  how the aid assisted you in your endeavor.

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DO NOT GIVE UP !

• The awards that may be offered to another student
  are not used.
• If a student does not use an award it can become
  available again during the year.
• Always check the binders in the Cochise College
  area to see if any repeat or new scholarships
  have become available.
• Those scholarships that open up during the year
  receive very few applicants.

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Keep a copy of Application

• Keep a copy of your application.
• If you were not initially selected for the award
  and it comes available again, your application is
  ready.
• Keeping a copy of your application can ensure
  that any lost parts of an application can be
  replaced immediately.
• Some applications are generic and it streamlines
  the application process.

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RECAP.

• Pay attention to detail
• Recommendation letters
• Deadlines
• How and where to submit applications
• Dont give up if you do not hear anything the
  first time
• Keep a copy of your application

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Questions?

• Thanks for participating.
• Please feel free to stop by the financial aid
  department for any further clarification.