Forbes estimates that an average of $100 million in scholarships goes unclaimed every year…mostly due to a lack of applicants.

I have graduated 2 students so far; both of which attended college. Both had a great GPA, which earned them school-based academic scholarships. Both qualified for need-based government financial aid. And both received an athletic scholarship. One of them even had a very small on-campus work-study job. But a portion of the tuition remained unpaid and thus owed by the student (aka family). Here is where community scholarships come in…they are the best way to close the gap and avoid student loans. And did you know that if your total combined financial aid and scholarships exceed tuition, then the overage is refunded to you?!?!?!?!?

Before my oldest graduated, I attended a seminar about community scholarships and the simplest yet most profound statement changed my entire perspective. “Unless you treat finding community scholarships like a job, class, or chore and dedicate consistent time to it, you will never get around to it.” In this 15-week semester course, students will get just that… the dedicated time to search for and apply for scholarships.

Scholarships come in all shapes and sizes. Some have strict qualifications for a small group of applicants, while others are open to a wider group. Some scholarships are for small amounts, while others can be significant. Some scholarships are awarded just once, while others can be awarded yearly over the course of the student’s college enrollment. The trick is finding as many as possible and applying, applying, applying. Because increasing the number of scholarships applied for will increase the chances of winning scholarship money.

I will share several different avenues for students to use when searching for scholarships. I will also assist students in the application process including but not limited to proofreading essays when required as part of the application. (not all scholarship applications require an essay!!). I will also assist seniors with the FAFSA and TN Hope & Promise applications if desired.

One last thing…Did you know that scholarship searching and applying is not just for high school seniors??? Scholarships are sometimes available for students as young as elementary school. But it is quite common to find scholarships open to middle schoolers. So, it’s never too early to start! And looking for and applying for scholarships does not end after high school. Many scholarship applications are open to college students, too!! Take the tools learned in this class and continue the process to cover the costs of years 2, 3, 4, & beyond of college.

*Please note that students should be able to work independently and stay on task*

Course Requirements:

• It is highly recommended that students have a laptop available to them during class. An iPad or tablet would be sufficient. A smartphone with internet access can used but is not ideal.

• Access to Schoology

Class Homework requirements:

While no homework will be required, it is highly recommended that students spend 2-4 hours per week outside of class searching for scholarships and preparing applications. Students will need access to a laptop, tablet, iPad, or smartphone, along with internet access at home.

Thursday

Time: 12:55-2:25 *Fall semester only
Grades: 7-12
Cost: $150
Supply Fee: $10
Tutor: Erica Thomas