Funding Your EducationBy Vanessa Lewis,Career Development Consultant

Congratulations!

• You are in Grade 12 and will soon graduate from High School.

• This is an exciting time as you make decisions about your preferred future!

• Enjoy every moment.

Who’s the Poorest of Them all?2011 University and College Students• 43% estimate annual living expenses to be $5,000 – 10,000/year.

• 56% estimate tuition, books, academic supplies, etc. to be $5,000 – 10,000/year.

But:

• 77% of students surveyed had less than $5,000 upon entering first year of studies.

No wonder:

• 77% borrowed funds to complete their studies. (36%: >$20,000 debt!)

• 33% said it would take five+ years to pay down their debt.

53% of students reported they were working during the school year to make ends meet.

Source: Who’s the Poorest of Them All? October 2011 from www.studentawardsinc.com

Millions of Dollars Go Unclaimed!Millions of Canadian dollars in scholarship/award/bursary money goes unclaimed every year.

WHY?

Scholarships are just for “brainiacs”.

All types of students DO earn real money!

There are 1000’s of scholarships and awards that reward students for non-academic attributes such as:

• Being creative, displaying teamwork, etc. • Volunteering• Hobbies• Playing hockey, ringette, soccer, etc.• Where you live• Your background, heritage, or what languages you speak• Entering a contest or responding to a survey.

Apply, Enter, Respond!

If you never participate, you can’t

win!

Interesting Example

Stuck at PromScholarship Contest

stuckatprom.com

Terminology

• Money granted to eligible students, usually on the basis of academic and/or other criteria.

Scholarship/Award

• Money usually granted on the basis of financial need.

Bursary

• Money borrowed for educational purposes. It is to be repaid.

Loan

8 Tips for Submitting a Great Scholarship Application

1. Have an Interest in the Subject

2. Conduct Research

3. Have Clarity of Thought

4. Do Not Treat the Application as a Resume

5. Pay Attention to Structure, Spelling, & Grammar

6. Choose Your References

7. Follow Instructions

8. Adhere to Deadlines

Is all this work worth the effort? Why should I apply?

Money – Specifically, money that you do not have to pay back!

Resume Builder – What better way is there to impress your future employer? Awards look great on applications for school entrance as well.

Compound Interest – Once you win one award, it acts as a stepping stone for winning others.

Personal Satisfaction – a.k.a The Glory! It is nice to get a little recognition for all of your hard work. Be proud of your accomplishments!

How Do I...Find Scholarships, Bursaries, and Awards?

• www.studentawards.com

• www.scholarshipscanada.com

• Scholarship Link on Sun West Website

• www.saskcareers.ca

• Check with post-secondary institutions you have applied to.• For instance, the University of Saskatchewan, University of Regina, Saskatchewan

Polytechnic, and Great Plains College all offer scholarships.

• Your parents’ places of work, clubs/organizations, your school, your friends, etc.

Studentawards.com

1. Register at the site. Take your time filling out your profile as the more data you provide, the more opportunities you will be matched with.

2. Schedule time on a regular basis to review awards in your personalized mailbox and apply to opportunities.

3. Update your profile whenever anything changes in your life.

Scholarshipscanada.com

1. Register at the site.

2. Schedule time on a regular basis to review awards/scholarships.

3. Update your profile whenever anything changes in your life.

Sun West Websitewww.gool.gl/drm0P2

For scholarship information: Click on the various months.

Sask Careers Websitewww.saskcareers.ca

For scholarship information: Click on Explore Education and Training then Scholarships

Ask Others

Other Ways to Pay for Your Education

• Dual Credit Courses

• Saving for School (RESPs)

• Student Loans • www.canlearn.ca

• Summer and/or Part-time Jobs

• Apprenticeship/Cooperative Education, etc.

A Worthwhile and Sound Investment

Consider this…You may leave post-secondary studies with a significant debt load of about 25,000. This compares to purchasing a small car. After ten years, your car may be rusted out and in need of replacement, but your education will still be paying off.

Your

Education

Questions?Any questions?

If time, I can help you start the hunt for ways to fund your education.