How to Finance your education

Financial Aid

There are several government programs that will help you pay for school. These programs can be categorized into 3 forms:

1. Grants or scholarships: awards that do not have to be paid back
2. Loans: borrowed money that must be paid back usually after you are out of school.
3. Work-Study: jobs, often on-campus, that are subsidized by the government.

When you apply for Financial Aid, you will be eligible for one or more of these programs, depending on your financial need.

For more information on Financial Aid, visit the following web sites:

Financial Aid Information Page-This web site provides information about loans, scholarships, savings, military aid, and tax benefits.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid-Apply for Financial Aid online.  It speeds up the application process.

Federal Student Aid- This web site provides a wealth of information about funding your education, as well as specific help in filling out the FAFSA.

Student Guide-Go to this web site to view an online copy of the Student Guide to Financial Aid developed by the US Department of Education.

Minnesota Higher Education Services Office-Learn about state grants and programs.

Scholarships

Scholarships are offered through a variety of organizations.  Awards are based on academic success, financial need, community involvement, extra-curricular activities, interests, disabilities, ethnicity, talents, career aspirations, membership to social or religious organizations, and so on.  The Guidance Department can provide you with information about some scholarships, but there are literally thousands of scholarships available.  There are many free scholarship searches on the internet.

Check out these searches:

Absolutely Scholarships

FastWeb

The Scholarship Workbook

Scholarships.com

Mach 25

FinAid Unusual Scholarships

Avoiding Scholarship Scams

Lions Clubs in Minnesota- Check to see if they offer scholarships where you live.

Wells Fargo CollegeSTEPS Program - Enroll in this program to get valuable information on scholarships, financial aid, testing, and college preperation throught electronic postcards.

From the Guidance Office...

Sam Walton Community Scholarship Program -This year, Walmart is awarding 2 $1,000 Scholarships from each Walmart and Sam's Store (that's 7,300 nationwide).  Go to the website for more infomation and to apply.  The deadline for entry is a postmark of January 14, 2008.

McKelvey Foundation Entrepreneurial Scholarship - This $10,000 scholarship is available to all high school seniors who have demonstrated entrepreneurial spirt by owing and operating their own business while in high school. Go to the website for more infomation.  Complete their online application by January 25, 2009.

Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council -The MN Soybean Research & Promotion Council is providing eight $1,000 scholarships in Minnesota high school students who intend to pursue a career in agriculture.  Go to the website for application and scholarship criteria.    Deadline: March 4, 2008

Century College Foundation- -Students attending or planning on attending Century College are eligible for these scholarships. The mission of the Century College Foundation is to help transform and enhance the lives of our diverse student population by providing educational opportunities, financial support and advocacy – 0ne student at a time.    Deadline: Monday, April 16th, 2008.

Bill Mainerich Memorial Scholarship - Any 12th grade student who is on track to graduate in the Spring 2006 is eligible to apply. Students must complete an essay that is 800 words or less on: What does it mean to be an American. One scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $500.    Deadline: January 12th, 2008. See Mr. Stahlmann for application form.

Minnesota Timberwolves Fastbreak Foundation and the American Family Insurance -These organizations have teamed up to offer five $2,000 scholarships to graduating seniors. See the guidance office for an application.   Deadline: March 6, 2008.

Horatio Alger Scholarship- -The Horatio Alger Association seeks to assist students who have: demonstrated integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity, strength of character, financial need, a good academic record, commitment to pursue a college education; and a desire to contribute to society.    Deadline: October 30th, 2008.

Coca-Cola Scholarship -The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation was established in 1986 by your local Coca-Cola Bottler to recognize outstanding seniors. Each year the Foundation awards 250 achievement-based scholarships. Fifty awards are for $20,000, payable in equal installments over a four-year period. The remaining 200 awards are for $10,000. the scholarship can be used for any line of study at any accredited U.S. college or university. See Mr. Stahlmann for an application.   Deadline: October 31, 2007.

Bayport Recycling and Solid Waste Scholarship - Any Bayport resident seeking post high school education at a technical, vocational, community college, or university in an environmental field may apply for this $500 scholarship. Applicants will be evaluated on their grade point average, as well as the following criteria: Environmental Concerns, Recycling, Community Involvement, Life Goals and Interests, and Quality of Character. See Mr. Stahlmann for an application.   Deadline: May 1, 2008.

Minnesota Charter School Essay Contest - All Minnesota Charter School students in elementary, junior high, and high school can participate in this essay contest. There are three age levels; 10 years old and younger (100 word minimum), 11 to 14 years old (200 word minimum) and 15 years old and older (400 word minimum). At each of the three age levels there will be: Five $10.00 awards; Two $25.00 awards; and One $50.00 award. Prizes will be given to all essay contest winners on May 2,2007, at the State Capitol! See Mr. Stahlmann for an application.   Deadline: March 19, 2008 at the Center For School Change.

Kettering Scholarship and Co-ops- - Interested in engineering, math & science, or technology related business? Kettering may have a terrific scholarship waiting for you. They have more than $3 million in scholarship funds. Plus, Kettering students earn as much as $65,000 through co-ops. Which means you could actually graduate with money in your pocket! Kettering University is located in Flint, Michigan.    Deadline: Applications accepted throughout the year.

Sixth Congressional District Art Competition. - All This competition is open to all high school students who reside in the Sixth Congressional District. The winning artwork will hang in the U.S. Capitol for one year. The winning artist is eligible to receive a $5000 per year scholarship to the Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta, Georgia. The competition is open to high school students in grades 7 through 12 only. See Mr. Stahlmann for an application.   Deadline: April 6, 2008.

Toyota Community Scholars is a scholarship valued at $10,000 - $20,000. If you are a high school senior with outstanding academic credentials, demonstrated school leadership, and a commitment to community service, contact Mr. Stahlmann for details on how you can be nominated. All the details are online so click on the WEB site for details or see Mr. Stahlmann..   Applications must be postmarked by December 1, 2008.

Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship Program is a one-time grant of $1,000. This program recognizes high school seniors from Comcast communities for their commitment to community service, academics, and demonstraded leadership. Contact Mr. Stahlmann for details on how you can be nominated. All the details are online so click on the WEB site for details or see Mr. Stahlmann..   Applications must be postmarked by December 12, 2008.

Paragon IT Professionals Technology Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship to students who plan to pursue a computer science or related degree in college. Entries will be judged by a panel consisting of Paragon IT Professionals management and Paragon's Information Technology consultants. Scholarships will be paid directly to the student's college account. Check out their WEB site for details or see Mr. Stahlmann..   Entries will be accepted from September 1, 2007, through March 1, 2008.

Burger King Scholars Program awards are $1,000 each and may be used for educational expenses, such as tuition fees and books, during the first year of college or post-secondary vocational/technical school. To obtain information about eligibility criteria, visit the Web site or see Mr. Stahlmann. Entries are available online Oct. 15, 2007 - Feb. 15, 2008.   Applications must be postmarked by February 15, 2008.

University of Minnesota Founders Free Tuition Program combines federal, state, and University grants to cover 100% of your tuition and fees. Students who qualify for the program will not have to pay for tuition and fees at the Uniuversity of Minnesota. Minnesota residents who are eligible for federal Pell grants will have free trition and fees. To obtain information about eligibility criteria, visit the Web site or see Mr. Stahlmann. To be considered, simply: 1) Apply for admission to the U of M and 2)Apply for financial aid.   It is best to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1 of your senior year.

Linden Scholarship awards qualified individuals up to $1,500 per year for attnding a two year school and $3,000 per year for those attending a four year college. It is The Salvation Army's way of removing barriers that block higher education due to a lack of financial resources. The Linden Scholarship Committee is searching for compassionate young adults who are investing in their community by actively volunteering for worthy organizations. Their hope is that Linden Shcolarship recipients are meeting community needs and gaining an understanding of the light they can bring to another's life. To obtain information about eligibility criteria, visit the Web site or see Mr. Stahlmann. Entries are available online.   Applications must be postmarked by April 22, 2008.

The University of St. Thomas offers two $8,000 renewable scholarships to students who plan to major in science, mathematics or engineering. To obtain information about eligibility criteria, visit the Web site or see Mr. Stahlmann.    Completed scholarship applications must be postmarked by Monday, December 1, 2008.

The Globe University Minnesota School of Business (GU/MSB) offers a Director's Academic Scholarship for graduating seniors. A high school senior enrolled in a GU/MSBprogram may take the Career Profile Assessment test on one of six preset dates throughout the school year. Scholarship amount is determined by that score, up to $5,000 is available. See the Guidance Buletin board or contact Mr. Stahlmann for dates.    The final 2008/9 testing date is April 25, 2009.

KFC Colonel's Scholars Program If you plan on pursuing a bachelor's degree at any Minnesota state college or university apply for this scholarship. It could mean up to $5,000 per year for tuition, fees, books, and room and board. You must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75(B-), enroll in a Minnesota college or university starting no later than 9/30/09, pursuing a bachelor's degree and be a U.S. citizen. Visit the web site or see Mr. Stahlmann for details.    Applications close February 10, 2009.