By Jessica Strange/reporter
Paying for school can be a challenge even at the community college level. Rise in the cost of living coupled with increased tuition can leave students wondering how to make it all work.
The “Pizza with a Purpose Scholarship Conference” March 1 on NE Campus gave attendees helpful information on applying for scholarships to help ease these burdens. The event was the first in a series of scholarship workshops.
Representatives from the TCC Foundation, advising, library services and the writing lab came together to share scholarship advice with potential applicants. Current and former TCC students shared testimonials about how scholarships helped their academic career.
Communications specialist Gloria Fisher spoke about how to apply for scholarships with the TCC Foundation. Students can submit a general application and be matched with the foundation’s extensive database of scholarships. Students are awarded an average scholarship of $885.
“You’re not guaranteed a scholarship, but there’s a good chance you could get one,” Fisher said. “There are even scholarships that are qualified at 2.0 [GPA].”
The deadline to apply for a TCC Foundation scholarship for the 2019 fall semester is April 15.
Juan Pablo Esparza is in his fourth semester at NE and used the academic learning center to help him with his application essay that earned him a scholarship.
“The most difficult and important part is the essay part of the application,” Esparza said. “You have to sell yourself to the committee in 500 words or less.”
NE English instructor Amanda Myers Brotherton and academic learning center associate Hannah Harrel expanded on writing a winning essay.
A good scholarship essay is original and honest, states clearly why you deserve to win the scholarship, avoids unnecessary information and is positive in tone, Brotherton said.
In addition to a well written essay, being involved in extracurricular activities helps differentiate students when applying for scholarships.
“Maybe there’s a social cause that you feel strongly about,” NE academic advisor Carolina Saleh said. “You might volunteer. Get creative.”
NE student Sean McElhenie came to the event with his English class. He found the information helpful and may apply for a TCC Foundation scholarship.
“Who would pass up free money,” McElhenie said.
Power Up Your Scholarship Essay Workshop
9-11 a.m. March 22 and 29
NSTU 1504
Enroll at: http://bit.ly/rsvppowerup
