ABOUT THIS DATABASE

We hope you find this the Saginaw Scholarships web database helpful in your search for funding resources. It is important to examine all of the possibilities open to you.

History

FORCE was established in 1992 as a result of a $1 million challenge grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The Kellogg funds have been permanently endowed in a youth endowment. FORCE members, made up of young people from throughout Saginaw County, use the interest generated from this fund for grants to organizations addressing the needs of Saginaw County youth.

The goals of FORCE are:

• to encourage local youth to get involved in community problem solving;
• to provide young people with a meaningful experience in philanthropy and volunteerism; and
• to establish permanent and growing funds to meet Saginaw County youth needs.

The staff and Board of the Public Libraries of Saginaw are pleased to make the Saginaw Scholarship Directory available in print and online versions. As information on new scholarships becomes available, they will be added to the web database at www.saginawscholarships.org.

Before You Take Off on the Trek to Your Future

We have checked each entry in this directory carefully; however, such information becomes quickly outdated due to changes in personnel and, sometimes, changes in policy. If you learn of changes -- or of new scholarships, grants or loans that should be included in future directories -- we would appreciate hearing from you.

We would also appreciate your comments and suggestions for future editions. What did you find most helpful? Do you have any suggestions for future improvements? Please let us know. This site was created with you in mind and your input is very important.
Public Libraries of Saginaw
505 Janes Ave.
Saginaw, MI 48607
989 755-0904
e-mail: saginaw@saginawlibrary.org
www.saginawlibrary.org

GETTING STARTED

START YOUR OWN JOURNAL before completing any applications:

• Obtain a copy of your current school transcripts.
• List all the high school organizations you belonged to and offices held.
• List all extra curricular activities and offices held.
• List your athletic, community and church activities, and special events that you're involved with.
• List the names and addresses of all the people you have asked to write a reference for you. Be sure to provide them with a resume about yourself.
• Write a good outline of a personal essay about yourself and your goals.
• Read the application through many times. Understand what is being asked before you fill it out.
• Be sure you meet all eligibility requirements for each scholarship you are interested in.
• Know your family's financial situation. Discuss this frankly and honestly.
• Make copies of all the scholarship forms you complete.
• MEET THE DEADLINE (or better yet, be early). This is vital.

BEGIN FILLING OUT YOUR APPLICATION!

NOW you are ready to fill out the application:

• Have your "journal" nearby for reference. Type or print in ink.
• Be neat. Check the spelling. Check the grammar. PROOFREAD YOUR WORK.
• Give all the facts. Leave out nothing. Fill every blank.
• Answer all questions truthfully.
• Have someone proofread your completed form.
• Type extra information requested - or things you wish to add - on a separate sheet.
• Work hard on the personal essay part of the application.
• Give an explanation for a low grade on your record.
• Make certain the person(s) you ask to write a recommendation know you well.
• Include all required extra sheets, such as the essay or the personal recommendations, unless you are requested to send them separately.
• WATCH DEADLINES. It is YOUR responsibility to make sure all parts of the application arrive on time.

RESEARCHING FINANCIAL AID

There are four popular types of financial aid:

SCHOLARSHIPS - Money awarded that is not repaid - usually awarded for scholastic performance and/or "need."
GRANTS - Money awarded that is not repaid. It is usually given to a student for "need."
LOANS - Money that must be repaid with interest. The interest rates on student loans are usually lower than regular bank loans. Very often the interest does not begin to accrue until a given date after the student leaves college.
WORK-STUDY - Work, usually arranged by the college, that allows you to earn money for school.

To put together a comprehensive financial aid package:

• Contact the Financial Aid Office of the school you have chosen. The financial aid officer will assist you in putting together a financial aid package that fits your needs and covers expenses.
• Most financial aid programs require re-application each year you are in school; it is your responsibility to reapply. They will not contact you.
• Changes in family situations (death, disability, divorce, unemployment, etc.) should be reported to the Financial Aid Office or aid may be disrupted.
• Students independent from their parents must prove a year of self-support in order for their parents' funds to be disregarded. Students may not be listed as dependents on their parents' federal income tax in the year preceding enrollment. This usually requires verification.
• Remember, there are some financial aid programs NOT based on "need."
• Make an appointment with your high school guidance counselor to see what is available in financial resources and assistance.
• By all means, attend "College Night" or "Scholarship Search" programs offered at your high school. Make sure your parents also attend. A lot of good advice and many helpful brochures will be available for your use.
• Research your public and school libraries, and the Internet for private, state and federal sources of aid. Call the reference desk for assistance. (See "Check with the DNR" in this directory.)
• Check with employers (yours, if you have a job, or your parents') to see if they offer tuition reimbursement programs. These are usually related to their own fields of interest or business. There are also several scholarships offered for children or dependents of employees.
• Look into professional and social organizations connected with your field of interest. Some professional individuals or groups will sponsor a good candidate throughout his/her college career.
• Follow the guidelines of funding resources offered. If you don't meet the pertinent criteria (i.e., membership or enrollment in a particular organization, church or school) and you still apply, you have lost time and effort that might have been better directed elsewhere.

TALK TO THE EXPERTS

• Before you do anything else, designate a specific folder or drawer for all of your applications, letters, and financial info. Organization is key when you are applying to schools and interviewing. You will want to be able to easily access any information that may be referred to in the future and, although colleges and universities are pretty responsible, there is always a chance they could misplace your information and ask you for it again.
• Between your junior and senior years, it is time to "get serious" and make some decisions about your future. Think about what you want to major in. Talk to your advisor about taking a PSAT (preliminary SAT) test to see how well you handle a general knowledge test and whether you need extra study or a course in test-taking.
• Make a list of 3 to 6 colleges that interest you. Choose one strong in your field of study, situated where you would like to live for 4-5 years. Contact the school to request a catalogue and a listing of the scholarships that may be available if you attend.
• Arrange to take the American College Test (ACT) and/or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), depending on the requirements necessary for entrance into your chosen college or university.
• Visit the campus of at least 3 of your choices on the list. The best time is in the fall, on a Friday and Saturday, or a Sunday and Monday. This way you can visit classes and professors and also check out the social scene on weekends. Sign up for a campus tour too if one's available.
• Fill out applications for the several colleges you have chosen. Be sure the applications are filled out COMPLETELY, not missing even one line. Attach the registration fee (certified check is always best) and mail it with enough postage.
• The Big Wait! Allow 6 to 8 weeks for processing. If you send it by certified mail, at least you know it arrived. Spend your waiting time studying! When you receive acceptance, get in touch with the Financial Aid Office right away. It is usually first come - first served. Be friendly, cordial, honest and sincere. They expect it.
• Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can file your FAFSA on-line through FAFSA on the Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov or you can call 1-800-433-3243 to request a form. Your high school guidance counselor and college financial aid offices should also have the form available.
• Meet scholarship, grant and loan application deadlines. Too late is too late. No exceptions. EARLY applications may be considered more completely than those that are received just in time!
• Keep "dated" copies of all of your submitted letters, forms and applications. You will need to refer to them many times.
• Beware of "senioritis!" Don't let your grades or interest in high school slip. College officers know this happens and they will want to see that you are interested in keeping up the good work.

INTERVIEW TIPS

Some colleges and/or scholarship committees require an interview. If you are asked to interview, these tips will help you get your bearings:

• Be sure you know how to get to the interview location. Arrive on time, or better yet, arrive early!
• Dress appropriately, as if you were applying for a job.
• Make eye contact. Speak clearly. Sit-up straight.
• Be honest. If you don't know the answer, say so!
• Listen carefully to questions and don't hurry your answer. Formulate your reply in your mind before speaking. Give complete answers, but be brief.
• Be prepared to discuss your college and career goals.
• Be positive. Say constructive things about your school, your teachers and friends.
• Be friendly and enthusiastic. SMILE!
• Thank the interviewers for their time and consideration. Remember to also send a thank you note within one week.

QUESTIONS YOU MAY BE ASKED DURING AN INTERVIEW

1. Tell us about your background, extra-curricular activities, or academic achievements.
2. Where do you hope to be in 5 to 10 years?
3. Why do you like this particular college?
4. What is your opinion of (a national or world problem)?
5. How would you change things if you could?
6. Who are some people you admire? Why? Are you like them?
7. How do you like to spend your free time?
8. Why do you want a college degree?
9. Why did you choose your particular career goal (or major)?

What are some of the key points you want the scholarship committee to know or remember about you?

I am _____________________________________________________________________________
I am _____________________________________________________________________________
I am _____________________________________________________________________________
I am _____________________________________________________________________________
I am _____________________________________________________________________________

©2002 Copyright Saginaw Scholarship Directory. All Rights Reserved.