Scholarships

The local scholarships given through Columbia High School vary in value, eligibility requirements, and selection procedures. This information is subject to change depending on the wishes of the individual community groups or organizations that are awarding the scholarships. Scholarships are awarded based on the criteria set by the individuals, community groups, or the organizations that are awarding the scholarship.  Selection could be based on scholastic performance, intended college major, special talent, or financial need. It is important that seniors review the requirements of each scholarship.  These awards and scholarships represent a very small percent of the total financial aid available to graduating seniors. Additional sources of financial aid are: 

• Colleges or Technical Schools give scholarships to their own students- Go to your college’s web page or go to the college’s financial aid office.  The largest scholarships come from the colleges.  Make sure you apply for them by their deadline.

• FAFSA- Free Application for Federal Student Aid-  www.fafsa.gov   This is for federal need-based grants and loans.  Online applications for the next school year are available in October.  Fill it out every year while you are a college student.  

• TAFSA- Texas’ application for Texas Grants. www.collegeforalltexans.com   Similar to FAFSA, but it is for state grant money.  Use for students who do not have a Social Security Number.

• Grants- money awarded based on specific criteria.  Grants don’t have to be paid back, but might have some requirements that have to be met to receive the aid. 

• Student Loans- borrowed money with low interest that has to be paid back after you graduate from college with small monthly payments spread out over several years. 

• Work Study Programs- part time work on or off campus that puts money toward your tuition and fees.

• Scholarships- money awarded to students that doesn’t have to be paid back.  Proof of registration at the college is usually required.   Many scholarship contests and offers are advertised online.  Do your own searches.  Many scholarships are essay contests and require you to write an essay.

Scholarship Tips

Important tips to remember when applying for scholarships

 Scholarship applications are available in the Counselors’ Office and online at CBISD.com. 

Listen for scholarship announcements and follow news updates on CBISD.com and our CHS Facebook News.

Be aware of the following items on each application.
● Eligibility requirements
● Deadline
● Number of recommendation letters required
● Specifically, who these letters must be from
● Address where application must be submitted
● Special instructions or requirements
● Be complete. Make sure scholarships and/or applications are signed.

When requesting letters of recommendation, please remember:
● Be considerate. Give the person enough time to write a letter of recommendation.
● Be specific. Give a deadline.
● Be helpful. Give them your resume.
● Be careful. Make sure the letters are directed to the correct scholarship.

Keep photocopies of everything you submit. Create a filing system.

 If mailing applications use return receipt and/or certified mail. This will assure you that the
university or organization has received your application.

 Deadlines are very important. Please remember:
● Deadline means the last day an application may be turned in. You may turn in applications
    early! Be aware of postmark guidelines if mailing applications.

WARNING:  

• Be careful of scholarship and financial aid scams.  

• Don’t ever pay someone a fee to find you a scholarship.  

• You can do the same searches online.  

• Be careful whom you give your personal information, social security number, bank account, or credit card information to. 

• If in doubt, let one of the counselors look at it and advise you of whether the offer looks legitimate.