Schools

If your mentee has been following the scheduled topics to this point, they should already have an idea of which school they are looking to transfer to. If they don't know where they want to go yet, go ahead and use your own school as the example.  Walk your mentee through the process of applying for the school as a transfer student. They don't need to actually apply right now, but this will be a great opportunity to walk them through the process and figure out everything they will need to complete their transfer application. TRIO has forms available for students to waive their transfer application fee, so make sure your mentee reaches out to their advisor to get this form. Keep in mind the priority deadlines for transfer applications for each school and make sure your mentee knows theirs so they can get their application in on time.

Scholarships

What is a scholarship? 

Scholarships are financial aid awards designed to help students pay for college (undergraduate or graduate degrees). Sometimes a scholarship is a one-time check. Other school scholarships are renewable and provide money for students each semester or school year.

These financial awards don’t have to be repaid. In addition, how a scholarship is received differs. Students might receive the money directly as a check in their name or the money is given to the student’s school. If there is funding still remaining after all college costs are awarded, the excess money is refunded to the student.

What do I need in order to do a scholarship?

All scholarships are unique, but the majority of them require the following information. 

• Application 

• Essay

• Letters of recommendation

• Transcripts (high school, college(s) attended) 

Scholarship tips

• Create a cheat sheet:​

  • Scholarship deadlines​

  • Materials needed​ (Ex/ essay, resume, letters of recommendation​)

  • Scholarships you have already applied to​

• ​Utilize TRIO SSS scholarship resources

  • Pathful explore

  • iGrad

How to write a scholarship essay

Step 1: The Planning Stage

• Plan far in advance​

• Know your audience​

• Follow instructions and answer prompt​

• Other (if applicable): Choose topic you're interested in and passionate about; consider reusing an existing essay

Step 2: The Writing Stage

• Create a strong introduction ​

• Keep a good structure​

• Show emotions ​

• Use real life examples (show, don't tell)​

• Keep tone inspirational & positive​

• Stay away from dreary/boring conclusions

Step 3: The Editing Phase

• Proofread and ask for help​

• Take advantages of resources ​

What scholarships can your mentee apply to? 

• BBCC foundation scholarship (funding for next academic year; 2023-2024) - due February 27, 2023.

• Paul Lauzier - due March 1, 2023

• Transfer school scholarships:

  • WSU - due January 31, 2023

  • EWU - due February 1, 2023

  • CWU - due February 1, 2023

  • UW - due April 30, 2023

• Scholarships on iGrad and Pathful explore (have the mentee login and show you what these look like! If they need help, please let their TRIO advisor know. 

What is iGrad? 

iGrad is a financial wellness platform that all TRIO SSS students get access to once admitted. There are many financial topics and tools mentees can get access to on this platform. One of the tools is the scholarship search tool. With this platform they can view vetted scholarships and apply to as many as they are eligible for! 

As a STEM Peer Mentor we think it's important that you have access to the platform so you can navigate it before meeting with your mentee(s) and encourage them to use it. Your iGrad information was emailed to you. The link to this platform can always be found on the TRIO SSS scholar resources page. 

What is Pathful explore

Pathful explore is a career exploration platform that all TRIO SSS students get access to once admitted. There are many careers mentees can review, assessments they can take, and more on the platform. One of the tools is the scholarship search tool. With this platform they can view vetted scholarships and apply to as many as they are eligible for! 

As a STEM Peer Mentor we think it's important that you have access to the platform so you can navigate it before meeting with your mentee(s) and encourage them to use it. Your Pathful explore information was emailed to you. The link to this platform can always be found on the TRIO SSS scholar resources page. 

10 Common Scholarship Essays

1. Tell us about yourself​

2. How will this scholarship make a difference for you?​

3. Can you tell us about a time you failed? What did you learn from that experience?​

4. Tell us about a contribution you've made to your community.

5. What are your academic (or professional) goals​

6. Tell us about a time where you stepped up as a leader​

7. Who has been your biggest influence (or inspiration?)​

8. Why do you want to go to college?​

9. How are you planning on financing your college education?​

10. Why do you deserve this scholarship?​