Scholarships

Getting scholarships is important and can be challenging. While there is never a guarantee, belonging to Big Thompson Interact can be beneficial especially when you have been more active – like holding an office, leading a project, etc. Make sure you keep a list of what you have done and how you participated so you can include that in your applications.

The following is information about some Rotary related and other scholarships and activities. Be sure to add your Interact participation when applying for any scholarships to help give you a better chance.

Also, at I-RYLA Oriana Crumpsten, a Boettcher Scholarship winner, told us about the book, "All the Wisdom and None of the Junk: Secrets of Applying for College Admission and Scholarships" by Katy Craig and Katie Kramer. Each high school should have a copy or you can order it directly. -- GOOD LUCK with your applications!

RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) is a life-changing leadership training program for young men and women where leadership skills and principles are learned, developed and enhanced in an atmosphere of trust and respect. The purpose of RYLA is to encourage and assist current and potential youth leaders in methods of responsible and effective leadership. Many past RYLArians have said, "It was the best week of my life!"

Rotary clubs in districts 5440 and 5450, throughout Central and Northern Colorado, Wyoming, Eastern Idaho and Western Nebraska sponsor students to participate in these 5-day leadership conferences known as Rocky Mountain RYLA.

Watch this amazing video!

RYLA

The two RYLA Conferences for 200 participants each are held at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado. These conferences are also referred to as Senior RYLA.

Any high school sophomore or junior may apply to attend RYLA. Generally, applicants selected have excelled in one or more areas of high school involvement and have potential or proven leadership experience. Applicants MUST be able to stay for all 5 days of the conference!

Visit www.RMRYLA.org to learn more.

****2022 Registration starts on Feb. 15, 2022 ****

Young RYLA

The Young RYLA Conferences for 144 participants each (288 total) are held at the Pondorosa Retreat & Conference Center in Larkspur, CO. Any current 7th grader may apply.

Visit www.RMRYLA.org to learn more

RYLA Plus

RYLA Plus for physically-challenged teens is held at Easter Seals' Rocky Mountain Village in Empire, CO. See this video!

For more info go to www.RMRYLA.org

Each year the Loveland Rotary Club provides many different scholarships for academic studies as well as vocational education.

For information and to apply go to https://www.thompsontef.org/scholarships The actual applications should be available on Jan. 1, 2022. There are many different scholarships from Rotary and other sources shown on that site and I understand you can apply for as many of them as you would like. (All the scholarships from Rotary are included there.)

Some of the factors that may be considered are:

• Academic Scholarships – Student grade point average, class ranking, and standardized test scores (ACT and SAT) will all be considered when evaluating these scholarship applicants. In addition, the rigor of each students program will have an influence on the final decision for scholarship. AP and or IB classes will be considered when evaluating rigor.

• Computer and Technical Education (CTE) Scholarships - These are for what used to be called vocational education, including things like auto services, welding, nursing, etc. If you are interested in a 2 year community college program or other education providers of this type, look into these scholarships. Be sure to note how this education will help you grow and succeed in your future.

• Financial Need – Both the family income and the ability to finance a student will be components for judging financial need. Factors such as the number of children in the family, the health of the family members, and other family stressors will be factored into a final decision.

• Community and School Involvement – Rotary is interested in students who are involved in school and community projects. With the Rotary motto of Service Above Self, involvement is an important issue for Rotarians.

• Leadership – Rotarians desire to help the leaders of tomorrow through the scholarship program. Students need to show that they are developing leadership skills.

• Positive Rotary Ambassador – Ethical behavior representing Rotary is mandatory. A Rotary scholar must show that they live The Four Way Test and represent the high standards set by Rotary International.