Finding College Scholarships

Have a daughter starting college June 2000 to study computer programming. She is currently an A student and has been for a couple of years. She will be attending and has registered for Tampa Technical Institute. Tampa, Florida. Any suggestions on where we go from here?
Ranger I

I have worked in a college financial aid office for 15 years and have some basic advice to pass along to everyone contemplating higher education. First, read over everything you get from the school and respond quickly to any requests for information. Ask them about institutional scholarships, alumni scholarships if parents/grandparents attended the college, find out about deadlines and above all else...don't wait until the last minute to apply for financial aid. Most schools have a limited amount of institutional money to award and when it's gone, you may be limited to federal and state grant/loan programs (Pell, State grants and student/parent loans).

Fastweb.com is one source of scholarship searches students can use for free....but be sure to check out your high school along with local church and fraternal organizations for scholarships/grants they may have available. Parents may also want to check with their employer or union for student scholarships.

It all adds up and every dollar helps. Stay informed and include your child in the college admission and financial aid process so they are informed also.
April in WNY

Four comments on scholarships. First, many schools offer scholarships based on academics, community involvement, or need. The first place to check for this is the financial aid office where your daughter will be attending. They can tell you what is available and how to apply for it.

Second, if the chosen school cannot help you financially, you might consider another school. When I applied to colleges I was offered a variety of financial aid ranging from grants to scholarships. Some schools I still could not afford, but one expensive, private school offered such a great deal that I graduated from there four years later with no debt.

Thirdly, check with civic or military organizations such as The Daughters of the American Revolution, the Key Club, etc. for any scholarships they may offer. These may be based on academics or an essay, or on a distant family relationship (for example, a grandfather who served in a world war).

Fourth, check with the local high school's career office for any scholarship listings that they have posted. You should be able to get this information even if your child does not attend the school, and they may have listings from various organizations in the state.
AC

I'm not sure about the details, but my company just donated an item to an auction for the Grace Hopper Society Scholarship Fund for Women in Computing, which benefits women pursuing the technical fields. Grace Hopper was an admiral in the navy, and the first person to "debug" a computer - literally pulling a dead moth out of one of the first machines, where it had stopped up the program. She was an outstanding scholar, engineer and American. I made my donation to the Hopper Society at Microsoft. I don't know who to go through to receive a scholarship through the society, but thought I might mention it as an idea for further information.

Given that women in computing are more rare than men, there may be more scholarships from major corporations, like Microsoft. Or from private foundations, like the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation. Or they might look under mathematics and engineering scholarships - some of them consider computing a branch of mathematics, so the girl might be eligible. Given her excellent grades, the school she's going to may offer a "merit" scholarship program if she maintains her high GPA.
Liz

One of the best places to search for scholarships is on- line, and it's free! The Tampa Tribune's October 3rd edition included "Access" internet magazine and the top story for the week was entitled "College Money Online". The article lists many different websites such as: www.collegeboard.com, www.collegenet.com, www.fastweb.com, (this one seems to be the most popular), and about 11 others. There are also some sites that charge a small fee, but why pay money when you can research it yourself for free?

I checked out College Board Online and found lots of possibilities for scholarships including one just for Florida residents that looks like anyone can apply for as long as they're a resident.

Another possibility is to call any local service organizations or large corporations such as Rotary Club, Kiwanis Clubs, etc., and look to companies that are in the industry that your child would someday like to work in. A lot of times they'll offer internships or work-study programs (which you can search for on these same web sites).
Patti

As a student I can honestly say that she should start out by filling out a F.A.F.S.A (free application for federal student aid) these can be obtained at her high school (in the counselor's office) or at the university (office of the registrar/ or financial aid office).

I highly recommend that she meet with a financial aid advisor. They are indispensable resources and she's paying for their help whether she uses it or not (through tuition).

Next I would recommend her to begin looking at financial aid resource books again these can be found at her old high school or at a library. In these she can look specifically for aid pertaining to her exact situation (they have aid for every type of criteria, including one just for redheads!) Then she can begin writing letters to each of the organizations and they may require essays, etc. It seems like a lot of work but it is well worth it, also she can check with local organizations for example do you work for a company that offers scholarships to employees' children? or do you belong to an organization that does so? (ex. Elks club, rotary, lodges, etc.)

If you need help filling out the FAFSA her school should be able to help you. You will need income tax forms from the past year and employment information, through this application she can also apply for federal work study. If you live on a tight income you can ask her new school about tuition wavers and fill out any and all financial aid forms offered through her school. Also if your family is ethnic (native American, African American, Hispanic, etc.) there are several opportunities and organizations to apply to.
CJ

Apply for any and all scholarships. I work in a college Fin. Aid. office. The 1st answer is to apply for the Pell grant, if your eligible or not- very simple- apply... You can apply for the Pell grant if your graduating in MAY 2000, apply as soon as your parents 1999 taxes are complete. Feb or March 2000. The sooner the better.

You automatically are also applying for state grants as well, when you apply for the Pell (federal) grant. But the state grants are on a 1st come 1st serve basis... Any Financial Aid office can help you complete the application, and let the college that your attending send the application electronically. This will save time and mistakes. Most people who think they are not eligible are !!! It's according to your 1040 (only the two pages) income... and also the number in your household.
Elizabeth B.
Secretary, Financial Aid Office

If your daughter is starting school in the fall of 2000 now is an ideal time to start planning. There are numerous scholarships available if she is willing to spend the time looking. There are books at the library, probably at the school (Counseling and Guidance office) and there are a lot of resources on the internet. I warn you do not fall prey to the scholarships where you have to pay money to be eligible, this doesn't work (I tried).

On January 1, you can send her financial aid form to the government to get aid through the school and government. There is a very true statement in the early bird gets the worm.

At her high school (or any other local high schools), there should be postings for scholarships available within the community. This is her best bet. I found I got more support through the community than through big name scholarships.

I worked in two different financial aid offices with two different universities. My best advice is: there is a ton of assistance available if you are willing to do a lot of work to find out what it is. The application process for each can be treacherous as well!
Kristin N

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