Scholarship &

Bursary Seminar

September 2009

AgendaAgenda

1.1. IntroductionIntroduction2.2. Financing Post-Secondary EducationFinancing Post-Secondary Education3.3. Scholarship & Bursary Award CriteriaScholarship & Bursary Award Criteria4.4. Some Awards AvailableSome Awards Available5.5. Application Due DatesApplication Due Dates6.6. Award DeferralsAward Deferrals7.7. Finding Award InformationFinding Award Information8.8. The Application PackageThe Application Package9.9. Helpful SuggestionsHelpful Suggestions10.10. Some Final ThoughtsSome Final Thoughts

Post-Secondary Education Post-Secondary Education Estimated Living CostsEstimated Living Costs

Tuition and FeesTuition and Fees $4500$4500 Books & SuppliesBooks & Supplies $1000$1000 Local TransportationLocal Transportation $500 $500 Personal ExpensesPersonal Expenses $2500$2500 Room & BoardRoom & Board $6000$6000 * Costs will vary depending on individual circumstances.* Costs will vary depending on individual circumstances.

Tuition, Fees and Room/Board Tuition, Fees and Room/Board ExpensesExpenses

The information to the right The information to the right is based on Sept. 21/09 post-is based on Sept. 21/09 post-secondary website info.secondary website info.

Fees are approximate, subject Fees are approximate, subject to change and based on a to change and based on a general program. general program.

There will be additional There will be additional textbook, transportation and textbook, transportation and personal expenses.personal expenses.

Financial costs are only one Financial costs are only one factor to consider.factor to consider.

There are pros and cons to There are pros and cons to attending any post-secondary attending any post-secondary institution. Financial costs institution. Financial costs are are onlyonly one factor to one factor to consider.consider.

Post-Post-Secondary Secondary InstitutionInstitution

Tuition & Tuition & Fees/per Fees/per school yr.school yr.

Room /Room /

BoardBoard

TotalTotal

UFVUFV $4050$4050 - - - - - - - - - - --

$4050$4050

CBCCBC $8550$8550 $5110$5110 $13,66$13,6600

TWUTWU $18,45$18,4500

$8000$8000 $26,45$26,4500

UBCUBC $5000$5000 $9500 $9500 (on-campus / (on-campus / shared room)shared room)

$14,50$14,5000

Financing Post-Secondary EducationFinancing Post-Secondary Education

Personal Savings: Summer/Part-time JobsPersonal Savings: Summer/Part-time Jobs Passport to Education: Grades 10 – 12Passport to Education: Grades 10 – 12 Scholarships & Bursaries:Scholarships & Bursaries:

Provincial (Academic)Provincial (Academic)

FISA (DDAA - Project based)FISA (DDAA - Project based)

Businesses and OrganizationsBusinesses and Organizations

Post-Secondary InstitutionsPost-Secondary Institutions

Parents: Scholarship Plans, Gifts, LoansParents: Scholarship Plans, Gifts, Loans Government Loans: Provincial/FederalGovernment Loans: Provincial/Federal

Scholarship & Bursary Award Scholarship & Bursary Award CriteriaCriteria

Criteria for awarding scholarships & bursaries may include one or more of the Criteria for awarding scholarships & bursaries may include one or more of the following:following:

high academic achievementhigh academic achievement extra-curricular activitiesextra-curricular activities school/community serviceschool/community service leadership involvementleadership involvement good citizenshipgood citizenship membership in a specific organization (students/parents may need to be membership in a specific organization (students/parents may need to be

members at least one year), attendance at a specific elementary school or members at least one year), attendance at a specific elementary school or home address in a specific locationhome address in a specific location

financial needfinancial need nomination nomination pursuing specific post-secondary studies pursuing specific post-secondary studies pursuing a specific career and/orpursuing a specific career and/or connections – knowing the donorconnections – knowing the donor

Passport to EducationPassport to Education

The Passport to Education program recognizes and rewards The Passport to Education program recognizes and rewards student achievement in Grades 10 – 12. The Passport awards student achievement in Grades 10 – 12. The Passport awards are used to further students’ post-secondary education and job are used to further students’ post-secondary education and job training.training.

Passport to Education stamps will be given each June to top Passport to Education stamps will be given each June to top students in each of Grades 10, 11 and 12. students in each of Grades 10, 11 and 12. The values of the stamps are: The values of the stamps are:

Grade 10: Grade 10: $250$250 Grade 11: Grade 11: $250$250 Grade 12: Grade 12: $500$500

The stamps can be redeemed as tuition credit at a designated The stamps can be redeemed as tuition credit at a designated post-secondary institutions. The tuition credit must be post-secondary institutions. The tuition credit must be redeemed within five year of the student’s expected graduation redeemed within five year of the student’s expected graduation date.date.

Designated Post-Secondary Designated Post-Secondary SchoolsSchools

* Check out: * Check out: www.bced.gov.bc.ca/awards/other.htm > www.bced.gov.bc.ca/awards/other.htm > Designated Schools SearchDesignated Schools Search to see if you to see if you can use your Passport to Education at the can use your Passport to Education at the post-secondary school you are interested post-secondary school you are interested in attending.in attending.

GRADE 12 GRADUATION PROGRAM GRADE 12 GRADUATION PROGRAM EXAMINATIONS SCHOLARSHIPSEXAMINATIONS SCHOLARSHIPS

To qualify for a $1000 Graduation Program To qualify for a $1000 Graduation Program Examinations scholarship ($2500 for the Examinations scholarship ($2500 for the 2020 students students with the highest scores) students must meet basic with the highest scores) students must meet basic graduation requirements and:graduation requirements and: write at least three grade 12 graduation program exams, write at least three grade 12 graduation program exams,

minimum 86%minimum 86%

earn at least at least 73% in English 12earn at least at least 73% in English 12

must redeem their scholarship voucher, at a designated must redeem their scholarship voucher, at a designated post-secondary institution or apprenticeship program, post-secondary institution or apprenticeship program, within five years from September 30th of their graduating within five years from September 30th of their graduating year.year.

Graduation program exams will be available Graduation program exams will be available in the following courses offered at MEIin the following courses offered at MEI::

Biology 12Biology 12 German 12German 12

Chemistry 12Chemistry 12 History 12History 12

English 12English 12 Physics 12Physics 12

English Lit. 12English Lit. 12 Principles of Math 12Principles of Math 12

French 12French 12 Spanish 12Spanish 12

Geography 12Geography 12

DogwoodDogwood District/Authority District/Authority AwardsAwards

This $1000 award ($500 cash and $500 This $1000 award ($500 cash and $500 voucher for post-secondary education*) is voucher for post-secondary education*) is intended for students who have taken grade 11 intended for students who have taken grade 11 & 12 courses and excelled in the following & 12 courses and excelled in the following areas:areas: Fine ArtsFine Arts (Visual Arts, Dance, Drama, Music) (Visual Arts, Dance, Drama, Music) Applied SkillsApplied Skills (Business Ed., Technology Ed., Home (Business Ed., Technology Ed., Home

Economics)Economics) Physical ActivityPhysical Activity (not limited to Physical Education) (not limited to Physical Education) Second LanguagesSecond Languages

The criteria for DDAA include:The criteria for DDAA include:

superior achievement superior achievement (80% or higher)(80% or higher) in specialty area in specialty area coursescourses

a project, portfolio, record log and/or video a project, portfolio, record log and/or video (the (the “wow”“wow” factor)factor)

a letter written by the studenta letter written by the student a letter of recommendation by a teacher in the specialty a letter of recommendation by a teacher in the specialty

areaarea a letter of recommendation by the counsellor / principal a letter of recommendation by the counsellor / principal

* The scholarship voucher must be redeemed, at a designated post- * The scholarship voucher must be redeemed, at a designated post- secondary institution or apprenticeship program, within five years secondary institution or apprenticeship program, within five years from September 30th of the student’s graduating year.from September 30th of the student’s graduating year.

Abbotsford Community Foundation Abbotsford Community Foundation Scholarship & Bursary AwardsScholarship & Bursary Awards

The Abbotsford Community Foundation Scholarship The Abbotsford Community Foundation Scholarship & Bursary Awards are available to students who are:& Bursary Awards are available to students who are:

* graduating from Abbotsford School District * graduating from Abbotsford School District #34 secondary schools and/or MEI, and #34 secondary schools and/or MEI, and

* furthering their education by attending * furthering their education by attending accredited courses/programs or a accredited courses/programs or a

vocational / vocational / technical school within two and a half technical school within two and a half years of years of high school graduation. high school graduation.

Criteria for these awards may include Criteria for these awards may include one or more of the following:one or more of the following:

high academic achievementhigh academic achievement school/community involvementschool/community involvement leadership involvementleadership involvement good citizenshipgood citizenship membership in a specific organization, membership in a specific organization,

attendance at a specific elementary school or attendance at a specific elementary school or home address in a specific locationhome address in a specific location

financial needfinancial need pursuing specific post-secondary studies and/orpursuing specific post-secondary studies and/or connections – knowing the donorconnections – knowing the donor

A complete Abbotsford Community A complete Abbotsford Community Foundation application package will include:Foundation application package will include:

application form application form (including Social Insurance Number)(including Social Insurance Number)

application letter written by the studentapplication letter written by the student resumeresume reference letterreference letter a transcript a transcript (first semester marks important)(first semester marks important)

Students will receive information about these Students will receive information about these scholarships / bursaries in February, with applications scholarships / bursaries in February, with applications due February 24 due February 24 (tentative).(tentative). The scholarship/bursary The scholarship/bursary must be claimed within two and a half years of must be claimed within two and a half years of graduation.graduation.

APPLICATION DUE DATESAPPLICATION DUE DATES

Application dates vary: Application dates vary: (eg. below are some award due dates - * tentative) (eg. below are some award due dates - * tentative)

TD Canada Trust Scholarships TD Canada Trust Scholarships October 30, 2009October 30, 2009 SFU Entrance Scholarship SFU Entrance Scholarship February 28, 2010February 28, 2010 Abbotsford Community Foundation AwardsAbbotsford Community Foundation Awards February 24, 2010* February 24, 2010* UFV Entrance ScholarshipUFV Entrance Scholarship Early April 2010*Early April 2010* Dogwood District Authority/AwardDogwood District Authority/Award Early April 8, 2010Early April 8, 2010 Evergreen Alumni Award / Mary EsauEvergreen Alumni Award / Mary Esau Early April 2010Early April 2010

Memorial Bursary / Margaret Wiens Memorial Bursary / Margaret Wiens Memorial Scholarship / The A440 AwardMemorial Scholarship / The A440 Award

Unless it says otherwise, assume that the application package must arrive at the donor Unless it says otherwise, assume that the application package must arrive at the donor organization by the due date.organization by the due date.

Again, it is important to regularly check the GRAD bulletin board in Student Services Again, it is important to regularly check the GRAD bulletin board in Student Services and various award websites regularly, and to check with specific post-secondary and various award websites regularly, and to check with specific post-secondary institutions and organizations.institutions and organizations.

AWARD DEFERRALS: WHAT IF POST-SECONDARY AWARD DEFERRALS: WHAT IF POST-SECONDARY

EDUCATION IS AT LEAST ONE YEAR AWAYEDUCATION IS AT LEAST ONE YEAR AWAY??

Complete scholarship/bursary application Complete scholarship/bursary application packages even if post-secondary education packages even if post-secondary education is at least one year away, unless it very is at least one year away, unless it very clearly says clearly says mustmust be attending school in be attending school in September 2010September 2010

Some awards are valid for at least one or Some awards are valid for at least one or more years after graduationmore years after graduation

If you are successful in receiving an award If you are successful in receiving an award from a university, write a letter asking if it from a university, write a letter asking if it can be deferred, stating the reasons why can be deferred, stating the reasons why

eg. need to work, attending a Bible eg. need to work, attending a Bible SchoolSchool

FINDING AWARD INFORMATIONFINDING AWARD INFORMATION

Check the Internet: Check the Internet: www.meisoc.com/secondary > Student Services www.meisoc.com/secondary > Student Services www.scholarshipscanada.comwww.scholarshipscanada.com www.bced.gov.bc.ca/examswww.bced.gov.bc.ca/exams www.bced.gov.bc.ca/awardswww.bced.gov.bc.ca/awards www.studentawards.comwww.studentawards.com www.canlearn.cawww.canlearn.ca www.educationplanner.bc.cawww.educationplanner.bc.ca www.collegeboard.comwww.collegeboard.com www.debtfreegrad.comwww.debtfreegrad.com www.ccufairs.cawww.ccufairs.ca www.careercruising.com www.careercruising.com www.keytoscholarships.comwww.keytoscholarships.com www.campusstarter.comwww.campusstarter.com

Finding Award InformationFinding Award Information - con’t. - con’t.

www.fastweb.comwww.fastweb.com Post-secondary education websitesPost-secondary education websites Organization & government websitesOrganization & government websites Various search enginesVarious search engines

Check the Check the GRAD GRAD bulletin board in Student Servicebulletin board in Student Service

Listen to announcements and check posters, brochures, Listen to announcements and check posters, brochures, university “boxes” & bulletin boardsuniversity “boxes” & bulletin boards

Look through books & newspapers, such as: Look through books & newspapers, such as: ““Scholarships Canada.com 2005” Scholarships Canada.com 2005” ““Winning Scholarships”Winning Scholarships” Scholarship Workbook by Pat Lee ($20)Scholarship Workbook by Pat Lee ($20)

THE APPLICATION PACKAGETHE APPLICATION PACKAGE

Completed Scholarship & Bursary application packages may Completed Scholarship & Bursary application packages may include the following:include the following:

An Application form:An Application form:

use black pen or typeuse black pen or type don’t leave any space blank - if you think a questions doesn’t don’t leave any space blank - if you think a questions doesn’t

apply to you write, “not applicable”apply to you write, “not applicable” if you aren’t sure how to answer a question, contact the if you aren’t sure how to answer a question, contact the

organization offering the scholarshiporganization offering the scholarship may request letter gradesmay request letter grades may request a list of volunteer/work experiencesmay request a list of volunteer/work experiences may request a list of extra-curricular activitiesmay request a list of extra-curricular activities may request a list of leadership contributionsmay request a list of leadership contributions may request your Social Insurance Numbermay request your Social Insurance Number

THE APPLICATION PACKAGE (con’t)THE APPLICATION PACKAGE (con’t)

An Interim Transcript: An Interim Transcript:

* consists of your grade 10-12 courses and marks, when * consists of your grade 10-12 courses and marks, when possible and/or most recent grade 12 report card possible and/or most recent grade 12 report card Students must submit a Transcript Request form Students must submit a Transcript Request form (available in Student Services)(available in Student Services) to the General Office to the General Office

at at least 24 hours in advanceleast 24 hours in advance..

A Personal Letter:A Personal Letter:

* describing yourself, your volunteer & work * describing yourself, your volunteer & work experiences, your school & community experiences, experiences, your school & community experiences, leadership activities and, personal & career goalsleadership activities and, personal & career goals

THE APPLICATION PACKAGE (con’t)THE APPLICATION PACKAGE (con’t)

Letters of Reference:Letters of Reference: if you can choose your reference, choose someone who knows you, if you can choose your reference, choose someone who knows you,

your strengths & abilities, well your strengths & abilities, well

eg. a teacher / coach who has had you for a few years or whose eg. a teacher / coach who has had you for a few years or whose class you did well in ( class you did well in (References should not be family membersReferences should not be family members or or relatives.relatives.)) sometimes the reference letter has to be written by a school sometimes the reference letter has to be written by a school

counsellor or administratorcounsellor or administrator give people as much time as possible to write a reference letter, give people as much time as possible to write a reference letter,

minimum one week, preferably at least two weeksminimum one week, preferably at least two weeks provide a copy of your application , MEI Student Profile and/or provide a copy of your application , MEI Student Profile and/or

resume to the person writing your reference letterresume to the person writing your reference letter provide a stamped envelopeprovide a stamped envelope send a “thank you” note to people who write letters of reference send a “thank you” note to people who write letters of reference

for youfor you

THE APPLICATION PACKAGE (con’t)THE APPLICATION PACKAGE (con’t)

An Essay:An Essay:

* * on a given topic - on a given topic - eg. future goals & dreams, something you’re eg. future goals & dreams, something you’re passionate about, significant or meaningful passionate about, significant or meaningful contribution you have made to the community contribution you have made to the community

* personal & original, interesting intro., be creative* personal & original, interesting intro., be creative

* reflect how experiences have impacted your life, what * reflect how experiences have impacted your life, what you’ve learned through life experiences and you’ve learned through life experiences and

involvement with others, and how you are or can use involvement with others, and how you are or can use what what you’ve learned, skills you’ve developed in life you’ve learned, skills you’ve developed in life (reflect on (reflect on yourself within the greater whole)yourself within the greater whole)

THE APPLICATION PACKAGE (con’t)THE APPLICATION PACKAGE (con’t)

A Resume: A Resume: (1 -2 pages maximum)(1 -2 pages maximum)

• must be word processedmust be word processed• begin with most recent involvements first and begin with most recent involvements first and

work “backwards”, unless the directions say work “backwards”, unless the directions say otherwiseotherwise

An Interview:An Interview: (eg. Mission Foundation Awards)(eg. Mission Foundation Awards)

* questions may be related to current * questions may be related to current contributions, community awareness, life contributions, community awareness, life experiences, future goals etc.experiences, future goals etc.

HELPFUL SUGGESTIONSHELPFUL SUGGESTIONS

Read through the application as soon as possible Read through the application as soon as possible andand carefully follow the directions on the application formscarefully follow the directions on the application forms (make sure you qualify for the award/meet the criteria)(make sure you qualify for the award/meet the criteria)

Make a couple of photocopies of the scholarship Make a couple of photocopies of the scholarship application before you fill it outapplication before you fill it out

Do the best you can in your courses while still living a Do the best you can in your courses while still living a balancedbalanced life life

Get involved in extra-curricular activities at school and Get involved in extra-curricular activities at school and in the community/churchin the community/church

Volunteer your time serving and helping others in Volunteer your time serving and helping others in school and in the community / churchschool and in the community / church

HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS (con’t)(con’t)

Take initiative / show leadership. Take initiative / show leadership. Initiate and organize a new program Initiate and organize a new program (eg. “Old to New”, “Tutoring”, “S.O.U.L”) (eg. “Old to New”, “Tutoring”, “S.O.U.L”) Do your best to be a positive person with a good Do your best to be a positive person with a good

attitude, effort and behaviourattitude, effort and behaviour Be confident, emphasize strengths – “brag about Be confident, emphasize strengths – “brag about

yourself in a humble sort of way”yourself in a humble sort of way” Develop good relationships with teachers / youth Develop good relationships with teachers / youth

pastors / employers / adults etc. who can write pastors / employers / adults etc. who can write reference letters for you reference letters for you – send a “Thank You” note to – send a “Thank You” note to people who help you with the application processpeople who help you with the application process

HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS (con’t)(con’t)

Complete your application at least two weeks Complete your application at least two weeks before the application deadline – request before the application deadline – request Transcripts earlyTranscripts early

When you ask someone to write a reference letter When you ask someone to write a reference letter give them at least two weeks notice. Also, give give them at least two weeks notice. Also, give them a copy of the scholarship/bursary criteria them a copy of the scholarship/bursary criteria and a copy of your MEI Student Profile and/or and a copy of your MEI Student Profile and/or Resume.Resume.

Let your parents videotape you in school concerts, Let your parents videotape you in school concerts, plays, community soccer games etc.plays, community soccer games etc.

Open a scholarship/bursary file on your computer Open a scholarship/bursary file on your computer and regularly enter informationand regularly enter information

HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS (con’t)(con’t)

Start now already making a list of Start now already making a list of allall paid/volunteer work experiences, paid/volunteer work experiences, accomplishments, contests entered, awards accomplishments, contests entered, awards received etc. and dates/years involvedreceived etc. and dates/years involved

You or your parents may want to become You or your parents may want to become members of organizations that offer members of organizations that offer scholarships & bursariesscholarships & bursaries

Get a Social Insurance Number Get a Social Insurance Number (Students must have a SIN to apply for the ACF Awards)(Students must have a SIN to apply for the ACF Awards)

HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS (con’t)(con’t)

Use flawless English in a very neat, clear format Use flawless English in a very neat, clear format (A rough draft first is recommended.)(A rough draft first is recommended.)

Ask a parent, teacher, friend, counsellor etc. to Ask a parent, teacher, friend, counsellor etc. to proofread your application for content proofread your application for content and/orand/or for for grammar – again, send a “Thank You” note to grammar – again, send a “Thank You” note to someone who takes time to help yousomeone who takes time to help you

Make sure the completed application package, Make sure the completed application package, project etc. is your own workproject etc. is your own work

Keep a copy of all application packages you Keep a copy of all application packages you submit on file at homesubmit on file at home

HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS (con’t)(con’t)

Check the Check the GRADE 12GRADE 12 bulletin board and bulletin board and scholarship & bursary related websites regularly – scholarship & bursary related websites regularly – due dates vary. due dates vary. Unless it says otherwise assume Unless it says otherwise assume that application packages must arrive at the that application packages must arrive at the destination by the due date.destination by the due date.

Don’t procrastinate - working towards and Don’t procrastinate - working towards and applying for scholarships & bursaries involves applying for scholarships & bursaries involves time ~ time working hard, time getting involved time ~ time working hard, time getting involved and time taking the initiative to search for, read and time taking the initiative to search for, read and complete application packagesand complete application packages

If you win an award send a “Thank You” If you win an award send a “Thank You” letter/note to the donor as soon as possibleletter/note to the donor as soon as possible

A Final ThoughtA Final Thought

Winning one or more scholarship or Winning one or more scholarship or bursary awards is not guaranteed, bursary awards is not guaranteed,

however, getting involved in enriching however, getting involved in enriching activities and serving others can help to activities and serving others can help to

make your high school experience make your high school experience

more memorable and meaningful, andmore memorable and meaningful, and

make a difference in the lives of others.make a difference in the lives of others.