Insider Tips to Use Free Grant Info on More Than $67 Billion

by: Geoff Morris
Can you imagine not being able to complete your education to the levels you wanted, all down to a lack of money? Well, if you are a US citizen, then that should really never be a problem.

Every year the U.S. government allocates more than $67 billion worth of student grants alone. With the astronomical amount of grants distributes to different federal agencies nationwide, free grant info could be a valuable tool to enjoy the benefits of government grants.

Fortunately for us, this free grant information is conveniently accessible over the internet. For this information you can visit government websites that would cater to your needs. If you're a student looking for free grants on scholarships or a budding entrepreneur searching for free grant details for small business, the internet may have the answers you are looking for.

GovBenefits was recently launched to cater to the public's need to be informed of benefit programs that one can avail of. Whether you need free grant information on road projects, emergency funds, student scholarship grants, etcetera, GovBenefits may provide you with the details you need. Free grant info by GovBenefits can be accessed at govbenefits.gov Free grant info at GovBenefits is a government initiative spearheaded by the President Bush aimed to make e-government initiatives more citizen-focused.

Another great source for this free information is the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA). The CFDA contains a huge database of federal assistance programs maintained by General Services Administration (GSA). Generally, free grant info found in CFDA is directed to individuals or organizations that have previous knowledge of the grant application processes in the government.

For students who want to avail for this information, the Free Application for Federal Students Aid (FAFSA) website fafsa.ed.gov could be of huge help. Free grant info is not the only information found in this student resource. There is also information on loans and campus-based student aid programs. FAFSA is seven-step guide that inquires about your personal data, school plans, financial status and many others.

You can also access these details directly at the different government agencies concerned. All you need is to access individual websites to get information related to the department programs.

Free grant details can be found in government agencies websites such as Department of Education Grants and Contracts Information, Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Transportation (DOT), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Stopping Violence Against Women and Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS). The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provides details on the over 300 programs run by several agencies.

Another valuable source of free grant information could be found in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA assists victims of natural disasters such as fire, earthquake, storms and others.

Details can also be found in other online federal grant resources. Grantsnet, Non-profit Gateway and the Foundation Center all these websites contain valuable free grant info about federal grant programs.

Other important sources could be accessed using search engines like about.com. With the aid of computer technology and the governments internet initiatives, free grant info is right at your fingertips.

About the Author

Geoff Morris has been investigating Free Grants on the Internet. Visit his site to see around thirty sources of these available Free Grants.

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Scholarships For Single Mothers

by: Kelly Kennedy
Are you a single mother in debt trying to make your way through school hoping to attain a better education so you can support your family? If so you should consider applying for a scholarship.

What is a scholarship?

A scholarship is a grant of financial aid awarded to a student, as for the purpose of attending a college.

Scholarships are beneficial because it allows a student to cover all or a fraction of his/her college expenditures without having to pay the money back. The majority of scholarships come from federal funds, with the remaining balance coming from private organizations. As a student takes a step forward in his/her education and chooses a career path, more opportunities will become accessible. Scholarships can be based on: region, academic performance, religious affiliation, sports, ethnic background, military status, intended major.

Where to find out more information on scholarships

As a single mother it's always best to investigate on known avenues, such as State Department for Higher Education for residents, a high school guidance office, an academic department or college's financial aid office, free internet searches or libraries. One area that is not searched as often but should is a parent's company, or even student employers, so if you are a single mother working and going to school contact your employer to see if there are scholarships available.

Scholarship for Single Mother

With so many scholarships being available it can often be difficult to choose which one is best for you. Narrow your search by which you believe best meets eligibility factors, and then take the time to devote persuasive applications that include transcripts, proof of eligibility, personal essays, recommendation letters, etc. Make sure to follow directions carefully, as well as giving yourself enough time to put together a great application opposed to something being done at the last minute. Follow directions, proofread your work, double check that, apply early and keep copies for your records. Scholarship for Single Mother: Beware of Scholarship Scams

There are entities that state that there's millions of scholarship dollars that go unused every year. This is incorrect, as the greater part of the funds comes from the federal government and the private scholarships come from organizations that are willing to let students utilize them. The Federal Trade Commission alerts families to beware of scams that encourage students to make a payment to hold the scholarship, or if the student has been selected for an unknown scholarship. Schools have a given amount of funds to make use of for students, and no one can change the system to get more money for scholarships than they are granted through the standard financial aid process.

Why Should I Apply?

As a single mother, don't let high costs be a reason not to go to school. Bettering your education should be a top priority because it will pay off in the future and you will be able to support yourself and your family. Apply today for a scholarship and it will be one less financial cost you will have to worry about, every little bit helps, right?

About the Author

Kelly Kennedy writes for http://www.singlemotherresources.com, a great online source for single mothers and financial advice

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Study In Germany The Best Education Bargain In The World

by: Sam Vogel

More and more college-bound students from the U.S. and around the world are traveling to Germany to study, some for a semester or a year, but others to pursue a two- or four-year degree at one of the countrys many prestigious universities.

The reason? Part of it is pure quality the university system created in Germany after World War II has a well-earned reputation for excellence but another, more pragmatic reason is cost. Students who in the United States would be facing over $50,000 in student loans after four years of college can attend a public German university for an average of $700 a semester, plus between $50 and $150 in registration fees. Tuition itself in the public universities is free; the $700 covers the cost of arranged lodging and other official expenses. Even adding food, transportation, and other daily costs to that, the German university is an incredible bargain. And to sweeten the offer, the German government offers scholarships to help defray the costs of fees, lodging, and any number of other daily expenses associated with study in Germany.

Engineering students in particular are making a beeline for Germany, choosing to pursue a degree at one of Germanys excellent technical universities, while other students decide to experience the countrys rich cultural history while earning a degree in humanities at one of the centuries old traditional establishments. Many courses of study leading to a wide range of career paths are available to foreign students at more than 300 colleges and trade schools. Some students limit themselves to a single semester or a year in Germany, largely for the experience of living abroad, but more and more students are deciding to stay and earn an undergraduate or advanced post-graduate degree.

Learning the language

While some courses at German universities are taught in English, the vast majority of instruction takes place in German, and the federal government requires foreign students to pass a DSH exam to prove their proficiency in the German language before being accepted for university study. The government licenses a number of private German language schools to provide intensive instruction in German; students live in German towns, sometimes with German families, and shop, travel, and attend movies, concerts and restaurants in a total immersion experience that serves to develop remarkable skill in speaking and reading the language in an amazingly short period of time. Scholarships are also available from the German federal government for these courses.

Beyond Cost Savings and Course Work the Ultimate Value of German University Study
The current climate of commercial and political globalization offers an advantage to students with fluency in a second language, and particularly to those who have a deep familiarity with another culture; graduates who boast a degree or even a semester at a foreign university will probably be looked upon with high interest by recruiters for large corporations. But beyond that kind of pragmatism, living in a foreign country and studying elbow-to-elbow with students from Europe, the U.S., Japan, China, the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, and other geographically and culturally diverse corners of the world offers students a unique opportunity to develop diverse friendships and an understanding of other cultures and world views. And perhaps this opportunity to connect on a meaningful level with individuals from other, often profoundly different, cultures is the most important benefit, in this complicated and troubled world, of study abroad.

Sam Vogel recommends that you visit http://www.nassel.com for more information.

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9 Killer Mistakes That Destroy College Scholarship Applications

by: Dale Clifton,The Scholarship Doctor

Are there mistakes that can disqualify a college scholarship application? You bet. Generally speaking, most local scholarship committees may find a few minor mistakes acceptable, but the higher the level of competition, the less tolerance there is for a faux pas. And when you go for the gold at the national level of competition, no mistake is permissible. Even at the local level, if the competition is heavy, one error can result in the loss of money.

Even small spelling mistakes can cause an application to be thrown out. A judge reviewed a submission from a girl who was second in her class. She had a 3.95 GPA. The problem? She misspelled salutatorian. Believe it! How does that happen? Surely, it should have been noticed. Was it a keyboarding error? Maybe.

Another application from a boy on the baseball team noted that he won the league batting title with a .259 average. Know anything about baseball? Most likely, the number 2 should have been a 3, 4, 5, or even 6.

Yet, another listed the applicant's age as "88." Do you suppose she was the oldest high school student in the country...in the world? But wait, she listed her birth date as eighteen years earlier. Those are the kinds of silly little miscues that can disqualify good candidates. Use the computer spell check and have someone read for context and spelling problems. Most people cannot do a good job of proof-reading themselves. Why take a chance?

Another blunder is leaving blank spaces. This is not a good thing. The committee may think that you are trying to hide something. If the question or statement is not applicable to you, write DNA on the line, which is the standard abbreviation or acronym for Does Not Apply.

Use a computer and keyboard whenever possible. Investigate the many inexpensive and free form-filling computer programs. No long hand here. Never write in pencil. And, NEVER, NEVER. EVER, EVER use whiteout.

Follow directions exactly. It is not unusual to see lists where paragraphs are required and vice versa. Sometimes a signature is needed with the name printed. A simple YES or NO may be necessary, Instead, an opinion is given.

Here's a tricky one that trips many juniors and seniors with honor roll credentials. After ten years in school, they still have problems using to, too, two, and they're, their, there.

Oops! I saw a sure regional and possible national winner disqualified, because her application missed the deadline date...by one day. Always beat the deadline. Mail early.

How could this happen? An app arrived without the parent permission slip signature.

Check, Check, Check.

This bears repeating: most mistakes can be eliminated when others proof the application. Then read it aloud while someone else listens.

What can you do, if the mistake cannot be corrected? Be sure to make a copy before you start. If it says "copies are not permitted," go back for one or two more originals.

Planning produces positive outcomes when the scholarship effort is truly a family affair.

To learn more about planning to win scholarships, visit http://ScholarshipDoctor.com

My newsletter is full of tips and ideas. No cost. MailTo:signup@ScholarshipDoctor.com

2006 The Scholarship Doctor, Dale Clifton - All Rights Reserved - Dale is an educational consultant and expert at helping families win college scholarships.

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Study Abroad

by: Kristy Annely

Studying abroad is the best approach for those who look to pursue various educational opportunities available across the globe. It broadens the academic scope of a student, as well as helps students to explore other cultures, simply by being immersed in them.

Studying abroad is a wonderful opportunity to gain new perspectives in academic and career preparation. Apart from experiencing the vast dimensions of education, it benefits one to understand and be a part of another countrys culture. It is interesting to be involved with new people, cultures, languages, and educational standards, and benefits students in ways simply studying at home usually do not.

Study abroad programs not only improve personal competitiveness, but also serve as a favorable factor while seeking a career in todays tight job market. Employers are increasingly looking for students who have completed a successful study abroad program, as they tend to have in-depth subject knowledge and good communication skills.

The study abroad programs offered by various prestigious universities may be short-term or long-term ones. One can be a part of any study abroad program either through ones home university, or with the assistance of a study abroad company. It is also possible to directly apply to foreign universities.

Some study abroad programs are cheaper than participating in similar home-university programs. Financial assistance may be drawn from banks and other organizations or from scholarships. Part-time jobs and paid international internships are other venues for earning money.

Government authorization and a Visa are often needed to enroll for these study abroad courses. It is advisable to learn the customs and laws of the country one has selected before going there, as well.

In keeping with the increase in the number of students studying abroad for credit, many nations have private foundations or consultants to give proper guidance for the students.

Study Abroad provides detailed information on Study Abroad, Summer Study Abroad, Study Abroad Programs, Study Abroad Scholarships and more. For more information go to http://www.i-StudyAbroad.com and/or visit its affiliated site at http://www.z-Study.com for related information.

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Several Tips to Finding the Right School Fast

by: parone lascuola

Searching for a school or college can be a time
consuming and confusing time and knowing which
ones to apply for and then which one to accept can be
difficult ad even a little traumatic. But there are many
ways of minimizing both the time taken and the
confusion involved so that the process is a little less
stressful.

Firstly you need to decide whether you want to attend
school or college in your own area or state, or whether
you are prepared to move to another location; and if so,
how far you are prepared to relocate. Of course, your
test scores may preclude some choice in this matter.
You also need to have some idea of what you can
afford some colleges are more expensive than others
and some offer payment plans and scholarships while
others do not.

Then talk to your current schools career advisor to
seek their counsel and see what they have to say.
They may recommend some schools above others as
they may be more suited to your needs, talents and
situation and overall career ambition.

The next thing to do is get online. There are many web
sites on the Internet where you can enter information,
such as your region, annual cost preference, freshman
year class size preference, preference regarding the
size of the surrounding community, and school type
(public or private) they are then processed in a
database and the site spits out a series of school
recommendations. Other sites offer tips and strategies
for obtaining scholarships and paying for college.
Another web site allows you to register for a SAT
Program test and send the results to various colleges
and scholarship programs.

A Google entry for school/college search will give you
more than 660,000 results. Some results are region or
specialty specific for instance there is a web site
devoted to assisting you to find the right college at
which to complete your MBA. Some sites are quite
possibly not as legitimate or as thorough as others.
There are a myriad to choose from. Which ever school
you choose, using the World Wide Web to guide your
search for a college or school will definitely make it an
easier, less time-consuming and hopefully a far less
confusing task.

parone lascuola is the owner of
School Chic
which is a premier resource for school information.
for more information, go to http://www.schoolchic.com

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Choosing The Right College; Getting The Information You Need

by: Kevin Nunley

The most important part of the college selection process is the initial identification of colleges and universities which are most appropriate for you. Soliciting recommendations from your school counselor is a good starting point, but there are many other valuable resources you should utilize.

Most guidance offices and public libraries have a collection of "generic" college guides with general information about individual colleges and helpful indexes enabling readers to quickly locate colleges offering particular majors, programs, and/or activities of interest. In addition, guidance offices and libraries are frequently well stocked with college catalogues, college viewbooks, and videos. Spend some time reviewing them.

There is even more, easier to access information on the internet. One of my websites (http://www.college-scholarships.com), for instance, includes a list of colleges by state with links to their websites and online applications, their toll free telephone numbers and email addresses, and more than thirty free online scholarship searches. Other sites let you search for colleges by major, location, and other criteria.

There are a number of magazines and college guides which "rank" colleges. Check them out, but do so with a grain of salt, as most knowledgeable educators consider their rankings and or evaluative methodology to be suspect.

In addition, there are at least a half dozen free publications which are mailed directly to students or distributed to guidance offices. While such magazines may be helpful in introducing you to colleges, bear in mind that they are supported by the colleges described therein, and even those that appear to "articles" about colleges are generally, in reality, advertisements written by the colleges or agencies compensated by them.

When you take the SAT or ACT - and I suggest you take them both as a high school junior - you will be asked questions about your high school grades and academic interests. If you indicate your willingness to allow the testing agency to release your name and address to colleges interested in students with your profile, you will probably receive a good deal of mail from colleges. Although there are no guarantees, particularly from the most highly select colleges, your chances of being admitted to the colleges which initiate contact with you tend to range from good to excellent. Students who review only the information sent to them by colleges with which they are already familiar miss an excellent potential opportunity to learn about institutions which may be a good "fit" for them.

Similarly, if you meet only with college admissions counselors (at your high school and at college fairs) from colleges and universities already on your list, you might miss out on some great colleges.

Dan Rosenfield is a university dean who creates websites on college admission, college scholarships, and online degrees and distance education, including http://www.college-scholarships.com and http://www.online-degrees-and-scholarships.com, and http://www.guaranteed-scholarships.com in his spare time. Contact Dan at aegc@earthlink.net.

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How to Win Lots of Scholarship Money

by: Dale Clifton, the Scholarship Doctor

Want to Win a Lot of Scholarship Money?

Beginning in junior high/ middle school is a great
time to start. I'm serious. A winning scholarship
effort always requires a plan. And assembling a
plan of action requires time.

After one of my talks a happy couple asked me "Why
do you think starting in the 8th grade is the
best time?" Before I could answer they said "We
are telling our children in the fifth grade to
start working on winning scholarship contests and
any other contests that we find out about."

They Got Results! Before they left I discovered
their first child had already graduated from
college with 50% paid by scholarships only because
they got a late start; or it would have been 100%.
They weren't going to make the same mistake with
their other student. I asked them what they
thought was the hardest part of a search. Their
answer surprised me. "NOTHING! There's just a lot
to think about. We really didn't have a plan then.
Now we do. And now that we have heard your College
Scholarship Plan we're going to eliminate some
things and add others. We're glad we came to the
your seminar"

I met a senior, we'll call him "Jake" who was in
the top third of his class. His GPA was in the C+
B- range. I told him that many scholarships had C+
qualifications or higher. Jake was dumbfounded. He
thought all college scholarships were for the kids
with really high GPAs. Later, in a letter from
Jake, I learned had won a scholarship that would
enable him to go to college.

Scholarship Doctor Rule #1
Make sure that you are on the same page
with your student and regardless of GPA, if he/she
wants to attend college, it will happen. And
families can make it happen by talking abut it
early and openly.

Scholarship Doctor Rule #2
Start telling everyone you know about your
student's college and scholarship intentions.
Broadcast it morning, noon, and night to friends,
relatives, and acquaintances. Do this not once or
twice but continuously from the 8th through 12th
grades. Serious efforts require drastic measures.

Scholarship Doctor Rule #3
Make it a goal for everyone in the family
to help your student win scholarships
and attend college.

Scholarship Doctor Rule #4
Give the student enough space and quiet
time to study.

Scholarship Doctor Rule #5
Be sure to offer continuous encouragement.

And never forget: The college scholarship effort
is truly a family affair.

2005 The Scholarship Doctor, Dale Clifton - All
Rights Reserved - Dale is an educational consultant
and expert at helping families win college scholarships.
To learn more about planning to win scholarships, visit http://ScholarshipDoctor.com

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A Million Bucks In Scholarships - I''m Not Kidding!

by: Dale Clifton

Mention a million dollars in scholarships as few as ten years ago, and most university officials and everybody else would have laughed in your face. It won't happen today. There are two reasons why. College scholarship opportunities have grown tremendously and the cost of an undergraduate education continues to go up and up with no relief in sight. The value of a four-year military academy degree is now at $323,450. Who could afford that? Thankfully, West Point, Annapolis and the Air Force Academy are free to the students. That's one giant government scholarship. Can a half-million dollar tuition be far behind?

Tuition and fees for a handful of private universities and colleges already top a quarter million, and many more are well over a hundred and fifty big ones.

A helpless father called for help because his sons first year tuition, majoring in engineering, would be almost $40,000. One year! Scary? You bet! Another dad told me that his son would graduate next year owing $51,761.

Will the total college bill reach a million dollars? Not likely. But, with the birth of the Internet, it is just a matter of time until someone takes up the challenge and amasses a million bucks in scholarship awards. Yes, it can be done. There is no limit to the number of scholarships any one person can win. It can be done by surfing, exploring and utilizing the Internet.

There are five important keys to Internet scholarship search success: persistence, persistence, persistence, persistence and creativity. Millions of dollars in scholarships are on the net with millions and millions of dollars to be handed out. Why not to you?

Be sure to check out the U.S. Department of Education websites, and the 50 state education sites. Look hard at colleges and universities that you might want to attend. Consider unions, service groups, associations, and social organizations. Look for websites that emphasize a particular skill or talent you may have or wish to acquire.

There are also great opportunities for minorities, Native Americans, African-Americans and Senior Citizens. Add those words to "scholarships" and watch the magic begin.

Use a variety of search engines. Investigate every website that offers free information about scholarships. Substitute the word "grants" for "scholarships" and search again.

Check out the following words and terms to get started. Switch the words around. Use college financial aid, free college scholarships and free scholarships. When you find a website that you want to keep, bookmark it as a favorite in your browser. Then, contact those sites using their email addresses.

2005 The Scholarship Doctor, Dale Clifton All Rights Reserved. Dale is an educational consultant and expert at helping families win college scholarships. To learn more about planning to win scholarships, visit http://ScholarshipDoctor.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dale_Clifto

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Finding Unique Scholarships Online

by: Amber Lowery

So, like most people you are likely reeling from the cost of college these days. Scholarships seem like a great option to lessen the blow to your wallet. But, you may be wondering if they are achievable for the average student.

The good news is they most certainly are. Not all scholarships are academic scholarships that consider only the straight A, honor-roll students. Many relatively unknown scholarships are available. For example, have you heard about the duct tape prom dress scholarship? Or, what about the scholarship that's just for tall people?

Yes, those scholarships are real. And, there are many others out there like them. But, how in the world do you go about finding one the suits you (or your students) quirks?

The information is out there, much of it online. Here are 3 Simple Tips for locating unusual scholarships online:

1. Use Search Engines - Using Google search for "left hand scholarships" (with quotes) if you are left handed. Insert your various unique qualities and / or hobbies. Don't overlook small things, like hair color, eye color, height, etc... You never know what you will find!

2. Sign Up For a Scholarship Database - There are many scholarship databases online, some free, some paid. These databases usually contain a fairly comprehensive list of available scholarships. We review several popular databases on our site.

3.Visit message boards and forums - A search on your favorite search engine for "scholarship forum" or "scholarship message board" will likely provide you with a wealth of resources. Visit active forums to network with other students who are looking for scholarships. Interesting scholarshipswill likely get talked about. This is a great way of getting "in the know".

With a bit of time and effort, you can uncover real gems. Unusual and quirky scholarships do exist, you just need to find them. The internet can be a great tool to mine for these treasures.

For more tips on locating scholarships, visit http://www.ScholarshipGuide.info Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amber_Lower

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Scholarships, Fellowships and Government Grants, Oh My!

by: Amber Lowery
Nearly every student is eligible to receive free funding for his or her education expenses. Both the U.S. Federal and State Governments, as well as private organizations, offer free money to assist students with paying for a college education.

This is money that never has to be repaid! These free funds come in the form of Scholarships, Fellowships, Internships and also Government Grants. In this article, we will clear up some confusion about what these are and how you can use them to pay for your education.

Your first step should be to obtain a FAFSA document (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). You can acquire one of these applications from the college you plan to attend or, online by following the steps at: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov

You will want to fully complete and send in this document by the deadline. For future reference, you will need to do this every year to continue to remain eligible for government funded financial aid. This single application is the key to numerous federally funded programs. Once your application is processed, you will receive a statement in the mail that lets you know how much funding you are eligible for.

If you find out that the amount of funding you qualify for still doesn't meet your needs, you can pursue additional private and government grants, scholarships and other programs. You can search online for for student grants and scholarships that you may also qualify for. This is often a tedious task, but careful research can uncover some excellent opportunities.

What is the difference between a Scholarship, Fellowship and a Grant?

Scholarships & Fellowships - Scholarships and fellowships are very similar, the term fellowship is generally applied to post graduate studies, while scholarship generally defines undergraduate awards. Scholarships can be funded with either public or private moneys. Oftentimes, you must qualify for a scholarship by having good grades and SAT scores. There are also scholarships that award students for their excellence in sports. You will find that there are also many unusual scholarships and fellowships available that cater to students with various other qualifications.

Government Grants - Government grants for college are government funds set aside to assist people in raising funds for school. There are numerous government grants that students can take advantage of, in conjunction with scholarships to enable you to pay for college. Your best asset here is the FAFSA document, that we discussed earlier.

As you can see, government grants, scholarships and more are available to help you pay for college. All you need to do is due diligence, a bit of paperwork and perhaps some research and you will uncover more funding options than you knew existed.

To learn about how to get lucrative federal government grants, visit 4FederalGovernmentGrants.com - To learn more about how you can get a Scholarship to pay for college, visit ScholarshipGuide.info Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amber_Lower

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Finding College Grants, Scholarships and Fellowships

by: Kelley Kilanski
The cost of a college education has increased dramatically over the last few years. With budget cuts to higher education and increased tuition, the burden of cost has increased for the average college student. While loans are an option, they have the drawback of needing to be repaid eventually. Another option for funding are scholarships, many of which are overlooked.

What are college scholarships?

College Scholarship programs essentially provide free money for college. Scholarships are awarded by charitable foundations, businesses, schools, universities, government agencies and private organizations and are awarded based on criteria set by these organizations. The criteria could be academic, athletic, membership in a specific group or club or on the basis of community service.

Finding College Scholarships

The search for college scholarships or grants is a timely process and applying can also take time, as some scholarships require essays or other material you will need to provide for consideration.

There are several resources available when searching for college scholarships. One of the most important resources is the school you plan on attending or are already attending. Your high school counselor may be able to provide information on scholarships and many universities have an office devoted to helping students find scholarships or grants.

Additionally, the university and public library may be good resources as well, especially if they have a section devoted to helping students find grants. If you're already attending a university, there may also be special seminars that provide information on how to go about a scholarship or grant search. Lastly, there are various online resources that will help you find scholarships. Be sure to research the website, though, to make sure they have a good reputation and are successful in assisting in the scholarship search. There are also inexpensive books on that may be helpful as well.

While the task of searching for college scholarships may be take time and energy, if you're successful, it will mean having to take out less in student loans and having less debt in the future related to your education.

For more information on finding free money to pay for college, go to Opinedmind.com

The author of this article runs OpinedMind.com and is currently a Ph.D. student writing articles on the issues of student loans, bankruptcy, and debt management based on personal experience and many hours of research.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kelley_Kilanski

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American Basketball Scholarships - 10 Tips to Help You Get A Scholarship!

by: Lynn West

What do you think about March Madness? Exciting, isn't it? Do you dream about playing college basketball? Can you imagine what it feel like to actually be a March Madness Player? Take a second, think about your team gathering around for the tournament bracket annoucements, wonder which region your team will be chosen to play in, what will that arena be like, will the rims be loose or tight, will you have your best game ever, will you be so nervous that the sweat from your fingers doesn't allow a good grip on the ball?

Is this something that would interest you? Is this something that you want to be a part of? There are many steps you can take to dramatically increase your chances of playing collegiate basketball and getting a basketball recruiting scholarship. To be successful, you must take control of this process and you must learn how to maximize your chances of obtaining the athletic scholarship you are seeking.

Today, the recruiting process is highly sophisticated; and, in most cases, demands that student/athletes know how to market themselves. Many well-intentioned coaches, parents, and high school guidance counselors, who are advising student-athletes today, do not understand the steps in the recruiting process.

Experts agree that the most prized commodity in the "game" of athletic recruiting is information. College coaches and prospective college athletes both succeed or fail by information or the lack of information. Athletes need to know where they can receive a scholarship, and how to go about getting one; college coaches need to know about athletes who will best fit their programs.

As a student athlete, you can help your chances of "winning" an athletic scholarship by following the Top 10 Tips listed below.

1) Demonstrate superior athletic ability----You don't have to be an absolute superstar, but you must have talent.

2) Get in the best physical condition you possibly can. Obtain a great conditioning program and STICK WITH IT. Playing at your optimal potential is only possible when you are in top physical form.

3) Become a student of the game. Know your position inside and out.

4) Become fundamentally sound. Work on your shooting hand mechanics, free throws, jump shots, dribbling, etc.. as often as possible.

5) In the off-season stay focused on your strength training and vertical jump and you will see drastic improvement.

6) Learn about the mental game of basketball and how it impacts your success.

7) Play pick-up games as often as possible and vary your pick-up game competition as much as possible.

8) Get and keep yourself eligible by passing the required academic courses with a satisfactory GPA. Score the required entrance score on the SAT or ACT.

9) Conduct yourself in a manner that calls positive attention to yourself. Coaches shy away from possible problem athletes who might bring negative attention and disgrace to their programs.

10) Undoubtedly, it is imperative to learn how to promote yourself to college coaches.

The sooner a college coach knows about you, the better your chances are of getting a scholarship.

Lynn West Why Pay For Your Education, When You Can Play For Your Education! http://www.college-athletic-scholarship.com Athletic Scholarship Info - All Rights Reserved Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lynn_West

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Finding Scholarships Online

by: Dominic Ferrara

College fees are going up the every other academic year and unless you are well off to support your education, it can be hard times ahead securing enough funds to finance your education. Scholarships come as a welcome assistance in such scenarios. To an extent, it could compensate the leak expenses could cause to your wallet. And the interesting aspect is that even an average student can manage to win a scholarship. That is, not all scholarships are academic scholarships that look for straight A, honor-roll students; instead, it is available for all, only the number of scholarships available that limits its service span. This article provides some valuable tips to find scholarships online, in a systematic way. Also, finding scholarships online is reliable, fast and easy.

In this world of internet revolution, like the most aspects of information, the best place to search such scholarships is in the World Wide Web. In other words, most information regarding scholarships is readily available in the internet, and it is all about finding the right one for a candidate.

It is advisable that searching scholarships online, if to bear fruit, must begin days or weeks in advance. Remember, every scholarship applications have a deadline for submissions and those submitted after the stipulated dates wont be considered.

Use google or any other effective search engine to search the web. Try out every possible term that is associated with scholarships for the search. For example, left handed scholarships, if you are left handed (doubles quotes in necessary), duct tape prom dress scholarship (heard about that?), or your hobbies and qualities can be useful search terms that might lead you to the scholarship you may like to apply for.

It is a better option to sign up for some scholarship database online for in no other place you could find such comprehensive listing of scholarships. Some of them are free while some others charge the user a fee. One could refer to online reviews for the most popular and efficient online databases amongst the lot. Take time to search them and shortlist few of the best scholarships available, those you think you have a chance of making it.

Scholarship message board and scholarship forums can provide a wealth of information regarding a wide array of scholarships offered by various sponsors. Visiting forums will help the candidate to build active discussions with other scholarship seekers, and the chances are high that he/she may find one no other source could have provided otherwise.

Many unusual and quirky scholarships do exist and with some planning and effort, one could unveil the hidden gems. And internet could be a great tool to unlock the treasures.

Finding the scholarships you needs is a difficult task. We've put together a very useful video that will help you find the scholarships you need. Go to Scholarship Money Secrets for more information. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dominic_Ferrar

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Scholarships - Something You Should Know

by: Michael Russell
A scholarship is a form of award given to students to help cover their study expenses and is often based on academic achievements. Most students want to have a scholarship so that they don't have to worry about financial problems and just focus on their study and college lives. To optimize your chance of winning a scholarship, besides preparing your application packet carefully with your portfolios, recommendation letters, essays, etc., you have to take care of some additional issues.

Keep an eye on announcements about new scholarships. They come out frequently from various sources: your school, city, country's government or some special organizations. Certain local newspapers often list new scholarships as well. If you don't read those papers, you can ask your parents to notify you when they see any proper scholarship listed there. You can be more active by searching online for scholarships yourself. There are many websites providing this free service. Some good examples are Collegeboard.com and Fastweb.com. However, you should beware of any websites requiring payment for using their services. Personally, I think using well-known free Scholarship websites is enough. Another way to search for scholarships is to check on some large companies' or institutions' websites. Some institutions provide scholarships but do not list them on the search engine. If the information is not enough, you should contact that company or institution for more details.

Don't forget the deadlines. Each scholarship has its own application deadline. If you apply for a lot of scholarships, write all the deadlines in some eye-catching place to make sure that you won't forget them. Moreover, you should be aware what kind of deadline it is. Some scholarships state that applications should be received before the deadlines while others just need students to send the applications before these dates and they will check the sending dates on the envelope. In addition, some change their deadlines so remember to check the information on the scholarship's website frequently.

Be aware of scholarship scams. Scholarships are aimed to help students finance their study, therefore, a real scholarship will not ask you to pay anything but maybe an application fee. This amount is usually very small and you should check that organization's website or other sources to make sure they are legitimate. The application fee should be waived if you contact the scholarship provider and state your financial difficulties.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Scholarships and Grants Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

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The Top Ten Tips On How To Get College Scholarships

by: Steadman Issenburg
Finding money to help pay for college is a high priority for almost all college students. And one of the best ways to help pay for education costs is to get a college scholarship as it is basically money that you are being given and will never have to repay. But pursuing college scholarships should be done in an organized way if you plan on being successful, and here are the top 10 tips to help you get college scholarships.

1. Before applying to any scholarship program, be sure you thoroughly understand what the requirements for the scholarship really are, and only apply for the scholarship if you are sure that you are indeed eligible.

2. In filling out the application form for the scholarship, make sure that you fill in every single blank on the form without leaving anything out. If a particular section of the form does not apply to you simply indicate that on the form space provided. If you leave areas of the form blank, there is a good chance that your application will not succeed.

3. Be sure that you know what the directions are for applying for each scholarship program and that you follow them very carefully. Do not just send a generic pack of information to each scholarship program, or send extra information that they did not ask for.

4. One of the most important things that you can do to get your application noticed is to make sure that it is easily readable and neat. The best way to do this is to type out your application, but if that is not possible then be sure to print neatly so that it can be easily read. If the scholarship program has quite a few applications to go through, they will most likely just discard those that are difficult to read.

5. When writing an essay for any scholarship program, do your best to make it as personal as possible. Avoid long, dry recitations of information. Here is where you want the scholarship reviewers to get to know you as a person.

6. Before sending off any scholarship packet, make sure that you have made a backup packet just in case the first one gets lost in the mail.

7. Keep good track of all deadlines and make sure that you get your scholarship packet gets sent off well in advance so that it is not late.

8. Before sending off your packet have someone with good writing skills review it and make suggestions on any improvements that could be made.

9. Double and triple check your spelling and grammar to make sure that your packet is as error free as possible.

10. Avoid all scholarship scams that ask you for money in order to qualify for or be eligible for a scholarship.

If you follow the tips listed above for finding and applying for college scholarships, and then regularly apply to as many as you can, most likely you'll be able to find the money that you need to pay for your college education.

Steadman Issenburg writes on many consumer related topics including education. You can find scholarships for minorities and scholarship essay samples and more by visiting our education website. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steadman_Issenburg

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Scholarships - How To Get The College Money You Need And Avoid The Scams

by: Steadman Issenburg

Getting enough money to pay for a college education can be difficult, but if you're willing to work hard there are ways to get all the money you need without having to repay it. One of the best ways to do that is to get college scholarships.

Essentially, when you receive a college scholarship you are being given money for college that you will never have to pay back, and so it's a wise idea to pursue college scholarships even before trying to get a college loan. There is plenty of scholarship money that is available, but it takes time and effort to be able to access it. So here are some tips on how to successfully find and get college scholarships.

1. Try to find as many college scholarship programs as you can that you are eligible for, and then apply for as many as possible.

2. Although you may apply for several scholarships, be sure that you follow the directions for each one very carefully, filling out all application forms completely and accurately, and submitting all the information that may be required.

3. Keep all of your scholarship packet information very neat and legible so that it can be easily read. Remember that the scholarship reviewers may have several applications and packets of information to go through, and most likely those that are hard to read will not get the most attention.

4. Pay particular attention to removing all spelling and grammatical errors before you send off your scholarship packets. You want the reviewers to get as positive and favorable an impression as possible, so don't ruin it with poor spelling and punctuation.

5. Be sure that you get all scholarship packets in the mail well in advance of their stated deadline. This may require keeping good notes on all of the deadline dates for the scholarships you are applying for in order to stay organized.

Unfortunately, another aspect of applying for college scholarships these days is having to avoid the scholarship scams that have now become prevalent. So here are some suggestions on how to avoid falling victim to one of these education scams.

1. Never apply for any scholarship that asks you to pay money in advance in order to receive it.

2. Never apply for a scholarship that asks for your credit card or bank account number in order to hold the scholarship or verify information about you.

3. Never apply for a scholarship that indicates that it is part of some sort of contest. Scholarships are awarded gifts, not sweepstakes.

If you follow the tips suggested above for applying to legitimate scholarship programs, most likely you will have success and get money that you can surely use for your college education. And if you avoid the scams mentioned above, you can protect yourself from being swindled in your pursuit of legitimate college scholarships that are available.

Steadman Issenburg writes on many consumer related topics including education. You can find scholarships for minorities and scholarship essay samples and more by visiting our education website. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steadman_Issenburg

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Nursing Scholarships

by: Marcus Peterson

Nursing is a field in great demand. With growing needs, the health services and other agencies require highly qualified and trained nurses each year. But whether you are studying to be a nurse or qualifying yourself further, funding is a great challenge.

What you need to do is get your facts right and find out what your options are. The first option is to approach FAFSA at the institution where you want to study or are already studying. This is on a first-come first-served basis, so be sure to complete the formalities early.

Do your research well but keep your eyes open for scams. Look up the federal trade commission warnings about scholarship scams. Remember to contact your local nursing association, the state boards of nursing, and the American Nurses Association at http://www.ana.org/. They have tons of guidance as well as information on nursing grants and scholarships. Another valuable online search is http://www.nursewebsearch.com/nursing_scholarships.htm , where many opportunities are listed.

There are many nursing scholarships and grants available, from federal grants to private funding. There are scholarships offered by schools of nursing, scholarships funded by agencies with specific criteria, by trusts, corporations, as well as individuals.

The criteria for eligibility vary from college to college but would generally be: applicants must be seeking admission to the first year or advanced studies in nursing, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, be dedicated to nursing, and have a professional attitude as well as immense amounts of positivity. Requirements would include college transcripts, letters of recommendation, an essay stating why the student chose nursing as a profession, and information of citizenship, ethnicity, and family financial status.

The US Department of Health and Human Services has instituted a nursing scholarship program where in exchange for two years of service the scholarship will give tuition, fees, other expenses like books, clinical supplies, laboratory expenses, as well as a monthly stipend.

To be eligible for a grant or scholarship, you must be clear what your goals are, what are the qualifications you plan to work for, and how much funding you need. Based on this you would need to make a list of eligible scholarships and then fill in the applications correctly, completely, and on time.

Scholarships provides detailed information on Scholarships, College Scholarships, Grant Scholarships, Scholarship Searches and more. Scholarships is affiliated with College Scholarship Grants. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marcus_Peterso

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Paying for College - Tips for Parents on Grants, Scholarships and Student Loans

Do you have a child who will be graduating high school in the next couple of years? or even next year? Then now is time for you and your college bound student to start thinking about how to pay for college if you haven't thought about it already. With the rising cost of college tuition, the sooner you start planning how you will pay for college, the less worries you might have when it is finally time to actually make those tuition payments.

Pell Grants

Pell grants are the first type of aid you will apply for. This simply requires that you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is usually the first step in applying for student loans and no one should avoid it. Once the application is sent in, it is evaluated and if you qualify for a Pell grant, you will get the full amount of what you qualify for. You need to do nothing further but supply the names of the schools your student will be applying for or has gotten into.

Scholarships

There are several ways to pay for college. The first and most advantageous is to pay for college with scholarships. College scholarships are not only about academics. Students can qualify for a multitude of college scholarships for a variety of reasons. Academics is one of the most obvious. A good student with top grades will generally qualify for many scholarships that are based on the student's GPA or class standing. Other qualifications are primarily based on what the student actually does outside of school. If they participate in community service work, there are many scholarships available because this type of work shows a strong commitment to community involvement. This hold the same for membership in a social group. Sports involvement is another that may qualify a student for a scholarship. If you have a student who is not only gets top grades, but also is involved in sports and community service, the number of college scholarships available is astounding and your student should take advantage of everyone possible available. Free college scholarship searches are available to assist in finding the appropriate college scholarship.

Student Loans for Parents

Another less advantageous method of paying for college is to take our a student loan for parents. These are called PLUS loans and allow parents to borrow the entire cost of an undergraduate education including tuition, room and board, supplies, lab fees and any other costs not covered by any other aid in the form of scholarships and grants the student may qualify for. Additionally, these loans do not require collateral as a home equity loan would. So you don't have to worry about putting up the house to pay for college. Lastly, PLUS loans can be consolidated under a variety of repayment plans with a fixed interest rate for the life of the loan, and low monthly payments.

Student Loans

Student loans are similar to the PLUS loans with the exception that they are given to the student and not the parent. The interest rates are usually a little lower than the PLUS loans, but the responsibility of repayment lies with the student and not the parent. The benefit of student loans over PLUS loans, is that some of the loan is subsidized, which means interest does not accrue until the student drops below half time or finishes school. It is also guaranteed that the student will qualify for a student loan.

So if you haven't started searching for ways to pay for college, I recommend that you do immediately. In the long run, your early start to looking for ways to pay for college, will reduce your overall costs.

The author of this article runs Opinedmind.com and is a Ph.D student with vast experience in the issues of finding sources to pay for college. To read more on ways to finance college and to find free scholarship search resources, go to http://www.opinedmind.com/student-financial-aid/student-financial-aid.php For more information on how to make money, manage your money or save money, go to Opinedmind.com - Money solutions Find articles and resources that will help you gain control over your finances. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kelley_Kilansk

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College Scholarships: Find Free Money for School

The only thing that might cost more than your college education could possibly be your wedding. Many college graduates (and even some individuals that do not complete their education) spend years paying off college loans. Some others take on part-time or even full-time jobs while they are in school to help pay for college expenses.

One of the most desirable ways to finance an education is by using scholarships. Scholarships are basically free money that is used to pay all or part of tuition and expenses. Since scholarships do not need to be repaid, most college prospects try to find scholarships to pay for school.

So how can you find scholarships for college? There are few online scholarship databases. They allow you to search for several scholarships. You can also buy books or even find books at your local library that are full of scholarships that are given out each year. Several websites also give the chance to enter your name into scholarship contests. Some high schools have several scholarships that are awarded to graduating seniors for fitting specific criteria.

About every college and university gives scholarships to prospective students. Academic and honors scholarships are given based on grades and SAT or ACT scores. Each school has different criteria for receiving these scholarships, so you do not necessarily have to possess a 4.0 GPA to qualify. A lot of colleges and universities give minority scholarships to African-American, Caucasian, Hispanic, Asian, or any other ethnic group that is not dominant at that school. You might get a scholarship for participating in school activities like sports and music programs. Money could also be given to increase enrollment for college majors that are not largely pursued.

If you have an interest in pursuing a career in the military then you have a really good chance of having your entire education paid for. Your local community or religious organization may offer its residents and members money for college. Some employers offer scholarship money to their employees and employees' family members. Your job may also offer tuition reimbursement if you meet certain qualifications. You could also be eligible for money given by sororities, fraternal clubs, and other social organizations in which you or your family are involved. One last option is participating in pageants. There are local pageants that offer scholarships or money prizes that may not be as large as the prize offered for the Miss America or Miss USA pageants but they are easier to win.

You should check into all of the sources that I have mentioned. Every scholarship for which you are eligible should be seriously considered. A $500 scholarship might seem insignificant but the money all adds up and every little but helps.

Eugena Anthony created College Search Engines and More to help prospective college students with the college search process. Visit http://www.college-search-engines-and-more.com/Scholarship-for-College-Student.html for advice on selecting a major, financing your education, and several other criteria that can help you make an informed college choice. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eugena_Anthon

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College Scholarships - The benefits of Free Scholarship Searches

College scholarships are essentially free money to pay for college. Scholarships do not have to be paid back and many do not have any criteria you have to fulfill in order to get them except applying for them and fulfilling the application criteria. However, each year many scholarships do not get awarded because students or potential students do not apply for them. If someone were passing out free money, would you pass it up?

One of the most common reasons that college scholarships are not applied for is that there is a common misconception that college scholarships are difficult to find and the college scholarship search is a tedious process. This was true at one point in time when you had to search through volumes of books containing information on scholarships and cross reference them with various criteria in order to choose just the right scholarships to apply for. With the advent of personal computer and the internet and all of its functionality, the search for the right college scholarship is now so easy, it really is as simple as filling out some information online.

Free scholarship searches are available online. All the student or potential student has to do is join one or several free scholarship programs by filling out an application online with all the relevant data concerning who you are, what you participate in and what your interests are. By signing up for any free scholarship search you are literally giving all of the necessary information in order to have appropriate scholarships found for you, free. Honestly, if you pay for a scholarship search, you are being ripped-off since this is a service provided free of charge by various online scholarship search services. The database of scholarships is no different for a paid service than it is for a free service.

The benefit of participating in a free scholarship service is that all of the work is done for you. Your information is fed into a database and scholarships are chosen for you based on the information you provide. Potential scholarships are then sent to your email address and you simply have to apply for those you want to apply for.

By participating in a free scholarship search, you can potentially generate thousands of free money for college in the form of scholarships. So don't pass up this opportunity. In the long run free scholarship money could save you thousands in student loan costs.

To find free scholarship search resources, go to http://www.opinedmind.com/student-financial-aid/free-scholarship-search-resources/free-scholarship-search.php For other student financial aid articles and resources, go to http://www.opinedmind.com/student-financial-aid/student-financial-aid.php The author of this article is a Ph.D. student and runs Opinedmind.com - a website devoted to issues of money management, including making money, managing money and saving money. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kelley_Kilansk

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285 Philadelphia Schools' Students Awarded $800,000 in Scholarships

The Philadelphia Education Fund has been in operation for 20 years. A nonprofit organization, the Fund partners with school districts (including the Philadelphia schools), other nonprofit organizations, businesses and individuals to provide scholarships for students in the Philadelphia schools system. Its purpose is to initiate and implement innovative educational programs, of which they have several. They work to improve the quality of teachers in the Philadelphia schools, conduct educational research, and engage the community in school reform. The Fund is one of the largest of 86 education funds that are affiliated with the national Public Education Network.

One of the programs that are sponsored by the Fund is the Philadelphia Scholars Program that awards Last Dollar Scholarships to Philadelphia schools students. In June 2006, they awarded $800,000 in scholarships to 285 schools students.

Over the last 16 years, the Fund has awarded more than $5 million to students, who attend 15 high schools of the Philadelphia schools system -- many of these youth were the first in their families to attend college. Scholarships range from $200 to $4,000, helping to fill the gap between a student's financial aid package and actual college costs. Scholarships cover tuition, fees, books and transportation. They are renewable for a maximum of six years for students attending accredited, degree-granting colleges and universities across the nation.

Scholarship funding is from Philadelphia donors (many of which are the city's most prominent philanthropists in the financial industry), but includes hundreds of individuals, businesses, and organizations. The most active donor is John C. Bogle, chairman of the National Constitution Center and former chairman and founder of the Vanguard Group. Besides wanting to make college a reality for Philadelphia schools students, Bogle hopes that these same children will one day invest in Philadelphia's next generation.

Once such group, which raises funds for the Last Dollar Scholarship program, is the Scholars Advisory Committee. To date, they have raised $16 million. A. Morris Williams, Jr. chairs the committee, is the president of Williams and Company, and was formerly an executive of Morgan Stanley. He and John Neff, a committee member and former managing partner of Wellington Management Company, are the two driving forces behind the Philadelphia Scholars Program. Together, they provided the seed money for the program's launch.

Williams wants to help the Philadelphia schools students reach their goals, hoping to inspire others to support higher education in Philadelphia. Neff wants to give something back to the community that has been so good to him, and sees supporting education as a way to give students an opportunity for a better life.

Most investors in the scholarship program for Philadelphia schools students recognize the something must be done to help the city's youth succeed. Without the opportunity of a higher education for today's students, Philadelphia will be left wanting for an educated workforce in the future. The donors' generosity helps the Philadelphia schools students have a better future, as well as helping the city succeed tomorrow.

About the Author

Patricia Hawke is a staff writer for Schools K-12, providing free, in-depth reports on all U.S. public and private K-12 schools. Patricia has a nose for research and writes stimulating news and views on school issues. For more information on Philadelphia schools visit http://www.schoolsk-12.com/Pennsylvania/Philadelphia/index.html

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Scholarships

When financial aid is offered to a student to meet costs of his studies it is known as a scholarship. There are two main categories of scholarships, merit-based and need-based. Merit-based grants are given to students based on their academic, athletic, or artistic performance, while a need-based grant is given to help a student in need of financial support.

The first step is to gather information about available scholarships by checking databases and publications that are relevant, or by using a computer scholarship search service, CASHE, at the UCI Office of Financial Aid. Such computer systems are programmed to match scholarships against applicants for a small fee.

Among the many kinds of scholarships are college scholarships, company scholarships, local scholarships, military scholarships, religious scholarships, major scholarships, ethnic scholarships, and athletic scholarships. It is important for you to know which scholarships you are eligible for.

Most scholarships have criteria like financial status, academic achievements, athletic prowess, public service, nationality, or ethnicity. A scholarship could cover full tuition or part, and can be funded by an educational institution, individual trust or non-profit organizations.

To be successful at applying you must start the process early. Take time to research different scholarships. Send in requests for information you need or do not understand. Complete the application process well within the deadline. Do ensure that you comprehend the eligibility norms thoroughly. Be systematic and create separate files for each scholarship application, and maintain a chart that gives on-tab information about scholarship, deadline, date of application, reply received, and so on.

For most applications you will need all or some of the following: transcript; test scores; financial aid form, FAFSA or PROFILE; financial information of parents including tax returns; essays that are well-written and present your thought processes and abilities; letters of recommendation; proof of eligibility; proof of athletic prowess or interests in social work.

It is essential and important to read the instructions and follow them to a t. Fill the application completely and never leave any blanks. If you do not understand something, ask. Submit an error-free application and keep copies of all documents.

Last but not least, select which field you want to qualify in, and apply to scholarships relevant to that field. Find out whether you are eligible to apply for only one scholarship, or can apply for more than one.

Beware of scams that ask for payment to get you a scholarship, or ask for a deposit or credit card details.

Scholarships provides detailed information on Scholarships, College Scholarships, Grant Scholarships, Scholarship Searches and more. Scholarships is affiliated with College Scholarship Grants. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marcus_Peterso

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Free College Scholarships

Lack of funding is never an excuse for missing out on a college education, because there is financial help available if you know where to go to find them.

Every year, more than $80 billion is given to deserving students by either the federal government or hundreds of private foundations. This money comes from taxes and donations from private sources such as large corporations, private employers, professional associations, educational and religious institutions to name few. They give scholarships because hey can use the donations as a tax deduction, and would rather give money to deserving scholars instead of giving it to the government.

Who can apply for free college scholarships?

All high school graduates are typically qualified college scholarships, although some programs pose special qualifying criteria. Some free college scholarships are awarded based on financial needs, academic characteristics and your personal background. For example, scholarships are available for children of military men and women. There are also special scholarships available to women and minorities.

Free scholarship searches

Search portals for college scholarships databases that catalog hundreds of awards are available on the Internet. They compare your characteristics as a student to the qualifying and selection criteria of their scholarship awards. There are many free college scholarship search engines out there, but not all are accurate in generating the right results.

Warning

Legitimate college scholarship search sites do not ask for any payment, so dont fall prey to sites that promise you exclusive scholarship leads for a fee. These sites are scholarship scams they take your money without giving you relevant scholarship leads.

College Scholarships provides detailed information on College Scholarships, Free College Scholarships, College Scholarship Grants, College Scholarship Searches and more. College Scholarships is affiliated with Grant Scholarships. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Baile

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Food That Burns Fat

By Si Lee

Looking for foods that burn fat? While no foods actually burn fat directly, there are a number of foods that can help you lose weight:

1. Fiber

Foods with fiber make you feel full longer and eliminate sugar cravings - in essence, reducing how much you eat. Fiber-rich foods include beans (pinto, navy, etc.), fruits (especially berries!), vegetables, and whole wheat pastas & breads. In addition to losing weight, 20-30 grams of fiber a day can help reduce risk of heart attacks and cancer.

2. Water

Surprise! Water is actually one of the most effective foods to lose weight, and it's totally free! Even better, it's not about drinking tons of water - you just need to drink enough to keep hydrated, about 6-8 glasses a day. Keeping hydrated increases your metabolic rate and suppresses appetite - which slows weight gain.

3. Green Tea

Like water, green tea can help you burn fat by increasing your metabolism. Brimming with helpful antioxidants, researchers suspect that green tea can also fight heart disease and cancer.

4. Dairy Foods, 3-4 servings a day

Researchers have found that 3-4 daily servings of milk, hard cheese and yogurt, in conjunction with a calorie-restricted diet, can help lose weight and burn fat faster than a low-calcium/low-dairy diet. It is believed that calcium and other components of dairy foods nearly doubles the rate of weight loss.

Si Lee is a prolific internet writer and owner of several popular blogs. For more information on how to burn fat, visit http://RatingsReviews.net/BurnFat. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Si_Le

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Discover How To Burn Fat for Fast Weight Loss

By Marie Borges

Discover How To Burn Fat For Fast Weight Loss – Part 1

Let's face it...seems like every time you turn your head, there is a new study done indicating that obesity and obesity related diseases are at an all time high (that's epidemic, folks!). I don't know a thing about you, but I'll bet that you don't want to be just another victim of the obesity epidemic!

Have you ever noticed how many weight loss plans and fat loss supplements are out there on the market today? 100? 1000? Too many for you to count? And if you're like me, with all the information (or misinformation!) out there today, it is hard to decide which is the best weight loss plan for you. To add insult to injury, over 90% of people who try dieting will fail. And, of the ones who succeed, some will end up with more weight than they started out with.

In my experience, there is only one 100% sure fire way to truly burn fat and keep it off. Notice that we are talking about how to burn FAT, not lose weight. If you want to lose weight, sure, most people can do that, in different degrees. Because when we are talking about weight loss, we are also referring to lean muscle mass. That is where most conventional diet plans fail. They focus on weight loss plans. By the way, the term "lose weight" not only encompasses fat loss, but lean muscle mass and water weight as well. Did you know that within a few days of starting a new weight loss weight loss plan, the initial weight loss almost always represents WATER?

You do not have to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars to accomplish your weight loss goals and burn fat!

The fact is that by eating the right foods (adopting healthy eating habits), limiting fat and sugar intake, and eating the right carbohydrates in a sensible manner will start you on the road to fat loss. Diet and exercise, as well as good nutrition, will help you to burn fat faster than ever before.

Now it's time to start putting these tips to work for you!

We make it easy to burn fat, lose weight permanently and feel good about yourself. Read part 2 of this article, learn the essential keys to weight loss and get free recipes, tips and other resources by visiting: http://www.burn-your-fat.com Marie Borges is a motivational writer, author and healthcare consultant. She spent several years in the healthcare industry helping to educate and motivate people on the importance of successful weight loss and good nutrition to improve overall health and happiness. To change your body for the better, receive free tips, recipes, articles and more, go to http://www.burn-your-fat.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marie_Borge

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How To Burn Fat Fast: Go For Speedy-Burn, Not Crash-Burn

By Laxmi Krishna
How to burn fat fast is a question that burns anyone who has any weight to lose. Two ways to burn fat fast are: speedy-burn and crash-burn.

Some weight loss psychology experts aver that our bodies have learnt to set silent "fat set-points" that they then use as "danger-level" indicators. When weight drops to below that level, our bodies tenaciously start hanging on to protective fat!

So the more you try to lose weight, the more resistant your body becomes. How to burn fat fast then becomes an issue of contention with your own body.

To take this point further, it appears that sudden weight loss diets and sudden over-energetic exercise bursts are also perceived by the body as threats to peace and security.

So that could be one explanation why crash diets and crash exercise binges don't work at all. If our bodies see these as "crash-points" why would they not double up on the fat stores the minute we stop or slow down the exercise ... just in case we start the “trauma” again.

In learning how to burn fat fast we have to first learn the psychology of the mind-body connection. What the mind sees as ideal and possible, the body may choose to see as a threat.

In my book, I have outlined a walking-based program to create a body that is “re-trained” as quickly as possible to become a dynamic speedy-burn machine, more and more naturally efficient at disposing unwanted calories.

We also want a body that does not get unnaturally over-protective of its excess fat stores, anticipating “crash-burn” stress.

Walking, being a natural and gentler body process, does not pose a “crash-threat” to the body. The body’s resistance to change is therefore much less.

That’s why walking may work faster than most other types of exercise and help the body keep its ideal weight and fat burning tempo over the long term.

The ultimate idea behind how to burn fat fast is to get the walking to:

a. Jump-start the body’s own fat burning process, so the body will then take over its functions at the optimum speed, without demanding more and more effort from the exercise itself.

b. Give the body less reason to feverishly protect its fat stores. And definitely not add to the body's fat stores through giving it additional fears of "exercise stress"!

It often comes as a great surprise to many of us that actually some forms of crash-workouts induce exactly the opposite effect on the body than the one we hope for.

Whereas a "non-threatening" exercise form like walking works wonders -- and right from the start. Since walking is part of our natural daily activity, it feels like nothing out of the way, or a strain to do. It does not instigate resistance.

It goes along with the body's own smarter internal instincts of how to burn fat fast -- which are superior to many of our theories of fat burn.

It's a fine thin line between the achievable ideal of "rapid weight loss" (speedy-burn) and the impossible dream of "immediate weight loss" (crash-burn). Knowing that difference is knowing the secret of how to burn fat fast!

Laxmi Krishna is a bestselling author on weight loss. She succeeded in losing weight superfast -- 30 kgs. in just 32 weeks, with no dieting -- through a unique walking program she has designed. She reveals her success secrets in her path-breaking guide. Visit Laxmi's site at http://www.walking-calories.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laxmi_Krishna

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