Money IS available for adult learners — you just have to know where to look! Here are some strategies for a successful scholarship hunt:
1. Review the Washington College Grant expanded eligibility.
The Washington College Grant (WCG) program—formerly known as the State Need Grant (SNG)—provides need-based financial aid to income-eligible students pursuing postsecondary education. Grant recipients can use the financial aid at Washington’s eligible institutions, including public two- and four-year colleges and universities and many accredited private/independent colleges, universities, and career schools in the state.
Learn more at https://wsac.wa.gov/washington-college-grant
2. Check out local college and university websites. Many institutions list outside scholarship opportunities in addition to internal scholarships.
Community Colleges of Spokane
Eastern Washington University
Gonzaga University
Grand Canyon University
Washington State University
Western Governors University
Whitworth University
3. Use helpful scholarship search engines and explore local scholarship opportunities. To find scholarships that you may be eligible for, try a search engine! Here are some sites to start with:
Washboard.org
Scholarships.com
Fastweb.com
Petersons.com
Collegeboard.com
Also explore additional local scholarship opportunities such as:
Spokane Public Schools
Washington State Opportunity Scholarship
Gear Up Washington
Gesa Credit Union Scholarships
Executive Women’s International Spokane
Numerica Returning Student Scholarship
WSECU Scholarship
Innovia Foundation
Northwest Farm Credit Services Minority Scholarship
Note: many of these scholarships may be for graduating high school seniors but some ARE NOT! Be sure to research all of your options!
4. Write your personal statement/scholarship essays.
Most scholarship applications will require a personal statement or essay. This is a critical component of your application! You must present why you are a great candidate for the scholarship. For helpful tips/tricks on writing your personal statement visit http://greatermindsspokane.org/tips-for-scholarship-essays/
5. Get organized!
Scholarship applications may require letters of recommendation, transcripts, and a resume. Start working on gathering these now and keep them saved for easy reference.
6. Schedule time for your scholarship search.
Consider your scholarship hunt a part-time job and carve out an hour each day to review and apply for scholarships.
7. Don’t forget to ask for help!
The Greater Minds team can help you with your scholarship search, review your personal statement essay, and assist you with getting organized!
Need assistance? Give us a call today – 509.321.3623 or email jbrant@greaterspokane.org to get started!
