To apply for financial aid, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Scholarships can be applied for through your school’s financial aid office or through various external scholarship programs. Be sure to research opportunities early and meet deadlines.
Merit-Based Scholarships – Awarded based on academic, artistic, or athletic achievements.
Need-Based Scholarships – Given to students with financial need.
Athletic Scholarships – Offered to students with outstanding sports abilities.
Minority Scholarships – Available to students from underrepresented communities.
Subject-Specific Scholarships – For students pursuing specific fields of study.
Government Scholarships – Funded by the government to support students at various education levels.
Private & Corporate Scholarships – Sponsored by businesses or private organizations.
The expenses covered by the scholarship depend on the specific program. Some scholarships cover full tuition, while others may also include:
– Books and study materials
– Living expenses (housing, meals, transportation)
– Lab fees or other academic costs
– Travel expenses (out of state or international students)
Check the scholarship details or contact the provider to confirm what costs are covered.
Think about all the circumstances that make your life unique. There is often a scholarship that will apply! Check out the scholarship database we put together for Western UP students and explore some options!
Many high schools offer guidance counselors who can provide personalized support with college applications, essays, and financial aid. Additionally, online resources such as college admissions websites, forums, and workshops can offer valuable guidance and insights into the application process.
It depends on the specific scholarship. Some scholarships allow students to apply before being accepted into a university, while others require proof of admission. Check the scholarship’s eligibility criteria for details.
Take time to develop a list of your top priorities…academics? Student life? Athletics? Many websites allow you to filter your options to your preferences. Once you have a strong list of possible schools, go visit! The on-campus experience can be a determining factor in college decisions. If you are unable to visit the school, attend webinars, FAQ sessions, etc. to get a feel for the campus and the people. Don’t forget to factor in costs!
Yes! Pictures tell a thousand words but never the whole story. Visiting campus before committing to the school gives you a chance to see if you like the dorm situation, how far apart your classes are, and what the locale is like, among other things. If you are interested in schools that you can’t travel to, contact them to see about virtual tours, asking current students and alumni questions, and upcoming virtual seminars that will help you learn more.
Developing a financial plan is the first step in managing your finances in college. Think about your income and expenses to your bank account. Many college students get a campus job, so check out your college’s website for information on applying. Also consider expenses like gas and food. If you are on a meal plan, take full advantage of the dining hall rather than driving to buy food elsewhere. Many students don’t bring a car to college, which helps them avoid gas/repair expenses.
A college degree not only opens doors to a wide array of career opportunities but also equips you with invaluable skills such as communication, problem-solving, and research abilities. Additionally, college graduates tend to have higher lifetime earnings compared to those without a degree.
Certifications and degrees are both credentials that demonstrate a level of knowledge or skill in a particular field, but they differ in duration and cost, career implications, formal education vs. practical training, and scope and depth of study. Both are valuable credentials that serve different purposes and cater to different educational and career paths.
Although a lot of EmpowerUP starts in the class room, it is run like a business that has departments and teams, and every semester a few of these teams come up with a project that will need the help of community volunteers for it to come to life. Keep an eye on our stakeholders to get involved in new opportunities that will make an impact on our community!
Deciding whether to go to college is a big step, especially if resources are limited. It’s important to think about what truly excites you and where you see yourself in the future. Consider what you’re passionate about and what the job market looks like. Money matters, so it’s essential to think about scholarships, financial aid, and whether the investment in college will pay off in the long run. Talks to mentors and people you trust to give valuable insights to find the path that aligns with your dreams and goals.
It’s perfectly acceptable to take time to explore your options and gain real-world experience before committing to a post-secondary path. Consider gap years, internships, or entry-level jobs to gain insights into various industries and discover your passions and strengths.
Start by examining your strengths, interests, and career goals. Trade schools and colleges provide different learning opportunities because it is what’s needed for our diverse nation of manufacturing, servicing, inventing, and growth. If you are unsure how to make a career in the field you’re interested in, learn more about the differences and ways to determine what course of study may be best for you.
From trade schools to online courses, there are always options to further your education. Click here to learn more about non-college options.
Community colleges offer an affordable and flexible option for higher education. Benefits include lower tuition costs, smaller class sizes, the ability to transfer credits to four-year universities, and opportunities for vocational training. They also often provide a great pathway to obtaining an associate degree or certificate.
Military service provides opportunities for personal development, leadership training, and job skills acquisition. Alongside serving your country, you can access benefits such as tuition assistance, healthcare, housing allowances, and retirement plans. Additionally, many military skills translate well into civilian careers; for example, the cybersecurity field is expected to grow much faster than average, with a projected 33% increase in employment from 2020 to 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The United States offers several branches of the military, each with its unique missions and career opportunities. These include the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, each catering to different skill sets and interests.
Military service often involves deployments and assignments in various parts of the world, providing opportunities to experience different cultures, languages, and environments firsthand. Service members may participate in joint training exercises, humanitarian missions, or peacekeeping efforts abroad, fostering cross-cultural understanding and global perspectives.
Trade school prepares graduates for careers in various fields, including welding, electrical work, plumbing, HVAC technician, dental assisting, culinary arts, and many more. These professions offer stable employment and opportunities for specialization and growth.
Absolutely! Trade school programs often equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to start their own businesses in fields such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and cosmetology. Some trade schools even offer courses or workshops on entrepreneurship to help students launch their own ventures.
Apprenticeships offer hands-on training and mentorship in specific trades or industries, allowing participants to earn while they learn. Apprentices gain valuable skills, industry certifications, and real-world experience, positioning them for successful careers in fields such as construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and information technology.
Alternative paths include entrepreneurship, freelancing, online certifications, apprenticeships, and vocational training programs. These options provide avenues for skill development and career advancement outside of traditional academic routes. The gig economy, which includes freelance work and independent contracting, is expected to continue growing, with a projected 33% increase in freelance workers by 2028, according to a study by Upwork and Freelancers Union.
If you have an opportunity to take college level classes before graduating high school, take advantage of it! Not only is this a great way to learn more about a subject you’re interested in without committing to a university, your high school may pay for these classes. It’s always a good idea to check if your earned credits are transferable to other colleges, especially if your goal is to take college level classes in high school to shorten your future time at a university, ultimately lowering your cost of attendance.
Advanced Placement (AP) Courses, Dual Enrollment or Concurrent Enrollment Programs, International Baccalaureate (IB) Courses, College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) Exams, Honors or Accelerated Courses, Career and Technical Education (CTE) Courses, Foreign Language Courses.
The College Board is your go-to resource for all things AP! Check out the link in the Financial Aid page, or click here to learn more.
Research different career paths and industries, network with professionals, and seek out internships or volunteer opportunities to gain hands-on experience. Consider your passions, strengths, and long-term goals when exploring these alternatives.