Scholarships

Awards, bursaries and scholarships are monies, which have been donated by concerned corporations, community organizations and individuals. These awards cover the specific requests of the donors and are intended to assist students who have shown outstanding academic or vocational abilities and achievement or have excelled in extra-curricular and community activities (or in a combination of the above) and/or are in need of financial assistance

A scholarship may be awarded for academic achievement, athletics, extra curricular and community services, financial need, ethnic background, chosen profession, women in science, special needs, parents’ occupations, visible minority groups and others.
A bursary is a grant given to a student who proves financial need and who holds a satisfactory academic record.
An award is a prize recognizing a particular accomplishment and is usually given in monetary fashion. It may or may not require subsequent registration at a particular institution.
A loan is monies lent to students that must be repaid when their program of studies has ended, or if they drop below the minimum course load.

HOW TO APPLY

Most scholarships as well as government student loans can be applied for online. The Guidance department will receive some scholarship and loan applications. Check the bulletin board and listen for announcements. A copy of these will be placed in a binder at the library. If you need the hardcopy, check the Application Binder and photocopy the application needed..

Guidelines for applying:

	Remember that all post secondary universities offer entrance scholarships. You are advised to check with the university you are planning to attend for the details.
	Most applications require considerable time to complete properly, including getting references. GIVE YOUR REFERENCE PEOPLE TIME TO DO A GOOD JOB. The way in which you complete the application form can make a difference between getting and NOT getting financial assistance. Clarification and/or assistance are available from the Guidance Counsellor.
	Throughout the academic year, scholarships will become available on www.studentawards.com, www.canlearn.ca and other sites. As well, the Guidance Counsellor will receive a number of application forms to be completed by students who may meet the specified guidelines.

These are a few things to be aware of:

1. Application forms must often be typed.

2. Essays may have to be completed.

3. Copies of official transcripts are often requested.

4. References and letters of references may be required.

5. Deadlines for submission of application forms MUST be adhered to.

Additional support from your Guidance Counsellor

At ECI the Guidance Counsellor, Student Support Facilitator and Career Prep Coordinator will meet with each Senior IV student individually in the first few weeks to go over credit checks and future career plans. This may also occur several times through out the school year. It would be a good idea to have a resume available at that time if you are interested in applying for scholarships. Use this as an opportunity for your Guidance Counsellor to become familiar with your academic standing, extra curricular activities, volunteer work etc. Although it is ultimately up to you to search out financial assistance, this information will be valuable in assisting the Guidance Counsellor to give you gentle reminders if scholarship applications that may apply to you come in the mail.

Important points to remember:

Information sources: First and foremost students are encouraged to take responsibility and to register on www.studentawards.com or www.canlearn.ca at the beginning of the school year. These sites list the majority of scholarships available and match student profiles with awards.

Scholarship information will also be posted on the bulletin board next to the library. A binder listing the majority of scholarships will be put in the library. If you browse through it you will see upcoming scholarships.

Realize your eligibility: As mentioned above, eligibility could include one or a combination of: academic achievement, athletics, extra curricular and community services, financial need, ethnic background, chosen profession, women in science, special needs, parents’ occupations, visible minorities and others.

Marks: Deadlines for applications begin in October. Your first report card could be the marks submitted. Applications will ask for your most recent marks as the year progresses. This makes every mark on every report card crucial.

Scholarships can be broken down into the following categories:

1. Entrance Scholarships are given for demonstrated academic excellence in Senior IV or Senior III and Senior IV by various institutions. The following are a few Manitoba examples:

U of M

Advanced Early Admission Scholarships (based on Senior III marks)

Regular Entrance Scholarships
(based on Senior IV marks)

Leader of Tomorrow Scholarships
(based on marks, extra-curricular, community service, leadership)

Chown Centennial Scholarships
(best all around student entering U of M from each high school)

Athletic Awards
(based on athletic ability)

U of W and BU

Alumni entrance scholarships

Special entrance scholarships

Red River and ACC

Awards, bursaries, and scholarships are offered.

Private Institutions also have their own scholarships and bursaries.

2. Bursaries are available for new and continuing full-time university and college students with good academic marks who demonstrate a significant level of financial need. A person must be registered for at least 60% of normal course load. Bursary information is available at the Awards Office of the various institutions.

3. Other scholarships: Erickson Collegiate receives information about a variety of scholarship opportunities within and outside of the province. The Guidance Counsellor will receive some scholarship application forms. Students are invited to check the dates in the library, bulletin board, and announcements and ask the counsellor for forms. Remember also to register for www.studentawards.com and they will pop up on you email.

Opportunities for Potential Scholarships

DO AN AWARDS SEARCH AND INPUT INTO YOUR CRITERIA

Reminder: It is very important to examine the criteria involved in applying as well as to respect the deadline for applications.

In-course or Faculty Scholarships

Reading the university and college calendars, specifically Financial Awards, will inform you about the types of scholarships

and bursaries available.

Based on College or University marks (after you have been in university or college)

Location

Based on where you live (province, city, country, or town) may quality you.)

Citizenship

Many open only to Canadian Citizenship resident

Extracurricular Activities

May also look at community involvement, leadership skills, and extracurricular activities from the past 3-4 years

Academic Improvement

Some awards from greatest improvement.

Area of Study

Some specific to your chosen field or by a corporation in that area. Check with Faculty

Special Skills, Interest, Knowledge

Check to see if organizations offer anything in the way of prizes

Club Affiliations

Check with clubs you or your parents belong to.

Place of Employment

Check with your parents’ or your place of employment. Speak to your parents about possible scholarship opportunities.

Often, employers may have special programs for students of employees.

Union

If your parents belong to one they may offer support

Ethnic Lineage

Check with ethnic and cultural groups to which you are affiliated

   Churches and Religious Institutions

    Some churches offer scholarships to their members.

    Cash Competitions

    If you like challenge and competition look into areas you excel in

Athletic Organizations

Some awards are given by various athletic organizations

Permanent Disabilities

If you have a disability you may be eligible for certain scholarships

Special Situations

Being a single parent, minority international student may qualify you for a scholarship

Veterans Groups

If your parents or grandparents were involved in wartime service you may qualify – ask at legions

Volunteer Community Service Activities

(many scholarships are based or partially based on this criteria)

*Fundraising, canvassing or campaigning as an unpaid volunteer

*Help to organize or supervise activities or events for an organization

*Help teach or coach for a group or organization as an unpaid volunteer

*Collect, serve or deliver food or other goods as a volunteer through an organization

*Provide information or help to educate or influence the opinions of others on behalf of an organization

*Provide health care or support as a volunteer through an organization

*Participate in another type of volunteer activity for a charity, school, religious organization, community group or other organization