The rising cost of college tuition, books, living expenses, and paying for higher education can be challenging. The LBHS Local Scholarship Program is an important opportunity for seniors to help reduce the financial burden of college. This year, $78,900 in local scholarships will be awarded to 52 seniors, made possible by donations from more than 100 local organizations and families.
All scholarships will be officially released on January 29 during Pride Time in the MPB. From that point on, students may apply to multiple scholarships, each with its own requirements. To assist students with the application process, Meghan Souza will offer several Pride Time workshops throughout February.
The scholarship workshops will cover topics such as requesting transcripts and letters of recommendation to completing applications and preparing final copies. On February 6, the workshop will focus on transcripts and letters of recommendation in the MPB. The February 13 workshop will cover the scholarship application in the library, and February 20 will be dedicated to printing and organizing applications in the library. Students must schedule these workshops through Enriching Students with Souza.
The final deadline to turn in all scholarship applications is February 27 by 1:50 p.m., and all applications must be submitted to Room 407 only.
The required application materials include a signed scholarship information sheet, a completed scholarship application, a personal statement essay, and an unofficial transcript. Some scholarships may also require additional essays or letters of recommendation. Unofficial transcripts must be requested from Souza by February 20. Incomplete or incorrectly formatted applications may not be considered.
Letters of recommendation are a key part of many scholarship applications. Students should request letters from at least three references, such as teachers, employers, or other professionals. References should be given at least two weeks notice and provided with a list of the student’s achievements, activities, and involvement.
The personal statement is an important part of the application process. Scholarship committees use it to learn more about students beyond grades and activities. Students are recommended to focus on what motivates them and how their experiences have shaped their future plans.
Scholarship winners will be announced on April 24, in the library. The Scholarship Awards Night will be held on May 20, at 6:00 p.m., and students who receive a scholarship must be present to accept their award.
The Local Scholarship Program offers financial assistance to students planning for college. By attending workshops, and submitting complete applications on time, seniors can take an important step toward preparing for their future.
