EVEN MORE FINANCIAL AID SUPPORT

Hello friends!

We are so fortunate to have incredible community partners like Whatcom Community College who want to make sure you get the support you need to complete you Financial Aid application! We are partnering with them on November 12th to help you complete your application and get your questions answered. This event is open to all students in need of assistance, not just folks planning on or currently attending WCC. To register click here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1tAyT4CFS0y7UOEs_ak79g.

Fall Financial Aid support

Hello friends!

If you were unable to attend our Financial Aid event on October 13th, we have so many other offerings thanks to WSAC for hosting them! Your FuturesNW team will also be present at these events and we are happy to support you. We look forward to seeing you there!

Student registration information 

12th Year Campaign Statewide FA Event
10/15/20 11:00am-2:00pm
Register in advance

12th Year Campaign Statewide FA Event
10/24/20 11:00am-2:00pm
Register in advance

12th Year Campaign Statewide FA Event
10/28/20 5:00-8:00pm
Register in advance

12th Year Campaign SW WA Regional FA Event (tentative)
11/10/2020 11:00am-2:00pm
Register in advance

12th Year Campaign Statewide FA Event
11/19/2020 5:00-8:00pm
Register in advance

12th Year Campaign Statewide FA Event
12/1/20 5:00-8:00pm
Register in advance

GEAR Up Scholarship Bulletin

https://gearup.wa.gov/educators/scholarships

SCHOLARSHIPS & OPPORTUNITIES

Find more opportunities at: https://gearup.wa.gov/resources/scholarships and our list of scholarship search engines and databases.

·         Nominations Request: Presidential Scholars Program. You are encouraged to nominate students who, while demonstrating outstanding scholarship, might not otherwise be nominated through the current SAT/ACT processes. Students must be HS seniors who are who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. See Presidential Scholars Nominations Memo & Instructions and the U.S. Presidential Scholars Nomination Form. Nominations due 10/16.

CJ Pony Parts Scholarship Video Contest

($500) - Create a short video, under 3 minutes long, on one of their topics.

10/15

Horatio Alger Scholarship - National Scholarships

($25,000) - The Horatio Alger National Scholarship Program is one of the major scholarship programs nationally that specifically assists high school students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives.

10/25

Horatio Alger Scholarship - State Scholarships

($10,000) - State scholarships are awarded to eligible students in all fifty states and the District of Columbia. The program specifically assists high school students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives.

10/25

Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship Program

For high-performing HS seniors with financial need who seek to attend the nation’s best four-year colleges and universities. Scholars receive up to $40,000 per year, college planning support, ongoing advising, and the opportunity to network with the larger JKCF Scholar community. Up to 40 College Scholars are selected for this program each year.

10/30

Coca-Cola Scholars Scholarship

($20,000) - High school seniors with a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA may apply. 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected each year to receive this $20,000 scholarship.

10/31

Voice of Democracy Scholarship.

Provided by the VFW, students in grades 9-12 are eligible for up to $30,000.

10/31

ZipRecruiter Scholarship

($3,000) To enter, please write a 500-800-word essay that addresses a job you previously held and your ideal post-grad job. 

10/31

Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship

($2,000) - In 250 words or less submit a response to the question: "Imagine that your high school or college has been overrun with zombies. Your math professor, the cafeteria ladies, and even your best friend have all joined the walking dead. Flesh out a plan to avoid the zombies, including where you’d hide and the top-five things you’d bring to stay alive."

10/31

NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing

Honors young women in HS for their computing-related achievements and interests. Awardees are selected for their computing and IT aptitude, leadership ability, academic history, and plans for postsecondary education.

11/5

Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

For young people who have demonstrated exemplary voluntary service to their communities. Max. award: $1,000 and a trip to Washington, D.C. Eligibility: Students grades 5-12 who have conducted a volunteer service activity within the past year.

11/10

Washington Women in Need Education Grant

General Education Grantees receive up to $5,000 over a one-year period to pay for tuition, mandatory fees, and required books and supplies at the approved Washington college or university of their choice. For females 18 and older.

11/12

Elks Most Valuable Student Competition

($4,000-$50,000) - The Most Valuable Student scholarship contest is open to any high school senior who is a US Citizen. Applicants will be judged on scholarship, leadership, and financial need.

11/15

10 Words or Less Scholarship

($500) - In 10 words or less, say why you deserve the scholarship.

11/30

Education Matters

($5,000) - In 250 words or less submit a response to the question: "What would you say to someone who thinks education doesn't matter, or that college is a waste of time and money?"

11/30

ACT SIX - Tacoma-Seattle

(Full Tuition) - Will select approximately 22 of Tacoma-Seattle’s most promising urban leaders for scholarships to four partner colleges: Gonzaga University, Northwest University, Pacific Lutheran University, and Whitworth University. Scholars are chosen through a rigorous, highly competitive, three-phase selection process that spans 4 months.

12/1

ACT SIX - Portland

(Full Tuition) - Will select approximately 17 of the Portland area's most promising community leaders for scholarships to George Fox University and Warner Pacific College. Scholars are chosen through a rigorous, highly competitive, three-phase selection process that spans 4 months.

12/1

ACT SIX - Spokane

(Full Tuition) - Will select approximately 8 of Spokane's most promising community leaders for scholarships to Gonzaga University and Whitworth University. Scholars are chosen through a rigorous, highly competitive, three-phase selection process that spans 4 months.

12/1

ACT SIX - Yakima Valley

(Full Tuition) - Will select approximately 10 of the Yakima Valley’s most promising community leaders for scholarships to Heritage University. Scholars are chosen through a rigorous, highly competitive, three-phase selection process that spans 4 months.

12/1

Dell Scholars Program.

($20,000) – For students who have demonstrated grit, potential and ambition in their quest for a college education.

12/1

Scholastic Art & Writing Scholarships - Art Award

For 7-12th graders. Submit an original piece of art or writing. $500-1,000.

12/4

Scholastic Art & Writing Scholarships - Writing Award

For 7-12th graders. Submit an original piece of art or writing. $500-1,000.

12/4

Apply for the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest

Public school teachers nationwide can help their school win a share of $2M* in Samsung technology by entering the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow contest. Developing projects that apply STEAM subjects to improve your local community, can empower your students to learn creative problem solving and critical thinking skills.

12/13

Mas Family Scholarship

($32,000) - Applicants must be of Cuban descent, have min. 3.5 GPA, & be financially needy.

12/15

AXA Achievement Scholarship.

($2,500-$25,000) – For students who are ethnically and economically diverse and share these qualities: Ambition and drive, determination to set and reach goals, respect for self, family and community, ability to succeed in college.

12/15

Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Scholarship

Full tuition, fees, and stipend.

12/31

Scholarship Poetry Contest - Spring Issue

Open to all U.S. HS students. Applicant must submit an original poem with 20 lines or less. Up to $500.

12/31

Top Ten List Scholarship

($1,500) - In 250 words or less submit a response to the question: "Create a Top Ten List of the top ten reasons you should get this scholarship."

12/31

Unigo $10K Scholarship

($10,000) - In 140 characters or less submit a response to the question: "Surprise! You just got elected president. What’s your first tweet?"

12/31

Courage to Grow Scholarship

($500) - Please explain in 250 words or less why you believe that you should be awarded this scholarship.

12/31

GEAR Up Scholarship Bulletin

SCHOLARSHIPS & OPPORTUNITIES

Find more opportunities at: https://gearup.wa.gov/resources/scholarships and our list of scholarship search engines and databases.

• The SchoolHouse Connection Youth Leadership and Scholarship Program. Provides scholarships to youth who have experienced homelessness to ensure their completion of a post-secondary education program. Due Oct. 1.

We the Future Contest

Open to K-12 students, college students, law school students, graduate school students, adults 25 years of age and older, and seniors 65 years of age and older. Each age group has different requirements, so applicants should visit website for details. Amount varies.

9/17

QuestBridge National College Match

Online platform that helps outstanding low-income HS seniors gain admission and full 4-year scholarships to some of the nation's most selective colleges.

9/29

Community College Scholarship

Open to students enrolled at a public community college, technical college, junior college, or city college. Must provide short essay responses to provided topics.

9/30

Scholarship Poetry Contest - Winter Issue

($100-$500) - Applicant must submit an original poem with 20 lines or less.

9/30

Shout It Out Scholarship

($1,500) - In 250 words of less submit an online written response to the question: "If you could say one thing to the entire world at once, what would it be and why?"

9/30

CJ Pony Parts Scholarship Video Contest

($500) - Create a short video, under 3 minutes long, on one of their topics.

10/15

Horatio Alger Scholarship - National Scholarships

($25,000) - The Horatio Alger National Scholarship Program is one of the major scholarship programs nationally that specifically assists high school students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives.

10/25

Horatio Alger Scholarship - State Scholarships

($10,000) - State scholarships are awarded to eligible students in all fifty states and the District of Columbia. The program specifically assists high school students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives.

10/25

Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship Program

For high-performing HS seniors with financial need who seek to attend the nation’s best four-year colleges and universities. Scholars receive up to $40,000 per year, college planning support, ongoing advising, and the opportunity to network with the larger JKCF Scholar community. Up to 40 College Scholars are selected for this program each year.

10/30

Coca-Cola Scholars Scholarship

($20,000) - High school seniors with a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA may apply. 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected each year to receive this $20,000 scholarship.

10/31

Voice of Democracy Scholarship.

Provided by the VFW, students in grades 9-12 are eligible for up to $30,000.

10/31

ZipRecruiter Scholarship

($3,000) To enter, please write a 500-800-word essay that addresses a job you previously held and your ideal post-grad job. 

10/31

Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship

($2,000) - In 250 words or less submit a response to the question: "Imagine that your high school or college has been overrun with zombies. Your math professor, the cafeteria ladies, and even your best friend have all joined the walking dead. Flesh out a plan to avoid the zombies, including where you’d hide and the top-five things you’d bring to stay alive."

10/31

Do you, or someone you know need housing payment assistance?

We are partnering with The Opportunity Council to try and get word out to our Whatcom County residents that might qualify for payment assistance if they are behind on rent or mortgage payments. These are such intensely challenging times and you are not alone if you find yourself in need of help. Please use, share and connect those around you with the resources we have available to us. If you want help determining if you are eligible please don’t hesitate to reach out and connect with me (Ashley, adelatour@futuresnw.org) or call the rental assistance line at 360-734-5121.

Program guidelines (provided by Opportunity Council):

The Opportunity Council will be receiving CARES Act dollars to serve Whatcom Co households with Rental Assistance (ERAP). These funds will be available approximately Sept 1-Dec 31, 2020. They are designed to serve households who are below 50% AMI and have unpaid rent. Someone in the household also must meet at least one additional criterion in order to be eligible:

•  Rent burdened: 50% or more of current monthly income is needed to pay rent.

•  Previously homeless within the last five years. This includes experiences of couch surfing/double up.

•  Eviction history within the last seven years.

•  Housing disrupted due to household member race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, or religion.   

•  At risk of severe illness as per CDC (62 or older, underlying condition).

Disability of any member of the household. Includes a physical, developmental, mental, or emotional impairment, including impairment caused by alcohol or drug abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, or brain injury. A person with HIV/AIDS is considered disabled.

Cynthia, Student Speaker Series

Hello and welcome to FuturesNW Student Speaker Series where we share stories by students, for students, from students. We believe that students are the experts at navigating tricky post-secondary systems and their stories have the power to dismantle secret handshakes that are barriers for first gen students succeeding in higher education. In this video, Johana interviews Cynthia Cruz who shares about the their experience in college and the new program they are starting!

The First-Gen Navigators program is a collaborative partnership between FuturesNW and Western Washington University to connect first-generation students of color with mentors to help guide them through their first year of college. Cynthia Cruz, a Western Washington University senior and FuturesNW team member has created this program to support incoming freshmen students in their first year. This mentorship program is led by current students of color who have navigated the same systems and are driven to support the next generation of leaders succeeding in higher education. Each mentee will be guided in a series of resource navigation workshops and community building activities to help them get the support they deserve in completing their degrees. To join this year’s cohort, click the link below to register and get paired with a mentor. Due to COVID-19 all workshops and activities will be through Zoom until it is safe to meet up in person.

Registration link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/J6HGRMW

Helpful GUR and class registration links:

Rate My Professor: https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/

GUR: https://www.wwu.edu/advising/doc/GURc...

Classfinder: https://admin.wwu.edu/pls/wwis/wwskti...  

Tutorials on how to use the above-mentioned links:

Rate my Professor: https://youtu.be/9d8_svR-Mvs

GUR: https://youtu.be/T82pNfuHZpY

Classfinder: https://youtu.be/62KAniMug5M

More questions? Contact Ashley DeLatour at adelatour@futuresnw.org

For more resources, information and stories of first gen students check out our resources below.

Website: http://www.futuresnw.org

Podcast: http://www.futuresnw.org/podcast

Blog: http://www.futuresnw.org/blog

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/futuresnw/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futuresnw2020/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FuturesNorthwe1

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@futuresnw2020

Gear Up Scholarship Bulletin.

SCHOLARSHIPS & OPPORTUNITIES

Find more opportunities at: https://gearup.wa.gov/resources/scholarships and our list of scholarship search engines and databases.

• The SchoolHouse Connection Youth Leadership and Scholarship Program. Provides scholarships to youth who have experienced homelessness to ensure their completion of a post-secondary education program. Due Oct. 1.

We the Future Contest

Open to K-12 students, college students, law school students, graduate school students, adults 25 years of age and older, and seniors 65 years of age and older. Each age group has different requirements, so applicants should visit website for details. Amount varies.

9/17

QuestBridge National College Match

Online platform that helps outstanding low-income HS seniors gain admission and full 4-year scholarships to some of the nation's most selective colleges.

9/29

Community College Scholarship

Open to students enrolled at a public community college, technical college, junior college, or city college. Must provide short essay responses to provided topics.

9/30

Scholarship Poetry Contest - Winter Issue

($100-$500) - Applicant must submit an original poem with 20 lines or less.

9/30

Shout It Out Scholarship

($1,500) - In 250 words of less submit an online written response to the question: "If you could say one thing to the entire world at once, what would it be and why?"

9/30

CJ Pony Parts Scholarship Video Contest

($500) - Create a short video, under 3 minutes long, on one of their topics.

10/15

Horatio Alger Scholarship - National Scholarships

($25,000) - The Horatio Alger National Scholarship Program is one of the major scholarship programs nationally that specifically assists high school students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives.

10/25

Horatio Alger Scholarship - State Scholarships

($10,000) - State scholarships are awarded to eligible students in all fifty states and the District of Columbia. The program specifically assists high school students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives.

10/25

Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship Program

For high-performing HS seniors with financial need who seek to attend the nation’s best four-year colleges and universities. Scholars receive up to $40,000 per year, college planning support, ongoing advising, and the opportunity to network with the larger JKCF Scholar community. Up to 40 College Scholars are selected for this program each year.

10/30

Coca-Cola Scholars Scholarship

($20,000) - High school seniors with a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA may apply. 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected each year to receive this $20,000 scholarship.

10/31

Voice of Democracy Scholarship.

Provided by the VFW, students in grades 9-12 are eligible for up to $30,000.

10/31

ZipRecruiter Scholarship

($3,000) To enter, please write a 500-800-word essay that addresses a job you previously held and your ideal post-grad job. 

10/31

Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship

($2,000) - In 250 words or less submit a response to the question: "Imagine that your high school or college has been overrun with zombies. Your math professor, the cafeteria ladies, and even your best friend have all joined the walking dead. Flesh out a plan to avoid the zombies, including where you’d hide and the top-five things you’d bring to stay alive."

10/31

The College Bound Scholarship

Hello and welcome to FuturesNW Student Speaker Series where we share stories by students, for students, from students. We believe that students are the experts at navigating tricky post-secondary systems and their stories have the power to dismantle secret handshakes that are barriers for first gen students succeeding in higher education. In this video, Ashley DeLatour interviews Sarah Ounniyom and Cynthia Cruz, who share about the their experiences with the College Bound Scholarship.

For more resources and information on the College Bound Scholarship check out:

FuturesNW: http://www.futuresnw.org/scholarships...

Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC): https://wsac.wa.gov/college-bound

Application: https://portal.wsac.wa.gov/programs/c...

FAQ: https://static1.squarespace.com/stati...

Otterbot: https://wsac.wa.gov/otterbot

College Bound Scholarship List Serve: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/3063979...

More questions? Contact Ashley DeLatour at adelatour@futuresnw.org

A Moment and a Message, part 1

Video #2: A Moment and a Message

As we head into fall application season we wanted you to have some additional resources for making the impact you want through your written voice. Because the essay can be such a barrier for so many of us, we have created a series of videos so that you can write your scholarship or college application essay with confidence.

I’m Tricia Hester, scuba diver, English teacher, and FuturesNW volunteer. In this video we will be talking about the two most important components of a personal statement: A moment and a message.

We know everyone has a story to tell. That story might be buried beneath the seemingly mundane, but it’s there. Bright, engaging and important. This is the story that the people in charge of admissions and scholarships want to hear.

Transcript of video:

In this video you will learn about the difference between a moment and a message, how they are related, and why each is important. Let’s get started. 

First, remember Myth #1 from “About the Personal Statement”. Your personal statement does not need to feature an epic event. However, it does need to feature a specific, vivid moment. Let’s take a look at an example that demonstrates both the power of the everyday and a focus on a specific moment.

This example comes from a successful application to Yale. This student was admitted to Yale, and she wrote about ordering Papa John’s pizza in her application. The first few sentences describe in colorful detail the moment that a pizza is delivered. This moment serves several purposes. First and foremost, it captures the reader’s attention, allows them to experience the moment as the author does. Second, it demonstrates the author’s command of language with descriptive details and analogies that are not cliché. And third, it demonstrates the author’s command of focus. She does not try to capture everything about ordering Papa John’s pizza; she focuses on the doorbell that signals its arrival.

However, in and of itself this moment does not make a successful personal statement. It requires a message, or a theme, that explains its greater importance. The pizza is important because it symbolizes celebration, comfort, and self-sufficiency. Without this message, the moment is not as meaningful even with its beautifully crafted descriptions.

Further, the message is not as impactful without the moment. Had the author jumped right into the message – that ordering Papa John’s pizza “evokes feelings of independence, consolation, and joy” – it would have been difficult for the audience to empathize with that message. The author first puts the audience in her shoes – drooling at the sound of the doorbell – and then reveals deeper meaning, the significance of the simple act of ordering pizza.

Both the moment and the message are vital. Together they create the heartbeat that gives your personal statement life. In my video about idea generation, I’ll discuss strategies for coming up with moments and messages that are related and how to narrow your focus to make space for detail. You can also view A Moment and a Message Part 2 for additional examples of impactful personal statements.

About the Personal Statement

Video 1: About the Personal Statement

As we head into fall application season we wanted you to have some additional resources for making the impact you want through your written voice. Because the essay can be such a barrier for so many of us, we have created a series of videos so that you can write your scholarship or college application essay with confidence.

Hi. I’m Tricia Hester, cat-lover, English teacher, and FuturesNW volunteer. In this video we will be talking about the purpose of the personal statement and common myths that interfere with students writing impactful personal essays.

We know everyone has a story to tell. That story might be buried beneath the seemingly mundane, but it’s there. Bright, engaging and important. This is the story that the people in charge of admissions and scholarships want to hear.

Transcript of video:

Understanding the purpose of your writing can help you create a truly impactful essay. Simply put, the purpose of a personal statement is to persuade an admissions board that you are a good fit for their college or university or to persuade a scholarship board that you are the best fit for that scholarship money.

However, admissions boards are not typically looking for a traditional argument essay; they’re not looking for a sales pitch. (Unless that’s what they explicitly ask for.) So, what are they looking for? They’re looking for a window into who you are. They want to see your individuality, creativity, and values. They want to see if you can reflect on your experiences and come away with important life lessons.

They are also looking for how you express yourself in writing, how well you make logical connections, how well you’ve developed your style, and how well you can answer a prompt. For those of you who haven’t yet come to know yourself as a writer, the personal statement can seem like a huge obstacle to completing your application. However, it can also be an opportunity to shape the narrative your application creates about you. Thousands of applicants may have your grades, have taken the same classes, scored the same on standardized tests. But only you have lived your life and thought about those experiences the way you have. The personal statement offers an opportunity for you to become an individual in the eyes of an admissions or scholarship board.

What are the stakes of the personal statement?

            The weight of the personal statement really depends on the situation. If you are applying to a state university with a solid GPA and good test scores, then your personal statement will carry less weight. You shouldn’t blow it off by any means, but it may not be as important as if you are applying to that same university with a lower GPA and lower test scores. In this case, your personal statement can make a significant difference. In the case of scholarships, the stakes of the personal statement vary. Some scholarships rest solely on the strength of an essay while others will consider it as one of many factors.

Before I begin the how to of the personal statement, I want to talk about some common myths that can interfere with writing a truly authentic, meaningful statement.

Myth #1: You should write about an epic event.

I’ve heard many, many juniors and seniors claim that they don’t have anything to write about, that they haven’t done anything exciting or important. The reality is that admissions boards do not need (or even want) to hear about an epic, life-changing, world-altering event. The reality is that you can write an excellent personal essay about the simplest moments; in another video, I’ll use an example of a brief essay written by a student who was admitted to Yale. She wrote about ordering Papa John’s pizza.

Myth #2: You should cover your bases.

You do not need to tell the admissions or scholarship board everything there is to know about you. You may be creative, hardworking, empathetic, athletic, determined, curious, driven, etc. etc. But you cannot capture your entire self in a novel much less in a few hundred words. Writing a well-focused essay will impress your audience far more than one that gives them a comprehensive list of adjectives that describe you. Think about what the rest of your application -- your transcripts, tests scores, and extracurriculars – doesn’t already cover and focus on writing an essay that fills in one of those gaps.

Myth #3: The thesaurus is your best friend.  

A thesaurus can be a wonderful tool for learning new words or jogging your memory of a word you already know. You can use it to help you find exactly the right word to communicate your meaning. However, it is not your friend when it comes to elevating the vocabulary of your college essay. For starters, using a thesaurus to replace known words with longer or less common words will make your vocabulary usage inconsistent. Those words won’t fit with your style; they won’t sound like you. Another reason to steer clear of the thesaurus is that it doesn’t always give you exact synonyms, and if you are unfamiliar with the word you insert into your essay, you may not notice that you’ve changed the meaning of your sentence from “The smell of my grandmother’s pies made me hungry” to “the smell of my grandmother’s pies made me rapacious.” Unless the aroma of pies makes you inordinately greedy or predatory, this substitution will obscure your meaning and distract your readers.

Thanks so much for joining me today, for more resources and information in supporting your personal essay development check out the other videos in this series and explore the links to resources in the show notes or at http://www.futuresnw.org/applications-and-testing.

Congratulations Grace!

We have had the pleasure of working with Grace Boyer for the past 8 months and it is with great pride that we say CONGRATULATIONS GRACE YOU DID IT. Grace graduates today from Western Washington University, and while with us she has helped us increase access to college for first-gen students, interviewed and highlighted the voices of students, shared out critical resources and so much more. She is a joy to work with, is passionate about social justice and anti-racist work, is supportive to our fellow team-mates, and I now consider her a friend. We are double lucky because she is staying on with us as a part-time volunteer as she looks for full-time employment and applies to graduate school. We look forward to working on dismantling secret handshake systems with you this year and could not be more proud of you!

“Take time to appreciate yourself, and take pride in what you do. Share your happiness with a solid support system and enjoy the years where you are challenged by what you are learning because it’s shaping you into your best self.”

— Grace Boyer

In honor of her work, we are showcasing her internship bio here one last time, as she will be writing a new one as she begins her next chapter with us.

“Grace Boyer: Mentor/GEAR Up support intern at Squalicum High School.

I’m a senior at Western Washington majoring in the Human Services program. I’m so excited to be interning with Futures Northwest. Deciding which path to take after high school can be overwhelming, leaving some students feeling a bit defeated. Navigating through these paths and the paperwork that comes along with it can be challenging and confusing! I believe we all have capacity and talents that apply to a variety of professions, and for many of us it’s helpful having support along the way. I look forward to shedding some positivity and light into a murky process and share my passion for helping students discover their next steps.”

An Unexpected Love of Biology

I had the pleasure of being able to interview a very close friend of mine, Jane Schrock. Jane is a student at Western Washington University, pursuing a career in biology. Jane was able to share her own story with us here at Futures Northwest, and we are so grateful for that. Jane inspires me to always pursue what makes me happy. After completing her bacholors in Psychology from Illinois State University, she started working within the field, to then apply to a masters program. She was passionate about psychology and nutrition, and was about to head off to Bastyr University, just north of Seattle. She explained to me that one time her mom was talking to her about this new chapter, and her mom asked her if she was feeling right about this. Her mom noticed a lack of excitement in her voice, and expressed a concern that if this isn’t what you want to do, you do not have to do it. Many times within higher education, the decisions that we make seem so permanent, and it is easy to get caught up in that. Luckily for Jane, her mom was the one who was able to keep her on the right track of following her intuition. Jane explained to her mom that she actually would like to pursue a degree in biology and to take a leap of faith to start over. It is important to remember that when we are thinking about our futures, that it is OK to change our minds. Whether it is once, or 25 times, it’s OK. 

Jane started taking a few GURs back at her community college at home in Chicago. She was able to make lifelong connections with her professors there. Jane expressed how important it is to reach out to those professors that you really find inspiring. They love to connect with their students who are equally as passionate about the material as well. Even if it’s just an email introducing yourself, that is still more than what other students are doing. Chances are, those professors will remember your passion and want to help you succeed! Professors are more than just our teachers. They are our mentors, our inspiration. 

Jane always had family out in the PNW, and knew that one day, this is where she wanted to call home for a bit. A year later, she was on her way to Bellingham to start her degree in Biology. As an older student who was going back to school, she found herself sometimes feeling a bit behind compared to some of her classmates in the sense of not taking a math class in the last six years. Her biggest advice is to use the resources made available to you, and the ones that you ultimately are paying for. There are great tutors out there. There are great professors out there. If you are struggling or confused about the material… reach out. The sooner the better. Specifically within the STEM fields, these classes build on the material. If you are feeling lost in the beginning, it is OK. That is why there are these resources for students. Go to office hours, email your professors, go to the tutoring center. People are there for you. 

I’m so thankful I was able to share Jane’s story through higher education. I hope that future students find her voice to be comforting and inspiring along their own journey through higher education. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to drop them below in the comment section. Stay tuned to our next Student Speaker Series! 

RESOURCES

Khan Academy: https://www.khanacademy.org/

Local Tutoring Centers: 

BTC: https://www.btc.edu/CurrentStudents/TutoringCenter/indexTutoringCenter.aspx

NWIC: 

Math and Writing Center: https://www.nwic.edu/life-on-campus/math-and-writing-center/, 

Trio:  https://www.nwic.edu/life-on-campus/trio/

SVC: https://www.skagit.edu/tutoring/

WWU: https://library.wwu.edu/use/tutoring-center/welcome

WCC: https://www.whatcom.edu/student-services/tutoring-learning-center

STEM Tutoring (free for students who qualify): https://www.tutoringstem.com/

How to talk to professors: https://getschooled.com/article/4563-toro-101-badge-how-to-talk-to-your-college-professors/

Getting Organized with Scholarships

Would you love free money for college but simply don’t know where to find it or how to keep track of all the applications? Just this week we adapted an awesome free scholarship organizer found on momknowscollege.com to make your life a little easier.

This document can be found on our website here under step 1: http://www.futuresnw.org/scholarships-fafsawafsa or here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1N3ioh9mEgtWWlvrpl8a8Fi6NfGgHn_yatJ43GoJZiUw/edit?usp=sharing. At the bottom of the document (as shown in the last photo) there are a few websites to get started in locating amazing scholarships search databases. Also don’t forget to check out your local high school’s web page for awesome local scholarship opportunities.

To access this document simply upload it from the links above, make a copy, and begin entering in your information. We hope this resource keeps you on track and earning piles of money for college. If you would like one-on-one support finding scholarships and writing essays please reach out to us at adelatour@futurenw.org, and I will link you up with one of our amazing mentors.

GEAR Up Bulletin: SCHOLARSHIPS & OPPORTUNITIES

Hey friends!

GearUp keeps sharing these amazing scholarships and we are so excited to highlight them here for you!

SCHOLARSHIPS & OPPORTUNITIES

Find more opportunities at: https://gearup.wa.gov/resources/scholarships and our list of scholarship search engines and databases.

• The SchoolHouse Connection Youth Leadership and Scholarship Program. Provides scholarships to youth who have experienced homelessness to ensure their completion of a post-secondary education program. Due Oct. 1.

• Find Big Money Scholarships for College. We're talking about tens of thousands of dollars in money!

Scholarship, Brief Description, Due

American Fire Sprinkler Association Scholarship Program—2nd Chance Scholarship

($1,000) - Open to anyone who has graduated high school or equivalency and wants to pursue a college degree or trade school education.

8/31

Make Me Laugh Scholarship

($1,500) In 250 words or less describe an incident in your life, funny or embarrassing (fact or fiction), and make us laugh!

8/31

We the Future Contest

Open to K-12 students, college students, law school students, graduate school students, adults 25 years of age and older, and seniors 65 years of age and older. Each age group has different requirements, so applicants should visit website for details. Amount varies.

9/17

Don’t Text and Drive Scholarship

($1,000) - Write a 140-character statement that completes this sentence: I pledge to not text and drive because…

9/30

Scholarship Poetry Contest - Winter Issue

($100-$500) - Applicant must submit an original poem with 20 lines or less.

9/30

Shout It Out Scholarship

($1,500) - In 250 words of less submit an online written response to the question: "If you could say one thing to the entire world at once, what would it be and why?"

9/30

CJ Pony Parts Scholarship Video Contest

($500) - Create a short video, under 3 minutes long, on one of their topics.

10/15

Horatio Alger Scholarship - National Scholarships

($25,000) - The Horatio Alger National Scholarship Program is one of the major scholarship programs nationally that specifically assists high school students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives.

10/25

Horatio Alger Scholarship - State Scholarships

($10,000) - State scholarships are awarded to eligible students in all fifty states and the District of Columbia. The program specifically assists high school students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives.

10/25

Voice of Democracy Scholarship.

Provided by the VFW, students in grades 9-12 are eligible for up to $30,000.

10/31

ZipRecruiter Scholarship

($3,000) To enter, please write a 500-800-word essay that addresses a job you previously held and your ideal post-grad job. 

10/31

Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship

($2,000) - In 250 words or less submit a response to the question: "Imagine that your high school or college has been overrun with zombies. Your math professor, the cafeteria ladies, and even your best friend have all joined the walking dead. Flesh out a plan to avoid the zombies, including where you’d hide and the top-five things you’d bring to stay alive."

10/31

Renee Zavala, Student Speaker Series

Hello and welcome to FuturesNW Student speaker series where we share stories by students, for students, from students. We believe that students are the experts at navigating tricky postsecondary systems and their stories have the power to dismantle secret handshakes that are barriers for first gen students succeeding in higher education.

In this video, Johana Martinez interviews Renee Zavala, and talks with her about her journey to Western Washington University, learning she has dyslexia from her first college, Whatcom Community College, and understanding the path she took to get the support she needed to thrive. Renee believes everyone is smart (we do too) and some of us just learn differently.

For more resources, information and stories of first gen students check out our resources below.

Website: http://www.futuresnw.org

Podcast: http://www.futuresnw.org/podcast

Blog: http://www.futuresnw.org/blog

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/futuresnw/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futuresnw2020/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FuturesNorthwe1

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@futuresnw2020

We recommend connecting to the Disability Access Services at your local institution. If you live in Whatcom and Skagit Counties we have links below to help you access that information easily. : )

Bellingham Technical College: https://www.btc.edu/CurrentStudents/D...

Location: College Services (CS)Room 106

Email: ar@btc.edu

Phone: 360.752.8345.

Northwest Indian College: https://www.nwic.edu/life-on-campus/t...

TRiO Student Support Service, Program Director, Joan Banel

Email: jbanel@nwic.edu

Phone: (360) 392-4331, cell: (360) 224-3255

Skagit Valley College: https://www.skagit.edu/disability-acc...

Mount Vernon Campus Location: Lewis Hall 121

Phone: 360.416.7666

Western Washington University: https://disability.wwu.edu/

Location: Wilson Library 170

Phone: Voice: 360.650.3083, VP: 360.255.7175

E-mail: drs@wwu.edu

Whatcom Community College: https://www.whatcom.edu/access

Access & Disability Services

Location: Laidlaw Center 116

Email: ADS@whatcom.edu

Phone: 360-383-3080 for appointment