This summer, our Regional Scholarship Providers Network (RSPN) explored resources and support that can overcome college hesitancy when explored early. RSPN members Rotary Futures College Resource Center delved into the topic head first with an interactive presentation addressing common student concerns:
- Can I afford college tuition, even with scholarships and financial support?
- What about the cost of books, housing, food, travel, and living expenses?
- Who will help look after my family (parents or younger siblings) when I go to school?
- Will my degree be AI-proof? Can I get a degree in AI?
Staff at the resource center meet with students to dispel rumors, provide resources students need to apply and get accepted into the right colleges for them, and discuss personal financial plans.
Recommendations for scholarship providers include: willingness to overlook small imperfections in student applications; allowing students to share a financial need statement explaining their situations; offering support for students that may not be the most financially in need (since many of the same students ultimately receive numerous scholarships); and considering multi-year scholarships to help students beyond year one.
Learn more about Rotary Futures here. To join us for the next Regional Scholarship Providers Network meeting, email Earl Young, Scholarship Manager at EYoung@SelbyFdn.org.
Photo: From left, Selby Scholarship Manager Earl Young pictured with Rotary Futures Post-Secondary Advisor Heather Masden, Executive Director Caitlyn Joyner, and Post-Secondary Advisor Tami Wesner.