RSS 2.0 FeedFebruary 17, 2011, Wantagh Seaford Citizen
People want to give you money
Students, parent look for scholarship monies.
The poor economy and increasing costs of college tuition may discourage high school seniors from applying and attending the university or college of their choice. A New York state college or university costs about $17,000 a year while a private institution can run as much as $60,000.
But scholarship money is available to finance college education for all students. “Many students [and their parents] think they do not qualify for scholarship money because they are not at the very top of their graduating class,” said county Legislator David Denenberg at a forum at Wantagh High School for the Second Annual Scholarship Awareness Day last week.
“You need to do a little bit of work but there is money out there for students who are well-rounded; for students with niches,” he said, including the STOP Hunger Scholarship that recognizes students who have made an impact in the fight against hunger, or the Horatio Alger National Scholarship program that assists students who have demonstrated integrity, perseverance in overcoming adversity and strength of character.
“But if you wait, it could be too late,” urged Mr. Denenberg. Many scholarship deadlines are this month, March and April. Go to www.scholarships.com as well as www.fastweb.com
Frank Muzio, interim director of guidance for the Wantagh School District, told students “think actively about scholarships in financing your education. This is like a treasure hunt and if you look, you will be able to find scholarships that fit you to a tee,” he said.
The Wantagh School District’s website has a link from the guidance department that will provide information about available scholarships.
Assistant Superintendent for Instruction at Wantagh Schools, Pat Krizan told students the scholarships will “enable you to go to the right school, find your passion, your life’s work. That is my hope for you. Scholarships help you to obtain your life goals.”
“Also try local businesses, the chamber of commerce, local service clubs and the key clubs,” suggested Mr. Denenberg.
Wantagh High School senior Kevin Crilly said he was just accepted at the University of Michigan and hopes to attend. “It’s around $60,000 a year and I’ve just applied for a $20,000 [scholarship]. They give that money for an out-of-state student majoring in engineering. I handed in a resume and wrote an essay,” he said.
“If you go to the school’s website they can also provide you with information about scholarships. It’s not hard to apply, you just have to keep looking. Every little bit helps. It’s just a few hours of your time, but it’s worth it.” Mr. Crilly smiled, “I have a sister who is 5’11” and she could get a scholarship for being tall.”
Suggested scholarships for students
You can go online to find more information including deadlines: National Committee for the Furtherance of Jewish Education of Nassau County CFJE Good Deeds Award; Greater Long Island Running Club Herb Grayson Memorial Scholarship; Jeffrey A. Glayzer Memorial Scholarship Fund; LI2DAY to Walk to Fight Breast Cancer; Student-View Scholarship Program; Nassau Counselors’ Association Joseph Bruzzese High School Scholarship; Hays C. Kirby Memorial Scholarship; Horatio Alger National Scholarship Program; Best Buy Scholarship; Safety Scholars Video Contest by Bridgestone; STOP Hunger Scholarship; A Voice for Animals High School Essay Scholarship Contest; Ford Motor Company Fund’s Heart Behind the Oval.
