Scholarships for Non Traditional Students

 

California Certified College Planning Specialists

 

By Ben Liles

In times of economic hardship scholarships for non traditional students are more important than ever as conventional financing options for college become increasingly scarce.

Logically, when economic prosperity is abundant there is a surplus of cash into general scholarship funds as well as a greater likelihood that parents of college aged children will be able to comfortably afford to send their kids to institutions of
higher education. Non traditional students are generally defined as adults (22+ years old) entering college for the first time. Needless to say an overwhelming majority of scholarships are geared towards recent high school graduates with far less money being earmarked for the slightly older students. This article will outline some of the options available for non traditional students seeking scholarships.

Undergraduate transfer programs

While the vast majority of scholarship money is funneled directly to students attending four year colleges directly out of high school there is still a significant amount of money being awarded for students of all ages that are transferring
from two year community college to four year universities. As more universities have grown to directly align themselves with local community colleges the funds for these scholarships have become increasingly accessible. Although in many cases initially intended for students only a couple of years removed from high
school these scholarship opportunities are almost always open to anyone showing merit worthy of the financial incentive to continue their education.

One popular source (among many) for these transfer program scholarships can be found through the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. While complete information is available at the website of the foundation (jkcf.org) the basic parameters are
that students progressing from a two year college program (junior college) to a four year college or university can be awarded as much as $30,000 for their continued educational pursuits. The complete process involved with applying for this financial aid can be found at the aforementioned website that is overseen by the foundation.

Continuing education for adults scholarships

Most people are not aware that while a small minority of total scholarship money goes towards continuing education for adults there is a still a significant amount available that is readily accessible when searched for in the right places. Far too many adults considering beginning their college careers are quick to use the excuse that “there is not any scholarship money for someone my age” when in fact that simply is not true. It would behoove those adults considering going to college to contact the local schools that they are considering attending and inquiring about the scholarship opportunities. Many schools around the country are embracing the positive impact they can have on their communities by instituting money specifically set aside for non traditional students. A short list of the many schools on this list includes Providence College, North Iowa Community College, and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Consider sports scholarships

For many adults reading this article the very idea of being awarded sports scholarship money may initially sound completely ridiculous. The truth of the matter though is that the majority of sports scholarships are far less competitive and require less athletic prowess than the young athletes playing football on
Saturdays that most people associate with full ride scholarships. Collegian athletes encompass a very wide range of sports that range from swimming, to tennis, to fencing, and golf. A little known fact is that every year hundreds of girls golf college scholarships go unused because primarily second tier universities can not find enough women interested in the sport to fill the available scholarships. Whether a non traditional student is shooting for an archery, handball, or bowling scholarship there is a realistic chance any student can find a sports scholarship in their area that they have a realistic chance of earning.

Conclusion

Someone that is proactive in their search for scholarship money will undoubtedly be pleasantly surprised with the opportunities they find. Active research, continued persistence, and thinking outside the box are the keys for non traditional students to find scholarships.

About the author:
Ben and his wife are the happy end products of finding scholarships for non
traditional students. Now a golf coach and father of two beautiful daughters Ben shares his knowledge on his blog: www.GirlsGolfCollegeScholaships.blogspot.com.

Filed under: Admissions, California Colleges, Campus Lifestyle, College Financing, College Planning, High School, Scholarship, Students, Universities, athletics, ncaa , academic quality, Admissions, Choosing Universities, College Financing, college funding, college planning tips, Grants, money, Scholarships, student financial aid, Universities

Recent College Planning Testimonials

Before knowing Bay Area College Planning  Specialists, I was feeling very overwhelmed with the complexities surrounding college planning and the future of my girls. I was  stressed thinking about it and I didn’t know how to start the process. Anyway, I forgot how I got the initial contact info for their company, but I called Bay College Planners to take advantage of their free workshops and consultation.

And since I am a working mother, the more I realized it I needed their expertise.

I now consider Gerna and Dan to be like family members who care much about my children’s college education. They have provided guidance to my children as far as choosing the right university for their majors. They helped my girls apply for private scholarships and now both of them are attending Dominican University of San Rafael with generous scholarships and grants. 

I have been worry-free since I made them my partners in my girls’ future and college planning. Thank you guys and God bless.

Amor S, Martella and Mickaela - Pinole, California

December 2009 Free East Bay Area Workshops 

Alameda Free Library Workshop
1550 Oak Street,
Alameda, CA 94501
Date: Tues Dec 8th
Time: 6:30pm-8pm
 
Redwood Christian High School Workshop
1000 Paseo Grande, 
San Lorenzo, CA 94580
Date: Tues Dec 8th
Time: 7pm-8:15pm
 
Webinar: “Learn the Insider Secrets to Get Free Financial Aid for College!”
Register NOW

Date: Wed Dec 9th - Time: 6:30pm-8pm PST 

Moraga Library Workshop
1500 St. Mary’s Road,
Moraga, CA 94556
Date: Sat Dec 12th
Time: 11am-12pm

Filed under: Bay Area, College Debt, College Financing, College Planning, Consultants, High School, Mothers, Parental Guidance, single mothers, single parent families , Decisions, Choosing Universities, Parental Guidance, self improvement, self help, college funding, College Planning, Testimonials

A Parent’s Guide to Financial Aid

By Dorian Ramsey

Many believe that being a parent is the happiest moment in the life of a human being. Probably you still remember the excitement that you felt when your wife gave birth to your first child. There are times that you will not sleep because you want to take care of your child even in the midst of the evening. You want to ensure that he/she will sleep soundly through the night.

It is true that happiness comes with children in the family. However, such happiness could be achieved if you are responsible enough with your children. You need to provide all of their needs, starting from their infancy until the time that they are studying. Although it will really cost you a lot, you have the responsibility to your children, especially in giving them the education that they need.

If you have children who are now going to college, you have to think of their financial needs. Probably you still remember your own collegiate years and you are aware of the financial needs of an ordinary college student. However, the difference is that you are now the parent-you will now be the one to think of the different payments that you need to settle for your children’s college education, such as college application, scholastic
assessment test expenditures, transcript of records, and others. Add to it the lodging and food allowance of your children if the college or university is far away from your own residence.

Thinking all of these college-related expenses could be overwhelming and bothering as well, especially if your salary is not enough to support such expenses and your family’s financial needs at the same time. But if you know how to get a college financial aid for your children, you will find out that everything will work out smoothly.

How you will start your search for the college financial aid for your children? Here are some tips that you can start with:

* When your children are still on their high school years, you should start searching for potential universities that offer college scholarships for deserving freshman students as well as financial aid programs funded by different organizations. You
may start your search on the Internet to look for possible college financial aid options for your children.

* Once you find a prospective university, visit their main office and inquire for any college scholarship or financial aid offers.

* Always ask for the cut-off dates of filing and submission of college financial aid application forms.

* Tell your children about the importance of a scholarship to their college education. Make them aware that they have plenty of options to consider as long as they have good high school scholastic records. In this way, you will be able to motivate them to study harder and make good grades, thus increasing your chances of a good financial aid.

* You may also consider filing an application for financial aid programs funded by the Federal government. State-owned colleges and universities offer this kind of financial assistance to qualified and deserving students who want to pursue their college studies despite of financial difficulties. You may submit the FAFSA (Free Application Form Student Aid) personally.

* Make certain that you have completed all the FAFSA requirements (such as present statement of bank accounts, monthly income records, present mortgage information, and others) and understand the rights or specialadvantages before accepting the financial aid for your children. You may also check if the financial aid is renewable.

With different financial aid programs such as college scholarships and federal grants, you are assured of a bright future for your children despite of the financial difficulties
that you are currently experiencing.

About the author:
To read about lying and body language, why do men lie, why people lie, baby strength, worlds strongest baby , toddler health and other information, visit the Knowledge Galaxy site.

Filed under: Admissions, Applications, College Debt, College Financing, College Planning, Grants, High School, Mothers, Parental Guidance, Pell Grants, Scholarship, Students, Tuition, single mothers, single parent families , Admissions, Choosing Universities, College Applications, college expenses, College Financing, college funding, College Planning, financial aid, Grants, money, parents, Scholarships, student financial aid, student loans, Students, Tuition, Universities

Which Loans for College Students?

By Owen Jones

Let’s suppose that you have a teenager who will shortly be graduating from high school. You will feel happy naturally, the same as any other parent. whose child is passing out high school. It is one of those milestones in life that you have successfully circumnavigated, in spite of all the financial obstacles that you have probably experienced. It is time to be happy, for you have fulfilled your role of giving your child a brighter future.

But as most would say, a high school graduation is not the be all and end all. In deed, it is only the beginning of tougher challenges that await you and your child in the following years of college education.

At this moment, you need to begin thinking about how you will finance the courses of your college-bound teenager. With the increasing cost of tuition fees, you need to plan ahead well of time to avoid any problems, especially if you not well-off. I should imagine you already know how hard it is to have to cope with the increasing costs of your child’s high school education before. The earlier you start thinking about your child’s college education, the less you will have financial problems afterwards.

If you think you will ever be faced with financial issues again, it is vital that you know the different financial aid programs available for your college-bound child. Just keep reading to learn the financial aids that can help you:

A Grant: it is the first type of college financial aid that you should apply for. It only requires you to complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application form. Once the form has been sent, it will be checked and if
your child qualifies, he/she will get the full amount of what he/she has applied for. At this moment, you need not do anything much further except provide the name of the college or university that your teen wants to enrol into.

Scholarships: Although a scholarship is mostly intended for students who have the ‘brains’ but do not have the ‘money’, not all college scholarships are intended for academics. Students who do not have the best academic record can still qualify for many other college scholarships. There are college sports scholarships, community service work scholarships, social involvement scholarships and many others. These are only a few of the different types of scholarships for your child if he / she is not that academically talented.

‘Student Loans’: these kinds of loan have rather lower interest rates compared with other sorts of loan. Some loans are off-set, which means that the interest does not accumulate until a student finishes college. Moreover, these loans do not require collateral, and therefore, you do not have to worry about putting your own home up as collateral against the student loan for your child. Most of these loans are available on various repayment plans at low interest rates and low monthly installment payments.

If you haven’t yet started looking for any of the various financial aid programs available, it is advisable that you start now. These financial aids are there to help you and will provide the funds needed for your child’s college education. You can be free from worries about the cost of your teen’s education, if you begin early enough.

About the author:
If you want information on gettingcollege education funding then you really
should visit our website on applying for scholarships and grants

Filed under: Admissions, College Debt, College Financing, College Planning, FAFSA, Grants, Parental Guidance, Pell Grants, Scholarship, School supplies, Students, Tuition, single mothers, single parent families , Admissions, College Applications, college expenses, College Financing, college funding, college planning tips, financial aid, Grants, parents, planning, Scholarships, student financial aid, student loans, Students

Scholarships for Moms: Why Obama Is Behind It

Scholarships for Moms: Why Obama Is Behind It

Author: Marlon Jackson

Article:

President Barack Obama has provided government funding for

mothers to go back to school. It will be an enriching experience

for the mothers to get involved in a professional environment

after dealing with their children most of the time, but there is

a more important reason – to fuel the workforce with valuable

employees. There are many jobs out there that need filled but

there is a lack of workers that have the necessary skills to do

these jobs.

A lot of these moms have likely thought about going back to

school and entering a career in a field they have always dreamed

about working in, but this is merely a dream to them. Well Obama

thinks it can become a reality if they are willing to do the

work necessary to receive their college degree. The funding is

awarded is a gift, not a loan, meaning that it does not have to

be paid back.

Interested moms need to first decide what their course of study

will be, and then pick the school where they will go. It is

important to make sure the right school has the program you are

interested in. Make sure to do thorough research so that you are

making the right choices as far as your education. Some colleges

let you do the studying at home, using an online degree program,

which is convenient for moms with busy schedules. They still

will have to set aside enough time to take the online classes

and study to ensure a successful experience.

It might seem too challenging to go back to school, but just

think about the rewards you will experience once the degree is

earned. You will be able to find a valuable career and earn more

income to support the family, and your children will be excited

about the achievement you have accomplished.

About the author:

So what’s holding you back? Take advantage of a $10,000

scholarship drawing. Registration is free if you visit <a

href=”http://www.scholarshipsformomsfinder.info/”>http://www.scho

larshipsformomsfinder.info/</a>Scholarships for Moms: Why Obama Is Behind It

Author: Marlon Jackson

Article:

President Barack Obama has provided government funding for

mothers to go back to school. It will be an enriching experience

for the mothers to get involved in a professional environment

after dealing with their children most of the time, but there is

a more important reason – to fuel the workforce with valuable

employees. There are many jobs out there that need filled but

there is a lack of workers that have the necessary skills to do

these jobs.

A lot of these moms have likely thought about going back to

school and entering a career in a field they have always dreamed

about working in, but this is merely a dream to them. Well Obama

thinks it can become a reality if they are willing to do the

work necessary to receive their college degree. The funding is

awarded is a gift, not a loan, meaning that it does not have to

be paid back.

Interested moms need to first decide what their course of study

will be, and then pick the school where they will go. It is

important to make sure the right school has the program you are

interested in. Make sure to do thorough research so that you are

making the right choices as far as your education. Some colleges

let you do the studying at home, using an online degree program,

which is convenient for moms with busy schedules. They still

will have to set aside enough time to take the online classes

and study to ensure a successful experience.

It might seem too challenging to go back to school, but just

think about the rewards you will experience once the degree is

earned. You will be able to find a valuable career and earn more

income to support the family, and your children will be excited

about the achievement you have accomplished.

About the author:

So what’s holding you back? Take advantage of a $10,000

scholarship drawing. Registration is free if you visit <a

href=”http://www.scholarshipsformomsfinder.info/”>http://www.scho

larshipsformomsfinder.info/</a>

By Marlon Jackson

President Barack Obama has provided government funding for mothers to go back to school. It will be an enriching experience for the mothers to get involved in a professional environment after dealing with their children most of the time, but there is a more important reason – to fuel the workforce with valuable employees. There are many jobs out there that need filled but there is a lack of workers that have the necessary skills to do these jobs.

A lot of these moms have likely thought about going back to school and entering a career in a field they have always dreamed about working in, but this is merely a dream to them. Well Obama thinks it can become a reality if they are willing to do the work necessary to receive their college degree. The funding is awarded is a gift, not a loan, meaning that it does not have to be paid back.

Interested moms need to first decide what their course of study will be, and then pick the school where they will go. It is important to make sure the right school has the program you are interested in. Make sure to do thorough research so that you are making the right choices as far as your education. Some colleges let you do the studying at home, using an online degree program, which is convenient for moms with busy schedules. They still will have to set aside enough time to take the online classes and study to ensure a successful experience.

It might seem too challenging to go back to school, but just think about the rewards you will experience once the degree is earned. You will be able to find a valuable career and earn more income to support the family, and your children will be excited about the achievement you have accomplished.

About the author:

So what’s holding you back? Take advantage of a $10,000 scholarship drawing. Registration is free if you visit <a href=”http://www.scholarshipsformomsfinder.info/”>http://

www.scholarshipsformomsfinder.info/</a>

Filed under: Admissions, Applications, Career Path, Career Search, College Financing, College Planning, Mothers, single mothers, single parent families , academic quality, Career, Career Path, Career Search, College Financing, college funding, College Planning, financial aid, money, Mothers, Obama, self help, student financial aid

How Single Moms Can Find Grants – Two Easy Steps

By Felicia Ramone

One of the most ignored ways of finding a financial education is through grants. Grants are sums of money that are given by federal or private institutions to help individuals pay for a variety of things. One of the things that grants are used for is to pay for college. Single moms can have their entire college education paid for through federal grants. Here are two easy steps to do this.

Grants are not simply given to people because they request them or because they need them. People must qualify for them in order to receive this federal or private funding. It is applied for over the Internet or forms can be filled out and sent in by mail.

The grant process, one shoe have filled out and submitted to paperwork can take several weeks for the application to go through. Depending upon your financial situation, you may or may not be approved. If you’re in a financial bind, and you have very little money or assets, you may find that your application process is much more quickly.

The Obama administration has a two-step process for applying for  grants.

The first step is to fill out the FAFSA. This is the federal grant paperwork that you need to get your financial aid process going. This required paperwork is necessary in order to get you into the federal system that you can qualify for grants such as the Pell Grant.

The second step is to submit this paperwork as quickly as possible. Most people recommend submitting it by February 2 if you’re going to go to college in the fall of the same year. This gives the federal processors time to process your application and to make sure that you get the funding issue are entitled to.

Following these two steps, you will be able to move forward toward earning a college degree. Most students take out loans and end up paying them back nine months after leaving college. Many students, including single mothers can apply for the Pell Grant and receive thousands of extra dollars for their education. Do this today.

About the author:
Visit our sites for more information on finding free grants for students or obtaining financial aid and federal funding through the Obama administrations stimulus package.

Filed under: College Financing, College Planning, Grants, Mothers, Pell Grants, single mothers, single parent families , financial aid, Grants, Pell Grants, Single Parent Mothers

College Financial Aid – Why Dads Should Earn A College Degree

By Thomas Simon

There is a lot of talk about women earning a college degree, especially single moms. But what about dads? In today’s economy, many men are losing their jobs. Our country is in a recession. We need to consider where we are going with our careers and lives. Here are a few tips on how to improve your economic situation and get a free college degree at the same time.

Getting an education leads to better economic and employment. That is just a statistical fact. It is an investment in your future. However, before you decide to get on your high horse and run back to college, there are a few things you need to consider.

1 – Your job is your livelihood. Do not quit it.

2 – Find a way to go back to school in your spare time.

Though this is rare, if you are a single dad and have to take care of a small family at home, you should do school in the evening, or online via a telecom class, nightschool, or over the Internet.

Back to financing…

If you currently make a lot of money at your job, you will probably not get financial aid. You may get a grant, but it will be specialized and not from the feds. Pell grants are offered to those that do not have a house or mortgage payment, so you will have to search in other areas to find this college money.

Your best bet is to:

1 – Apply for the many grants available to the general public. This could be groups in your local area, but you are better off to go nationally, look for ones that fit your particular major, and submit the paperwork.

2 – Student loans are not a good choice, but some programs like the TEACH program allow you to work off your grant if you are going to be a teacher. Otherwise, Stafford loans, that are refinanced later at lower rates once you complete school, are going to be your best bet. Obama’s stimulus package is geared more toward those with a need, so you may have to bite the proverbial bullet and get a few loans.

Best tip:

Don’t give up! You can get a good degree and improve yourself even if your time and funding possibilities are limited. Many great people began this way and only through perseverance did they succeed. And so will you.

About the author:
Click here for more information on federal grants or obtaining financial aid for college, please visit our sites.

Filed under: Admissions, Career Path, Career Search, College Financing, College Planning, Online Universities, single mothers, single parent families , academic quality, Career, Career Path, Career Search, college expenses, College Financing, college funding, college planning tips, financial aid, Scholarships, Single Dads, student financial aid, TEACH Program, Tuition, Universities

Financial Aid School – How to Apply for the National Smart Grant

By Thomas Simon

The national Smart grant, also known as the national science and mathematics assess to retain talent Grant is a grant that is available

College Planning Specialists

 

which provides up to $4000 in the third and fourth years of undergraduate study. This grant is available to students that take half-time classes and two are also eligible for the federal program. Here is a way that you can apply for this grant and receive the money.

The main factor to consider is that you must be majoring in physical, life, or computer sciences in order to apply for this scholarship. You could also be going for a major in mathematics, technology, engineering, or a critical foreign language. There are also students that have received this grant that are taking on major single liberal arts programs.

The reason liberal arts is allowed into the picture is because this degree requires teachers to know so much about so many diverse topics, many of which were mentioned above. The student and Roald must take the courses necessary to fulfill the requirements of this grant. Therefore there is a check list of classes that must be attended in order for you to receive the money.

You must also remember that this is considered in regard to how much you get from the Pell Grant. This federal grant must not exceed the student’s attendance costs. Full grant amounts are given, but typically only to students that did not receive the full amount for the Pell or they are attending a college which requires a substantial amount of money for tuition and classes.

As usual, you must be a US citizen, have a designated college major in the areas related to this grant, and be enrolled at least half-time to get eligibility for this money.

The are other brands such as the TEACH grant and the FSEOG grants which are somewhat different to apply for, but if you are going for a liberal studies degree or plan on being a teacher in the future, these can be combined together without adversely affecting the amount you receive from federal funding.

About the author:
Visit our sites for more information on finding grants for college students or obtaining financial aid for college students through the Obama administrations stimulus package.

Filed under: College Financing, College Planning, Graduation, Grants, Scholarship, Students, Universities , academic quality, college expenses, College Financing, college funding, college planning tips, financial aid, Grants, Scholarships, student financial aid, Tuition