How to write a winning scholarship essay - Gen Tanabe, Kelly Tanabe 2018
Ambassadors Wanted
Where to find great scholarships
Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships Designed to promote international understanding, the Ambassadorial Scholarships program has assisted more than 30,000
men and women from 100 nations since the program began in 1947.
“We’re looking for the people who want to give something back to the community, people who we hope will make a difference in the world,” says Russ Hobbs, a district scholarship chairman in the San Francisco Bay Area. “We’re not looking for someone who will go back to their community or company and not give anything back.”
Previous recipients in Hobbs’ district have included an aspiring politician who speaks five languages, a former teacher who has interned with the United Nations and the holder of a patent for a shallow water pump.
One of the reasons why recipients of the Rotary award must be committed to making a difference is that they are ambassadors representing their home country abroad. As a part of the program, scholars make presentations about their home country in the countries in which they study.
Brent Drage of Rotary International says that the organization seeks people who will “represent our culture and appreciate the culture they are visiting.” These are also qualities that are valued by members of the Rotary club.
And the organization hopes that scholars who return stay involved with the program, speaking to future applicants and even becoming Rotarians themselves.
activities. Many clubs and organizations on campus offer awards for their members. Meet with the officers or advisors to see what is available. Also check with the national parent organization, if the group has one, since it may also provide scholarship funds.
professional associations. One or more professional associations exist for practically every career field. These groups often offer awards for students in their field. For example, the American Dental Association and American Medical Association provide scholarships for students who want to become future dentists and doctors. If you have a strong idea of what you want to do after college, these professional associations can be a real gold mine of scholarships.
community organizations. You don’t have to belong to an organization to win a scholarship. In fact, many community groups raise money with the intent of giving it away to members of their community who are prospective students. Local Rotary clubs, American Legions and Lions clubs often offer scholarships for outstanding students in the community. These groups view their scholarship programs as part of their service to the community. Open a phone book or go online and call the 10 largest organizations in your area.
Hometown professional sports team. Is your city the home of a professional sports team? If so contact the front office to see if they offer scholarships. Many teams offer scholarships that have nothing to do with athletic ability. You can also visit the official website of your hometown professional teams and look for a “community,” “foundation” or “player’s foundation” link.
employer. If you have a full- or part-time job, check with your employer for awards. Many companies offer educational support as an employee benefit. If your employer doesn’t offer a scholarship, suggest that they start one.
parents’ employer. Companies often award scholarships to the children of their employees. Ask your parents to speak with their human resources department about scholarships and other educational programs offered to employees and their families.
parents’ union. Many unions also sponsor scholarships for the children of their members. Again, have your parents speak with the union officers about union-sponsored scholarships and other educational programs.
church or religious organizations. Religious organizations may provide scholarships for members. Inquire both locally at your house of worship as well as with the national organization, if any.
local government. Often, local city council members and state representatives have a scholarship fund for the students who live in their districts. Even if you didn’t vote for them, call their offices and ask if they offer any scholarships.
local businesses. Local businesses often provide awards to students in the community. Start inquiring at your local Chamber of Commerce or similar business organization.
local newspaper. Most community newspapers make announcements about local students who win scholarships.
Keep a record of the scholarship announcements or go to the library and look at back issues of the newspaper. Check last year’s spring issues and you’ll probably find announcements of scholarship recipients. Contact the sponsoring organizations to see if you’re eligible to enter the next competition.
After you have exhausted the resources in your own community, you can then expand your search to your entire state or even the nation.
Many large corporations offer scholarships (think: Coca-Cola, Mi-crosoft, Intel, Discover Card, etc.). Fortunately, most of these larger state-wide and nation-wide awards will be listed in scholarship books and on websites. The downside is that there will be a lot of competition for these awards.