Background:

Many things can in the way of youth receiving a higher education. A common reason that a lot of youth drop out of school is due to lack of money for housing, books, food and other needs.

We have seen our youth achieve success when someone who cares walks with them through the many processes and challenges that can arise. To that end, we launched our EXPLORATIONS Scholarship and support program to assist young adults in fulfilling their academic goals. Explorations provides assistance in planning, applying, entering, transferring and succeeding in post-secondary education and vocational programs.

Scholarships:

Scholarships of up to $750 are available for 12 people in the Spring 2010 semester. Awards are distributed in two installments (first upon enrollment and then after successful completion of semester.)

What the Program Involves:

Because being successful in school involves much more than just money, EXPLORATIONS Scholarship recipients participate in the following:

  • Regularly occurring Life Coaching
  • Education and Employment Coaching

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Enrollment in post-secondary education or vocational training, at least 6 units
  • Mandatory weekly meetings at Explorations with other scholarship recipients

How to Apply:

  • Completed applications must be turned into Explorations by Wednesday, January 6th, 2010
  • Complete all tasks on the checklist on the last page of the application

and complete interview by Friday, January 15th.

For More Information:

For info or help in applying, call Kerry Graser Scola, Explorations Education & Employment Coach at (707)320-9233 or email at

EXPLORATIONS Scholarship Application Spring 2009

General Information:

Name______

LastFirstMiddle

Reliable Phone Number(s) ______

HomeCell Other

Indicate your current status:

 High School Diploma received  G.E.D.  Have already attended some college

What area(s) of study do you plan to pursue?

 General Ed/University Transfer Prep  Trade/Vocational  Other: ______

Explorations Coaching:

Scholarship selection is significantly dependent on having begun the Coaching Process

I have ( begun,  completed,  need to start) working on Education Plan with Explorations staff

Name of Staff Member/Education Coach ______

References:

A variety of references (for example: one mentor and one teacher, not listing more than one relative, etc.) is preferred. Include a letter of recommendation from at leastone listed reference.

1. ______

NamePhoneRelationship Letter attached

2. ______

NamePhoneRelationship Letter attached

Getting to Know You:

Part of the scholarship selection process includes a panel interview. Please let us know which day of the week you are best available to schedule this interview:

Circle:Choose:

Mon Tues Wed Thurs Morning  Afternoon (10a-noon) (noon-5p)

Choose two of the following questions and write a one-page response using 1 inch margins and size 12, professional font. Please use specific and personal examples to explain your ideas.

  1. Who do you admire as a role model of success? Explain your definition of success and why you admire this person.
  2. What are your short-term and long-term educational goals?
  3. When have you taken a risk and what did you learn from that experience?
  4. What is a personal accomplishment that you are proud of and why?
  5. What are some of the skills, lessons and practices that you might learn in college, which may be helpful to you in your career?

Completion and Authorization

Application Check List:

Note: Incomplete applications are accepted, but the completeness and quality of submitted items affect your chances of receiving this scholarship.

Application, filled out completely & neatly (no scratch-outs or white-out)

Include your signature

Complete FAFSA

Copy of your current enrollment

Copy of transcripts for previous semesters at post-secondary or vocational school

Projected education budget for the semester

Letter of recommendation from at least one reference

A one-page response for two essay questions

Make a copy of all paperwork to keep for yourself

 I give permission to Explorations to print my name/picture with scholarship announcements in the Explorations newsletter, website, or newspapers.

Applicant Signature______Date______

Parent/Guardian Signature (if under 18):______Date______