It’s scholarship season across the country and you or a student you know may be applying for scholarships to assist with funding their future education. As the Foundation’s Program Associate, I, Jamesha Shackerford, oversee our Scholarship Program and work with donors, students, and parents to administer over 40 scholarships each year. One of the most common questions I receive is, “How can I make my scholarship application stand out?” Here are my recommended tips:

Tip #1: Let Your Personality Shine

It is important to make sure your personality shines on your scholarship application. Your personal statement is an opportunity for you to communicate who you are and what you desire to accomplish in your future. Personalize your statement by answering these questions:

• When in your life have you shown perseverance through adversity?
• What motivates you?
• What are your hopes and dreams?
• How have you impacted your community?

Tip #2: Avoid Spelling and Grammar Errors

It can be easy to overlook a misspelled word or incomplete sentence on your application, especially after you’ve been looking at it for numerous hours. A fresh pair of eyes is always helpful to avoid this mistake. Ask someone you trust to look over your application before you submit. Reading your application out loud can also help you find potential errors.

Tip #3: Set Yourself Apart With a Strong Recommendation

A strong recommendation letter is often the deciding factor between two applicants. The recommendation letter paints a story of who you are from another person’s perspective and outlines your accomplishments as a student. Choose someone who knows you well and cares about your success. Assist them with writing the letter by telling them why you are applying for the scholarship, sharing the accomplishments you are most proud of, and sending them and sending them your resume or an outline of your participation in school, extra-curricular, and leadership activities.

Central Carolina Community Foundation has over 40 scholarship opportunities for students. We are proud of our easy and unique application process, which allows students to apply to multiple scholarships with one application. You will automatically be matched with scholarships for which you are qualified when you complete the eligibility section of the application. The application is currently open through March 5, 2019.

For more information about the scholarship process please visit our website at www.yourfoundation.org/scholarships.

Questions regarding our scholarship program and/or application process can be directed to me by phone at 803.509.5073 or email [email protected].