SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION FOR GRADE 11 STUDENTS
TYPES OF AVAILABLE AWARDS:
1. Dogwood District/Authority Awards
*Rewarded for excellence in a non-academic field. *Apply in May of gr. 12 year
Fine Arts – Visual Arts, Dance, Drama, Music, Creative Writing
Applied Skills – Business Ed, Technology Ed, Home Economics
Physical Activity – not limited to P.E.
Second Language
Volunteering
*Amount: $1000 - $500 cheque and a $500 tuition voucher
*Number of Scholarships available:
*Scholarship vouchers are good for five years
2. School District #61 Awards
* apply in June - selected by a SD #61 committee in October
* amounts range from $200 to $1000
* for non-winners of more than $2000
ie: Top Textiles 11/12 student, top Law 12 student, student going on to study computers
3. Awards administered by Oak Bay High School
*No applications required but a resume must be submitted in grade 12
*Winners are chosen by a school-based Awards Committee
*Some awards are specific:
ie: outstanding abilities in Writing and Comparative Civilizations
*Some awards are more service oriented
ie: a Grade 12 student who best exemplifies the rotary motto of “service above self.”
*Amounts range from $300 to $1500
*Total amount: $27,250
4. Merit/Open Awards
*May be used at most post-secondary institutes
*Students must check the criteria to determine their eligibility
General:
*Most scholarships require good to excellent academic achievement
*Most scholarships also require community/school involvement and volunteer work
5. Entrance Awards:
*May be used only at the granting institution
*Deadlines:
Dates range from: Dec. 1st to March 31st
Usually the same date as the Early Admission deadline
*Some scholarships are renewable - such as $2000 over 4 years ($8000) if marks are maintained
*Others are one-time only award amounts
There are three possible categories of entrance scholarships:
1. Scholarships based on academic excellence only
- usually no application is required
2. Scholarships based on academic excellence and other criteria such as school and community activities and achievements.
- an application is required
- usually 90% minimum admission average required.
3. Some universities require the school to nominate their top students for entrance scholarships:
Queens - 2 nominees - deadline Dec. 1st
U. of Western Ontario - 4 nominees - deadline Feb. 14th
6. Athletic Awards
*Some are general, some are sports-specific
*Students are advised to check their intended post-secondary institution for specific scholarships.
*Students are also advised to check their particular sports organizations for scholarships.
ie: B.C. Soccer Association Scholarship
**most importantly - have your coach speak to the coach at the post-secondary institute
HOW TO APPLY STRATEGIES
1. Start by researching the awards you are eligible for and make a spreadsheet of deadlines and amounts.
2. Obtain/download application forms, make photocopies and use them as rough drafts.
Your final copy should be clean and error free. Neatness counts.
3. Scholarship Resume - tailor it to the specific criteria of the scholarship.
4. Essay - very important part of the application package.
5. Letters of Reference – start early to ask prospective referees.
6. Presentation - double check that it is complete and then meet the deadline.
7. Ask for help whenever you are unsure.