![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/ecefunding\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/50\/2023\/02\/Image-on-Freepik-11.png\")
<\/figure>\n1. Seek out grants and scholarships first to maximize financial assistance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Seek out grants and scholarships first to maximize financial assistance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- Look for ECE focused scholarships and grants first!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Look for scholarships relevant to various aspects of your demographic.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Look for scholarships relevant to your interests or life goals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use loans as a last option. If you do decide to get a loan, try to secure an unsubsidized loan so you are not having to pay back interest on top of the loan.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/ecefunding\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/50\/2023\/02\/Image-on-Freepik-8.png\")
<\/figure>\n2. Seek recommendations from positive people<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- Many funders will ask for letters of recommendations as part of your application. Here are examples of people you can ask that will look favorably on your application:\n
\n- past or present teachers\/professors<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- employers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- religious leaders<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- caseworkers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- community leaders, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- organization leaders<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Choose recommenders who are familiar with your work and can speak to the scholarship criteria. (E.g. if you are applying for a community service oriented scholarship, it is a good idea to seek out a recommendation from someone who organizes the\u00a0 volunteer events you participate in; it would make less sense to ask a professor who has never observed your volunteer work)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Follow these general guidelines<\/a> on how to ask for letters of recommendation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 糖心视频 this helpful blog on How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation by Coursera<\/a> for more helpful tips.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/ecefunding\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/50\/2023\/02\/Image-on-Freepik-3.png\")
<\/figure>\n3. Work on essays in a separate file & save your work!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- Many funding applications have time limits online, and will kick you out of the system after a while. Here are tips to save you from losing any work: \n
\n- Enter answers to prompts in a separate document saved in your personal files first. This step will take the longest time. See tips #4 and #5.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Copy & paste your responses into the online application and click save. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Be sure to click on the \u201csave\u201d option frequently so you don\u2019t lose anything.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Save and\/or print a copy for yourself before you submit.\u00a0 You will want a copy for your records and you can use it as a template for other applications.\n
\n- You can modify your answers for other scholarship applications, or update your answers in following years, just be sure to address your answers to the correct funder.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/ecefunding\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/50\/2023\/02\/Image-on-Freepik-4.png\")
<\/figure>\n4. Address the Criteria<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- Application are reviewed by committee members<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Awards are based on meeting the criteria of the scholarship<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Be sure to read the descriptions and write to each of the criteria they ask for\n
\n- E.g., do not talk about your financial need if it is a merit-based scholarship, and do not spend time discussing all your achievements if it is a needs-based scholarship.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cMerit-based\u201d means they are looking for what you\u2019ve achieved as a student. What kind of academic awards or service have you accomplished as a student recently? How have you excelled in your studies? <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cNeed-based\u201d means you have extenuating financial needs. What are your financial circumstances? What is the socioeconomic status of your family? How will having financial support from the scholarship help you focus on your studies so you can earn your degree? (Note<\/strong>: even if you have financial needs, if the scholarship is focused on \u201cmerit,\u201d do not spend time talking about your financial needs.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Clear, correct, specific and on-time applications receive more funding<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/ecefunding\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/50\/2023\/02\/Image-on-Freepik-9.png\")
<\/figure>\n5. Appearance matters!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- Start early. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Make every word count.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use good formatting. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Provide examples (e.g., do not just state, \u201cI studied hard.\u201d Explain how you studied hard: \u201cFor the past semester, I spent most of my free time studying in the school library. On weekends, I have dedicated at least 4 hours every day to keep up with my coursework.\u201d)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Take a break, then look and review.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Spelling and grammar make a difference\u2013check for any mistakes before you submit!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ask someone to proofread your work\u2013sometimes a fresh pair of eyes can see things you can\u2019t see.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/ecefunding\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/50\/2023\/02\/Image-on-Freepik-10.png\")
<\/figure>\n6. Complete funders\u02bb requests for reports<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- Answer what they ask.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Do it on time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Say \u201cthank you\u201d and share how their funding has helped you\u2013even if it is not a criteria on the scholarship application. If you are not sure how to do this, ask the administrators of the scholarship about how to properly thank the funder(s) for any scholarships you receive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Funders will remember your sincerity. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTips for Specific Applications<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSome applications are tricky to navigate! Follow the links below for tips on any applications you may be need to complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n2. Seek recommendations from positive people<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
2. Seek recommendations from positive people<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- Many funders will ask for letters of recommendations as part of your application. Here are examples of people you can ask that will look favorably on your application:\n
\n- past or present teachers\/professors<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- employers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- religious leaders<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- caseworkers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- community leaders, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- organization leaders<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Choose recommenders who are familiar with your work and can speak to the scholarship criteria. (E.g. if you are applying for a community service oriented scholarship, it is a good idea to seek out a recommendation from someone who organizes the\u00a0 volunteer events you participate in; it would make less sense to ask a professor who has never observed your volunteer work)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Follow these general guidelines<\/a> on how to ask for letters of recommendation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 糖心视频 this helpful blog on How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation by Coursera<\/a> for more helpful tips.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n3. Work on essays in a separate file & save your work!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- Many funding applications have time limits online, and will kick you out of the system after a while. Here are tips to save you from losing any work: \n
\n- Enter answers to prompts in a separate document saved in your personal files first. This step will take the longest time. See tips #4 and #5.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Copy & paste your responses into the online application and click save. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Be sure to click on the \u201csave\u201d option frequently so you don\u2019t lose anything.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Save and\/or print a copy for yourself before you submit.\u00a0 You will want a copy for your records and you can use it as a template for other applications.\n
\n- You can modify your answers for other scholarship applications, or update your answers in following years, just be sure to address your answers to the correct funder.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n4. Address the Criteria<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- Application are reviewed by committee members<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Awards are based on meeting the criteria of the scholarship<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Be sure to read the descriptions and write to each of the criteria they ask for\n
\n- E.g., do not talk about your financial need if it is a merit-based scholarship, and do not spend time discussing all your achievements if it is a needs-based scholarship.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cMerit-based\u201d means they are looking for what you\u2019ve achieved as a student. What kind of academic awards or service have you accomplished as a student recently? How have you excelled in your studies? <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cNeed-based\u201d means you have extenuating financial needs. What are your financial circumstances? What is the socioeconomic status of your family? How will having financial support from the scholarship help you focus on your studies so you can earn your degree? (Note<\/strong>: even if you have financial needs, if the scholarship is focused on \u201cmerit,\u201d do not spend time talking about your financial needs.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Clear, correct, specific and on-time applications receive more funding<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n5. Appearance matters!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- Start early. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Make every word count.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use good formatting. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Provide examples (e.g., do not just state, \u201cI studied hard.\u201d Explain how you studied hard: \u201cFor the past semester, I spent most of my free time studying in the school library. On weekends, I have dedicated at least 4 hours every day to keep up with my coursework.\u201d)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Take a break, then look and review.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Spelling and grammar make a difference\u2013check for any mistakes before you submit!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ask someone to proofread your work\u2013sometimes a fresh pair of eyes can see things you can\u2019t see.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n6. Complete funders\u02bb requests for reports<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- Answer what they ask.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Do it on time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Say \u201cthank you\u201d and share how their funding has helped you\u2013even if it is not a criteria on the scholarship application. If you are not sure how to do this, ask the administrators of the scholarship about how to properly thank the funder(s) for any scholarships you receive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Funders will remember your sincerity. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTips for Specific Applications<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSome applications are tricky to navigate! Follow the links below for tips on any applications you may be need to complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- past or present teachers\/professors<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- employers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- religious leaders<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- caseworkers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- community leaders, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- organization leaders<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Choose recommenders who are familiar with your work and can speak to the scholarship criteria. (E.g. if you are applying for a community service oriented scholarship, it is a good idea to seek out a recommendation from someone who organizes the\u00a0 volunteer events you participate in; it would make less sense to ask a professor who has never observed your volunteer work)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Follow these general guidelines<\/a> on how to ask for letters of recommendation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 糖心视频 this helpful blog on How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation by Coursera<\/a> for more helpful tips.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n3. Work on essays in a separate file & save your work!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Many funding applications have time limits online, and will kick you out of the system after a while. Here are tips to save you from losing any work: \n
- \n
- Enter answers to prompts in a separate document saved in your personal files first. This step will take the longest time. See tips #4 and #5.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Copy & paste your responses into the online application and click save. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Be sure to click on the \u201csave\u201d option frequently so you don\u2019t lose anything.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Save and\/or print a copy for yourself before you submit.\u00a0 You will want a copy for your records and you can use it as a template for other applications.\n
- \n
- You can modify your answers for other scholarship applications, or update your answers in following years, just be sure to address your answers to the correct funder.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n
4. Address the Criteria<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Application are reviewed by committee members<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Awards are based on meeting the criteria of the scholarship<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Be sure to read the descriptions and write to each of the criteria they ask for\n
- \n
- E.g., do not talk about your financial need if it is a merit-based scholarship, and do not spend time discussing all your achievements if it is a needs-based scholarship.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cMerit-based\u201d means they are looking for what you\u2019ve achieved as a student. What kind of academic awards or service have you accomplished as a student recently? How have you excelled in your studies? <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cNeed-based\u201d means you have extenuating financial needs. What are your financial circumstances? What is the socioeconomic status of your family? How will having financial support from the scholarship help you focus on your studies so you can earn your degree? (Note<\/strong>: even if you have financial needs, if the scholarship is focused on \u201cmerit,\u201d do not spend time talking about your financial needs.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Clear, correct, specific and on-time applications receive more funding<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n5. Appearance matters!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Start early. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Make every word count.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use good formatting. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Provide examples (e.g., do not just state, \u201cI studied hard.\u201d Explain how you studied hard: \u201cFor the past semester, I spent most of my free time studying in the school library. On weekends, I have dedicated at least 4 hours every day to keep up with my coursework.\u201d)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Take a break, then look and review.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Spelling and grammar make a difference\u2013check for any mistakes before you submit!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ask someone to proofread your work\u2013sometimes a fresh pair of eyes can see things you can\u2019t see.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n
6. Complete funders\u02bb requests for reports<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Answer what they ask.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Do it on time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Say \u201cthank you\u201d and share how their funding has helped you\u2013even if it is not a criteria on the scholarship application. If you are not sure how to do this, ask the administrators of the scholarship about how to properly thank the funder(s) for any scholarships you receive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Funders will remember your sincerity. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTips for Specific Applications<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Some applications are tricky to navigate! Follow the links below for tips on any applications you may be need to complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Clear, correct, specific and on-time applications receive more funding<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
- You can modify your answers for other scholarship applications, or update your answers in following years, just be sure to address your answers to the correct funder.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
- 糖心视频 this helpful blog on How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation by Coursera<\/a> for more helpful tips.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n