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SUMMER BRIDGE UPDATE

HECC Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC)

July 11, 2024

Welcome to Summer Bridge- Week 4

Welcome to Week 4 of Summer Bridge! This week, we're talking about more opportunities
to get more money for college. That's right, we're exploring scholarships and work-study
programs. For many students, figuring out how to finance their education can be a daunting
task. But fear not, because scholarships and work-study programs are here to help alleviate
some of that financial burden.

Keep Applying for Scholarships!

You Still Have Time

Even though the OSAC Scholarship Application has closed for the year, there are many
other scholarships still accepting applications. Check for scholarships at:

• Your College or University: Check your college/university’s website and academic department’s website for listings. You can also contact the admissions office and financial aid office for specifics.
• Family Workplace: Companies may have scholarships for their employees and
  their employees’ family members.
• Community Centers: Local non-profits and community centers may list
  scholarships, either offered by them or other local groups.
• Online Search Tools: There are many nationwide scholarships listed on sites like
  FastWeb and CollegeBoard. Make sure to check these organizations for reliability.
  Some sites may try to scam you by making you pay to apply for a scholarship or
  stealing your private information. Never pay for access to scholarships.

More Scholarship Tips!

Some scholarships require you to earn a certain GPA or take a certain amount of credits. Before the school year starts, review the requirements of any scholarships you received. Also take a look at the renewal details. Some scholarships automatically renew each year, but others require you to re-apply each year.

Plan Ahead Finding and applying for scholarships requires time and effort, but why not use part of your summer to plan ahead for 2025-26? Start researching scholarships that you may be eligible for -next year. A good place to begin is to read through the OSAC Scholarship Catalog. Be sure to set reminders in your phone for application deadlines. While you're at it, take the opportunity to update your resume, activities chart, or essays. This proactive approach will set you up for success in securing valuable funding for your college journey.

Work-Study

What is it?

Financial aid can be confusing. Grants and scholarships are funds you don’t necessarily
need to pay back. Student Loans are funds you DO payback often with interest. So what
about Work-Study?
Work-Study is a unique type of financial aid that you earn through part-time employment. It
provides undergraduate students with financial need the opportunity to work and earn
money to help cover their education expenses. These jobs are typically on campus, working
for your college or various campus offices.
However, it's important to understand that work-study operates like a regular job. You'll
only get paid for the hours you work, and this means you need to take a proactive approach
in finding, applying for, and potentially interviewing for work-study positions. So, while
work-study can offer valuable financial assistance, it also requires initiative and effort on
your part to secure and maintain employment.

Part-time Work If you aren’t eligible for work-study, you can still look for a part-time job to help with expenses. Students can work off-campus, but on-campus employment gives you a chance to work a few hours a week in college departments and offices and still be close to your next class or club meeting. Look for digital job boards for on-campus work. Get started early in the year to give yourself the best job options.

Learn more on our website: