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Scholarship and Grant Search Showdown

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Lesson Plan

Scholarship and Grant Search Showdown

Effective Scholarship and Grant Searches

This two-part lesson engages graduating seniors in a game-based and collaborative learning experience to enhance their skills in searching for scholarships and grants, particularly those available to students in North Carolina. By participating in these lessons, students will learn effective strategies for identifying and applying for financial aid opportunities, which is crucial for their transition to higher education.

Audience

Graduating Seniors

Time

2 x 30 min

Approach

Game-Based Learning, Collaborative Learning

Materials

Discussion Guide, Scholarship and Grant Search Activity Sheet, Scholarship and Grant Quiz, Quiz Answer Key, and Scholarship and Grant Search Reading

Step 1

Lesson 1: Introduction

5 mins

  • Discuss the importance of scholarships and grants for college funding.
  • Explain the objectives of the lesson and the activities planned.

Step 2

Lesson 1: Discussion

10 mins

  • Use the Discussion Guide to explore students' current understanding of scholarships and grants.
  • Encourage students to share any experiences or challenges they've faced in searching for scholarships and grants.

Step 3

Lesson 1: Activity Part 1

15 mins

  • Divide students into small groups.
  • Distribute the Scholarship and Grant Search Activity Sheet.
  • Begin the search activity, focusing on identifying scholarships and grants and sharing initial strategies.

Step 4

Lesson 2: Review

5 mins

  • Recap key points from Lesson 1.

Step 5

Lesson 2: Activity Part 2

10 mins

  • Continue the search activity, refining strategies and compiling a list of scholarships and grants.

Step 6

Lesson 2: Quiz

5 mins

  • Administer the Scholarship and Grant Quiz to assess students' understanding of effective search strategies.
  • Collect responses for evaluation.

Step 7

Lesson 2: Q&A Session

5 mins

  • Open the floor for students to ask questions about scholarship and grant searches and application processes.
  • Provide answers and additional insights to help clarify any doubts or concerns.

Step 8

Lesson 2: Closure

5 mins

  • Summarize key strategies discussed and learned during the lessons.
  • Encourage students to continue exploring scholarship and grant opportunities and applying the strategies learned.
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Discussion

Scholarship and Grant Search Discussion

A discussion to explore students' current knowledge and experiences with scholarship and grant searches.

What challenges have you faced in searching for scholarships and grants?

Encourage students to share personal experiences and common obstacles.







What resources have you used to find scholarships and grants?

Discuss various online platforms, school resources, and community organizations.







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Worksheet

Scholarship and Grant Search Activity Sheet

An activity sheet to guide students in a collaborative scholarship and grant search game.

List three scholarships and three grants available to NC students and their eligibility criteria.

Use online resources and group discussions to find relevant scholarships and grants.







What strategies did your group find most effective in searching for scholarships and grants?

Consider the use of keywords, filters, and specific websites.







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Quiz

Scholarship and Grant Quiz

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Answer Key

Scholarship and Grant Quiz Answer Key

The answer key for the Scholarship and Grant Quiz, providing correct answers and explanations.

Which of the following is a key strategy for finding scholarships and grants?

Use specific keywords
Using specific keywords helps narrow down the search to relevant opportunities.

What is an important factor to consider when applying for scholarships and grants?

All of the above
All listed factors are crucial in the application process.

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Reading

Scholarship and Grant Search Reading

A reading material providing tips and resources for effective scholarship and grant searches, including a list of NC grants, top search engines, and tips to avoid scams.

Tips for Effective Scholarship and Grant Searches

  1. Start Early: Begin your search well before deadlines to ensure ample time for application preparation.
  2. Use Specific Keywords: Tailor your search with specific keywords related to your interests, field of study, and location.
  3. Leverage School Resources: Utilize guidance counselors and school websites for scholarship and grant listings.
  4. Explore Online Platforms: Websites like Fastweb, College Board, and Scholarships.com offer extensive databases.
  5. Network: Talk to teachers, family, and community members who may know of local opportunities.

North Carolina Grants

Top Scholarship and Grant Search Engines

  1. Fastweb: Fastweb.com - A comprehensive database of scholarships and financial aid opportunities.
  2. Scholarships.com: Scholarships.com - Offers a wide range of scholarships and grants for students.
  3. College Board Scholarship Search: CollegeBoard.org - Provides access to over 2,200 programs, totaling nearly $6 billion in scholarships.
  4. Cappex: Cappex.com - Helps students find scholarships and compare colleges.
  5. Chegg Scholarships: Chegg.com - A user-friendly platform for finding scholarships.
  6. Peterson's: Petersons.com - Offers a variety of scholarship opportunities and application tips.
  7. Unigo: Unigo.com - Provides a large database of scholarships and student reviews.
  8. Niche: Niche.com - Offers scholarships based on personal interests and academic achievements.

Avoiding Scholarship and Grant Scams

  • Never Pay to Apply: Legitimate scholarships and grants do not require an application fee.
  • Verify the Source: Research the organization offering the opportunity to ensure it's credible.
  • Be Wary of Guarantees: No scholarship or grant can guarantee you will win.
  • Protect Personal Information: Avoid sharing sensitive personal information unless you are sure of the opportunity's legitimacy.
  • Check for Red Flags: Look out for poor grammar, lack of contact information, or pressure to act quickly.
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