Parishville-Hopkinton Central School

    PO Box 187, Parishville, NY 13672   |   (315)265-4642

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Available Scholarships


 

* = if no due date listed, info is from last year - more info will follow as we receive it, or go online!

Scholarship Date Due*
Description Award Application Process Date info given to Guidance

Augsbury/North Country Scholarship

9/30/07

Must plan to attend SLU and have a cumulative 6 semester average of 90 or higher

Selected student recieves $20,000 for ea. of the 4 years at SLU, if nominated and not selected, student will recieve $10,000 for ea. of the 4 years at SLU.

Students are nominated by Ms. Scudder - If interested though please let Ms. Scudder know!

8/28/07

Wendy's Heisman Award

10/1/07

A Sr. who displays excellence in the classroom, on the field and within their communities. Must also have a "B" average or 82+

Award Cerfificate

Students are asked to go online to complete application early as you will then need to have Ms. Scudder go online to review and confirm it before Oct 1st. The website to register is: www.wendysheisman.com

8/17/07

National Merit Scholarship

10/17/07

Students must take the PSAT to qualify

 

To learn more visit nationalmerit.org

8/28/07

Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation

10/31/07

Any Senior with a GPA of 83 or better

$20,000 or $10,000

applications are online @ www.coca-colascholars.org

9/18/06

2008 Series Scholarships for Academic Excellence

12/14/07

Sr who will be attending a NY college and are nominated by the school due to certain criteria on the Regents tests (Criteria will be posted in the Guidance Office)

$1,500

Students are nominated by the school

9/14/07

AXA Achievement Scholarship

12/15/07

You must demonstrate ambition & drive, determination to set & reach goals, respect for self, family and community, and ability to succeed in college.

$10,000 - $25,000

apply online @ www.axa-achievement.com

9/18/07

AT&T and The Better Business Bureaus' Science and Technology Scholarship

1/10/08

Any senior interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in the fields of technology and or science.

$1,000 - $3,000

Students are encouraged to apply online at: www.upstateny.bbb.org

9/27/07

2006-2007 SportQuest all-American Award

 

Believes in Jesus Christ, 1 of the top 3 Christian athletes in your class, be in either the 10th,11th, or 12th grade, and be a positive influence in your school and community.

$500. - $3,000

Students are nominated and then are given instructions on how to apply on line by November 17th

10/19/06

2007 NYS Jaycees' Outstanding Young New Yorker Scholarship

 

Any Sr who will be continuing his/her education after HS.

$500 - $1,500

Applications are in the Guidance Office

2/16/07

2007 Price Chopper's Golub Foundation Scholalrship Awards

 

There are ten different scholarships, each with different sets of criteria. The basics are that they are for a Sr planning to attend an accredited four or two-year college or University in CT, MA, NH, NY, PA or VT.

Most are for $8,000

copies of the applications are in the Guidance Office or you may go to www.priceschopper.com (click on the Golub Foundation). Students must complete their applications on line and then print them.

1/19/07

2007 Sam Walton Community Scholarship

 

Must be a Sr. continuing on to college and not be a Walmart or Sam's club employee or child of an employee

$1,000 towards the 1st year of college

Students are encouraged to go online to apply: www.walmartfoundation.org and use the access code (SWCS) to access the site.

10/16/06

AARP - Chapter 2831

 

Seniors with a financial need planning to attend college.

2 @ $200.00 ea.

Applications are in the Guidance Office. Completed applications should be returned to the Guidance Office to be mailed from there.

1/5/07

Adirondack Community Trust - Dr. U.R. Plante Medical Scholarship

 

Must be accepted into a Medical School entering the fields of family practice, OB GYN or gerontology, and must be willing to return to local counties to practice for 2 years in a remote part of the US or where doctors are needed.

$10,000/annual

Applications are in the Guidance office and are also available on their website at www.generousact.org

2/26/07

Adirondack Regional Federal Credit Union - DeVirgeles Memorial Scholarship

 

Any sr. with an 80+ gpa planning to attend college studying in the business/math field.

$250 - $1,000

Applications are in the guidance office. Students do not have to be a credit union member for this scholarship but there is also info about another scholarship for members only in this application.

2/26/07

AFC $50K Giveaway Scholarship Sweepstakes

 

For graduation seniors accepted to either a 2 or 4 year college or trade school. Winners will be selected by a random drawing on 6/11/07

(2) $5,000 and (16) $2,500 scholarships

To apply go online at www.afclending.com to complete an online entry form.

4/17/07

AMVETS National Scholarship Program

 

Any sr whose parent or grandparent was a US veteran and an AMVET member, gpa of 83+, with academic promise and financial need.

$1,000/year

Parent or grandparent may become an AMVET member if qualified in order for the student to apply for the scholarship - Both the scholarship and the AMVET applications are in the Guidance Office.

2/26/07

Association of Fire Districts of NY "Ned Carter Scholarship"

 

Any Senior who is related to or is a Firefighter in an affiliated member organization of the Association of Fire Districts of NY and live within New York State

3 @ $1,500 each

students may apply online @ www.firedistnys.com or pick up an application in the Guidance Office

12/4/06

Best Buy Scholarship

 

For students with good grades who give back to their community.

$1,500

For more information go to BestBuy.com/scholarships

1/11/07

Better Business Bureaus' 2006/2007 Student of Integrity Scholarship's Programs

 

2 different scholarships: both are for a Western NY Sr who best exemplifies the ethical standards set forth by the BBB and it members. 

$250.00 - $1,500.00

Students are encouraged to apply online at: www.upstateny.bbb.org

10/16/06

Burger King Scholars Program

 

Sr. who has a gpa of 76+ and works an average of at least 15 hours per week, for 40 weeks per year. Participates in community service and/or co-curricular activities & financial need.

$1,000

Students will need to get recommendations and signatures by employers and the Guidance Counselor all before December 11th as Ms. Scudder will need time to nominate only one senior and mail out before the deadline.

10/23/06

Cargill Community Scholarship

 

Students are selected based on academic achievement and leadership in extracurricular and civic activities.

$1,000

Scholarship applications and guidlines are online at: www.cargill.com, keyword scholarship. Applications require the signature of a Cargill employee (Cargill Animal Nurtition, 19 Starbuck St. ,Gouverneur, NY )

11/21/06

Clarkson's Adirondack Scholars Award

 

Students must show financial need

up to $6,000 per year

applications and details are in the guidance office

10/16/06

DKG - Lambda Chapter Scholarship

 

Any Sr with an 85+ gpa who will be attending college preparing for a teaching career.

$500

Applications are in the Guidance Office

1/10/07

Dorothea Deitz Memorial Scholarship

 

Women students residing in NYS who are planning to major in PE Teacher Education

$4500 - $6500 (3 scholarships)

Brochure's can be picked up in the Guidance Office as you will need to send for applications through the area DDMS chairperson designated on the back of the brochure.

11/6/06

Elks - 2007 Most Valuable Student Scholarship

 

Any senior may apply

$1,000/yr - $15,000/yr for 4 years

Applications are in the Guidance office or an electronic version is at: www.elks.org/enf/scholars. Students are to return completed applications to the Guidance Office or Mr. Mandigo in the elementary.

10/17/06

Empire State Potato Growers Inc. Scholarship Fund

 

Sr. pursuing college in NYS in the Agricultural field, academic achievement, & leadership abilities.

$500.00 per academic year

Applications are in the Guidance Office or you may download them at: www.empirepotatogrowers.com

12/14/06

Helen S. Randles/Society of the United Helpers Scholarship

 

Any senior who desires to continue his/her education in the health care field. Nursine, Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Dietitians, and Clinical Psychology.

approximately $1,000 ea

 

3/20/07

Horatio Alger Association

 

Financial need & have exhibited integrity and perseverance in overcoming personal adversity, commitment to pursue a bachelor's degree.

from $1,000 to $20,000

apply online @ www.horatioalger.com/scholarships

9/8/06

IEEE Charles A.. Strom Engineering Award

 

Any Sr. who will be enrolling in a related field of electronic, electrical or computer engineering college.

$500.00

Applicattions are in the Guidance Office

2/26/07

Laborer's Union - Local 322 Agati Scholarship

 

A senior who is a member of local 322 or the son, daughter, or spouse of a current, retired, disabled, or deceased member.

$1,250 per year up to $5,000

Applications are in the guidance office.

4/4/07

Lelia E. Tupper Writing Scholarship (Alfred University)

 

Jr. or Sr. interested in attending Alfred University, writing component.

$4,000 total towards tuition at Alfred Univ.

Applications are in the Guidance Office

10/31/06

Miss Cheerleader of America

 

Female student in grades 9-12 who has participated in cheerleading during H.S. Must be nominated after showing an interest.

Based on your state selection

Students should let the Cheerleading Coach (Ms. Sue Hart) know of your interest as she is can give only 2 girls an application

10/31/06

Miss Thousand Islands Scholarship Pageant

 

Any female wishing to participate

many scholarships available

If interested email: olinwa@aol.com for more information or call at (315) 639-3188

10/26/06

Monsanto Commitment to Agriculture Scholarship

 

Any Sr who's family is actively engaged in production agriculture. Has an average or above academic record. Be enrolled in a 2 or 4 year college or vocational-technical school and plans on pusuing a career in agriculture.

$1,500

students may download an application @: www.nafb.com or pick up app. in the Guidance Office. There is also a DVD in the Guidance Office to tell you more about the scholarship.

12/7/06

Navy ROTC Nursing Scholarships

 

SAT scores must be (Critical Reading 530 and Math 520) or ACT scores (English 22 and Math 22)

All tuition costs

apply on line @ https://www.nrotc.navy.mil/ (copies of this address are in the scholarship bins)

9/29/06

Navy ROTC Scholarship

 

SAT scores must be (Critical Reading 530 and Math 520) (Marine 1000 total) or ACT scores (English 22 and Math 22) (Marine 45 total)

Navy pays all tuition costs

Students should apply on line @ https://www.rotc.navy.mil/ (copies of online instructions are in the scholarship bins)

9/29/06

Navy ROTC Scholarship

 

Minimum SAT or ACT scores

 

Students can go to the web site for more information: https://www.nrotc.navy.mil/

3/13/07

NNY Volunteer Firemen's Assoc. Scholarship

 

Is open to firefighters, benovolent members their spouses, children &grandchildren. The applicant must be working toward a community related degree: core education, nursing, fire science, criminal justice, doctor, etc..

$150.00 - $250.00 yearly

Applications are in the Gudiance Office

1/2/07

Northern Zone Counseling Association Scholarship

 

Any Sr. who plans on entering a counseling or strongly related field.

$300.00

 

3/13/07

Northern Zone NYS Retired Teachers' Association

 

Any senior pursuing a career in the teaching profession

2 @ $200.00 each

 

3/13/07

NY Water Environment Association Scholarship

 

Senior who will be enrolled in an environmentally related program in a four year college or university.

$1,500

Applications may be picked up in the Guidance Office

11/27/06

NY WEA Major Scholarship

 

Sr. enrolled at a College or University and graduate from a BS or BE full-time program with a focus on environmental issues.

total $10,000 (1st yr = $1,000, 2nd yr = $2,000, 3rd yr = $3,000, 4th yr = $4,000)

Applications may be picked up in the Guidance Office.

11/27/06

NYS Academy of Family Physicians - Annual High School Scholarship Award

 

A Sr with a desire to become a family physician

2 @ $1,000 each

Applications are in the Guidance Office or you can go to www.nysafp.org and download the application. 

1/23/07

NYS Assoc. of Agricultural Fairs & NYS Showpeople's Assoc. Scholarship

 

Sr's planning to pursue a degree in an agricultural or fair management related field. They must have been active in a member fair. (Gouverneur &/or St. Lawrence County Fair)

5 @ 1,000

Applications are in the Guidance Office

1/19/07

NYS Attorney General 2007 Triple "C" Award

 

Two students who deserve special recognition for: Character, Courage and Commitment.

Certificates (received certificates 5/24/07 and are now in the vault)

Students are nominated by the Guidance Office

4/17/07

NYS Lottery - Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship

 

For hardworking Sr's with experience in extracurricular & community activities who have demonstrated leadership skills.

$4,000

information & instructions are in the Guidance Office as students must write an essay and return to the Guidance Office for selection. The selection committee will nominate 2 students.

1/11/07

NYS PTA Jenkins Memorial Scholalrship for Teacher Education

 

Any Sr. pursuing a baccalaureate degree in teaching and plan to attend any of the SUNY colleges, and have not accepted scholarships exceeding $16,000.

$3,000

Applications are in the Guidance Office and are also available at: www.nyspta.org Please return applications to the Guidance Office as we may only submit two applications.

12/18/06

NYSUT - UUP Retirees Scholarship

 

Any Sr. who plans on entering the field of education.

$300.00

Applications are in the Guidance Office

2/26/07

NYWEA Capital Chapter R. Paul Farrell, Jr. Scholarship

 

Any sr who will be enrolled in an environmental related curriculum at the undergraduate level (biology, forestry,chemistry, engineering & water treatment).

$500.00

Applications are in the Guidance Office

1/16/07

P.K. Curtin Memorial Scholarhship (Awarded by McCadam Cheese)

 

Sr enrolled at an accredited 2 or 4 year institution of higher learning, member of the NNY Fireman's Assoc. or a relative (see application), & has provided volunteer service to his or her community.

$2,500.00

Applications are in the Guidance Office

1/2/07

Paul Smith's College Merit Scholarships

 

90 average gpa, 1200 SAT, 29 ACT

$9,000 per year for Baccalaureate programs , $7,000 per year for Associates programs.

Students must apply and be accepted at Paul Smith's College

11/17/06

Prudential Spirit of Community Award

 

a student recognized for volunteer community service, Jr. or Sr High Students

Certificates for the top student in ea. of the Jr High and the High School. State Honorees receive $1,000.00, medallion and trip to Washington, DC

Students must fill out applications and return to the Guidance Office by the deadline. (applications are in the Guidance office)

9/30/06

Richard Gaffney - The North Country Goes Green Irish Festival Scholarship

 

A senior currently enrolled in a Career Technical program at a BOCES center and furthering your education in a Career - Tech field.

$1,000

Applications are in the Guidance Office

2/26/07

SeaComm Shirley J. Eagles Scholarship

 

Must be a member or child of a member of SeaComm Federal Credit Union with a gpa of 85+

2 @ $1,000 ea.

Applications are in the Guidance Office or may be found @ www.seacomm.org

4/2/07

Seaway Valley Dietetic Assoc. - Denise L. Hotaling Scholarship

 

Any Sr. that is entering in a Health Care Field

$200.00 - $300.00

 

3/9/07

Sgt. Chad Fuller Memorial Scholarship

 

Sr. must plan to pursue a career in either Forestry or Veterinary Science at one of the following schools: Paul Smith's College, SUNY Canton, Wanakena, & Lemoyne.

$250.00

Applications are in the Guidance Office

1/18/07

St. Lawrence County Busines and Professional Women's Organization - The Hattie Boyce Memorial Scholarship

 

Any Sr. with a cumulative average of 87 or better and furthering my education in the business or professional field.

 

Applications are in the guidance office

3/1/07

St. Lawrence County Magistrates - Roger Favro Memorial Scholarship

 

Any Sr. who will attend college next year to prepare for a career related to law and have a 85+ gpa.

$500.00

Applications are in the Guidance Office.

3/5/07

St. Lawrence County Scholarships for Professional Education in Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Optometry & Veterinary Medicine

 

This program offers up to six scholarships per year for professional education in the fields of medicine, dentistry, nursing, optometry and veterinary medicine at approved schools within the U.S.

$1,000 per year up to 4 years

 

3/20/07

St. Lawrence County Trappers Association Scholarship

 

Any senior and St. Lawrence County resident who will be attending college in a natural resource management curriculum.

$500

Scholarships are in the Guidance Office

2/13/07

SUNY Potsdam Scholars Program

 

Sr.'s with a mininmum GPA of 90 or minimum SAT score of 1100 (CR & Math) or minimum ACT score of 24 and must have history of participation & leadership in extracurricular activities and community service

$1,000 yearly

applications are in the guidance office

10/16/06

SUNY Potsdam's Mt. Emmons Scholarhsip

 

Sr.'s with a mininmum H.S. GPA of 92 & SAT score of 1300 (CR & Math) or minimum ACT score of 29 and must have history of participation & leadership in extracurricular activities and community service

$1,000 yearly

Students must apply to SUNY Potsdam by 2/15/2007 to enroll fulltime and applications are in the guidance office

10/16/06

The Nihanawate Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution American History Award

 

Graduating senior with the highest average in American History

Certificate and Bronze Medal

Students are nominated by the Guidance Office

4/17/07

The North Country Goes Green Irish Festival Scholarships

 

Any senior pursuing a college degree.

$1,000

Applications are in the Guidance Office

2/12/07

Toyota Community Scholars

 

Sr. with a gpa of 3.0 or better, be actively involved in a service organization or project that has a positive impact on the school and/or community, plan to attend a 4 year college in the U.S., be a U.S. citizen

$10,000 or $20,000

Interested students should inform Ms. Scudder. Only 1 senior will be nominated by Ms. Scudder

9/25/06

Worthogs M/C St. Lawrence Chapter LE Scholarship

 

Any senior with an interest in furthering his/her education in the field of law enforcement

$500

Application are in the Guidance Office

3/22/07

Zonta Gwen Putnam Scholarship

 

Sr. with a distinguished academic record.

 

Applications are in the Guidance Office

11/21/06

Zonta Jean M. Coons Humanitarian Scholarship

 

For Jr's or Sr's with outstanding community service

$250.00

Applications are in the Guidance Office

11/21/06

Zonta Mille Post Scholarship

 

Sr. showing good leadership skills and dedication to service.

 

Applications are in the Guidance Office

11/21/06

Zonta Young Women in Public Affairs Scholarship

 

Sr. woman who will enter a four year college and seek a career in policy making, government, or a volunteer organization.

$250.00

Applications are in the Guidance Office

11/21/06

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College Costs: Extracurricular


You may have already calculated tuition bills and costs for room and board. Yet the hidden costs of college — from pizza to airfare, from library fines to laundry money — can easily add up to another $2,000 per year.


To get a handle on those extras, you'll want to put together a monthly budget that estimates your costs. Be sure to include:

  • Books: Book costs vary widely, depending on your courses. Call your bookstore to get early warning of book prices for your various classes.
  • Transportation and travel: If you commute, figure in car insurance, gas and parking fees. Some colleges offer free parking, while others may charge more than $100 for a permit. Don't forget to include the cost of holiday travel. Often you can cut these costs by carpooling or shopping around for special saver or student rates on airfare.
  • General food: Dorm dwellers may have a pre-paid college cafeteria plan, while students living off-campus may pay their food bills on a weekly basis. Either way, it's good to figure out how much you'll spend at the grocery store and in restaurants.
  • Appliances and utilities: Apartment dwellers usually have utility bills: gas, electric, heat and water. On-campus students face different charges: mini-refrigerator rental fees, for example, can range from $35 to $120.
  • To limit phone bills, consider getting a pre-paid phone card with a set amount of calling time to limit long-winded and expensive phone calls. For staying in touch on the cheap, see if your school offers free Internet access and e-mail.
  • Personal supplies: Remember when things like soap, toilet paper, makeup and laundry detergent were just there? It's easy to forget these when you're planning your budget, but they add up. Washing your clothes at a coin Laundromat, for example, will run you $1 to $2 per load per week.
  • Fraternity or sorority dues: Charges vary widely, depending on the school and chapter. Budget $30 per month minimum, although $50 fees and more are likely. However, Greek life can have an upside; if you live in a house, the dues sometimes cover extras like laundry, social activities and access to a computer lab.
  • Printing, copy and computer costs: Stock up on printer paper and floppy discs at a discount store before the school year starts (on-campus supply stores often charge many times the going rate). You'll not only save money, you'll avoid last-minute exam week supply crises.
  • Magazines and newspapers: Consider using your local or campus library before paying for a subscription. Otherwise, get a limited subscription that covers either weekdays or weekends only.
  • Entertainment: Prioritize your recreational activities. What extracurricular activities are really important to you? Keeping them in mind will help you turn down other offers.

How much you spend depends on your skill at finding bargains and setting spending limits for yourself. Resist the urge to tap your folks for money too often. College is a good testing ground for your budgeting skills. Make the most of your experience!

Adapted from Fastweb.com
 

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Top Ten Tips for Winning Scholarship Applications


Before you submit your scholarship application, check out these tips:

Tip #1: Apply only if you are eligible. 
Read all the scholarship requirements and directions carefully and make sure you're eligible before you send in your application.

Tip #2: Complete the application in full. 
If a question doesn't apply, note that on the application. Don't just leave a blank. Be sure to supply all additional supporting material, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation and essays.

Tip #3: Follow directions. 
Provide everything that's required. But don't supply things that aren't requested—you could be disqualified.

Tip #4: Neatness counts. 
Always type your application, or if you must print, do so neatly and legibly. Make a couple of photocopies of all the forms before you fill them out. Use the copies as working drafts as you develop your application packet.

Tip #5: Write an essay that makes a strong impression. 
The key to writing a strong essay is to be personal and specific. Include concrete details to make your experience come alive: the "who," "what," "where," and "when" of your topic. The simplest experience can be monumental if you present honestly how you were affected.

Tip #6: Watch all deadlines. 
To help keep yourself on track, impose your own deadline that is at least two weeks prior to the official deadline. Use the buffer time to make sure everything is ready on time. Don't rely on extensions—very few scholarship providers allow them at all.

Tip #7: Make sure your application gets where it needs to go. 
Put your name (and Social Security number, if applicable) on all pages of the application. Pieces of your application may get lost unless they are clearly identified.

Tip #8: Keep a back-up file in case anything goes wrong. 
Before sending the application, make a copy of the entire packet. If your application goes astray, you'll be able to reproduce it quickly.

Tip #9: Give it a final "once-over." 
Proofread the entire application carefully. Be on the lookout for misspelled words or grammatical errors. Ask a friend, teacher or parent to proofread it as well.

Tip #10: Ask for help if you need it. 
If you have problems with the application, don't hesitate to call the funding organization.

Adapted from Fastweb.com

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Scholarship Scam Alert


Guess what? You're a "finalist" for a scholarship. And you never even applied! Too good to be true? Probably so! The sad truth is that there are scammers out there—posing as scholarship providers or scholarship matching services— who take your money and leave you with nothing. The good news is, you can protect yourself from scholarship scams by following these tips.

Know Your Scams: Scams come in many flavors, but there are a few typical moves you should be aware of:

  • The phony scholarship: You receive a notice about a scholarship that promises you cash. All you need to do is pay the registration fee. So why not apply? Because there is no award. Or there is one small award used to lure you in.
  • The phony scholarship matching service: Pay a fee, and they'll do all the work. They'll find information that you can't get anywhere else! Not only that, they will guarantee that you'll win. The outcome? You never hear from them again or (even more frustrating) you receive a list of inappropriate or defunct awards. And forget your money-back guarantee: The company is long gone.
  • The phony educational loan: a low-interest loan in exchange for an up-front fee. You pay the fee, but never receive the loan.
  • The phony free financial-aid seminar: a thinly disguised sales pitch for a bogus scholarship search or insurance offer.

Scam Warning Signs:

  • The fee. Your best rule of thumb: Financial aid should never cost you. Never invest anything beyond the cost of a postage stamp in your search for financial aid.
  • The "money-back guarantee"—especially if the company tries to "guarantee" that you will win an award.
  • Credit card verification. If they ask for a checking account or credit card number—for "verification" or to "confirm eligibility"—stop listening. Scammers use this ploy to get your financial information and then drain your account or run up charges on your credit card.

 

 

 

What's Legit:

What's Not:

A legitimate scholarship provider sends information about awards only after you request it.

A scammer offers you an award for which you did not apply.

A legitimate scholarship organization makes its contact information available, including a telephone number and address.

A scammer refuses to release the company's telephone number, and provides only a P.O. Box where you can mail your check.

A legitimate scholarship matching company never guarantees that the student will win an award, and they never promise to "do all the work" for the student.

A scammer promises to do all the work for the students—filling out the application, contacting the scholarship provider, securing the award. A scammer guarantees you will win an award.

A legitimate scholarship matching company knows that financial aid information is FREE and readily available in financial aid offices, libraries and on the Internet.

A scammer will tell you that you can't get the information they supply anywhere else.

A legitimate scholarship application requires only information that is relevant to the award.

A scammer requires personal financial information—such as credit card numbers or checking account numbers—to "verify" or "hold the scholarship."

A legitimate educational loan company deducts fees from your disbursement checks; they don't collect the money up front.

A scammer charges an up-front fee for a loan.

And remember: Don't be fooled by an "official sounding" name. Just because a company uses words like "National," "Federal," "Foundation" or "Administration" in its title doesn't mean it is a legit operation.

What to Do If You Suspect a Scam

  1. Document all your dealings with any company that you suspect of fraud. Include details about the offer, your response and the dates of your communications.
  2. Take notes during any telephone conversations with these organizations. Record the date and time of the conversation, the name of the person with whom you spoke and a detailed account of your conversation.
  3. Report them! Any of the following organizations can help:

National Fraud Information Center (NFIC)

Call their toll-free hotline at 1-800-876-7060, submit a complaint online at www.fraud.org or write:

National Fraud Information Center 
c/o National Consumers League 
1701 K Street, NW 
Suite 1200 
Washington, DC 20006

 

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

To report suspected fraud, call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357), submit a complaint online at www.ftc.gov or write

Federal Trade Commission 
CRC-240 
600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW 
Washington, DC 20580

State Attorney General's Office : File your complaint with the Bureau of Consumer Protection in your state.

Better Business Bureau (BBB)

Report business fraud, ask for information about a company or request the BBB's publications about scholarship scams: BBB Warning: Scholarship Search Services (July/August 1994) and Tips for Consumers from your Better Business Bureau (Scholarships, March 1996). Call 1-703-276-0100, contact online at www.bbb.org or write:

Council of Better Business Bureaus 
4200 Wilson Blvd., Suite 800 
Arlington, VA 22203-1838

You can find more information online at www.bbb.org/library/scholarships.asp.

Note: Complaints cannot be mailed in.

US Postal Inspection Service (USPIS)

For complaints involving mail fraud, call the Postal Crime Hotline at 1-800-654-8896, submit a complaint online at www.usps.gov/postalinspectors/fraud/welcome.htm or write:

Inspection Service Operations Support Group 
Attention: Mail Fraud 
222 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 1250 
Chicago, IL 60606

To learn more about financial aid and scholarship scams, check out:

This has been adapted from Fastweb.com

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