Funding
Scholarships
OI does not endorse any specific plan or offering. The intent is to make everyone aware that there are many resources that go untapped. Millions of dollars go unused as the opportunities are not pursued. More opportunities will be shared as OI becomes aware of them. Additionally, consult with local organizations, professional groups, ethnic groups, and religious groups for scholarship programs.
For more information, please refer to the college advisement handbook.
Best Mattress Scholarship
This scholarship is intended to be used for tuition during the 2018-19 school year.
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Amount Awarded – $1,000
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Deadline – May 19th, 2018
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Non-Renewable – However, BestMattressReviews.com will run a new scholarship every year.
BestMattressReviews.com is looking for creative video applications that answer the following two questions:
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How important is sleep as a public health issue? Sleep has gotten a lot of coverage in the last few years and we’d like to know how you think it stacks up and why you feel that way. Please use research and statistics to back up your opinions.
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Describe your current relationship with sleep and assess the quality of that relationship. Research and cover at least two to three ways you think you should change your lifestyle/sleep hygiene habits to improve your sleep health and how you plan to implement them over the next year of your life.
For more information on eligibility, application requirements and the application process, click the more information button.
Pell Grants
A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid as they are a subsidy of the U.S. federal government providing funding for students with financial need. Federal Pell Grants usually are awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s or a professional degree.
Financial Aid
Unfortunately as one considers the excitement of pursuing higher education, paying for that education is always a primary concern. Though there are no guarantees, it may be comforting to know that there are many resources for aid so please do not be deterred nor discouraged by the cost of college. Also do not omit a college based upon tuition costs. Many schools have numerous forms of aid and endowments supporting those who need assistance.
One may find it surprising that tuition is often lower at prestigious universities than state schools due to endowments at these schools. Colleges seek top students and will find a way to assist you. Always pursue financial assistance and do not exclude any school, or make a decision, until you have seen the financial packages from the various schools to which you were accepted.
Every student must apply for aid each year, which is initiated by completing a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at www.fafsa.ed.gov . Scholars and parents may retrieve their PIN number at www.pin.ed.gov . Check with your school as to the process and whether they have a form to complete as well.
Check with your school as to whether they require a College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS Profile). About 300 colleges require both the FAFSA and the CSS Profile. The CSS Profile may be completed at https://student.collegeboard.org/css-financial-aid-profile .
A nice offering of the steps for FAFSA may be found at https://www.finaid.ucsb.edu/Media/FAFSASimplification/step1.html .
Forms that may assist in completing the FAFSA:
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Driver’s License and Social Security Card
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Tax returns
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W-2 forms
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Records of any sources of income, trusts, businesses, investments, and/or benefits
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Bank statements
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Mortgage / real estate holdings
Consult your specific school as to the process, timeline, and requirements for financial aid, grants, work- study, and scholarships.
Beginning and completing your FAFSA: https://fafsa.ed.gov/
FAFSA Changes
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has information explaining the types of aid, eligibility and how to estimate your aid. There are changes
for the 2017-2018 year, which effectively shifts college planning one whole year earlier for families. For more information, click here.