College can be expensive, but what if there were thousands of dollars waiting for you— just for being a dedicated student, an athlete, or even someone with a unique hobby? Scholarships are one of the best-kept secrets to reducing student debt and making higher education more affordable. If you are a junior or senior at ETHS, now is the time to begin applying for scholarships. Countless scholarship opportunities are available based on academic achievement, community involvement, financial need, or creative talents. The key is knowing where to look and how to apply. In this article, you can find out how to apply for scholarships offered at ETHS to maximize your chances of securing free money for your education.
Many schools provide merit-based scholarships to reward students for their academic achievements, leadership skills, and extracurricular involvement. These scholarships are often awarded based on a student’s GPA, standardized test scores, and overall academic performance. In addition, some institutions offer scholarships for students who demonstrate exceptional talent in areas such as athletics, music, or the arts. When speaking with Joyce Anderson, one of the physical education teachers at ETHS, she mentioned scholarships for juniors and seniors. “If a student wants to do a sport in college, the school does offer a lot of scholarships for students who want to do sports,” she tells me. “The best thing a student can do is ask their coach; they’re the ones who are going to be able to contact schools and ask about scholarships.” However, these scholarships can be difficult to obtain. “They don’t just give money to anyone,” she mentions. “People who work hard and show up for practice every day have a better chance of receiving scholarships.” If you are looking for sports-based scholarships, email a teacher or coach who works in the Athletic Department; they are more than willing to help. Merit-based scholarships help reduce tuition costs and recognize students who have worked hard throughout their academic careers. By offering these awards, schools encourage students to maintain high academic standards and contribute to the school community in meaningful ways.
Need-based scholarships are another valuable opportunity for students who require financial assistance to afford higher education. These scholarships are typically awarded based on a family’s income, financial need, and unique circumstances that may impact a student’s ability to pay for college. The Office of College and Career Scholarships is very helpful when it comes to applying for scholarships, especially if they’re need-based. They work with students on scholarships and help assess whether or not they can receive financial aid. Many schools use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for these scholarships, ensuring that students from low-income backgrounds have access to quality education. At ETHS, filling out FAFSA is a requirement for graduation, and it has proven helpful for many students who have filled it out, even if it doesn’t give you a large amount of money. By offering need-based scholarships, schools promote equity and provide opportunities for students who may not otherwise have the means to pursue a college degree.
In addition to merit-based and need-based scholarships, many schools offer specialized scholarships for students with specific career goals, backgrounds, or affiliations. For example, some institutions provide scholarships for students pursuing degrees in education, STEM, or healthcare, encouraging students to enter high-demand fields. Majors that may need more applicants are more willing to give out money to those applying. Larger scholarships are also given out to STEM majors with a favorable resume. “Students can look for scholarships depending on their major. I know education majors are offering more money now because they need more teachers,” says Ms.Arey from College and Career Services. “The school has specific scholarships students can apply for. They offer ones for Math, English, and any other subject a student might be interested in.” Ms.Arey is one of the primary people at ETHS who helps students apply for scholarships and plan for college. Additionally, there are scholarships available for first-generation college students, minority students, and those involved in community service. These targeted scholarships help students achieve their academic and professional aspirations while fostering diversity and inclusion within the school community.
At ETHS, students have access to various resources for finding scholarships to fund their college education. If you’re interested in applying for scholarships, consider exploring the sports scholarships available at ETHS. You can also ask coaches about scholarship opportunities if you plan to play sports in college. Additionally, look into booster scholarships and those available for students with specific interests. College doesn’t have to feel like a distant dream. Utilizing the resources provided by the school and associated programs can help you achieve your goal of higher education.
