3/30/15

Busey Scholarship

NEW Scholarship!

Deadline: April 30, 2015

Amount: $1000

Busey Community Reinvestment Act Advisory Committee Scholarship

Link to application: http://www.busey.com/home/fiFiles/static/documents/CRA_IN.pdf

Good Luck!

3/20/15

Black Pearls Blog Tours: Intimate Conversation with Shay Spivey

Black Pearls Blog Tours: Intimate Conversation with Shay Spivey, financial ...: Intimate Conversation with Shay Spivey Shay Spivey, BSW, MSW is a scholarship and financial aid advisor specializing in helping students...

Featured Article: EDC Magazine

Check this out!

Shay Spivey, author of "How to Submit a Winning Scholarship Application",

featured on EDC Magazine - Black Pearls Blog Tours!

Article:

Intimate Conversation with Shay Spivey, Financial Aid Advisor

Article @ fb.me/1UqwOfEac

2/18/15

New Financial Aid Resource Guides

New Financial Aid Resource Guides!
Learn more at:

1.
How to Submit a Winning Scholarship Application
Link: amzn.to/Wrnot7

2.
How to Find Scholarships and Free Financial Aid for Private High Schools:
Link: www.amazon.com/Find-Scholarships-Financial-Private-Schools/dp/099157608X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1424101056&sr=8-1

2/6/15

Big Gap in College Graduation Rates for Rich and Poor, Study Finds

Big Gap in College Graduation Rates for Rich and Poor, Study Finds

New Report from the University of Pennsylvania and the Pell Institute for Study of Opportunity in Higher Education

College completion rates are soaring among wealthy students, but there’s a disturbing trend among students from low-income families.

MELISSA KORN

Updated Feb. 3, 2015 7:53 p.m. ET

College completion rates for wealthy students have soared in 40 years but barely budged for low-income students, leading to a yawning gap in educational attainment between rich and poor that could have long-lasting implications for the socioeconomic divide.

In 2013, 77% of adults from families in the top income quartile earned at least bachelor’s degrees by the time they turned 24, up from 40% in 1970, according to a new report from the University of Pennsylvania’s Alliance for Higher Education and Democracy and the Pell Institute for the Study of Opportunity in Higher Education. But 9% of people from the lowest income bracket did the same in 2013, up from 6% in 1970.

“Education is one of the levers that we have in place to address income inequality. It offers the promise of achieving the American dream,” said Laura Perna, executive director of the Penn program. Yet the study’s findings suggest that “education isn’t fully living up to this promise.”

One small sign of progress is that more poor students are enrolling in college than they did 40 years ago. Forty-five percent of dependent 18- to 24-year-olds from the lowest income quartile—with family income of $34,160 or less—enrolled in college in 2012, up from 28% in 1970. While the college enrollment rate of the highest-income students—with family income of $108,650 or more—also increased, to 81% from 74%, the gap between the two did shrink.

Still, most of the poor students who pursue college degrees fail to make it all the way to graduation. About one in five college students from the lowest income bracket completed a bachelor’s degree by age 24 in 2013, about flat with the 1970 figure. Among students from top-earning families, meanwhile, 99% of students who enrolled completed their degrees, up from 55% in 1970.

College access has been a major area of focus for the federal government and individual schools, with such initiatives as free campus visits and application assistance for low-income students. The Obama administration’s fiscal 2016 budget plan calls for $860 million to fund its major college-readiness programs, as well as more than $300 million for GEAR UP, which targets low-income students specifically.

But keeping poor students on track once they’re at college remains a challenge. That’s due in part to academic issues, since those students’ high schools may not have prepared them for the rigors of a college course load, as well as financial ones.

Federal Pell Grants, which are directed to the neediest students, have been covering a smaller share of overall college costs in recent years. While the maximum amount, $4,690, took care of more than half the bill for average tuition, room and board in 1974, Pell funding has remained fairly flat. In 2012, the maximum $5,550 award covered just 27% of those expenses.

While the report focuses on college access and completion, one thing it doesn’t cover is whether there would be jobs for those students if everyone actually got a bachelor’s degree, said Neal McCluskey, associate director of the Center for Educational Freedom at the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank.

“If we were to get everybody through a bachelor’s degree, where in the workforce would they be absorbed?” he asked, noting that many current college graduates are already working in jobs that don’t require such degrees.

Link: http://www.wsj.com/articles/big-gap-in-college-graduation-rates-for-rich-and-poor-study-finds-1422997677

1/7/15

Free Scholarship and Financial Aid Series Workshop

12/21/14

Financial Access to Education Project

PROJECT

Financial Access to Education Project

WEBSITE

Financialaccesstoeducation.blogspot.com

MISSION

Donating scholarship and financial aid guides to under-served public high schools.

PROJECT SUMMARY

Financial aid and scholarship education is needed in under-served public high schools.

The problem:

Many students cannot afford to attend college but qualify for financial aid. Unfortunately, most students do not understand the application process? Financial aid and scholarship education is missing in our under-served public high schools. Students know that earning a college degree would change their lives for the better, but face major financial barriers. Students and parents interested in attending college desperately want to understand and apply for college scholarships but lack the guidance.

The Solution:

Now there is an easy-to-ready guide about applying for scholarships and financial aid for high school and college students, families, teachers, counselors and anyone interested in learning more about free money to pay for college.

Valuable Guide:

How to Submit a Winning Scholarship Application: Secret Techniques I Used to Win $100,000 in College Scholarships (2014) was written by a social worker that shares her proven tips and techniques that helped her win on $100,000 in college scholarships and free financial aid toward her own undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Following is the table of contents:

Is College Worth it?
The Importance of Scholarships and Free Financial Aid
Understanding Scholarships and Free Financial Aid
Ten Tips & Techniques for Submitting a Winning Scholarship Application
Technique #1 - Start Early
Technique #2 - Get Organized
Technique #3 - Where to Find Scholarships
Technique #4 - The Personal Statement
Technique #5 - Letter of Recommendation
Technique #6 - Academic Resume
Technique #7 – Order Your Transcripts
Technique #8 - Follow Instructions/Meet the Deadline
Technique #9 - Community Service and Volunteer Experience
Technique #10 - Always Say Thank You
Addressing Challenges
What to Avoid
Resources

WHAT WE DO

Funding will go towards purchasing and distributing books to under-served public high schools, where they are most needed. One book will be donated to a high school library, media center, or college resource center for use by students, families, teachers, counselors and anyone interested in learning more about free money to pay for college.

In addition, the book donation will include a letter highlighting the donation and the donors.

A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR

As a scholarship winner and first generation college graduate, I have developed proven tips and techniques that helped me win over $100,000 in college scholarships and free financial aid. As a proven expert and professional consultant in my respective field, I am devoted to helping others find, apply, and win free money to go to college. That is why it is important to get this guide into the hands of the people who need it the most: Students.

Response to a need

I saw a need for scholarship and financial aid education in under-served public high schools for students in need of financial aid to attend college. In response, I wrote a book that breaks down the scholarship application process in an easy-to-read format. I am a new author and a professional social worker. I work for the love of helping others.

I wish I had this book when I was graduating from a public high school and trying to figure out a way to pay for college. I wish I had this book before I ever signed a student loan contract. If I had the extra personal funds today I would put this book in the hands of every student that needed it. That is where YOU come in. Please help me in my effort to change the world by helping students financially access education.

BUDGET

$1,000 from the Awesome Foundation will support 50 book donations.

$14.99 per book

$1.05 7% sales tax per book

$3.99 Shipping and handling per book

Subtotal = $20.03 book donation

12/15/14

Wealth Gap Widens

Question:

Why are #Minority #Scholarships important?

Answer:

Massive wealth gap between whites and other racial and ethnic groups has reached record levels.

________________________________________________________________

Link: money.cnn.com/2014/12/12/news/economy/wealth-by-race-pew/

The Great Recession hit all Americans hard, but only whites have seen their wealth rise during the recent recovery.

And that's widening the already massive wealth gap between whites and other racial and ethnic groups to near record levels.

White households' median wealth ticked up to $141,900 in 2013, up 2.4% from three years earlier, according to a Pew Research Center report released Friday.

Net worth for black households dropped by a third during that time to $11,000. Hispanic families experienced a 14% decline in wealth to $13,700.

Whites have 13 times the net worth of blacks, the largest wealth gap that's existed since George H.W. Bush was president in 1989. The ratio of net worth between whites and

Hispanics now stands at more than 10, the widest it has been since 2001...

12/6/14

2014 Indianapolis Recorder Article

Link:

http://www.indianapolisrecorder.com/education/article_754cd212-7bc5-11e4-9429-3378c3f36fb8.html#.VIMXoYEor9s.twitter

Indianapolis Recorder

Thursday, December 4, 2014

By VICTORIA DAVIS

Indy native nets $100K in college scholarships

More than five years ago, Shay Spivey of Indianapolis juggled two young children and a low-paying job with very little opportunity to advance.

She desired to return to college to earn a bachelor’s degree after failing to complete her program several years ago following high school. However, every employment position she desired required a college degree, which Spivey knew she couldn’t afford at the time.

After countless hours of research she was awarded over $100,000 in scholarships to continue her education. Today Spivey holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree and works as a mental health and addictions counselor.

Recently, she released her book, "How to Submit A Winning Scholarship Application - Secret Techniques I used to Win $100,000 in College Scholarships" and the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper got a chance to chat with her about her scholarship journey.

What was your initial purpose of seeking scholarships?

Were you in a financially unstable situation or were you simply looking for alternative ways to pay for your higher education?

For me it was no money, no college. Honestly, my situation was being a single parent and working at a low income job. I really wanted to get my degree. I felt stagnant, going nowhere with no opportunities.

How did your search process begin?

With two kids and finance issues, I knew paying out of pocket wasn’t an option so I started researching. I used to spend my lunch break at the library and I always had a book in my hand. As I started reading I realized I truly didn’t know much about scholarships. I started a year in advance and said I was going to give it my all.

Did you believe you would be rewarded more than $100,000?

No, I had no idea and was awarded the money over a course of time. I always encourage people to not skip over the small scholarships. The smaller ones are worth it too and add up. Most people look at those and think they aren’t worth their time so as a result; many people aren’t applying for them. I had quite a few $500 scholarships but a secret I talk about in the book is maintaining a relationship with scholarship organizations. Some key organizations gave me money year after year.

What type of effort and time did it take?

I treated it like a part-time job in the evenings. Eventually I had to map out time because I was in school but needed to begin preparing for the following year. As I got going it was an hour in the evening five days a week. A lot of my scholarships were community service scholarships and many were based off of philanthropy and giving back.

What are some of the misconceptions of applying for scholarships?

The biggest complaint is writing an essay. The way I encourage individuals is by telling them “The essay is about you and nobody can tell your story better than you. It’s your thoughts, your hopes and your dreams.” You need to be able to explain to someone in writing what’s in your head and your heart and why you want to go to school. It’s encouraging and motivating. That writing piece is how they get to know you.

Throughout your research process you’ve gained money to further your education, how do you plan to give that back to the community?

My goal is to help families and individuals go to school without acquiring serious student loan debt. The challenge is, many aren’t taught anything about scholarships and if parents didn’t attend college, it’s hard to teach their kids about scholarships. I read an article that said there is 9 billion in state money for students to go to college. I want to connect people with that money. Education is the key out of poverty.

When did the idea for a book develop and what should readers expect?

I started a scholarship advisor program in 2009 that started off as a blog. The book came because I was giving people one-on-one attention but I wanted to reach a broader audience. I want my community to have access to that 9 billion dollars and learn how to navigate the scholarship system. My goal is to not only help young students but those like me who have children. I knew for the first time in my life I was on the right path because everything fell into place and it wasn’t hard.

For more information about Shay Spivey and her book “How to Submit a Winning Scholarship Application,” visit amazon.com or follow her on Twitter @ShayMSpivey.

12/4/14

List of Women Scholarships

Women Scholarships

11/30/14

Advancing access to higher education

Advancing access to higher education!

Shay Spivey, BSW, MSW

Author of

"How to Submit a Winning Scholarship Application" (2014)

Buy on Amazon today:

amzn.to/Wrnot7

11/10/14

FREE Sample Personal Statement!

What is a Personal Statement?The personal statement or essay is an important part of the application process. In an essay format applicants can tell their personal story. I encourage applicants to start writing early because this is a process. The writing process will help applicants think about, and answer, questions like:

Why am I returning to college?
Where am I coming from? Where do I want to go?
Why do I want to study in this particular field?
What are my goals and aspirations?

~Shay Spivey

__________________________________________________________________

SAMPLE PERSONAL STATEMENT OUTLINE

Your name
Your address
City, State, Zip
Phone number
Email address

BRIEF INTRODUCTION
Introduce yourself
Why do you want to go/return to college?
Are you a first generation college student? Adult student?

ACADEMIC GOALS:
What are your academic goals?
Which degree are you seeking?
What is your expected graduation date?
Where are you enrolled? GPA (if good)?
What have you already completed?

CAREER GOALS:
What are your career goals?
What are you working towards?
Why?
In what way will you give back
or reach back in the community?

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
You may want to think of a personal experience that has helped shape who you are.
Have you had to overcome a big obstacle?
What is a dream or goal that is currently motivating you?
Did you overcome a hardship in your life?
Did you serve in the military? What branch? For how long? Were
you deployed?
Employment – how many days and hours do you work?
Are you involved in community service? Extra-curricular activities?

FINANCIAL NEED
How will this scholarship help with your educational goals?
Financial need?

________________________________________________________

Download FREE sample personal statement at:
http://www.ncmpublishing.com/uploads/7/2/1/7/7217233/sample_personal_statement_outline.pdf

11/6/14

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Local Author Shay Spivey Debuts Book Release How to Submit A Winning Scholarship Application - Secret Techniques I used to Win $100,000 in College Scholarships

Contact: Kolanda Scott 702-527-1424/CharmKommunications@gmail.com

Indianapolis, Indiana Nov. 6 - Local Author Shay Spivey, scholarship expert, IUPUI Alumni and winner of over 100,000 in scholarship money will debut her book How to Submit A Winning Scholarship Application, Nov. 13, 2014 which is a new book release by the NCM publishing group. The official book launch event is sponsored by Indiana University School of Social Work and IUPUI Office of Scholarships, IUPUI Multicultural Center. The event will be hosted by Barns & Noble at IUPUI from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. and is open to the public. Admission is free.

Spivey, BSW, MSW is a scholarship and financial aid advisor specializing in helping students understand and prepare to win scholarships for college. Spivey was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana and earned her Bachelor and Master of Social Work from Indiana University. She has studied scholarships and free financial aid extensively and developed a passion for helping others find free money for college. In her first book, How to Submit a Winning Scholarship Application, Spivey shares her proven tips and techniques that helped her win over $100,000 in college scholarships and free financial aid toward her own undergraduate and graduate degrees.

In How to Submit a Winning Scholarship Application: Secret Techniques I Used to Win $100,000 in College Scholarships, Shay Spivey outlines the documents that scholarship applications typically ask for and how to submit multiple applications quickly and efficiently. The book lists winning tips and techniques that give applicants an advantage. As an added bonus, the author provides sample outlines, scholarships essays, letters and a list of 15 alternative ways to pay for college.

Meet the Author, Shay Spivey at her book signing on Thursday, November 13, 2014. This educational event will take place at Barns & Noble at IUPUI, 420 University Blvd. Suite 155, Indianapolis, IN 46202. The event will be held from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. The author will be on hand to meet and greet, read from her book and sign books.

Shay Spivey is available for interview s and appearances. For booking presentations, media appearances, interviews and/or book-signings contact charmkommunications@gmail.com

###

Kolanda Scott

Charm Kommunications

702-527-1424

10/31/14

Official Book Launch Event

You are invited !

10/21/14

2 weeks until release...

Article

Parents pay the price for children’s student debt:

When Steven and Paula Bonney took out $115,000 in loans a decade ago to put their two daughters through school, it was more than they ever thought they’d have to borrow. But they expected to be debt-free at this point in their lives.

Like the Bonneys, 21% of parents took out college loans for their kids in 2011, a sharp increase from 13% in 1999, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. With middle-income families shouldering more student debt than low and high-income households, parents all over the country are making plans to work longer than ever before.Now, in their early 60s, any dreams they had of retirement are buried deep under a mound of debt...

Scholarship Advisor Program

Pages

3/30/15

Busey Scholarship

3/20/15

Black Pearls Blog Tours: Intimate Conversation with Shay Spivey

Featured Article: EDC Magazine

2/18/15

New Financial Aid Resource Guides

2/6/15

Big Gap in College Graduation Rates for Rich and Poor, Study Finds

1/7/15

Free Scholarship and Financial Aid Series Workshop

12/21/14

Financial Access to Education Project

12/15/14

Wealth Gap Widens

The Great Recession hit all Americans hard, but only whites have seen their wealth rise during the recent recovery.

12/6/14

2014 Indianapolis Recorder Article

12/4/14

List of Women Scholarships

Women Scholarships

11/30/14

Advancing access to higher education

11/10/14

FREE Sample Personal Statement!

11/6/14

Press Release

10/31/14

Official Book Launch Event

10/21/14

2 weeks until release...

Article

Parents pay the price for children’s student debt:

Blog Archive