Sir Winston Churchill students are no stranger to scholarships. Including all scholarships won, Churchill kids earned well into the millions of dollars, allowing them to attend universities and other post secondary schools around the world.
For this reason, we have two teachers, Ms. Fleming and Ms. Blackburn, will be helping our students get the most scholarship "bang" for the effort!
Scholarships are given to students to recognize and celebrate outstanding achievement in a high school program of studies and a student’s contribution to the school/ and or community. Some scholarships also consider financial need. Scholarships are awarded to assist students in their pursuit of a post-secondary education.
Grade 10 is the beginning of developing your academic and extra-curricular activity profile. Many scholarships are now awarded based upon achievements during your Grade 10 and Grade 11 year only. Be sure to keep an accurate record of all your extra-curricular involvement during your high school years. Record dates, length of time, nature of involvement and contact person.
Check D2L Scholarship shell to see scholarships and their details.
Scholarship Tips - Grade 10
- Get involved with your school and community
- Start looking at post-secondary programs
- Start researching scholarships and set realistic goals
- Volunteer
- Keep a resume including your employment and your volunteer placements
- Keep track of the volunteer hours you accumulate during each of your high school years
Activity Profile
Begin your scholarship application process immediately, by compiling an activity profile that summarizes your extra-curricular involvement through your high school years. Include information about the activity and the time commitment.
The following formats may be used as a guide:
Grade 10
| One-time Activity | Short-term Activity | Long-term Activity |
| Attendance at conference(s), Model Parliament, volunteer at Blood Donor Clinic, etc. | Indicate time commitment in hours/weeks and weeks/year (i.e., 1/wk for 4/wks.) (i.e., Grad Committee, Tennis Club, Camp Counsellor, etc.) | Indicate time commitment in hours/weeks and weeks/years (i.e., Yearbook Editor, Peer Support Team, Football Team, etc.) |
OR
| Grade 10 Activities | Time Commitment
Hrs/Month Month/Year |
Volleyball Team
Model Parliament
Future Conference | 48 hrs. 2 months
6 hrs. 1 month
6 hrs. 1 day
|
Looking for Scholarships
- Looking for scholarships to apply for is really like a part-time job for students
- There are 1000s of different scholarships– you need to find scholarships for which you fit the criteria
- Students need to be self-advocators with initiative to self-identify what scholarships fit their circumstances.
Scholarships & Awards
Start to prepare for eligibility in Grade 10:
- Get involved in extracurricular activities, community service and volunteer work
- Most scholarship programs have other criteria along with academic excellence
- Financial need is often a criterion
Listen to school announcements, read the Churchillian, check out the school monitors and the website- all important scholarship information is posted there!!
Arrange to see Ms. Fleming or Ms. Blackburn
- To pick up application forms and get further information well in advance of deadline dates, as often scholarships require letters of reference, school reports, transcripts, etc.
Students apply for most scholarships in Grade 12. Student Loans, CBE Awards are processed in the spring of the applicant’s Grade 12 year. Rutherford is available in July.
If you have any questions or concerns contact Ms. Ms. Fleming or Ms. Blackburn.
Start Early
A good resume including:
- education
- work experience (include time commitment)
- volunteer experience (include time commitment)
- leadership in school/community (include time commitment)
- personal interests and activities (include time commitment)
- awards and honours received in school and community
- special skills and talents
Once your resume is done, you can have it available as you fill in your applications to make the process more efficient
5 Steps to Winning Scholarships
1 | Search
- There are thousands of scholarships, awards and grants available to help finance your education! Many scholarships are awarded on academic achievement. However, other awards are awarded for athletic involvement, leadership, community service, area of interest and the institution you plan on attending.
- Visit the ALIS Scholarships website to find various scholarships and awards.
- Check out the post-secondary institution you plan to attend for possible scholarships and entrance awards.
- Search online using a free search tool like Studentawards.com (login required).
- Talk to your parents and/or relatives – they may be members of a club or organization or their employer may offer awards to family members.
2 | Apply
- Complete the appropriate scholarship application form. Keep a copy.
- Do you meet the requirements as outlined on the application?
- Apply and submit your application before the deadline
- Keep extra letters of recommendation and transcripts on hand (it will save you time when applying for more than one award.
- Follow-up with award sponsor before the deadline to make sure your application was received.
3 | Write the Essay
- Write that essay; if an essay is a requirement.
- Give yourself plenty of time.
- Read the instructions carefully, and seek advice from a family member, friend, teacher or counsellor.
- Go for quality, rather than quantity.
- Use clear and concise language and avoid the use of slang.
- Proofread! Better still, have someone read and proofread your essay.
- Keep a copy on file - with a few changes you may be able to use it for another scholarship.
4 | Get the Money
- Make sure you meet all the conditions to receive the money: full-time enrollment, maintaining residency, institution you are attending, etc.
- If you move, advise the scholarship donor of your new address.
- If you are required to attend an awards ceremony, luncheon, etc., be there, be gracious and dress appropriately.
- Thank the donor, when appropriate.
5. Maintain Your Scholarship Potential
- Keep your marks, athletics, leadership and volunteer work at an outstanding level and continue to look for scholarships as you progress through your studies.
- Be positive. Believe in yourself and in your chances of winning a scholarship. It takes hard work and time, but the rewards are well worth the effort.
Alexander Rutherford High School Achievement Scholarship
Alexander Rutherford had the distinction of being Alberta’s first Premier. He was known for his strong support of public education, particularly the University of Alberta, and his active involvement in community affairs. This scholarship named in his honour, rewards exceptional academic achievement at the senior high school level and encourages students to pursue post-secondary studies.
More Information
Career and Technology Scholarships
CTS scholarships are awarded on the basis of the number of CTS modules completed and the marks achieved in these CTS modules. To be eligible to apply for this award, students must have earned a minimum of 20 credits with a minimum 70% average in Career & Technology Studies. Five of the 20 credits must be at the advanced level. The number of CTS scholarships varies each year according to the number of Grade 12 students registered.
Industry & Private Sponsor Scholarships
There is a wide range of scholarships available to students. If the applications are received by the school, these will be advertised. Students are welcome to peruse scholarship applications, which are kept in the scholarship file cabinet in the student services area. Relevant scholarships and information about scholarships are presented to each grade level twice yearly, once in the fall and once in the early spring.
Post-Secondary Scholarships
Scholarship information for university, college or technical schools is available in student services beginning in the fall of a student’s Grade 12 year.
