Ok, parents, grandparents, friends or just casual acquaintances of high school seniors, it is DCCF scholarship time. We sent the application to all the local schools just last week.

The packet includes 18 scholarships you can apply for directly through one application and information on a handful more that need separate applications. The scholarships range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. They are for all types of schools and educational programs. This means if you arenít planning on going to the traditional four year degree school there are options for you, too.

I understand that depending upon your relationship; your input can either be viewed as well meaning or nagging. When I talk to students, I try to pass on some helpful hints. I will share them with you. Read through all the descriptions and highlight anything that you can apply for. Complete the entire application. This is important, because we throw out any application that is not complete. I tell them all to proofread the application, because that second set of eyes may pick-up things you miss. The last thing and probably the most important, apply. If you don’t apply, you canít win.

Since we are talking scholarships, I am often asked about certain types of scholarships. All the DCCF scholarships have been established by a donor with a specific reason. Many of those donors give scholarships to honor a loved one. Some donors give for the love of their community and some give for the pure love education. These scholarships are not something to be taken for granted. The fact that these individuals made their choices gives our students wonderful privileges. If your student wins, they should thank the donor.

When each donor establishes a scholarship, the DCCF works with them to create a plan on how the scholarship is going to be administered. First we develop the criteria. The criterion usually includes what school you attend, the GPA, career plans, college plans, volunteer activities, essays and financial need. The criterion is ranked on what is most important to that donor. The donor then helps decide the committee that will determine the scholarship committee. A selection committee uses that ranking to select the student who will receive the scholarship. The DCCF Board of Directors has final approval over the recipient.

The application is due Monday, March 1 at 4 p.m. Now for what may be the least heeded advice, don’t wait until the last minute. Each application needs a transcript. While the students have great counselors, they need a couple of days to get things ready. Because this is the least used piece of advice, for the safety of all involved, if you happen to be around Main and Broadway between 3 and 4 that day, please watch for the line of students walking into our office.

No matter who you are or what you are looking for, if you have any questions, about the scholarship call us at 662-6364.