Take Advantage of Scholarships

By Ricardo Torres

Students need a lot of money to go through school. Costs of tuitions, fees, and books are high, and scholarships and grants – money awarded for academic success or special talents that does not need to be repaid – can help.

The College of Southern Nevada offers scholarship opportunities. Some are funded by the College and others are funded by outside sources.

Currently there are approximately 75 companies on the scholarship donor list at CSN including North Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Foundation Scholarship and American Culinary Federation Chefs of Las Vegas. Students can apply for scholarships throughout the year. Scholarship awards will vary.

According to the 2013 Scholarship Handbook, 2.8 billion dollars are awarded to 1.2 million students each year. The handbook is published by College Board, an organization responsible for distributing the SAT test.

CSN’s Student Financial Services in collaboration with CSN Foundation offer a web-based scholarship portal that houses applications. Scholarship applications will be available to students.

“I think we’ve made it a lot more accessible for students,” says Renee Kerr, CSN financial aid administrator. Applications are categorized according to students’ majors.

Students applying for scholarships will be considered on the following merits: academic excellence, program of study, leadership, community service, financial need, and written and oral communications, according to CSN’s website.

“I would strongly encourage students to get the highest GPA possible, to enroll in a club through student government, to do some volunteer work,” Kerr says.

Kerr recommends students gather their references, resumes, projects, volunteer works and polish their English and grammar skills before applying. “It’s a lengthy process,” she says.

“It’s free money out there, why not try?” says Damon Jones, a CSN student who has applied for scholarships in the past. “It helps with education, so we’re not relying on loans.”