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Archive for the 'Scholarships and Grants' Category
04 18th, 2012 Free Schools for Troubled Kids
Free Schools for Troubled Kids
Sometimes, in order to really thrive, at-risk teenagers may need to find an environment outside the family home. They may benefit from a structured environment controlled by professional counselors and educators who specialize in troubled teens. If you feel your teenager might be one of these, you should explore the programs offered by some of the nation’s free schools for troubled kids.
For example, Cal Farley’s of Amarillo, Texas, is one of “America’s largest privately-funded child and family service providers specializing in both residential and community-based services at no cost to the families….” (1)
Cal Farley’s offers separate residential programs for boys and girls, in a western ranch-style setting. Though they specialize in helping troubled youth, they do require that prospective students meet certain standards. These standards are typical of all schools of this type, and are put in place to ensure safety and promote the growth of all the students. Thus, Cal Farley’s schools will not accept candidates who are “sexually predatory, accused/charged with sexual offense … homicidal/making terroristic threats … [or are] actively suicidal.” (2)
On the other hand, the kinds of problems that are appropriate for free schools for troubled kids include “Family discord … school problems (not on grade level, struggling academically, not performing to potential, behavioral issues in the classroom resulting in in-school or out-of-school suspension) … verbal aggression and minor physical aggression … anger and defiance… experimenting with alcohol/drugs … [and] sneaking out of home, running away for short periods of time.”(3)
Another example is the Eagle Rock School and Professional Development Center in Estes Park, Colorado. According to its mission statement, the Eagle Rock School teaches kids how to “live in respectful harmony with others … develop mind, body, and spirit … communicate in speech and writing … [and] serve the Eagle Rock and other communities….”(4) among many other personal development principles that help children with behavioral or attitude problems learn to interact, focus and succeed.
If you would like more information on free schools for troubled kids, please visit:
Endnotes
- “About Us.” Cal Farley’s. 2012. Retr. 15 Mar. 2012 <http://calfarley.org/about/Pages/default.aspx>
- “Child Profile FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions).” Cal Farley’s. 2012. Retr. 15 Mar. 2012 <http://calfarley.org/admissions/Pages/ChildProfileFAQs.aspx>
- “Mission and Philosophy.” Eagle Rock Schools. 2012. Retr. 15 Mar. 2012 <http://www.eaglerockschool.org/about_us/mission.aspx>
read comments (0)11 10th, 2010 What is a Pell Grant?
The economic meltdown experienced in the US takes a toll on graduating students who aspires for a college education. Good thing there are Pell grants available for students and parents to aid in financing for higher education. Also known as a Federal Pell Grant differs from a loan for it does not need to be repaid. Certain qualifications and criteria apply in the selection of the Pell Grant recipients. They are available to undergraduate students without a professional degree. The maximum Pell Grant amount for 2010-2011 is $5,500.
Although a Pell Grant may not pay for the entire tuition fee depending on the degree taken, income of the family, and if the student is a full time or part time student. To apply for the Pell grant one must apply first for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A report will be generated and sent to the applicant informing them if they qualified for the grant.
The qualifications considered in the screening of applicants for the Pell grant includes family income if the student still lives with the parents, individual income if the student has work, number of students in the family who are in college and the living expenses of the student. These factors play a role in determining if an individual is qualified for the assistance. The goal is to help and provide low income student with the chance to finish their college education and obtain a degree they can use to alleviate their socioeconomic status. Once eligible and you have passed the screening process you will be awarded with the Pell Grant funds to your school or pay you directly by means of check or other methods. Schools can disburse funds either by semester, trimester or quarterly.
10 3rd, 2010 The Significance of Having a College Education
A lot of students wonder why a college education is important. Parents also sometimes ponder if college is really necessary thinking of the costs and fees in pursuing higher education one cannot help but to stop and think twice if the importance of a college education is all worth the money and effort.
Building a career in life is a goal most students with a college education are aiming for. Better jobs after graduation are laid out for students with a college degree compared to high school graduates. Probably the main reason for taking up college is because it is the door that opens to a brighter future ahead in terms of employment, career and financial stability.
Education as many say is an investment that will yield greater returns in the future. A college degree propels careers in the right direction through a reputable university or educational institution. College education also develops a person into being a well rounded individual who knows how to get along with peers and colleagues of different personalities and diverse cultures. A college graduate develops skills in problem solving, reasoning and analytical thinking which is very essential in the real world. The oral examinations and case presentations help build confidence and enhance communication skills which will come handy for job interviews in the future.
Experiences in college are one of a kind and will last for a lifetime. The college life opens up a student’s mind to the vast world of different cultures, personalities and opportunities. Most graduates would say that the most significant part of their lives is those days they have spent in college. Friendships that are formed will last until one graduate and moves on to have a life of their own and in the course of their lives they will bump into each other with different life experiences but will always reminisce what they have shared in college.
Another important reason why college is important is because of the connections it builds to its students who in later life become one of the leaders or influential persons in society. Students who graduates from Harvard University, Yale and Princeton and become its alumni usually are the individuals who takes public offices, leads businesses and initiators of change.
For parents the gift of providing their children with a higher form of learning where he can cultivate his skills and talent is a gift on its own. Seeing their children graduate and become mature, responsible and well-rounded individuals who can potentially change lives and initiate change for the better is a fulfillment worth every cent that goes into that college education.
10 2nd, 2010 Education for Single Parents
One of the easiest ways to get employment is by having up a college degree or higher education on your resume. However, this may be difficult to achieve if you are a single parent as it is very challenging to study and at the same time support a family.
There are a large number of single parents out there who wish to finish or pursue their college education to further upgrade their skills, but financial issues do not allow them to do so.
There are organizations and government grants that help single parents to pursue higher education through grants and scholarship programs. Some of them also offer educational assistance to single fathers. These programs are considered a better option than student loans. Student loans need to be repaid but scholarship grants do not.
Single-Parent Scholarships and Grants
One of the best resources for single parent scholarship grants is the financial aid office of the college you are trying to enroll to. A counselor will be there to help you on how you can apply for the scholarship and provide you information about all documentation required in order for your application to be processed.
On the other hand, government grants are intended for a specific purpose. There are different types of criteria that you need to meet in order to become eligible. Some of the single-parents scholarships and grants are:
• Teach Grant
This grant is for single parents who wish to study and become a teacher. The grant is for up to $4,000. This grant is specifically for single parents that come from low-income families. If you are granted this, you will be required to teach for at least 4 years in a school that serves to teach students from low-income families.
• SMART Grant
This grant is available only for the third and fourth year of undergraduate study. If you get approved, you are required to maintain a 3.0 GPA. This will be checked before each semester starts, when tuition fees are due. The SMART Grant offers up to $4,000 each year of the third and fourth years of undergraduate study.
• Pell Grants
One of the basic requirements to apply for this grant is to fill up the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. This grant offers for up to $400 to $5,000. This grant also allows you to apply for a SMART grant together with this type of grant.
Some non-profit organizations give single parent scholarships. Their eligibility standards may not be as strict as the government grants. Most scholarships are intended for single mothers but some also do cater to single fathers as well.
• Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation
This was founded by Congresswoman Mink who was the first woman of color to be elected to the US House of Representatives. She also worked to protect women’s rights. This foundation offers scholarship to single mothers that come from the low-income group. They offer assistance for up to $2,000.
• Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF)
This was established in 1990. This scholarship creates its fund to help single parents acquire higher education through their affiliate programs. This organization has already helped sponsored thousands of single mothers. They have also made the application process very simple.
• The Women’s Independence Scholarship Program
This program offers scholarships to women who were victims of domestic violence. Other eligibility criteria include being a US citizen and proof of acceptance or application of a college accredited by the program. You also need to supply the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) together with your tax returns.
• Raise the Nation
Aside from giving college scholarships to single mothers, they also offer funds that aid children who belong to single parent homes finish their education. There is a $20 application fee and the application process is done online. The eligibility criteria in order to qualify are different depending on which US state you are in.
Many single parents believe that their learning process has become impossible to achieve due to the overwhelming amount of responsibilities. Luckily, there are plenty of avenues for availing single parent scholarships. All you need to do is apply.
