By Bruce McKenzie
In today’s world, it seems like getting a good quality education is one of the most important and gratifying dreams one can aspire toward. However, it can also be one of the most expensive dreams. Today, many students graduate from college with huge debts and the thought of having to repay the loan brings a heavy sigh, similar to making one-last trip to the buffet when you know you shouldn’t. But it doesn’t need to be like that. That’s why the Tipp City Foundation and Rotary might just be your ticket.
Grants are usually awarded by good ole Uncle Sam, our federal government, but not always. Typically, students do not have to repay grants, which are considered gifts from Uncles Sam, if the two can be used in the same sentence. However, scholarships are the most desired form of financial aid available today and the beauty is they don’t have to be repaid. It’s just like someone handing you some extra moolah, i.e., money.
While earning a scholarship can sometimes take a lot of time and effort in writing an application worthy of reading, let alone consideration, it’s worth the time to look at what’s out there. You might be surprised to know that the National Scholarship Providers Association (NSPA) reports that over the last ten years, an estimated $100 million in scholarship money has gone unawarded each year, mostly due to a lack of applicants. To put that in layman’s terms…there’s money out there that nobody is bothering to look for or even attempt to gain.
Scholarships through the Tipp City Foundation usually get applicants. One available is the Tipp City Rotary Scholarship. With TWO, $1000 scholarships awarded to a Tippecanoe high school student, it’s certainly one to consider. Additionally, Rotary provides the same award: TWO $1000 scholarships, just like Tipps, is up for grabs for those residing in the Bethel community. And the beauty of both scholarship is they can be renewed each year or a maximum of four year ($4,000). That can make a nice dent in anyone’s college debt. The applications, details and renewal forms are available on The Troy Foundation website at thetroyfoundation.org.
While we can’t control the costs of college tuition there are ways which can help make that climb a bit easier. The Tipp City Foundation is trying to promote opportunities, which not only build individual character, but strengthens our community as a whole. One thing I’ve come to realize, you’ll never know what you might gain from a scholarship, but you’ll always know what you’ve lost. Here are some additional scholarships available through the Foundation to those looking for some assistance in reaching their dream. High school guidance counselors have more information about applying.
Ernest Clay Back Scholarship for History
Lester & Cleon Bowers Family Scholarship
Jeanette C. Gaston Memorial Music Scholarship
Gilmore Family Scholarship
Sarah Gross Scholarship for Sportsmanship
Life’s A Journey - Don’t Stop Believing Scholarship
Katherine G. Lobo Memorial Scholarship
McKee Family Matthew 5:16 Scholarship
Sarah Merritt Memorial Scholarship
John S. & Louise T. Miller Memorial Scholarship
Robert E. Nessle Memorial Scholarship
Elizabeth Spano Scholarship
Tipp City Rotary Club Scholarship
Wenzlau Family Scholarship
Willhelm Family Scholarship