For many years the Bartlesville Community Foundation (BCF) has been a resource for high school seniors as they apply for college scholarships. About three years ago, the BCF initiated FAFSA Workshops and Scholarship Panels events to give students the opportunity to better educate themselves on the various types of financial aid available and to help them feel more equipped to submit applications. This fall, the Bartlesville Community Foundation has partnered with the Bartlesville Public Schools Foundation (BPSF) to offer two FAFSA Workshops and one Scholarship Panel event to all area seniors.
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is an annual application hosted by the federal government. This application is used to award federal loans and grants to students based on financial need. By filling out the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1, high school seniors and college students can prepare for education costs in the coming school year. Although some students may not qualify for much federal aid, it is important for all students planning to attend college complete the form as many scholarships require applicants to submit the filed FAFSA application paperwork with their scholarship applications. BCF and BPSF will offer a free come and go FAFSA workshop to all area seniors on October 3rd and December 11th from 6-8pm at Bartlesville High School in the Freshman Library. Spanish translators and representatives from Oklahoma Wesleyan University’s Financial Aid department will also be at the event for guidance to students and parents. Any high school senior who wishes to participate should visit fafsa.gov and register for a FSA ID before attending the event. Please also bring 2016 tax returns for both students and parents.
Scholarships are a second major source of education funding for college students. What makes scholarships so valuable is that unlike federal student loans, they do not have to be paid back upon graduation. However, knowing where to look for available scholarships and understanding their requirements can sometimes be challenging. To help answer questions and ease students’ concerns, the BCF and BPSF have organized a panel of professionals who have experience evaluating scholarship applications. This year, representation from OSU, RSU, BCF, P66 and Lowe Family Young Scholars will be serving on the panel. The Scholarship Panel will be held on November 7th in the Bartlesville High School Freshman Conference Center from 6-7:30pm.
The Bartlesville Community Foundation and the Bartlesville Public Schools Foundation would like to welcome all area seniors to participate in these events. If you plan to attend, please use the Shawnee entrance to Bartlesville High School. Thanks to a generous donor, at each of the events one student will win a $100 gift card as well as a $50 gift certificate to Moxie on Second. The BCF will be providing pizza at both of the FAFSA Workshops and during the Scholarship Panel. For more information on any of these events please contact Laura Jensen, Director of Affiliates and Community Outreach at the Bartlesville Community Foundation, 918.337.2287.
