A college and career readiness sequence focused on securing financial aid through scholarship research, application drafting, and interview preparation.
"If you don't meet one of the hard requirements (like GPA), your application might be automatically filtered out. Focus your energy on where you fit best!"
The Scholarship Tracker
Organization is half the battle. Use your tracker to record these vital details:
Name & Amount
Deadline
Requirements
Status
Notes/Next Steps
Keep it Updated!
What a Great Row Looks Like
Name
Amount
Deadline
Reqs
Status
Next Steps
XYZ Community Leadership Award
$2,000
March 1st
Essay, Transcript, 1 Rec Letter
In Progress
Drafted essay; need to email Mrs. Green for rec letter today.
Smart Prioritizing
The ROI Strategy
Look for a high award-to-effort ratio. Sometimes a 500-word essay for $1,000 is better than a 3,000-word essay for $5,000 if 1,000 people apply for the big one.
Deadlines First
Sort your tracker by date. Don't let a great opportunity slip by because you were working on something due in May.
1
Realistic Profile Fit
2
Upcoming Deadlines
3
Balance Small & Large Awards
Your Scholarship Toolkit
Start building a digital folder today with these essentials. You'll reuse them again and again!
"Pro-Tip: Keep an 'Activity Resume' updated with every volunteer hour and club role."
Academic Transcripts
Personal Statement Drafts
Resume / Activity List
Rec Letter Requests
FAFSA / Financial Aid Forms
Tips for Success
Start Early & Customize
Draft multiple versions. Tailor every essay specifically to the prompt and the scholarship's mission.
Proofread & Polish
Follow instructions exactly. A single typo or missing document can disqualify an amazing candidate.
The "Two-Week Rule"
Request letters of recommendation at least two weeks (ideally more!) before they are due.
Your Launch Plan
Homework: Due Session 2
Identify & record 5 scholarships.
Update your Scholarship Tracker.
Review the Project Guide.
Let's secure those awards!
Vague thesis or disjointed organization.
Insight
Rich detail; demonstrates self-reflection.
Adequate detail; shows some reflection.
Limited detail or minimal personal insight.
Mechanics
Virtually error-free; engaging, strong voice.
Minor errors; clear and consistent voice.
Frequent errors; unclear or weak style.
Interview Evaluation Rubric
Criterion
4 – Excellent
3 – Proficient
2/1 – Developing
Prep
Thoroughly researched; insightful.
Researched; some key insights.
Basic or no research evident.
Communication
Confident; clear; engaging voice.
Clear; occasional pauses or filler.
Mumbled; uneven clarity; unclear.
Presence
Excellent eye contact & posture.
Good eye contact; steady posture.
Limited eye contact; distracted.
Submission List
Tailored Personal Essay
Updated Resume
Ordered Transcripts
Rec Letters Requested
Mock Reflection
Identified 3 Strengths
Identified 2 Improvement Areas
Set 1 Goal for Next Practice
Interviewer Role
• Choose 3 questions from the list above.
• Maintain eye contact.
• Offer 1 strength & 1 area for growth after.
Interviewee Role
• Use bullet points for reference only.
• Practice clear voice and posture.
• Be authentic and reflective.
Teacher Action
Circulate the room. Listen in on responses. Offer "just-in-time" coaching on body language or pace. Signal at the 5-minute mark to swap roles.
4. Debrief & Reflection (10 min)
“Let’s regroup. Who wants to share one strength you discovered about your interview skills?”
Wait for 2-3 student shares
“Excellent insights. Before we wrap up, jot down in your notes one specific action you’ll take to improve—whether it’s slowing your pace, strengthening eye contact, or refining answers.”
Facilitator Closing (2 min)
“Fantastic work today! For homework, review the feedback you received, refine your responses, and practice aloud at home. Next session, we’ll plan your final submissions. See you then—and good luck practicing!”
