Tips on Essay Writing
A strong essay can make a meaningful difference in a scholarship application. We’ve found that students who receive scholarships often write thoughtful, well-crafted essays that give reviewers a clear glimpse of who they are. Great essays include complete sentences, proper punctuation and spelling, and a smooth flow from one paragraph to the next.
When you think about it, many students have excellent grades, athletic accomplishments, and community service experience. Your essay is your opportunity to help reviewers get to know the real you.
Reviewers expect to read well-prepared essays, and students who invest time in their writing tend to stand out. Take your time, edit, revise, and re-read for clarity. It’s also a great idea to have someone else proofread your essay before submitting your application. Ask a teacher, parent, counselor, or trusted friend to review your final draft and help make it as strong as possible.
Our scholarship reviewers can tell when care and effort have been put into an essay, and that can make a meaningful difference in the review process.
As a courtesy, we also share our application essay prompts with local high school English teachers each year to help support students as they prepare.
Documents Needed to Apply
When applying for Community Foundation scholarships, it is helpful to have the following information available:
– Class rank and class size (if you are a current high school senior, if applicable)
– Grade Point Average (GPA)
– Diploma type
– High school or college transcripts
– Letters of recommendation (if required for specific scholarships)
Students are also required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To complete the FAFSA, you will need:
– Your FSA ID
– Your Social Security Number or Alien Registration Number (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
– Your driver’s license number (if applicable)
– Your federal income tax return(s)
– Records of untaxed income
– Records of assets (such as cash, savings, and investments)
– A list of the school(s) you are interested in attending
Your Guide to College Funding
Are you wondering how different funding sources can help cover the cost of college? Here’s a general overview of common funding options available to students. Note: This is not a comprehensive list. Additional funding opportunities may be available within your community or through other organizations.
How a scholarship becomes a reality
Are you wondering how a scholarship at the Community Foundation becomes a reality? Here’s a quick guide to the proecess.
Questa Scholarship Search Tool
Questa Education Foundation offers access to more than 675 scholarship opportunities for students across Northeast Indiana—and finding the right ones doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
Their Scholarship Search Tool is designed to do the heavy lifting. Students can filter scholarships by things like school type, major, residency, GPA requirements, and more—helping them quickly narrow down opportunities that actually fit them. One tool. Hundreds of possibilities. Less guessing, more matching.
Access the Questa Scholarship Search Tool online here: Questa Scholarship Search Tool
Other Online Resources
Note: These links will take you away from the Community Foundation website.
EDX — Offers free and low-cost online courses from universities around the world to help you build skills and explore academic interests.
Chegg — Provides textbook rentals, study tools, tutoring, and homework help to support students throughout their academic journey.
Cappex — A college and scholarship search platform that helps students discover schools and funding opportunities that match their profile.
Fast Web — One of the largest scholarship search engines, matching students to thousands of scholarship opportunities based on their background and interests.
Parchment — Allows students to request, send, and track transcripts and other academic credentials for college applications.
Your Future: Make It Your Own — An Indiana-based resource offering career exploration tools and guidance to help students plan their future education and career paths.
INvestED Student Loan — A nonprofit organization that provides student loans, financial aid education, and free resources to help families navigate college financing.
Big Future by the College Board — Helps students explore colleges, careers, and scholarships, and plan for life after high school.
Project Leadership — Offers career coaching, leadership development, and resources to help students connect education to meaningful career pathways.
Federal Student Aid — The official U.S. government site for FAFSA, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities to help pay for college.
ACT, Inc. — Provides college readiness assessments, test prep resources, and career planning tools.
JA Here to Career — A Junior Achievement platform that connects students with career pathways, job insights, and real-world skills.
Scholarships.com — A comprehensive scholarship search engine with access to a wide range of funding opportunities.
College Scorecard — A U.S. Department of Education tool that helps students compare colleges based on cost, graduation rates, and post-graduation earnings.
StudentScholarships.org — Offers scholarship listings, career information, and resources for students preparing for college.
Khan Academy — Provides free online lessons and test prep resources, including SAT preparation.
College Board – Suite of Assessments (SAT) — Information and resources related to SAT testing, including registration, prep, and score reporting.
Questa Scholarship Loan Program — A program through Questa Education Foundation offering flexible, no-interest loans to help students complete their degrees and enter the workforce.
Northeast Indiana Scholarship Search Tool — A regional scholarship search platform that connects students to hundreds of opportunities tailored to Northeast Indiana residents.