With the cost of education on the rise, it’s more important than ever to plan ahead for tuition costs. According to the CollegeBoard, the average cost of in-state tuition at a 4-year Oregon college or university was $12,251 per year in 2022. For out-of-state students nationwide, the cost is just over $27,000. Private universities averaged about $38,000 in 2022. Add books, room and board, and other incidentals and it’s no wonder that over 85% of students require financial aid. For many college-bound high school seniors applying for scholarships is the only way to afford higher education.
That is why Maps Credit Union and our Maps Community Foundation are proud to announce a series of scholarships for deserving students in our community who attend an accredited public or private college, university, community college, or technical school. This year, Maps will distribute over $50,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors from Marion and/or Polk schools who demonstrate excellence in academic achievement and community leadership as well as those who share our commitment to lifelong learning. Scholarships range from $500 to $3,500 and are applied to first-year experiences.
If you or someone you know will attend a college, university, or technical school in 2023, now is the time to apply because the deadline for Maps scholarship applications is March 31, 2023.
Scholarship Application Tips
To inspire you, we’ve got some tips on applying for our (and countless other) scholarships.
Organize your applications.
Prioritize your applications by due date and keep track of them in a spreadsheet, Google Doc, or folder. It’s never too early to organize your applications. You won’t be able to apply for some scholarships until your senior year. Others you may be able to apply for as early as your freshman year of high school.
Read through all the details.
It’s tempting to rush through the process—especially when you are juggling school, activities, and college prep. Take the time to check and double-check the details. You don’t want to waste their time (or yours) with an application for a scholarship you don’t qualify for. More importantly, you don’t want to risk being denied because you failed to include an important element.
Build a scholarship toolkit.
If you apply for a lot of scholarships, you’ll need a lot of the same items for each application. Collect the common things you’ll need in one place for easy access. Items to include in your toolkit may be copies of your transcripts, letters of recommendation, a completed FAFSA, a Student Aid Report, and a recent photo.
Create a thoughtful, creative application video.
In a video application, you only have a few moments to make a good impression. Choose a location with good lighting and no background distractions. You are the important part of the story, so the focus should be on you. Practice your script and record yourself a few times to get the best take. For inspiration, check out some examples from our 2022 winners below.
Don’t skip the small scholarships.
A $500 scholarship may seem like pocket change in the face of a $30,000 tuition bill. However, every bit adds up (Plus, a few hundred dollars can cover textbooks for one or two classes.).
Apply for the obscure scholarships.
Look for niche scholarships related to your interests and hobbies. The awards are likely to be smaller, but the field of competitors will also be smaller. Plus, you may be able to find awards for talents and skills you already have—even if you don’t plan to pursue a career in the field.
Proofread, proofread, proofread.
Spelling, grammar, and sentence structure are important. It’s also vital to get your point across clearly and concisely. If you submit an essay, have someone else read it (or read it out loud to yourself) to see if it flows smoothly.
Funding the Future
We are invested in helping our student members pursue their dreams and navigate life’s defining moments. Last year, we had an impressive group of applicants from Marion and Polk counties. These applicants impressed the selection committee by sharing their academic achievements, community involvement, and future goals. Most of all, the applicants’ creative videos (see below) highlighted their personal stories. They detailed how a Maps scholarship could help make their educational dreams a reality.
Apply now! The deadline for our 2023 scholarships is March 31, 2023, and we are so excited to meet this year’s applicants!
Examples From Our 2022 Recipients
Aracely Salazar Cervantes of North Salem High School
Aracely was the recipient of the Gordon Sawser Memorial Scholarship. She plans to major in Business Management at Portland State University. In her application video, she caught our attention as she spoke with heartfelt honesty about her life. We were moved by her plans and hopes for the future.
Caleb Mitchell of South Salem High School
Caleb was the recipient of the Earl Littrell Scholarship. He plans to study Economics and Business at the University of Oregon. His application video was a compelling picture of his life. He shared how he believes an education could help him have a greater impact on his community.
Ava Silbernagel of Regis High School
Ava was the recipient of the Maps Credit Union Scholarship. She plans to study radiology at the Oregon Institute of Technology. In her application video, Ava is well-spoken and clear about her accomplishments. She shares insightful thoughts about what she plans to do with her education.
Brody Whetzel of Sprague High School
Brody was the recipient of the Maps Credit Union Scholarship. He plans to study Education and History at Boston College. In his application video, we get a dynamic look at Brody’s experience as student body president. He also shares how college will influence his plans for the future.
Yasmeen Ochoa of Central High School
Yasmeen was the recipient of the Maps Credit Union Scholarship. She plans to study Science and Nursing at Chemeketa Community College. In her application video, she delivers an impactful statement about what she hopes to gain from her education.
Isabel Swain of North Salem High School
Isabel was the recipient of the Maps Credit Union Scholarship. She plans to study Civil Engineering at Portland State University. In Isabel’s application video, she takes viewers on a walk to demonstrate how an education could help her put her ideas into action.