defendernetwork.com
OCTOBER 16 | 2014 | DEFENDER
1B
HIGHER ED SPECIAL
Big or small college?
I
Find your fit
f you’re trying to decide which college to attend, one of the major factors is what size is right for you. Higher educational institutions offer many options, from small colleges with fewer than 1,000 students to large state universities with more than 50,000 students. What’s best for you depends on your personality and academic goals. Here is some advice from the College Board.
because of its famous faculty, find out how many classes are actually taught by the professors, and not by their teaching assistants. Administrative red tape is also something to think about — large colleges tend to have a lot of it. For example, enrolling in a course that’s not part of your major may require multiple signatures and approvals.
Big college
Do you enjoy personal attention from teachers and advisers? Then a small college may be just what you need. Some students find that a smaller setting is a better fit. Although there may be fewer facilities, there are also fewer students to compete with. Here are some of the benefits associated with small colleges. Again, these may not be true of all of them: • Small class sizes • Hands-on learning opportunities • Individually designed majors • Strong advising system; advisers know students well • Strong sense of community • Professors, not teaching assistants, teach most courses • Opportunity to get to know professors well • Small colleges don’t offer as many majors as big colleges; however, some of them let you design your own.
There are various benefits associated with big colleges (keep in mind it might not be true of all of them): • Wide variety of majors and courses • Well-stocked libraries • Variety of housing opportunities • Well-funded sports programs • Wide range of academic choices and student activities • Distinguished or famous faculty • State-of-the-art research facilities To succeed at a big college, it’s best to go in knowing what subjects or general areas you’re interested in pursuing. Students who do best at large colleges tend to be go-getters who are not afraid to speak up and take advantage of the many opportunities available. Introductory classes at a large college may contain hundreds of students. Some students find this environment exciting. Others feel overwhelmed. Another point: If you’re attracted to a college
Small college
Make the most of a campus visit
1
Decide where and how. If you find a college you are interested in, especially one nearby, plan a visit. There may be programs at your school that arrange group trips to colleges. You could also get a group of friends together and visit the campus. A family trip is another option. Prepare for your visit. Get a map of the college campus (the college’s website usually has one) and pick out places of interest. Call the college’s admission office to schedule a guided tour or to ask about the best times to visit. Take your own tour. Just wandering around the campus can be the best way to get a feel for what a college is like. Visit the library. Check out the gym or the theater. Ask an admission officer if you can tour a dorm and a classroom. Check out the spots on campus where students gather. Make connections. Talk to current students. Ask the students at the next table or sitting on a nearby bench what they like best about the college. Make notes. Jot down notes about your experience. What did you see that excited you? Are there aspects of the college that you don’t like? If so, what are they?
2
3
4 5
Source: The College Board
2B
DEFENDER | OCTOBER 16 | 2014
defendernetwork.com
HIGHER ED
Internships give students head start
INSIDE Black fraternities & sororities 3B University of Houston-Downtown
Find your major opportunity 4B Texas Southern University
Programs, partnerships help enrollment soar 6B University of Houston
The house innovation built 8B Scholarship FAQs 10B Best scholarship websites 10B Do’s and don’ts: Tips on financial aid 11B Best grant websites 11B University of Texas
Fit in. Stand out. 12B Wells Fargo
5 steps to securing financial aid 14B Lone Star College
Planning for the future 16B Prairie View A&M University
A tradition of excellence 18B Author helps students find free college money 20B
By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender
S
ecuring an internship can give a college student valuable onthe-job experience. Though internships traditionally take place over the summer, they can be as short as a week or last a year or longer. Internships can be paid, voluntary or for college credit. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, nearly 30 percent of college students take unpaid internships. For more insight into internships, the Defender talked to Brett Hobby, director of the new Career Development Center in the University of Houston-Downtown’s College of Business, Defender: What is the greatest advantage that internships offer? Hobby: The greatest advantage is the opportunity for a student to get experience directly related to their intended career path. They [can] apply what they learn in the classroom, and it’s not just theory. That’s what is going to allow them to move forward as they complete their degree. Another benefit would be the networking and the opportunity to make connections that could possibly lead to a fulltime job in that company. Experience gained in an internship is going to make a student much more marketable. They would be at a real disadvantage without having an internship before they graduate. Defender: How can students increase
their chances of landing paid internship? Hobby: One thing they can do is to apply for internships that they know are paid. That sounds obvious but some students might not think about that. Another tactic a student could try is to go after their ideal internship and they may have the opportunity to negotiate. Companies may also have something else to offer [besides a salary], such
as a parking allowance or tuition reimbursement. In addition, students should always look for internships through the career center within their college or university. We will educate employers about the fact that it’s probably a better option if they do pay you, even if it’s minimum wage. If they pay, they have more flexibility on some of the job duties they would give the intern. If they do not pay and have a lot of requirements and the intern does a lot of work that actually helps bring in money for the company, they could be taking a chance with the Department of Labor’s Fair Labor Standards Act, which provides six different criteria for what an unpaid internship is. Defender: When is the best time to look for an internship? Hobby: Students should definitely try to have an internship lined up by their junior year in college. Most companies are looking for candidates who are at the junior level. At that stage they have typically declared their major and have already had courses related to their majors. They then have more they can offer an employer because they have studied that curriculum already. The minimum amount of time they would want to start looking for an internship would be a semester prior to when they want to intern. Some companies, however, are already filling summer internship spots by the previous fall semester. Though internships tend to be over summer months, if a student is local to Houston, some companies may offer an internship during the fall or spring semester.
Message from the Publisher The Defender is pleased to provide our readers with another special issue devoted to higher education. This year we are focusing much of our attention on making college affordable by finding as much “free” money as possible. This is an important topic for two reasons: One, we all know that education is the key to opportunity and minority students must have access to higher education to get and stay ahead. Two, across the country, college students and graduates are facing crippling loan debt. According to recent government data, the class of 2014 graduated with an average student loan debt of $33,000. And the more education many students obtain, the more they owe. An estimated 15 percent of graduate and professional school students graduate with six-figure loan debt.
Finding scholarships and grants take time and effort, but it’s worth the work if it can help finance a student’s education. A recent Pew Research Center report shows the value of a higher education. College-educated Millennials (persons reaching young adulthood around the year 2000) not only earn more than their less-educated peers, but they also have lower unemployment and poverty rates. Also in this special edition, our education and financial partners spotlight their efforts to prepare students for what lies ahead. They are Lone Star College, Prairie View A&M University, Texas Southern University, the University of Houston, the University of Houston-Downtown, the University of Texas and Wells Fargo. All students deserve the best education possible if they are to lead full, productive lives.
Sonceria Messiah-Jiles
defendernetwork.com
OCTOBER 16 | 2014 | DEFENDER
3B
HIGHER ED
Greek life 101:
Black fraternities & sororities
I
By LaGLORIA WHEATFALL Defender
f you’re an incoming freshman or student interested in joining a Greek fraternity or sorority, researching the best organization that fits you is the first step. There are nine Black Greek letter organizations (BGLOs): Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. Each organization has distinct founding principles but all have a commitment to service, scholarship, and leadership to help educate and better the Black community. BGLOs combined have over 500,000 members worldwide. After joining a BGLO, it gives you the opportunity to grow your network, which can contribute to your collegiate and overall life success. According to HBCU Lifestyle, most fraternities and sororities recruit members that have leadership potential, good moral character, and an excellent academic track record. There are various criteria for students who want to participate in the different Greek organizations, including the compilation of certain credit hours, cumulative GPA and hours of verifiable community service. All nine BGLOs are members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), which was founded in 1930 at Howard University. NPHC promotes interaction through forums, meetings and other mediums and engages in cooperative programming and initiatives through various activities and functions. Although each BGLO has a similar mission, many aspects differ. Browsing the national websites for the each BGLO, observing how the organizations interact on campus and in the community and also attending events supported by the organization can help those interested choose the best organization for them. Here is a look at each fraternity and sorority, listed in alphabetical order.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. was founded in 1908 at Howard University, and is the oldest sorority in the Divine Nine. There are approximately a quarter of a million members worldwide, including graduate and undergraduate chapters in the Virgin Islands, Germany and Japan. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is the oldest Black fraternity in the country, and was founded on the Cornell University campus in 1906. The first members were college men who sought to find a support community for those like them that had to deal with social and racial prejudice. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., with over 900 chapters worldwide, is the largest BGLO. It was founded in 1913 by 22 women at Howard who wanted to use their collective strength to promote academic excellence and provide assistance to those in need.
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. was founded in 1911 at Indiana University Bloomington, as Kappa Alpha Nu. The name was changed to Kappa Alpha Psi in 1915. It has 721 undergraduate and alumni chapters in the USA, and approximately 150,000 members. Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., the youngest of the BGLOs, was founded in 1963 at Morgan State University in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement. The fraternity has 300 chapters across the U.S., the Bahamas, Japan and South Korea and is known for its social activism. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is comprised of over 700 undergraduate and graduate chapters. The fraternity was founded at Howard University in 1911 by three men and is known for its philanthropic missions to various HBCUs, including large sums donated to scholarships. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. was established in 1914 at Howard University, and was a pioneer in establishing alumni chapters, organizations for youth mentoring and a federal credit union. It currently has 700 chapters in the United States, Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was founded in 1922 at Butler University, and was granted a charter in 1929 in Indianapolis. The founding members were young teachers who exhibited promise in social work and public service. The sorority has over 100,000 members. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was organized with the assistance of Phi Beta Sigma at Howard in 1920, and has more than 800 chapters across U.S., Africa, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean. It was the first NPHC organization to centralize its operations in a national headquarters.
4B
DEFENDER | OCTOBER 16 | 2014
defendernetwork.com
HIGHER ED
UHD holds commencement at Minute Maid Park.
Y
UHD students study outside overlooking downtown Houston.
Find your major opportunity at UHD
our future at the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) means being a part of a thriving university located in the heart of downtown Houston that provides students with life-changing educational experiences at a remarkable value. With unparalleled research opportunities, community engagement, flexibility and faculty support, UHD is the major opportunity you’ve been waiting for. UHD is a comprehensive, four-year university that provides an urban appeal to a diverse student body. The university offers more than 40 bachelor’s degrees and seven master’s degrees. If you’re a student fresh out of high school, an adult returning to college to complete your degree, or a professional seeking a career change, UHD is right UHD students perform during Welcome Week for you. As UHD recognizes its 40th anniversary this year, we celebrate the many accomplishments we’ve made over the years, and look forward to our even more promising future. Four decades ago, UHD enrolled just under 2,400 students. Today, UHD is home to more than 14,300 first-time-in-college and transfer students – the highest enrollment in the institution’s history. UHD is committed to your success. With a faculty-to-student ratio of just 20 to one, professors serve as mentors, and will help you shape your career goals, find the The University of Houston-Downtown provides an urban appeal. right degree program and build industry connections. Earnings of Graduates of Texas Public Colleges and UniWe’re proud that first-year graduates from UHD earn versities, American Institutes for Research, 2013). the third-highest salaries in the state, which is 18 percent UHD understands that our students have jobs, families more than the statewide average for any public university and other responsibilities. To accommodate busy lifestyles, in Texas. (Source: Higher Education Pays: The Initial
UHD provides students with great flexibility in scheduling courses. You’ll find a wide variety of class offerings during weekdays, evenings, weekends and even online. No other public university in the region offers more online degree programs – all at the lowest tuition rate. And since our students come from multiple areas across the Greater Houston region, we have satellite campuses to conveniently serve undergraduate and graduate students throughout the city. We also promote learning that extends beyond the classroom. You’ll find dozens of options for engaging in the community, participating in faculty research in on-campus labs or out in the field, as well as studyabroad programs. Whether you want to participate in one of our 20 competitive club sports teams or any of our 63 student organizations on campus, you’ll find something exciting and new to enhance your college experience. In spite of these benefits and opportunities, attending UHD won’t break the bank. With the secondlowest tuition in the state, you will appreciate the great value of your education. The best way to learn more about UHD is through a campus tour. Come see for yourself how UHD is changing lives and building futures. Schedule your visit at www.uhd.edu/visit or call 713-221-8522.
defendernetwork.com
OCTOBER 16 | 2014 | DEFENDER
5B
6B DEFENDER | OCTOBER 16 | 2014
defendernetwork.com defendernetwork.com
HIGHER ED ED HIGHER New/unique programs, partnerships partnerships help help
T
TSU’s enrollment soar
exas exas Southern Southern UniverUniversity is sity is experiencing experiencing one one of of the the largest largest freshman freshman classes classes in in recent recent years. years. TSU’s enrollment TSU’s enrollment climbed climbed 6.4 6.4 percent percent for for fall fall 2014, 2014, with 9,262 students. The with 9,262 students. The univeruniversity’s sity’s numbers numbers got got aa huge huge boost boost by by attracting 1,590 freshman and attracting 1,590 freshman and 941 941 transfer transfer students. students. Enrollment Enrollment in in both categories is the both categories is the highest highest since since 2007. 2007. Dr. Dr. John John Rudley, Rudley, TSU’s TSU’s presipresident, credits the implementation dent, credits the implementation of of an an aggressive aggressive recruiting recruiting strategy strategy for for the the university’s university’s success. success. The The strategy included a presidential strategy included a presidential bus bus tour, tour, led led by by Rudley, Rudley, to to 24 24 Texas Texas high high schools, schools, partnerships partnerships with with area community area community colleges colleges which which alallowed lowed aa seamless seamless transition transition into into the the university university and and more more marketing marketing of of TSU’s TSU’s unique unique degree degree programs. programs. “The key to “The key to increasing increasing our our enenrollment now and in the future rollment now and in the future will will be be to to tell tell potential potential students students and and parparents about our academic programs,” ents about our academic programs,” Rudley Rudley said. said. “TSU’s “TSU’s unique unique degree degree programs will fulfill careers programs will fulfill careers of of the the future.” future.” TSU TSU offers offers degrees degrees such such as as Maritime Transportation, Maritime Transportation, which which has has aa partnership partnership with with the the Port Port of of Houston; Urban Planning, EmerHouston; Urban Planning, Emergency gency Management, Management, Aviation Aviation Science, Science, where where students students become become professional professional pilots pilots and and airport airport managers; managers; Sports Sports Management, Management, and and Entertainment and Entertainment and the the Recording Recording Management Management industry. industry. TSU’s TSU’s partnerships partnerships with with Houston Houston Community Community College College and and Lone Lone Star Star College College (LSC) (LSC) proved proved to to be be successful successful this this fall fall with with 337 337 students transferring to TSU Captain Rosco Edwards, director of Flight Operations-TSU Aviation students transferring to TSU from from Science and Technology, Perry Miller, general manager, Houston AirHCC and 56 from LSC. HCC and 56 from LSC. port Systems William P. Hobby Airport and Vernon Baker,associate The presidential high school bus The presidential high school bus professor/program coordinator-TSU Aviation Science and Technology. tour tour paid paid off off as as well. well. Desoto Desoto High High fully School was the top recruited fully completed completed the the academy. academy. School was the top recruited school school “This is part of our mission, in the state with 38 first-time freshman students “This is part of our mission, to to in the state with 38 first-time freshman students give people an opportunity to attend enrolling at TSU followed by Houston’s James give people an opportunity to attend enrolling at TSU followed by Houston’s James college,” Madison college,” Rudley Rudley added. added. “We “We are are not not Madison High High School School with with 35, 35, and and Energized Energized here to give people a free ride, but an Stem Academy-West High School with 32. Presihere to give people a free ride, but an Stem Academy-West High School with 32. Presiopportunity to better themselves if they dent Rudley plans to lead another high school bus opportunity to better themselves if they dent Rudley plans to lead another high school bus are willing to work hard.” tour across Texas during this school year. are willing to work hard.” tour across Texas during this school year. The The The College College of of Science Science and and TechTechThe TSU TSU Summer Summer School School Program Program was was nology was the most attractive of the another successful venture for the university. Stunology was the most attractive of the another successful venture for the university. Stuuniversity’s schools and colleges. ItIt dents were given an opportunity to jumpstart their university’s schools and colleges. dents were given an opportunity to jumpstart their had the largest overall increase with college experience by strengthening their math, had the largest overall increase with college experience by strengthening their math, 20.5 percent. The School of Business reading and English skills. A total of 153 successreading and English skills. A total of 153 success- 20.5 percent. The School of Business Captain Rosco Edwards, director of Flight Operations for Texas Southern Aviation Science and Technology, is joined by Perry Miller, general
manager for Houston Airport Systems William P. Hobby Airport and Vernon Baker, associate professor/program coordinator of TSU Aviation Science and Technology.
and and School School of of Communication Communication also also experienced double experienced double digit digit increases. increases. TSU TSU saw saw aa 12.6 12.6 percent percent increase increase in Hispanic students in Hispanic students and and aa 30.3 30.3 percent percent increase increase in in international international students students with with the the country country of of Saudi Saudi Arabia Arabia leading leading the the way way of of students students enrolling enrolling at at the the university. university. Texas Texas Southern Southern seems seems to to have have overcome the 2013 disruption overcome the 2013 disruption in in its its steady growth since migrating from steady growth since migrating from an an open open admissions admissions university university in in 2008. 2008. The The decrease decrease last last fall fall is is attributed attributed to the federal government to the federal government reducing reducing the the Pell Pell grant grant nationally, nationally, which which left left hundreds hundreds of of TSU TSU students students with with few few opoptions tions to to cover cover their their tuition tuition and and fees. fees. President President Rudley’s Rudley’s goal goal is is to to have have aa 10,000-plus student enrollment, 10,000-plus student enrollment, with with nearly nearly half half of of students students residing residing on on campus. campus. His His mission mission gets gets underway underway with a new 800-bed dormitory. with a new 800-bed dormitory. He He plans plans to to add add more more dormitories dormitories in in the the coming coming years. years. Statistics Statistics have have proven proven that that students students are are more more successful successful ifif they reside in an academic they reside in an academic environenvironment. ment. With With TSU’s TSU’s unique unique degree degree proprograms and an aggressive grams and an aggressive plan plan for for recruiting, recruiting, Rudley Rudley expects expects to to surpass surpass that goal by fall 2015. that goal by fall 2015. Texas Texas Southern Southern University University is is acaccepting applications for its spring cepting applications for its spring 2015 2015 semester. semester. Choose Choose one one of of more more than than 120 120 degree degree programs programs offered offered by by TSU’s TSU’s 10 colleges and universities. 10 colleges and universities. Register Register now now by by going going to to www.tsu. www.tsu. edu/admissions. The early spring edu/admissions. The early spring apapplication plication deadline deadline is is Nov. Nov. 15. 15.
TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY Register for the 2015 Spring Semester
Early Spring Application Deadline November 15
Texas Southern Unique Degree Programs
School of Communication BA, Entertainment and the Recording Industry Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs BS, Emergency Management and Homeland Security BS, Urban Planning and Environmental Policy College of Science and Technology BS, Aviation Science Management BS, Maritime Transportation Management and Security College of Education BS, Sports Management
Get more information at www.tsu.edu/admissions
defendernetwork.com
OCTOBER 16 | 2014 | DEFENDER
7B
8B DEFENDER | OCTOBER 16 | 2014
defendernetwork.com
HIGHER ED
University of Houston
The house innovation built
A
t the University of Houston, innovation is woven into the fabric of our campus. It is what we have built our foundation on and it is why we can truly say, “This is the house innovation built.” Founded in 1927, the University of Houston is rooted in ambition and determination. Through these doors and within our 13 colleges, innovation is our mindset, and our students and faculty push beyond known limits to find creative solutions to the world’s most challenging problems. Our progress is fueled by the determination to effect positive changes in the areas of energy, health, the arts and athletics. Most importantly, our mission is to foster student success in every instance, so that we graduate savvy, energetic and practice-ready individuals into their careers. This mentality has elevated the University of Houston into a Tier One research institution, a claim only 2 percent of the nation’s universities can make. The University of Houston has awarded more than 268,000 degrees and our 3,600 award-winning faculty educate more than 40,000 students annually. UH offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate programs. All of this takes place in the heart of the city on a picturesque 667-acre campus.
Houston and Beyond
The city of Houston, the nation’s fourth largest city, is an international hub. We attract students from more than 120 countries, which is one of the reasons we are ranked the second most diverse university in the nation. Houston is the energy capital of the world and home to the world’s largest medical center. Students here find ample opportunities to launch their careers, making Houston a city of Cougars. More than 63 percent of alumni choose to live and work in Houston after graduation and 1 in 7 Houstonians with a bachelor’s degree earned it at the University of Houston. But Houston isn’t the only city our alumni thrive in; our alumni have influence that reaches throughout the world. Over 160,000 of our alumni are congressmen, legislators, CEOs, astronauts, judges, educators, actors, artists and entrepreneurs.
Building a Powerhouse
The University of Houston is an institution with a great trajectory. Over the past few years, major campus improvements have taken place as part of an ongoing construction program that includes nearly two-dozen buildings and four million square feet of new and renovated space. With the recent openings of Cougar Village II and Cougar Place, our student residence capacity now exceeds 8,000 – the second highest among all Texas universities. And to enhance the residence experience, residential life coordinators, resident advisors and faculty-in-residence are always on hand to provide immediate support to our students.
UH is redefining student success on our vibrant residential campus.
campus activities; in short, the opportunities to plug in at the University are endless. Students can also cheer on their fellow Cougars, attend world-class concerts and plays, eat great food around campus and work out at the state-of-the-art recreation center. There is always an opportunity to feel like you belong at UH.
Committed to Student Success
Our students define who we are as an institution which is why student success is, and will always remain our first priority. New initiatives like UHin4 are driving that commitment by giving entering freshmen the keys to navigate the path to graduating in four years by offering academic maps, online tools and fixed tuition rates. We also remain committed to ofUniversity of Houston offers all the amenities and high-tech facilities required by modern university life. fering a world-class education without breaking the bank. We are proud to Cougar Life rank No. 7 in the nation for graduating The University of Houston has over 500 organiour students with the least amount of debt. zations, fraternities/sororities, leadership programs Visit www.uh.edu today to learn more about and other student groups. The diversity of our the University of Houston. students only adds to the energetic nature of our
defendernetwork.com
OCTOBER 16 | 2014 | DEFENDER
THIS IS THE HOUSE INNOVATION BUILT. The University of Houston empowers students to conduct pioneering research and fuel their ambition. We’re home to one of the best entrepreneurship programs in the nation. Now we’re redefining student success on our vibrant residential campus.
Welcome to the Powerhouse. uh.edu/powerhouse
9B
10B DEFENDER | OCTOBER 16 | 2014
HIGH HIGHE
Finding
free mon for college By CIERRA DUNCAN Defender
Top scholarship websites
1
Zinch.com Zinch can be a college student’s onestop-shop for scholarships that are creative, easy and fun to apply for and win. To apply for scholarships via Zinch, you’ll have to create a username and profile that will help the site find scholarships that are specifically relevant to you. Fastweb.com Fastweb is a free resource where you’ll find thousands of scholarships in one place. Fastweb offer a massive database of monetary awards, but it also features helpful career planning services and learning tools for its registered users. ScholarshipPoints.com The site’s users rack up points through a rewards system, making them eligible for different scholarships according to how many points they have earned. Cappex.com The site is helpful during undergrad years, offering scholarship opportunities and financial advice. Scholarships.com The site is a resource for college students to find both scholarships and colleges that are the perfect fit.
2
3 4 5
6 7
BlackYouth.com This website offers scholarships, internships, job opportunities and mentorships for young African-American college students. Scholarshipexperts.com ScholarshipExperts is a fast and easy way for students and their families to get matched with scholarships that fit their interests and lifestyle to help pay for college. BlackStudents.com This website is designed to help African-American students find the latest scholarships and grants that are being given away by non-profit organizations, government agencies and major corporations. UNCF.org This website is the hub of UNCFmanaged scholarship programs. Each has its own eligibility criteria, open/close dates and required documentation. SallieMae.com SallieMae provides one-stop access to over 3 million scholarships totaling over $18 billion.
8
9
10
T
Scho
here are thousands of scholarships offered by schools, employers, individuals, private companies, nonprofits, communities, religious groups and professional and social organizations. Here are some frequently asked questions from the U.S. Department of Education and scholarship.com. Q. What kinds of scholarships are available? A. Some scholarships for college are meritbased. You earn them by meeting or exceeding certain standards set by the scholarship-giver. Merit scholarships might be awarded based on academic achievement or on a combination of academics and a special talent, trait, or interest. Other scholarships are based on financial need. Many scholarships are geared toward particular groups of people; for instance, there are scholarships for women or high school seniors. And some are available because of where you or your parent work, or because you come from a certain background. Q. What are my chances of receiving a scholarship? A. It depends largely upon the scholarship, how well you meet qualifications and the level of effort that you exert in your search. Typically, if you can find scholarships that are limited to students within a state, city, sport or academic area, you have a better chance of winning. The more applicants there are for a particular offer, the less chance you have of winning.
Ch exercise your ch Q. A. receive to pay t our info taid.ed. Try ships: •T
HER ED ER ED
defendernetwork.com
Do’s & Don’ts:
F ney
Tips on financial aid
inding money for school can be a very daunting process, even confusing but with proper planning and time management, securing college finances can be a success for a student pursuing higher education. There are four types of financial aid: 1) Grants – Money you don’t have to pay back and are typically based on financial need. 2) Scholarships – Also free money and based on an area of study or on merit, such as good grades, special talents or community service. 3) Loans – Borrowed money that must be repaid with interest. 4) Work-study or student employment – Lets you earn money for college in a job on or off campus. Here are do’s and don’ts for finding money for college. Do start looking for free money early. Do submit your FAFSA application (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to start the financial aid process. These forms ask for the student’s, and sometimes parents’, financial information to determine how much federal aid they are eligible for. “It can take several months for your aid to process, so always start the process as early as you can and respond to requests for documentation right away,” said Anushah Ahmed, University of Houston assistant director of financial aid customer service. Do check your school’s website. Each school can have slightly different application processes for aid. “If at any point of the FAFSA application process appears to be confusing, there are lots
of hints and suggestions on each page, be sure to use the FAFSA website as well,” Ahmed said. “There are YouTube videos and other resources on the Federal Student Aid website – take advantage of them!” Do keep a yearly planner that has the due dates and notification dates noted for each organization or scholarship they are interested in. “Talk to teachers and mentors early about letters of recommendation and order transcripts ahead of time,” Ahmed said. “Do not wait until a couple of weeks before the deadline to get started on the application process.” Don’t borrow more than you need. Overborrowing can get you into trouble later on. Consider other ways to cover any gaps that exist, such as working during the summer or applying for more scholarships and grants. Don’t stop applying for scholarships once you are already in college. Some scholarships are targeted towards students with a certain amount of credit hours but most are open to any college student. Don’t fall for scams. Disreputable organizations can steal students’ personal information to create false enrollment profiles in an attempt to receive financial aid refunds from various schools. “Be wary of providing personal information online to organizations that claim that they can get you a better deal on the FAFSA or that they can help with loan default management,” Ahmed said. Don’t be shy about asking for help. No matter what your situation, financial aid officers are there to answer your questions.
olarship FAQs
hoose scholarships that give you an opportunity to e your skills in an area of interest to you to increase hance of winning. How do I find scholarships? Make sure scholarship information and offers you are legitimate; and remember that you don’t have to find scholarships or other financial aid. Check out ormation on how to avoid scams at www. studen.gov/types/scams. y these free sources of information about scholar-
The financial aid office at a college or career school
11B
• A high school or trio counselor • The U.S. Department of Labor’s free scholar ship search tool at www.careerinfonet.org. • Your state grant agency at www.thecb.state. tx.us/ • Your library’s reference section • Foundations, religious or community organi zations, local businesses, or civic groups • Organizations related to your field of interest • Ethnicity-based organizations • Your employer or your parents’ employers Q. When do I apply for scholarships? A. That depends on each scholarship’s deadline. Some deadlines are as early as a year before college starts, so if you’re in high school now, you should be researching and applying for scholarships during the summer between your junior and senior years. But if you’ve missed that window, don’t give up! Look at scholarship information to see which ones you can still apply for now. Q. How do I get my scholarship money? A. That depends on the scholarship. The money might go directly to your college, where it will be applied to any tuition, fees, or other amounts you owe, and then any leftover funds given to you. Or it might be sent directly to you in a check. The scholarship provider should tell you what to expect when it informs you that you’ve been awarded the scholarship. If not, make sure to ask.
Top grant
1 2 3
websites
Smarterschooling.com This website offers articles, degree program information, scholarship and grant information in one place. Grants.gov This website provides a unified site for interaction between grant applicants and the U.S. Federal agencies that manage grant funds. Collegegrant.net This guide shows were to look for free college grant money and gives tips on how to apply and what the people in charge of administering these funds are looking for in applicants.
4 5
Collegegrants.org Collegegrants.org offers students information on grants based on interests, lifestyle and race.
CollegeScholarships.org/grants College grants are divided by degree type, level, subject and student type.
12B
DEFENDER | OCTOBER 16 | 2014
defendernetwork.com
HIGHER ED
Fit in. Stand out. The University of Texas at Austin
F
it in. Stand out. Far from a contradiction, at The University of Texas at Austin we believe it is important you are able to do both. Our students encounter an environment in which diversity is pursued in equal measure with distinction, where freshmen find community as readily as they earn commendation.
So many cultures, backgrounds
Nalani Ortiz, a 2014 graduate who majored in Applied Learning and Development in the College of Education, knows firsthand how important it is to learn in a place where cultural richness is as valued as academic, artistic, scientific and technical diversity. The Houston native, an alumna of Westside High School who was named Miss Black University of Texas in 2012, says she at first struggled to find her niche on a campus of more than 50,000 students. Once the novelty wore off, though, Ortiz found her way – and her voice. “There are so many cultures, so many backgrounds,” she said of the campus. “Every person has a different story and a different perspective, and I think that all it takes to find your place is being bold enough – and courageous enough – to say, ‘This is who I am.’ Bill Powers, president of UT Austin, has noted in written remarks that the state of Texas has long been a crossroad of cultures and ideas. He’s classified that diversity as “the core of our state’s vitality,” and called in a letter written for the university’s Division of Diversity and Community Engagement for a campus climate that reflects that unique context. An indicator of the success of UT Austin’s ongoing response to that call is the makeup of its student body. More than half of undergraduate students identify themselves as part of a minority group, and more than 600 members of the university’s instructional faculty – 20-plus percent – are minorities. Student David T. McDonald Jr., a Youth and Community Studies major who plans to graduate in 2015, has witnessed the university’s dedication to fostering diversity firsthand, starting when he attended New Black Student Weekend in 2011. “I was immediately accepted into a community that represented the person I am, and I automatically built a network of people to connect with,” he said. “It really motivated me to want to be a leader on campus and to have the same effect on people as the weekend had on me.” Outside groups have noted UT Austin’s
The University of Texas at Austin’s campus, located in the heart of the city, is nicknamed “the Forty Acres” for the size of its original footprint.
commitment to diversity as well. Diverse: Issues in Higher Education in 2013 again named the university to its list of top producers of undergraduate degrees for students from diverse racial and cultural backgrounds. Amid this backdrop, a variety of Nalani Ortiz initiatives designed to advance cultural richness, including a dedicated Multicultural Engagement Center and a Diversity Education Initiatives effort, work to enhance students’ experiences. Ortiz offered a personal perspective illustrating the impact of such attention to detail. “You know that there are people who are looking out for you,” she said. “People who are going to work in your best interest, and they’re going to understand your experience on this campus as a minority.”
A commitment to excellence The University of Texas at Austin’s
commitment to diversity flourishes alongside its commitment to academic excellence. UT Austin is at the forefront of research that promises to redefine everything from the way we treat cancer to our understanding of how to spot a lie. In a recent two-year period, the university was host David T. McDonald Jr to $1.1 billion worth of sponsored research, and generated $40 million in revenue from the licensing of technology. Students, including undergraduates, are a part of that. Programs such as the Freshman Research Initiative and Bridging Disciplines offer opportunities to undergrads in any of 100plus majors. Meanwhile, other unique offerings provide small learning communities that help students adjust to college-level academic expectations, connect with professors and meet other students. Such factors contribute to an overwhelmingly positive response from first-year students, more than 9 out of 10 of whom return to UT Austin for their sophomore year – a strong indication of student satisfaction.
defendernetwork.com
OCTOBER 16 | 2014 | DEFENDER
13B
BEALONGHORN.UTEXAS.EDU/YOU 2014__09__23__Houston_Defender_Ad.indd 1
9/23/14 10:41 AM
14B
DEFENDER | OCTOBER 16 | 2014
5
defendernetwork.com
HIGHER ED
steps to securing college financial aid
By CASEY GALINDO Wells Fargo Education Finance Services
M
any parents of high school students know that the future will very likely hold a college education for their child. But what is often uncertain is how they will pay for that education. The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported that 60 percent of high school graduates enroll in a college or university for advanced studies. The average price for a four-year degree at a state school during the 2012-13 year was $22,261. It was $43,289 for a private, four-year college, according to the College Board. With these kinds of prices, many families will need financial aid to help cover tuition and room and board costs. Financial aid comes in many different forms. Students can pursue scholarships, fellowships and grants, which typically don’t require any repayment. Once these options are exhausted, students can also pursue loans. When first reviewing the options for financial aid, it can be overwhelming for students and their parents to comprehend all the options and steps they might need to take to financially plan for college. Wells Fargo Education Financial Services created the Five Steps to Financial Aid video series featuring “Mr. Fellows” to help families navigate the steps to obtaining the needed funds to cover educational expenses beyond high school. These steps include:
1
Fill out the FAFSA – This is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and is recommended for all students planning on pursing college, no matter their family income. It is used to determine a student’s eligibility not only for federal student loans, but for workstudy aid and some grants. Estimate total cost – Colleges can provide students and their parents with an estimated cost for tuition, as well as room and board each year at the school. Determine additional expenses – College is more than just class, studying and taking tests. Other expenses like car insurance, gas money, memberships to campus organizations and even paying for a spring break vacation might not be covered by scholarships, grants and fellowships. However, students should apply all financial aid – even scholarships that might not have stipulations of how the money is used – first to educational
2 3
4
expenses. Learn about financing options – Create a list of private loans available through your bank, as well as federal loan options. Compare available loan amounts, interest rates, if payments can be deferred until after the schooling is complete and loan term lengths. Know deadlines – There are deadlines for submitting the FASFA and for most scholarships. Keep these deadlines on a calendar so nothing gets missed. View the videos at www.WellsFargo.com/ fivesteps. Additional information about banking, credit, money management, financial assistance and financial matters connected with post-secondary education can be found at www.wellsfargo. com/collegesteps. Reviewing financial aid options early gives families a chance to best plan financial – and educational – options for their children.
5
defendernetwork.com
OCTOBER 16 | 2014 | DEFENDER
15B
5_13107 9.75x13 4C
Explore your student loan financing options
When grants, scholarships, family contributions, and federal funding aren’t enough to cover your college expenses, a private student loan from Wells Fargo may be able to help. Carefully consider all your options when it comes to choosing a student loan — no one option is right for everyone. When comparing student loans, here are a few factors to consider: • Interest rates • Loan fees • Discounts • Repayment options To learn more about student loan financing options, call or click today! 1-800-456-1551 wellsfargo.com/student
© 2014 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. (1211495_13107)
1211495_13107 9.75x13 4C.indd 1
9/9/14 10:42 AM
16B
DEFENDER | OCTOBER 16 | 2014
defendernetwork.com
HIGHER ED
Lone Star College…
I
Planning for the future
t is estimated that 63 percent of all jobs will require higher education or workforce training beyond high school by 2018. Lone Star College is ready to meet this need by offering affordable access to a high-quality education that prepares today’s students for tomorrow’s workforce. Lone Star College is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and one of the fastest growing community colleges in the nation. Opening doors for 95,000 students, LSC has almost 83,000 students in credit classes this fall. And LSC has added more than 33,000 students since 2007, a 68 percent increase. Our community has grown by 176,000 people since 2010. With an additional 242,000 people expected by 2019, the Lone Star College service area’s population will be 2.55 million. Lone Star College is working hard to keep up with this extraordinary growth and continue to meet community needs. “In response, the Lone Star College System Board of Trustees voted to place a $485 million bond referendum on the Nov. 4 election ballot. The bond will be used to create more learning space to accommodate the extraordinary growth being experienced at LSC.” “The bond referendum expands the LSC-Victory Center campus in the Acres Homes community and adds an Advanced Technology Workforce Center, academic instructional building, and renovations and improvements to the main LSC-North Harris campus.” LSC is also moving forward with construction of the LSC-East Aldine Center to better meet the needs of residents. The bond also provides additional Advanced Technology Workforce Centers and facility expansions and upgrades across all of the LSC campuses. Placing learning facilities within easy access of community residents allows students to manage work, family and higher education. Lone Star College is the choice for area high school seniors. In fall 2013, 5,848 area high school May graduates chose to attend LSC. That’s 10 times the number of students choosing the University of Houston; six times the number who selected Texas A&M University. At 1/5 the cost of attending a fouryear university and with an average class size of just 23 students, it’s no wonder 95,000 students choose Lone Star College Lone Star College is recognized as a top 10 producer of associate degrees conferred. Nationally, LSC ranks second in Nursing, Registered Nursing, Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Degrees, second in Education Associate Degrees and fifth in all degrees among minorities. Top-notch student services that extend learning beyond the classroom are part of the Lone Star College success story. Each LSC campus offers a variety of student support services like free tutoring. Student life programs open the doors to leadership development, social opportunities, skill enhancement, volunteerism and academic success. Lone Star College graduates help keep our community safe – 84 percent of all first responders and
Lone Star College is recognized as a top 10 producer of associate degrees in the nation. LSC was second in awarding Nursing and Education Associate Degrees and fifth in all degrees among minorities.
Eighty-four percent of all first responders and 60 percent of all health care workers are trained at a community college such as Lone Star College.
Lone Star College is meeting the challenge of preparing tomorrow’s workforce today by offering high-level technical training to learn the necessary job skills employers are seeking.
60 percent of all health care workers are trained at a community college like Lone Star College. Lone Star College is also a major contributor to the local economy – adding $3.1 billion in economic impact directly into the community each year, primarily through $2.8 billion in increased earnings for students, which improves their economic mobility and productivity. And since 91 percent of LSC students staying right here in the community after attending LSC, their increased earnings are reinvested back into the community increasing overall prosperity. Taxpayers also benefit with a $7.80 return for every dollar appropriated in tax and public savings. And, Lone Star College lowered the property tax rate by 7 percent
for the 2014-15 tax year, the largest reduction in 40 years. Lone Star College is meeting the challenge of preparing tomorrow’s workforce with high-level training to learn the necessary job skills employers need. LSC works closely with area employers to align classroom curriculum with real workforce needs. This ensures students are trained with the necessary skills to be ready to enter the job market – in high-demand fields like health care, energy, manufacturing, information technology and more. Affordable education that’s close to home makes Lone Star College the college of choice for area students.
defendernetwork.com
OCTOBER 16 | 2014 | DEFENDER
Houston has great careers and no one to fill them. 63% of all jobs will require more than a high school education.
1 in 4 graduates from area high schools attend Lone Star College.
LSC is preparing more than 95,000 students to succeed in the workforce.
Filling the “skills gap” is a growing need. The Houston region’s economy is healthy and new careers are created every day. Unfortunately, employers can’t find enough qualified workers. The 2014 Lone Star College Bond Referendum will fund the construction of new Advanced Technology Centers – where the next generation of workers will be trained. Lone Star College is working hard to keep up with area growth and continue to meet community needs. Learn how Lone Star College will continue opening doors for a growing community at LoneStar.edu/Election. LSC-CyFair
Vote Nov. 4
Look for the LSC Bond Referendum on the ballot. Early Voting Oct. 20-31
I LSC-Kingwood I LSC-Montgomery I LSC-North Harris I LSC-Tomball I LSC-University Park
17B
18B
DEFENDER | OCTOBER 16 | 2014
defendernetwork.com
HIGHER ED
Prairie View A&M University
I
A tradition of excellence
n 1876, the 15th Legislature of the State of Texas created Prairie View A&M University, a land-grant institution and the second oldest institution of higher learning in the state. It began as an industrial school for minorities and has evolved to meet the changing needs of the state. The University has thrived for more than 135 years and is dedicated to fulfilling its mission of achieving excellence in teaching, research and service. PVAMU enjoys an established reputation for producing engineers, corporate leaders, nurses and educators. Through its eight colleges and schools it boasts more than 50 degree programs including engineering, natural sciences, architecture, business, nursing, criminal and juvenile justice. The newest doctoral degree program is slated to come from the noted School of Nursing, which is housed in the center of Houston’s world-renowned Texas Medical Center. The graduate degree program will address the nursing shortage by creating a host of nursing educators to prepare future nurses. PVAMU’s dedication to excellence extends past its majestic campus into nearby Houston. In northwest Houston, students enjoy the convenience of centralized offerings in education, nursing and community development at the new Northwest Houston Center. The Center is a full extension of the University’s main campus. An architecture student constructs a building model. Excellence is everywhere, even outside the classroom. The overall success of the Prairie View A&M athletics department, including Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) championships by the baseball, women’s basketball and bowling teams has led to Prairie View’s numerous awards. The Panthers won the overall SWAC Commissioner’s Cup, which is awarded to the most successful university of the conference in terms of athletic achievement each season. As time moves on, the University with such a storied history is making a number of improvements. As you approach the campus via University Drive, a major change is enhancing the scenery of the main location. New Army ROTC student participates in the homecoming parade. gates have been installed and are the new athletic stadium will also be coming to the first visible signs of the campus master plan coming into fruicampus. tion. The construction of the gates creates an official marked After much preparation and with the supentrance to the campus. port of the PVAMU community, the process Spring 2014 graduates pose for a photo. Nearby, a new retention pond sits in the open area just to build the University’s new student recreation and additional activity space. beyond the flag poles. Housing for upperclassmen students has center has begun. When the Texas A&M University System Board of Reopened for the fall semester and a new retail center is slated to The $37 million facility is scheduled to be completed gents approved the construction of a new academic building be completed in this year. in spring 2015. The two-story building will include three for the College of Business and the College of Agriculture A changing landscape multipurpose courts for basketball, volleyball, badminton and and Human Sciences (CAHS) during its January meeting, The 10-year campus master plan, developed by the dodge ball; fitness spaces for cardio and weight lifting, group one item identified in the new 10-year Campus Master Plan University and approved by the Texas A&M University Board fitness exercise studios, and a wellness center with a demonwas checked off. of Regents, will add a few modern touches to the look of the stration kitchen and a massage therapy room. The corner of University Drive at Owens Road will be campus and address the needs that accompany student growth. In addition, preliminary plans call for an upgrade to the transformed to include a new retail center that many expect A new academic building housing the College of Agricurrent 25-meter swimming pool. Under the plan, the existwill infuse the area with new life. The proposed 36,000culture and the College of Business, a recreation facility and a ing pool deck will be expanded to allow for a diving board square foot facility will consist of six to eight merchant
defendernetwork.com
OCTOBER 16 | 2014 | DEFENDER
19B
PVAMU Northwest hoUstoN CeNter
Graduate Programs in Business MSA | MBA | EMBA
P R A I R I E V I E W A &M U N I V E R S I T Y
9449 Grant Road, Houston, Texas cob@pvamu.edu | (936) 261-9217 www.pvamu.edu/mba
249 290
Apply Now
I-45
NORTHWEST HOUSTON CENTER
8
Houston
610
I-10
• Programs include Master of Science in Accounting (MSA), MBA, Online MBA and Executive MBA • Classes taught in the evenings and Saturdays at the PVAMU Northwest Houston Center near Tomball Parkway and FM 1960 or offered completely online • Courses taught by experienced, highly-qualified faculty • Accredited by AACSB International – only 5% of business programs worldwide are AACSB-accredited
Our tradition. P R A I R I E V I E W A &M U N I V E R S I T Y 249 290
I-45
NORTHWEST HOUSTON CENTER
8
Houston I-10 COLLEGE OF NURSING
Your opportunity. Our tradition of excellence in teaching, research and service
is nothing new. For more than 135 years, we’ve provided students with
610
a strong academic foundation, personal attention, a unique college experience and the
opportunity to make their mark on the world.
Apply today www.pvamu.edu
20B
DEFENDER | OCTOBER 16 | 2014
defendernetwork.com
Author helps students attend college for free NNPA News Service
As middle-aged parents, Norma Richards, a veteran science teacher, and her husband, were only halfway through raising six children. Facing the daunting responsibility of putting three children through college in close succession, Richards felt it was time to get proactive. Today, those two daughters and one son have each earned engineering degrees at wellknown universities on full academic scholarships. Her guidebook, “Free Ride to College,” shows parents and high school seniors how to position themselves for the same good fortune. “I have saved close to half a million dollars in college expenses,” Richards writes. “Now that I have an empty nest, I am on a mission to help
other families achieve free rides to college too.” The crux of Richards’ pointers comes in the chapter titled, “A Competitive Student Profile – the Fuel for a Full Academic Ride.” In it, she details what a student should have accomplished by the end of the junior year in high school in order to attract scholarship offers, including community service, high test scores and strong admissions essays. But the road to a full ride begins well before high school. “As a parent, I took responsibility for my child’s education, and saw school as a supplement. I didn’t homeschool them, but I made sure they were constantly learning…and I made learning fun from the beginning,” Richards said. For more information visit www.freeridetocollege.com.
DISCOVER. IMPACT. LEAD. Concordia University Texas has provided students with a quality liberal arts education since 1926. We combine all the benefits of a traditional education with the added flexibility and affordability of online learning. Gain the skills you need to be successful in the modern workplace by earning your undergraduate or graduate degree from Concordia University Texas Online. We offer the following online programs: • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Bachelor of Arts in Business Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Bachelor of Arts in Health Administration Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Technical Management Master of Business Administration Master of Education in Advanced Literacy Instruction Master of Education in Differentiated Instruction Master of Education in Education Administration Master of Education in Sports Management Principal Certification Reading Specialist Certification Superintendent Certification
Find out how you can develop your skills and advance your career, fully online. online.concordia.edu/defender (844) 289-2891 • onlineinfo@concordia.edu
090814