Fill Out Your Warren And Velda Wilson Scholarship Form

What is the Warren & Velda Wilson Foundation Scholarship?

The Warren & Velda Wilson Foundation Scholarship is a financial aid opportunity designed to assist high school seniors from central and south central Nebraska. Established in honor of Warren and Velda Wilson, it offers $1,250 scholarships for graduates to attend any accredited higher education institution within Nebraska.

Who is eligible to apply for the scholarship?

To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must be graduating seniors from high schools in designated Nebraska counties, including Adams, Clay, Fillmore, Hall, Hamilton, Nuckolls, Thayer, Webster, and York. They must also exhibit good citizenship, community involvement, and the potential for academic success, regardless of their high school academic standing.

Is there a specific application process?

Yes, the application process requires students to complete the scholarship form and submit it along with two recommendation forms to their high school counselor. The counselor will then forward all materials to the Wilson Foundation office for consideration.

When is the application due?

The completed application and all supporting documents should be submitted to the high school counselor by February 17 of the academic year in which you are applying. The counselor will ensure the application is submitted by the deadline set by the Wilson Foundation.

What criteria are used to award scholarships?

Scholarships are awarded based on several criteria: good citizenship, involvement in school and community activities, and potential for future academic success. Academic achievements like ACT/SAT scores or class rankings are not considered, emphasizing the Foundation's commitment to helping a diverse range of students.

How are the scholarship funds distributed?

The scholarship amount of $1,250 is disbursed in two payments directly to the educational institution. The first half is provided upon proof of full-time enrollment, while the second half is contingent on the recipient successfully completing the first semester or quarter and maintaining full-time status for the second semester.

Can scholarships be renewed for subsequent years?

No, the Warren & Velda Wilson Foundation Scholarship is not renewable. Each award is designed to support students during their first year of college education only.

What types of schools can the scholarship be used at?

Scholarship recipients can use their funds at any accredited college, university, community college, or trade school located in Nebraska. This flexibility allows students to pursue a range of educational pathways.

Who do I contact for more information about the scholarship?

For additional information, inquiries can be directed to Patricia (Pat) Stange, the Scholarship Coordinator. She can be reached at 402-460-2152 or via email at pstange@cccneb.edu. The office is located at 2727 W. 2nd Street, Suite 211, Hastings, NE 68901.

What should I do if I have questions while completing the application?

If you have questions during the application process, it’s recommended to first consult your high school counselor, who can provide guidance. Alternatively, you can reach out to the Scholarship Coordinator for clarification on any specific requirements or procedures.

Filling out the Warren and Velda Wilson Scholarship form can be a crucial step for many students, but several common mistakes can jeopardize their chances of receiving aid. One major error is not providing legible handwriting when completing the application by hand. Clarity is essential. If the scholarship committee cannot read the answers, they may be unable to accurately assess the student's qualifications.

Another mistake is failing to follow the instructions regarding formatting. The guidelines state applicants should fill out the form in black ink and avoid stapling pages together. Instead, they should use paper clips to secure their documents. Not adhering to these simple instructions could cause the application to be overlooked or rejected.

Some applicants neglect the importance of including all required items in their application packets. Incomplete submissions can lead to automatic disqualification. Graduate students should ensure that all pages, even blank ones, are included and that the required signatures are complete before handing their materials to a guidance counselor.

It's not uncommon for students to underestimate the need for thorough recommendation letters. The guidelines emphasize selecting two recommenders who know the applicant well. Some students might choose individuals who cannot provide detailed insights into their abilities. This decision can weaken their application. It's vital for recommendation letters to reflect genuine support for the applicant's candidacy.

Another oversight occurs when candidates fail to clearly articulate their personal statements. The requirement is specific: to answer why college is important and how they intend to finance their education. Some students write vague or overly brief responses, missing the opportunity to present themselves effectively. A well-thought-out personal statement can make a significant impact on the selection committee.

Additionally, some applicants overlook the importance of proofing their application before submission. Typos or grammatical errors can detract from the professionalism of the application. Taking the time to review the completed application can prevent unnecessary mistakes that might leave a poor impression.

Finally, many students misjudge the significance of submitting their application on time. Late submissions are generally not accepted, regardless of the situation. Meeting the February deadline is crucial. It is always best for students to plan ahead to avoid any last-minute issues that could interfere with the application process.

The Warren and Velda Wilson Scholarship application is just one part of a complete application process. Other forms and documents enhance your eligibility and provide additional information needed for the selection committee's decision. Below is a list of essential documents commonly submitted with the scholarship form.

• Recommendation Forms: Two completed recommendation forms are mandatory. These forms should be filled out by individuals who can vouch for the applicant's character and potential, such as teachers or employers. It’s crucial that these forms remain sealed until submitted by the high school counselor.
• Activity Statements: Applicants must provide detailed statements outlining their involvement in school, community, and church activities. This document should list up to seven activities each, along with any honors or leadership positions held. It reflects the applicant's commitment and community engagement.
• Personal Statement: A concise personal statement, not exceeding 250 words, must articulate the applicant's reasons for pursuing college education. Choices include discussing future career goals or financial plans for education, demonstrating personal motivation and aspirations.
• Financial Statement: This statement helps assess the applicant's level of financial need. Students must provide detailed information about any income sources, including their own contributions and parental support. This section is vital for determining financial eligibility.

Completing these documents diligently can boost your chances of receiving the Wilson Scholarship. Each piece offers deeper insight into your qualifications and personal story, aligning well with the values the foundation seeks to uphold.

• Common Scholarship Application: Similar to the Warren & Velda Wilson Scholarship form, the Common Scholarship Application allows students to apply for numerous scholarships with one single application. This streamlines the process for students, making it more convenient to provide necessary information and documentation to various scholarship committees.

• FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): Like the Wilson Scholarship form, the FAFSA is essential for students seeking financial assistance for college. It requires students to provide detailed financial information, which helps determine eligibility for federal and state aid. Both documents emphasize the importance of financial need in the award process.

• College Admission Application: The College Admission Application shares similarities with the Warren & Velda Wilson Scholarship form in that it collects personal information, academic records, and extracurricular involvement. Both documents evaluate students holistically, considering factors beyond just academic performance.

• Local or Community Scholarship Applications: Many local organizations, like the Wilson Foundation, offer scholarships to students in specific geographic areas. These applications typically ask for similar information regarding community involvement and personal statements, aiming to support local students in their educational pursuits.

• Do: Carefully read the entire scholarship application form and guidelines to ensure you understand all requirements.
• Do: Complete the application in one sitting if using an electronic format, as saved submissions may not work.
• Do: Include all documentation, such as recommendation forms and signed pages, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
• Do: Submit your application and all materials by the specified deadline to allow ample time for review.
• Don't: Use staples to join documents; instead, paper clip everything together to keep the submission neat.
• Don't: Open the recommendation forms yourself; allow your counselors to handle them as per the guidelines.

• Misconception 1: Only top-performing students can apply.

This belief is incorrect. While academic achievement is important, the scholarship also considers other factors such as good citizenship and community involvement. The foundation aims to support students who may not have the highest grades but show promise in various areas.

• Misconception 2: The scholarship is renewable every year.

In fact, the Warren & Velda Wilson Scholarship is not renewable. Recipients receive a one-time award disbursed in two payments for their first year of college. Each scholarship is independent, and students need to reapply for any future awards.

• Misconception 3: The application process is very complicated.

Although the process has specific requirements, it is straightforward. Students need to complete an application, gather two recommendations, and submit everything through their high school counselor. Clear instructions are provided to help guide applicants at each step.

• Misconception 4: Only residents of Clay County are eligible.

This is not true. Students from multiple counties—Adams, Clay, Fillmore, Hall, Hamilton, Nuckolls, Thayer, Webster, and York—are eligible to apply. This opens opportunities for many graduates in central and south central Nebraska.

The following are key takeaways regarding the Warren and Velda Wilson Scholarship application process:

• Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be graduating seniors from a high school located in specific counties of Nebraska, including Adams, Clay, Fillmore, Hall, Hamilton, Nuckolls, Thayer, Webster, and York.
• Application Submission: A completed application form must be returned to the applicant’s high school counselor, along with two sealed recommendation forms. The counselor will then submit the entire application packet to the scholarship office.
• Scholarship Considerations: The selection process evaluates various factors such as citizenship, community involvement, and potential for academic success, rather than solely academic achievements such as GPA or class rank.
• Funding Details: Each scholarship amounts to $1,250 and is paid in two installments to the institution. Proof of enrollment and semester completion is required for fund distribution.