Pioneer Scholarships

Here is the prompt for the “My Story” Essay:

Write an essay titled “My Story: that tells us about you. Be Specific about your academic and career goals, and how you plan to reach those goals. Discuss any obstacles you have overcome and any specific financial needs you have. This is your opportunity to share with us what makes you unique and deserving of a scholarship.

Here is the prompt broken down into its essential components:

(1) Write an essay titled “My Story” that tells us about you. Be specific about your academic and career goals, and how you plan to reach those goals.

TIPS: Mention your major, or program you are pursuing. Also, if you feel you haven’t settled on a direction or major, discuss the options you are considering and what you’re doing to settle on an option. The point is to show that you are mature and are thinking of your own future. The readers want to award a student who will put the scholarship money to good use.

• I want to be a teacher and work in a school that serves low-income children.
• I want to be an engineer and work for Cisco so that I can create new products that will keep Silicon Valley a strong and competitive location for the tech industry.
• I’m not sure what I want to do, but I am considering becoming a financial analyst. I’ve talked to some of my friends’ parents. I also plan on contacting different collages about their Graduate level economics and business programs. Also….

(2) Discuss any obstacles you have overcome and any specific financial needs you have. This is your opportunity to share with us what makes you unique and deserving of a scholarship.

Obstacles can be anything from your financial situation, to being the first in your family to go to college, to not having your own mode of transportation. You just have to show why that obstacle is important and why a scholarship will help you overcome this and other obstacles.

TIPS:

First, describe an obstacle.

1. Not having a car
2. Being a parent and going to school full time
3. Family pressures
4. Financial situation

Second, discuss how you overcame that obstacle.

1. Not having a car: I take the bus to school even though it takes me two hours to get to school every day. I also carpool when I can.
2. Being a parent and going to school full time: I am a single parent with two kids. My family and friends help me with child care so that I can go to school….
3. Family pressures: My parents prefer that I don’t go to school and that I work full time to help with the family finances. Because it’s important for me to finish school, I work full time and attend night classes…
4. Financial situation: Although my parents help me with college expenses, money is tight since the economy has been down. I currently work part time, but it doesn't pay well enough to help me with all of my educational expenses

1. Read the prompt several times and think about what it is really asking. Try to restate the prompt in your own words.
2. Start at least three weeks before the deadline, if possible.
3. Read the prompt again and think about it.
4. Make an outline.
5. Read the prompt again.
6. Write a draft.
7. Ask someone to read your draft
8. Make changes afterwards, and start to focus on clarity
9. SHOW, don’t tell. - Avoid words and phrases without explanation. For example, if you use the words shown below, you will have to explain (or show) why you felt this way and how the experience you’re describing impacted your life.
10. Create your second draft
11. Don’t read it for at least 24 hours! Then read it again and be very critical and check for mistakes you know you usually make.

Possible Format/Outline:

1. Introduction: Briefly, who are you? What’s your major? Give a little background info.
2. Background on what has inspired you to choose your major.
3. Career goals. What do you plan to do when you leave CSU East Bay? Why are you in school?
4. Financial need. How will you use the scholarship if you receive it? Conclude.

Questions? -  Contact Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at finaid@csueastbay.edu.

International Students may be eligible for a variety of scholarships by creating an account and logging in to ScholarshipUniverse portal. 

Scholarships are subject to U.S. taxation laws associated with international study.

Q: If I don’t receive financial aid, can I still get a scholarship?
Absolutely!  Only some scholarships require the filing of the FAFSA – in order to demonstrate financial need.

Q: If I do receive financial aid and a scholarship, will my financial aid be affected?Scholarships are accounted for in your financial aid package, as they are considered an educational resource.

Q: Will my other financial aid be reduced if I win a scholarship?
While this is possible, it is unlikely.  When this does occur, it is typically only when Loans are taken out, up to the Cost of Attendance (COA) budget.  In that case, the loans are reduced and replaced by the scholarship:  we are swapping free money for money that would have had to be repaid. 

Q: Am I eligible for scholarship opportunities if I have not been admitted to CSUEB yet?
You may apply for scholarship opportunities; however, your application will only be considered if you are admitted, and you meet scholarship eligibility requirements. Your scholarship application does not guarantee admission to CSUEB.

Q: When will I be notified if I am awarded a scholarship?
Scholarship opportunities are offered by many departments and colleges across campus with different deadlines dates; therefore, we suggest that you occasionally log in and check for updates. If selected for a scholarship, the department will contact you directly.

Q: What are “External” opportunities?
“External” scholarship opportunities are scholarships that are not affiliated with CSUEB. They are off campus private scholarship notices and are listed for your consideration at the request of private organizations. These scholarships require a separate application and have various eligibility requirements and deadlines. Interested applicants must contact the organization directly with questions.