Scholarship Foundation

Various Programs Described

Education is key to both individual success and the health of our community.



OUR NEXT APPLICATION CYCLE FUNDS SPRING 2010

BEGINS ON AUGUST 1st

DEADLINE OF NOVEMBER 15

(Not applicable to nursing program students)


MAJOR CHANGES TO OUR PROGRAM EFFECTIVE MARCH 24, 2009:



In an effort to provide more significant funding to financially needy students, our board of directors has implemented the following major changes to our interest-free loan program effective March 24, 2009:

We will not fund:

1. Students attending schools not accredited by North Central or its regional equivalent.

2. Students seeking a second baccalaureate degree. This includes career changes that now require different education.

3. Graduate students applying to The Foundation for the first time. We will consider funding graduate students who have been funded as undergraduate students in the recent past.

4. The maximum loan amount has been increased to $7,000.

Interest-Free Loan Program
In 2008-09, The Foundation will make loans totaling $3.25 million to nearly 700 students. Applications for interest-free student loans are accepted by deadlines of April 15 and November 15, and are renewable annually. Currently, Foundation loan receivables total over $15 million. Approximately 1,600 past recipients committed to lending a hand to the next generation continue to maintain a 96 percent repayment rate on the interest-free loans.

Grants
By submitting the interest-free loan application, students are automatically considered for all funding programs available through The Scholarship Foundation. Approximately 40 students are awarded grants from The Scholarship Foundation totaling about $300,000 each year. Almost 700 students will receive more than $3.25 million in interest-free student loans and grants in 2008-09. All grants and loans are renewable.

Deedee Becker Loan Fund

Established by the Becker family as a memorial to Deedee Becker, who died suddenly in 1982, this fund has provided interest-free loans to students of nursing with significant financial need. The sustained support of this program by the Becker family offers assistance year-round to students pursuing a degree or certificate in nursing at the undergraduate level.

Emergency Loan Program
The Foundation provides emergency loans to students experiencing unforeseen and unplanned circumstances such as a family crisis, illness, death of a parent, or major change in sources of support during a current academic term. Call the Foundation office at 314-725-7990 for pre-screening.

Student Employment
The Scholarship Foundation provides employment opportunities for current and former recipients of the interest-free loan program. Both Student Advocates and ScholarShop Assistants earn a competitive wage while earning credit against an outstanding loan balance. Call the Foundation office at 314-725-7990 for an application.

Student Advocate Program
Advocates work varied hours per week typically during the high school day or various hours at community partnerships. Working in educational settings with minimal direct supervision, Advocates assist students complete college and financial aid applications.

You must be organized, have strong communication skills, and bring a high level of professionalism to your work as you represent The Scholarship Foundation�s public face. If you are serious about providing direction to students during the college application process: making follow-up phone calls, visiting the assigned high school or community center on a regular and consistent basis, attending outreach events and training, and are available 10 hours per week, I invite you to apply to the Student Advocate Program. Please contact Angela Whitlow at angela@sfstl.org with interest.

ScholarShop Assistants - Accepting Applications Now for Immediate Hire
Do you have experience working in a retail environment? Would you like to gain experience working in an upscale resale store while repaying a portion of your interest-free loan? If you enjoy interacting with the public and work well with people of all ages, please consider working for ScholarShop. With locations in Webster Groves and Clayton, ScholarShop is accessible by public transportation. ScholarShop Assistants take advantage of a variety of shifts that accommodate college schedules, including Saturdays and early evening hours. Call the Foundation office at 314-725-7990 for an application.