AUGUST 2019 • LONGISLANDPRESS.COM 55
FAMILY & EDUCATION
COLLEGE STUDENTS
FINDING YOUR SCHOLARSHIPS
BY JESSICA MILITELLO
As the summer draws to an end,
many students have already started
applying for classes for the fall semester.
But the search to ease tuition
expenses through financial aid and
scholarships can be just as stressful
if you don’t know where to look for
these opportunities.
Most colleges offer a myriad of scholarships
based on merit, talent, and
financial need, but there are many
more available on a national and local
level that can often go overlooked by
students who could otherwise qualify
for these opportunities. Colleges
can assist you even more so in finding
the perfect scholarship.
“There are a plethora of people and
organizations willing to help their
peers by giving them an opportunity
to get a decent education,” said Marcel
Roberts, an assistant professor in
the department of Sciences at City of
New York (CUNY) John Jay College
of Criminal Justice. “Potential and
current students should contact
their academic advisement centers to
find out about all of the scholarships
available.”
Common misconceptions on eligibility
surround when exactly in a
student’s academic career that they
should begin looking into scholarships
and who qualifies for them.
Oftentimes it is perceived that scholarships
only apply to students who
are either at the top of their class or
are star athletes in their school, but
financial opportunities for college
money go well beyond these limited
criteria.
Before scoping out your prospects, sit
down with a trusted peer or mentor
and list strengths, talents, and interests
that you have. This can apply
to any extracurricular activity you
participate in or hobbies, including
art, sports, martial arts, dance, writing,
and more. It is also important to
note that you can apply for as many
scholarships as you desire if you find
you meet the criteria.
Local and community organizations
are a great place to start searching
for scholarships. There are nonprofit
groups and initiatives focused on
empowering the community, like
the “Stay on Long Island” campaign,
which offers scholarships for academically
inclined graduates of
Suffolk County Community College
to ensure graduates continue their
education by transferring to a fouryear
school on Long Island.
Other scholarships from the area
pertain to personal interests and
hobbies, like The Long Island Caddie
Scholarship Fund, which was founded
in 1962 and has awarded more
than $4.3 million to young men and
women from Long Island who work
in service to golf for a need-based
scholarship. Individuals must work
a minimum of two years in service
golf and be in good standing with the
club.
According to Johanna Gavin, the Senior
Director of Caddie Scholarship
Funds, the scholarship enforces a
good work ethic and a chance to learn
about the integrity of golf.
“Our applicants are caddies who as
young adults learn about the importance
of networking and meeting new
people,” said Gavin. “It demonstrates
hard work and perseverance because
you’re not always guaranteed work
as a caddie, so you have to stick to
it and become responsible along the
way.”
Plenty of scholarships are available to students who know where to find them. (Getty Images)
BENEFACTOR
INSIGHTS
James Metzger, the founder,
chairman, and CEO of Whitmore,
a leading insurance brokerage
on Long Island, offers his professional
advice for students
seeking scholarships. He is a
major contributor to academic
and athletic programs in high
schools and colleges such as Hofstra
University, Half Hollow Hills,
and St. Anthony’s High School.
Metzger has dedicated himself
to helping student athletes better
their college experience and their
education through his efforts.
What inspires you to continue
to be so involved in helping to
fund education? I see giving back
as a responsibility and a privilege.
Helping others is something my
parents instilled in me.When I
see the looks of gratitude from
families that get support, it's all
worth it.
Do you have any advice for
students who are looking for
scholarships? There are numerous
angles to pursue to find scholarships.
It requires preparation,
dedication and hard work. I'd
suggest encouraging families to
start thinking about developing a
history and record of achievement
as you are leaving grade school.
How can students stand out in
their applications? Scholarship
applications help school administrators
identify a potential
student's character, academics,
and extracurricular achievement.
Character is a keyword. How you
demonstrate these things will
differentiate you from your peers.
Being able to work with others,
leadership, and community service
are game changers.
“There are a plethora of people and organizations
willing to help their peers by giving them an
opportunity to get a decent education,” said
Marcel Roberts.
/LONGISLANDPRESS.COM
