LCC workshop points the way to scholarships.

Byline: Greg Bolt The Register-Guard

After 10 years as an on-again, off-again carpenter, Houston Morris decided it was time to do something more with his life.

He was in his early 30s and had no college degree, but he didn't let that stop him. He got to work looking for grants and scholarships and put together enough financing to start the computer networking program at Lane Community College.

But he didn't stop there. He kept working the scholarship circuit and last year landed the big one: a generous Ford Family scholarship that picks up 90 percent of his education costs, including living expenses, that aren't met by his other financial aid awards.

"I got that scholarship and switched to a five-year program in computer engineering," Morris said. "The scholarship is what allowed me to change from something that would pay the bills to something I really wanted to do."

Not everyone in the hunt for financial aid comes out as well as Morris, but with millions of dollars in scholarships and grants awarded every year, it's a rare student who doesn't qualify for some kind of assistance. The key is knowing where to look and how to sell yourself.

That's what students and parents can learn Saturday at the annual financial aid and scholarship workshop at LCC. It runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and includes sessions on researching and applying for scholarships, the federal and state financial aid program and tips for writing effective essays and applications.

Although the bulk of student aid now comes in the form of loans that must be repaid, many students still qualify for some level of free aid in the form of state and federal grants as well as scholarships. Scholarships can be particularly attractive for students from middle-income families, as many are based on factors other than financial need.

Beth Landy, a financial aid counselor and faculty member at LCC, said one of the keys to landing a scholarship is being able to sell yourself to the scholarship sponsor.

"Scholarship committees want to award money to students who are going to be successful in their education, in their career and in their life," she said. "The challenge for applicants is to prove that they are good investment risks."

One of the things that will be covered in the workshop is how to write a clear essay describing strengths and goals and how an education will allow you to contribute to the community. Basic information on filling out applications also will be offered, focusing on the FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid - and the grant and scholarship application for the Oregon Student Assistance Commission.

Those two programs offer the bulk of government aid. Oregon also is unique in that the state agency, OSAC, also acts as a clearinghouse for more than $10 million in private scholarships.

Landy, who teaches a fall term course on writing for scholarships, said it's important that students not put off their scholarship searches.

"January through March is the prime scholarship season," she said. "The bulk of the scholarships, especially the more coveted ones, the deadlines tend to be January through March."

Students who want to take part in the Saturday workshop should sign up in advance. The event has room for 300 people with about 100 seats left as of this morning.

To register, call the LCC continuing education department, 463-5252. Those who have recently taken classes at LCC can sign up online using their "L" number that gives access to the ExpressLane computer registration system.

ON THE WEB

The Internet is loaded with Web sites offering tips on where and how to find money for college. Here are some of them:

www.getcollegefunds.org: This Oregon Student Assistance Commission Web site offers financial aid applications along with tips and links to other sites. It is a starting point for millions of dollars in private scholarships. Most of the applications can be completed online.

www.finaid.org: Public service site offers information on all forms of student aid along with financial aid calculators, FAQs, worksheets and other items. Not supported by advertising.

www.studentaid.ed.gov: U.S. Department of Education's portal to student financial aid programs offers a wide range of information on federal grant and loan programs, work study and other financial aid. Also offers advice on choosing a college and applying for admission and has links to more detailed information.

www.collegeparents.org: College Parents of America site offers numerous links to financial aid sites, plus other consumer information aimed at parents.

www.fastweb.com: FastWeb is among the most popular commercial sites and is aimed primarily at locating scholarships and helping students select a college and apply for admission. Supported by advertising and requires users to submit personal information to build a profile.