Being an American Essay Contest 2011

The Being an American Essay Contest is a chance for US high school students in grades 9-12 to compete for a scholarship of $1,000 (with 2nd and 3rd prizes of $500 and $250) by completing an essay of 1,000 words or less.

The topic to be addressed is as follows: "How does the Constitution establish and maintain a culture of liberty?" (I feel like that should be "How did . . .," but you probably won't win anything with that approach.)

Your entry should also analyze and discuss:

• "How one of the Founding principles established in the Constitution helps preserve liberty
• Why at least one Founder, as evidenced in a primary source document, believed your chosen principle was a safeguard to liberty
• Why your principle continues to be important today
• How you personally help preserve a culture that insures the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness in America"

The deadline to enter is December 15, 2011. You can find complete information and the link to submit your essay on the Being an American Essay Contest web page.

Seimens Competition Scholarships for 2011

The Siemens Competition for 2011 is a chance for students or groups of students to compete for scholarships ranging from $1,000-$100,000.

As the chart on their webpage shows, prizes are awarded on a regional and on a national basis. In addition, there are six prize levels on the national basis ranging from $10,000-$100,000.

Links on Siemens webpage make it easy to check your eligibility, confirm your project eligibility, and register. The "short version" on eligibility is that students in grades nine through 12 from throughout the United States and its territories are eligible to enter. Still, be sure to check the specifics for yourself.

The deadline to enter is October 3, 2011. You can find more information and all the links you need on the Siemens Competition Scholarship webpage.

AXA Achievement Scholarships for 2011

The AXA Achievement Scholarships are an opportunity for students to win up to $25,000 to help with their educational expenses. 52 winners from across the country will win $10,000 each. 10 of those will be selected as national winners and received an additional $15,000 each.

The Axa foundation looks for certain qualities in their scholarship winners. These include:

• "Ambition and drive
• Determination to set and reach goals
• Respect for self, family and community
• Ability to succeed in college"

The AXA Achievers Scholarships are very competitive. Some of their past winners have done things such as setting up a food bank designing a science curriculum and starting nonprofit organizations. Clearly, this is a very competitive scholarship. Still, someone has to win.

So if you're an outstanding student, and a real asset to your community, this may be a great chance to help pay for your college education.

Please note that while the deadline to apply is December 1, 2011, only the first 12,000 applications will be considered. That tells me if you want to apply for this scholarship, now is the time to do it.

You can find more information and the link to begin your application online on the AXA Achievement Scholarship webpage.

Student Debt: Denying the American Dream - YouTube

The good news is that there are price controls on colleges. The bad news is that students have to impose them on an individual basis. Jetsam is correct. Community colleges are the best way to go for the majority of our students.

As for the young woman who plans on earning a doctoral degree, but has no idea what the total cost will be, I would respectfully suggest that she hasn't adequately considered her position.

Any student should consider the total cost of his or her education, the total indebtedness and monthly payments they will face, and their future earnings potential. Anything less is irresponsible and may lead them to a lifetime of indebtedness

Should there be more student aid? Maybe. But where is the money to come from? At present, our federal government borrows $.40 of every dollar it spends. That is grossly unsustainable, and can only go continue for a limited time.

Students, I'm sorry to say this, but I think you will have to figure this one out on her own. And by "figure it out," I do mean use a calculator.

On the other hand, if you decide to march on Washington and ask our elected representatives to end our multiple wars of choice, I'll be there with you. While we're at it, we might ask them to shut down over 700 military bases we have around the world. That should free up some money for education.

New Scholarships Posted

I've had a feed problem, so some of you may have missed these recently posted scholarship videos.

Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Scholarships for 2011

Xerox Technical Minority Scholarship for 2011 – 2012

VFW Voice of Democracy Scholarship for 2011

AFA Teens for Alzheimer's Awareness College Scholarship for 2012

Coca Cola Scholarship 2011-2012

Good luck!

Randy
PS  If you rec'd this TWICE, please email me (randy@collegescholarship101.com) and I'll make sure it doesn't happen again.  THANKS!