This spring, the Moorpark Foundation will offer over 70 scholarships to Moorpark College students who will be able to apply for over 150 awards.
Students can add their email addresses to the sign-up sheet in the scholarship office, located at 210C in Fountain Hall, and will receive the scholarship newsletter. The newsletter provides the criteria for applying as well as the applications and instructions for each scholarship.
“We are offering more scholarships than last spring,” said Maria Perez-Medeiros, the Office Assistant of the Scholarship Office. “I want more applicants this year.”
Flyers with general information can be found around campus in the Campus Center, Library, and Fountain Hall.
There are a variety of scholarships available, with particular attention being paid to math and science majors. The Scesten Scholarship, which consists of 15 awards of $1,000, is being awarded to students who will attend Moorpark next fall and are majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. There are also specific scholarships for structural engineering.
“We really want to award all that money to the students,” said Maria Perez-Medeiros, the office assistant of the scholarship office.
There are also scholarships for returning and continuing students. There are two organizations that provide scholarships for single moms returning to school.
“They really want to help (single moms) out,” said Perez-Medeiros. In addition, there are dozens of general scholarships applicable to almost all Moorpark students.
The number of scholarships available this spring has risen considerably, however, the scholarship office wants more applicants.
Perez-Medeiros said that many students believe that receiving financial aid disqualifies them from receiving scholarships.
Jana Pralta, a second year student, said receiving money from F.A.F.S.A. last year and the fact that scholarships aren’t talked about much on campus contributed to her not applying. Having looked into it further, she plans to apply this semester.
Domenic Hartlove, a 6th semester dance major planning to transfer this fall, echoed these sentiments.
“I didn’t know there were any of those available here,” he said regarding scholarships for students already receiving financial aid.
Scholarships at Moorpark College are open to all students, regardless of financial aid status. The writing center also has workshops and tutoring for scholarship essays, all for free.
Perez-Madeiros said GPA and involvement are key elements for winning. She urges students to get involved on and off campus. Clubs, community service, religious groups, and employment all benefit the student’s application.
“Have a good G.P.A.and if you don’t, work hard this semester to bring it up,” she said.
The general application has three essays and students are urged to use them to help the scholarship committee better understand their situation. They give the student an opportunity to discuss their personal goals and career, employment, community involvement, financial situation, and reasons for applying for the scholarship.
Perez-Madeiros advises students to make the best use of the essays to show the committee why they deserve the award.
The scholarships will be available starting February 2. The deadline to apply is March 11, and the results arrive in early to mid April. The scholarship reception ceremony is held on April 27.
Further information can be reached at http://www.moorparkcollege.edu/departments/student-services/scholarship-office, or by emailing Maria Perez-Medeiros at [email protected].
