When to Look for Scholarships

For those of you who frequently reach out to me and ask… when is a good time to look for educational scholarships?  This is for you!   And the answer is fairly simply… ALL THE TIME.

In my years of experience not only allocating scholarships but also assisting third parties with their selection, there is always a scholarship without a recipient.  This happens quite often when students fail to apply or simply do not think they meet the terms of the scholarship criteria.

My recommendation to those inquiring is to begin researching scholarship opportunities during your junior year in high school.  Fastweb and college/university scholarship lists are helpful in locating the top scholarships.

Some amazing foundations I have worked with include the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, Dresher Foundation and Horatio Alger Association.  These groups are known to award scholarships to cover tuition and fees, and fund students across the nation.

Applying early to your top colleges may also guarantee greater opportunities for institutional based scholarships and grants that you are not required to payback.  However, these more than likely will require students to maintain a specific grade point average (GPA) and/or consistent enrollment status.

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form is available earlier beginning in October 2016 to allow students a clear 360 view of what types of aid will be awarded to them at each college they’ve applied to.

Scholarships are available for all students at each level of their academic career; it is simply all about taking the time to do research, asking questions and applying to opportunities multiple times of the year.  Don’t just get caught up in the hype of admissions applications, make sure you explore the free money applications as well!

 

Be financially smart--

Keia Brown

Late to the Party

You know the saying “fashionable late?”  Well that only applies to parties and not the real world.  One specific place that lateness is not recommended is when applying for financial aid and free money.  I know because I live it each and every day!

 Being tardy for a free opportunity is unacceptable and having your name at the tip of others’ tongue is not always a good thing.  For example, for the last three years, 37% - 41% of incoming college students waited until the scholarship deadline to actually apply.  Now, even though these students made the deadline, they still displayed an image of waiting till the last minute and a work ethic of procrastination.   Is that the way you want to be regarded when being considered for a scholarship?

Instead, make a personal commitment to be early for the party (or at least on time).  When applying for free money:

List eligible scholarships.  Determine what scholarships you are eligible to apply for and make a list of their deadlines chronologically.

Make a schedule.  Mark your calendar with deadlines and plan timeframe of when to apply.  Make sure you are aware of everything required in completing each application (i.e. essays, transcripts, recommendations, etc). 

Submit your application.  Whether it is an online application or paper, don’t wait till the last minute to apply!  You never know when the web server goes down or the USPS mail could delay your package. 

Confirm and follow up.  Track your package if you mail it to foundation/committee.  If online, ensure you receive a confirmation and follow-up to see there are no additional documents necessary for consideration.

Remember, free money for college depends upon your timeliness!

Be financially smart--

Keia Brown

My Winter Favs

This year, I was thankful to have two full weeks off of work (yeah to working in higher education) and use the time to unwind, relax and enjoy company.  I also took advantage of the sales and clearance discounts around the Christmas holiday.  

One of the items I asked for Christmas was a product to add to my Henri Bendel classic travel collection.  Excitedly, I unwrapped a brown and white signature box with the HB's Hanging Cosmetic Case!  Wit this addition, I match with my large  and small make-up case when I'm traveling.  The case is a coated canvas and includes five earring or ring enclosures.

http://www.henribendel.com/brown-white-hanging-cosmetic-case-27941863660193.html?cgid=travel_cosmetic&start=20

Thankfully, I finally have my very own Ninja Master Prep to conjure up some yummy smoothies for my breakfast and lunches on the go.  This fun new toy can easily make quick dishes used for healthy snacks or delicious desserts.

And finally, something that will accompany me and the extreme organizer I am.   I chose to treat myself to a new 2016-17 day planner that is fun and bright for the new year from Lilly Pultizer!

http://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/sale/jumbo-agenda-scuba-to-cuba/c/265/8310.uts?swatchName=Turquoise+Scuba+To+Cuba+White

 

Check in with me later this month for January/February Favs!

XoXo- Key

New Year, New Aspirations #2016

Happy New Year #2016!  I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable New Years Eve.  With a new year, always brings new goals, dreams and aspirations.  Day 1 of 365 allows us all to reflect on what big plans we want to achieve for the rest of the year.  I have already begun drawing up my personal goals for 2016 and here they are:

1. Visit my dream destination and travel frequently.
2. Develop my business plan.
3. Pick up a new sport or hobby.
4. Reinvent myself.
5. Cook and bake more often.

So what's your  new years resolution?

XoXo - Keia

Nation's Capital Troop #6395

On Sunday, September 13, 2015, I had the pleasure of traveling to Northern Virginia to speak to an Ambassador Girl Scout troop of the Nation's Capital Council.  These high school aged girls participated in one of the first Financial Smarts for Students Workshops for the 2015-16 academic year.

Financial Aid Resources

The workshop session provided both the girls and their parents with information on the college admissions process, financial aid resources and funding their education for a debt-free future!  The girls were a delight to interact with throughout the afternoon and I was blessed to hear awesome questions from them regarding their interest in earning college scholarships and expectations during their first year as a student.  I was in great company and enjoyed meeting the families one-on-one and hearing their stories.

Ambassadors of Girl Scout Troop 6395

Dear Keia, 

Thank you again for coming to talk to our Ambassador troop and Grace (from a sister Senior troop).

Your presentation was superb, and really helped a lot not only the parents but especially the girls.  My daughter (Kendra) talked about it for several hours afterwards to include strategizing  this morning about how to approach which teachers for recommendations and setting up college visits.

I will talk to our TOGA teen scout coordinator and definitely pass along your info and highly recommend your presentation.

And...we look forward to proudly adding your patch to the girls' uniform!

Sincerely, 

 Joanna Esty

Thank you to Girl Scout Troop 6395 for the invitation!

Paying it forward,

Keia Brown
Miss District of Columbia International 2015

Financial Smarts Workshops Exclusively for Girl Scouts

Exciting News!  I am thrilled to host Financial Smarts Literacy Workshops exclusively for the girls of several Girl Scout Councils along the east coast for the 2015-16 year.  Some of the councils already aboard include, Central Maryland, Heart of Pennsylvania and Jersey Shore.  Within the next few weeks, additional dates will be posted for these sessions, including more councils I have partnered with to offer my free workshops in collaboration with the Girl Scouts of America's financial literacy program.

In addition to a heightened schedule this year, the Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania have been instrumental in my efforts throughout the organization, that a Financial Smarts for Students patch has been designed exclusively for my special workshops.

Councils interested in offering one of my workshops, may contact me directly for additional information and availability.

Upcoming Workshops

Girl Scouts of Nation's Capital: September 13, 2015

Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania: November 16, 2015

Girl Scouts of Central Maryland: Fall 2015

Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania: Winter 2016

Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore: April 16, 2016

Girl Scouts of Greater New York: Spring 2016

Paying It Forward,

Keia Brown
Miss District of Columbia International 2015

2015 Miss International Pageant Week

Arrival/Orientation

2015 Miss International Pageant Week was held July 27 - August 1, 2015 in Jacksonville, Florida.  I had the opportunity to meet over 30 women across the globe as we competed for the title of Miss International.  Below are some of the photos I was able to capture in the Sunshine State, along with competition shots on stage at the Time-Union Theater.

 

Opening Number

Fitness Wear

Fun Fashion Wear