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Scholarship Winners

We are excited to announce that the 2010 Georgia’s Own scholarship winners have been selected.  Congrats are in order for our $5,000 winner, Omar Haque (Johns Hopkins University). our $3,000 winner, Mary Rose Darr (University of Georgia), our $2,000 winner, Michelle Chang (Harvard University), and our $1,000 winners, Emily Chasteen (Furman University), Grace Hazlett (Andrew College), Kristen Holmes (Oglethorpe University), Victoria Chambers (University of Georgia), and Meagin Drummond (Gordon College).

 

Michael Franti Tickets

We have tickets to give away to an exclusive DaveFM Circle of Friends show to see Michael Franti on 8/26.  “Like” us on Facebook and tell us your best advice for saving money while in school and you will be entered to win a pair of tix.  You have until Monday 8/23 at 5pm to enter.  Here is a video of one of Michael Franti’s songs, Say Hey: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehu3wy4WkHs

 

Scholarship Announcement Date

The 2010 Georgia’s Own Scholarship winners will be announced on August 26th.  So keep an eye out for the announcement.  There will be 8 winners with the first place winner receiving $5,000.

Also, Taylor Peet, the winner of the fill in the [blank] contest recently stopped by to pick up his Apple iPad ™.  Be sure to keep up with the i[x] Facebook page and Twitter account (@doyouix) to find out how to win other cool prizes.


 

Scholarships, Grants Show up in Interesting Places

Last week we talked about different options for financing your higher education.  Today I want to look at places that scholarships and grants often show up.

There are hundreds of sources of scholarships and grants–everything from churches and synagogues to organizations your parents might be involved with (employers, military, alma maters, professional associations, unions, fraternal organizations and the like)–so take the time to research your options.

1. Check with your guidance counselor (high school as well as college) to see if your grades or activities qualify you for certain funds.
2. See if the school you’ll be attending offers scholarships for certain fields of study.
3. Pursue location options first.  Generally speaking, the people who already know or are familiar with you, your family and your community are more apt to award funds to you than others are.

You can also check out additional resources such as:
-Where the Scholarships Are
-Great Ways to Fund a College Education, Even if You’re not a Millionaire
-College Financial Aid Guide

 

Cracking the Books Without Breaking the Bank

Getting an education can range from nothing all the way to hundreds of thousands of dollars.  The trap you need to avoid is overpaying for your education.  Well we here at i[x] want to let you know that you have options to help finance your education and your future.  They include:
 
·         Scholarships and Grants: Money awarded to students and generally usable for any fees associated with education, including tuition, room and board, books, etc.
·         Loans: Funds borrowed to finance education.  Loans can be taken by the student, parent or other interested party and, in most cases, be used for any education-related expenses.
·         Savings: Don’t overlook the time-honored tradition of saving for college.  Even saving only a portion of your expenses will mean less debt when you graduate.
·         Military Aid: Available to students planning a military career, as well as veterans.
·         Work-Study Programs: Assistance is awarded according to financial need.  Students typically work 8-10 hours each week (usually on campus) in exchange for their award.  Because this program uses state and/or federal funds, the awards are considered taxable income.
 
The federal government will provide more than $100 billion in the coming year to help students pay for college.  Another $10 billion in private student loans will send other students off to school.¹  That means you’ve got a pretty good chance of securing some form of financial assistance, regardless of your family’s income.
 
Check back next week as I fill you in on where you can find these scholarships and grants!  Adios!

¹Source: FinAid.org

 

And the Winner is….

Congrats to Devon Peet for winning the fill in the [blank] contest and winning an Apple iPad®.  It was a very close race, but Devon just edged out our second place winner, Heidi Banks.  Heidi came in second and will receive a $100 gift card while Elizabeth Davis came in third and will receive a $50 gift card.  Thanks to all that participated in the contest and to everyone for voting!  Stay tuned to i[x]  for your next chance to win awesome prizes!

 

Wheels & Deals

We all know that buying a car can be stressful, but the team here at i[x] is here to help you understand the basic process to getting your own vehicle. 

1. How Much?
The first thing you should do is set a budget, then you can start looking for that perfect car.  Once you set a budget you will be able to narrow down your focus.  And focus is good, just ask Mr. Miyagi.

2. Oh Those Internets!
Do some homework before you dash out looking for that new whip.  Cars.com and autotrader.com have lots of used vehicles for you to check out.  Also, check the Kelly Blue Book® (kbb.com) and do some research once you find the kind of car you like.  It could save hundreds of dollars.

3a. Used Cars
With used cars you can do all your research on the web.  Used cars also make solid investments since they are more affordable and do not depreciate nearly as quickly as their brand-new counterparts.  After you find the car you want, make sure you get a CarFax® report.  You also may want to take the car you really, really like to a trusted mechanic and have them inspect it.

3b. New Cars
If you think you can step out and get a brand new car make sure you shop around the end of the month.  It sounds cliché, but they do have quotas and might be willing to give you a better deal on the 29th vs. the 9th. Some dealerships have special departments that work with people over the phone or through e-mail.  This lowers the pressure and may make it easier to find the best deal.  Also, look online and see if there are any sales or incentives for the vehicle you like. 

4. Loan Time
Once you are narrowing down to the car you like it’s time to call Georgia’s Own.  One of our friendly loan officers can help you get the process started.  Check out the loans section of georgiasown.org for some great info on how to get the right loan.



 

fill in the [blank] deadline

The entry deadline for our fill in the [blank] contest is approaching fast.  In order to be entered, all videos must be submitted by Friday, July 2 at 11:59 pm.  So get those cameras rolling and send those videos in to allison@doyouix.comClick here to see the official rules and click here to view some of the entries that have already been submitted.  Good Luck!!!

 

Summertime Fun

So we are well underway with one of my favorite seasons of the year, SUMMER!  It is a time to relax and sleep in if you are off of school for the semester and you don’t have to worry about sleeping through your alarm and missing your 8 am class.  If you are a working guy or gal, that much needed vacation is on the horizon.  

Some people however, stay in school for the summer so they can be done with school as soon as possible.  Others work internships for college credit or just to get some good work experience. (Check out my previous post if you are looking for a little advice on finding a summer job.)  There are also study abroad programs that allow students to study while learning about other cultures.

Although I attended school or worked every summer, my favorite summer activities include beach vacations and local festivals and concerts.  There is nothing like hanging out on the beach all week or hearing a great band! 

As you see, there are lots of options for your summer.  What will you be doing?  I know the Gulf oil spill may affect some of your beach plans…so are there other places you plan to visit? Or will you be attending summer school/working all summer?

 

Finding A Summer Job

With the end of school nearing or having already ended for some, the summertime is a great time to find a job to earn a little cash.  A summer job is also a great way for students to get a foot in the door toward a real job.  With the job market very competitive and tough right now, you have to be able to stand out.  Here are a few tips you can follow to help you get that edge over the competition:

- Pursue a job that you are interested in.  If you are not sure what really interests you, ask yourself if you want the job for career experience or just for fun. 

- Network: As the saying goes, “It’s not what you know, but who you know.” Never pass up an opportunity to get your name out to professionals.  If you have yet to develop a solid network, don’t be afraid to talk with family and family friends.  They are a great place to start when trying to find available jobs.

-Don’t Give Up: If you are having a hard time finding open jobs, search on the internet.  There are thousands of jobs listed.  If there are certain companies that you know you would like to work for, give them a call about open positions-the worst they can say is “no”.

-Be Prepared for the Interview: Once you have your interviews set up, research and know everything there is to know about the company.  Potential employees love it when you come in looking like you belong.  Also, dress for success.  You can never be over dressed for an interview.  My dad always said “Dress for the job you want to have.”

So get out there and get you an awesome job for the summer.  Who knows, it may turn out to be your career!

Update: Found this article from the AJC that also gives some tips on summer work.

 
     
 





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