EMCC is here to help with scholarships

February 25, 2019

Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) wants to help current and future students get the scholarships they deserve. EMCC has staff available to offer advice, hold scholarship workshops, help students with essay writing, and more!

To help our students get as much free money as possible, we sat down with some of our scholarship experts to get the answers to all of your burning questions.

Q: Where is a good place to start looking for scholarships in order to attend EMCC?

A: We would direct them to the EMCC Financial Aid web page at https://www.estrellamountain.edu/students/financial-aid. This site is an ideal resource for students to learn about the various types of aid, including scholarships, grants, loans and work study. Students will find a direct link to the Foundation and District general scholarship application pages, as well as useful tips and information on how to apply.

Q: Can a student make an appointment with a staff member who will walk him or her through the scholarship application process?

A: Terri Quam, Scholarship Coordinator - District, sees students on a walk-in basis. No appointment is necessary. She gives students comprehensive direction on how to fill out the general scholarship application. See https://www.estrellamountain.edu/students/scholarships for contact information.

Q: How many scholarships go unclaimed because nobody applied?

A: Roughly 5 percent of Foundation scholarships go unawarded due to lack of applicants.

Q: Are all scholarships strictly merit based?

A: Criteria for scholarships vary greatly, and generally do include a student’s academic performance, but there are scholarships that are awarded based solely off of financial need, religious affiliation, heritage, military and veteran status, protected groups status, community and volunteer service, or any number of other unique criteria. We suggest using search engines such as Fasetweb.com, Collegescholarships.org, and Scholarships.com to start your search.

Q: Do most scholarships require the student to be enrolled full time?

A: The criteria for each scholarship is different. Some require students to be full time, but there are also opportunities that only require six credit hours to apply. Reading the criteria before applying to any scholarship is the best way to find out if you qualify.

Q: Do two-year, full-tuition scholarships exist?

A: The Presidents’ Scholarship is available to recent high school graduates who meet the scholarship requirements and pays for two years (15 credits per semester) of tuition and registration fees, which is approximately $5,220. The Honors Achievement Award is open to any student who has completed 12 credits (100 level or higher, letter grade) and pays a stipend at the end of the semester of up to $500.

Q: When are the next scholarship workshops offered?

A: Maricopa Foundation Scholarship Workshops are planned for 2 to 3 p.m. Feb. 27, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. March 6, and 1 to 2 p.m. March 7 in Komatke A’s Plaza Gallery.

Q: Why should students attend one of the upcoming scholarship workshops?

A: By attending a scholarship workshop, students will learn about the application process and important dates and deadlines. The focus will be placed on successful essay writing tips and what to look for when applying.

Q: Where can students get help with essay writing?

A: We encourage students to seek assistance from the EMCC Writing Center for grammar and format as it relates to their essay answers. Terri Quam is also available to provide some feedback on content.

Q: When is the deadline to apply for scholarships?

A: Deadlines vary, but the deadline to apply for the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation Scholarships is March 17, 2019.


Transfer scholarships

Did you know that Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) members who have at least a 3.5 GPA automatically qualify for a transfer scholarship to any of the major schools in Arizona and many others out of state? The award amounts for Arizona universities are as follows:

The University of Arizona (UA)

Resident: $5,000

Non-resident: $12,000

Arizona State University (ASU)

$2,000

Northern Arizona University (NAU)

Resident: $4,000

Non-resident: $6,000

Grand Canyon University (GCU)

$1,000

Founded in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa is the largest and most prestigious honor society for two-year colleges. Member benefits include developing leadership skills, enhancing scholarship potential, providing community service, and networking. EMCC currently boasts about 220 PTK members.

“Membership in Phi Theta Kappa is a special honor afforded to a small but growing group of outstanding students who have demonstrated excellence in their college studies,” said Erica Wager, Co-Adviser for PTK. “PTK members join a group of scholars from more than 1,285 two-year colleges across the United States and abroad.”

EMCC students wishing to join PTK must have already completed 12-plus credit hours at the 100-plus level and currently have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5. Both part-time and full-time students who have met the eligibility criteria are invited to apply. PTK members pay a one-time membership fee of $90. Click here to print an application. Once completed, take the application to the Honors/PTK office in Estrella Hall and give it to an adviser or administrative specialist. If no one is there, put the application in the drop box outside the office.

To learn more about PTK, go to https://www.estrellamountain.edu/academics/phi-theta-kappa.